To determine your shin guard size, begin by measuring the length of your leg from the center of your kneecap down to the top of your plate shoes. Use this measurement to find the corresponding shin guard size.
It's crucial to have continuous protection from your knee to your plate shoes, so if your measurement falls between sizes, always choose the larger size. For example, if your leg measures 16", opt for the 17" shin guards rather than the 15.5" size to avoid any unprotected gaps.
In cases of uncertainty, it's safer to go for the next size up. Extra coverage of 1" to 1 1/2" above the knee is preferable to the risk of unprotected areas that could be exposed to a baseball or softball.
To check the fit, wear your shin guards with your plate shoes and assume your usual stance. Observe for any gaps. If you find no gaps and feel comfortable, the fit is appropriate.
For those unsure about positioning their knee in the shin guards, the internal padding typically serves as a guide. However, the placement varies depending on the type of shin guard. In single-knee (1 top cap) or double-knee (2 top caps) designs, position your kneecap in the uppermost cap. For triple-knee (3 top caps) guards, the knee should be in the middle or bottom cap, depending on the specific umpire shin guard model.