USSF has release a position paper on how officials should handle situations where players wish to where something not specifically provided for in the LOTG. http://www.ussoccer.com/templates/includes/services/referees/pdfs/position_papers/player_equip.pdf
I am glad to see this one. I have always been inclined to let kids wear headbands if they want but I have known referees to make them take them off. I was also talking to a parent whose daughter was a goal keeper. We were at an indoor game where the goal keepers are required to wear those closed cell foam helmets. The mom asked me why kids (goal keepers) couldn't wear those helmets outdoor. I didn't have a good answer. Now I'll be able to tell her that she can.
She was a goal keeper. She was concerned with getting kicked as she's going for a ball or kneed or even banging off the post. It would affect your ability to head the ball.
I put on one of the head protectors the youths use at our indoor facility....It is obviously bigger then your head and a little softer on the outside but I could still head the ball....
i've played against a goalie who had towear the head helmet because sometimes he had seizures and could just pass out at times and land on his head do you refs let the playas wear different colored ankle socks over there soccer socks? in illinois high school they were sooooooooooooooooooooo anal about it but whereas you go and start playing club soccer the refs don't give a hoot
NFHS is even more worried about fashion shows then USSF is. I wish that we were as concerned about fair play as we are with what color eye shadow the ladies are wearing.