Soccer, a sport cherished worldwide, involves intricate rules and strategies that extend beyond the realm of simply kicking a ball into a net.
One of the lesser-known but essential aspects of soccer is the use of “pennies,” and as a soccer fan you must wonder, What are pinnies in soccer?
In this article, we delve into the meaning, significance, and multifaceted uses of pinnies in soccer.
Understanding Pinnies in Soccer
Pinnies also referred to as soccer scrimmage jerseys or soccer vests, are specialized garments worn by soccer players primarily during training sessions and informal matches.
The term “pinny” stems from “pinafore,” an apron-like dress historically fastened with a pinned front bib, designed to be worn over a blouse.
In soccer, pinnies serve as a distinctive identifier, overcoming the challenge of uniform similarity.
Uses of Pinnies in Professional Soccer Matches
| Use | Description |
|---|---|
| Team Determination in Scrimmages | In professional soccer training, where players might don identical jerseys, pinnies play a pivotal role in distinguishing teams during scrimmage matches. The pinnies allow players to quickly identify their teammates and opponents, facilitating smooth gameplay and strategy execution. |
| Sideline Identification | During a competitive match, active players are often substituted to the sideline. Pinnies become crucial here, preventing referees from confusing these sidelined players with active ones on the field. FIFA mandates the use of pinnies to clearly indicate a player’s non-participation in the ongoing game. |
| Substitution Regulation | Soccer leagues, especially at the professional level, enforce strict substitution rules. Pinnies act as a visual deterrent against any surreptitious player changes. This ensures fairness in the game and prevents teams from gaining undue advantages through unnoticed substitutions. |
Pinnies in Pickup Soccer and Amateur Leagues
Casual Gameplay Clarity
Pickup soccer games often involve players wearing a mix of casual athletic wear. Pinnies offer a practical solution to the challenge of easily distinguishing teams in such settings. They contribute to a smoother and more organized game experience.
Crowd and Team Recognition
Pinnies are not only beneficial to players but also to spectators and officials. The crowd can readily differentiate between active players and those on the sideline, enhancing their understanding of the match dynamics.
FAQs
The term “pinnie” is derived from the word “pinafore,” which refers to an apron-like dress fastened with a pinned front bib and meant to be worn over a blouse. In the context of soccer, the term has been adopted to describe a specialized vest worn by players to differentiate teams during training sessions and matches.
Another name for a pinnie jersey is a “soccer scrimmage jersey” or “soccer vest.” These terms are used interchangeably to refer to the specialized vest worn by soccer players during practices, training sessions, and informal matches.
The term “penny” is often used colloquially to refer to a practice jersey or scrimmage vest worn by soccer players. While the exact origin of this term isn’t entirely clear, it could be an informal variation of “pinafore” or a regional slang term. However, “pinnie” is more commonly used to describe these vests in soccer.
When players are substituted out of the game and sit on the bench, wearing vests helps referees distinguish between active players on the field and those who are currently not participating in the match. Vests aid in enforcing substitution rules. In soccer, there are limits to the number of substitutions a team can make. The visibility of players in vests prevents unauthorized substitutions and ensures fairness.
