<P> The shin guard was inspired by the concept of a greave . A greave is a piece of armor used to protect the shin . It is a Middle English term, derived from an Old French word, greve (pronounced gri'v), meaning shin or shin armor . The etymology of this word not only describes the use and purpose of shin guards, but also contributes to dating the technology . </P> <P> This technology dates back to ancient times as early as Greek and Roman Republics . Back then, shin guards were viewed as purely protective measures for warriors in battle and were made of bronze or other hard, sturdy materials . The earliest known physical proof of the technology appeared when archaeologist Sir William Temple discovered a pair of bronze greaves with a Gorgon's head design in the relief on each knee capsule . After careful, proper examination it was estimated that the greaves were made in Apulia, a region in Southern Italy, around 550 / 500 B.C. This area fell under the Roman Empire boundaries and is known as today as the Salento Peninsula; it is more commonly known as the heel of Italy . This discovery is not considered the oldest known application of shin guards, but all other references lie in written or pictorial medians . The oldest known reference to shin guards was a written verse in the Bible . 1 Samuel 17: 6 describes Goliath, a Philistine champion from Gath, who wore a bronze helmet, coat of mail, and bronze leggings . The Book of Samuel is commonly accepted to be written by Prophets Samuel, Nathan, and Gad between 960 and 700 B.C. Later, more concrete, examples of the shin guard concept resurfaced in the Middle Ages . All studies and evidence show greaves were improved to cover the entire lower leg, front and back, from the feet to the knees, and were mostly made of cloth, leather, or iron . </P> <P> As time progressed into the 19th century a major shift in the application of shin guards occurred . The overall purpose of protecting the shin was maintained, but instead of being used for fighting, it became applied to sports . This paradigm shift dominates today's market use of shin guards as they are used mostly in sports . Other applications do exist though for protecting the lower leg in other physical activities such as hiking, mixed martial arts, and kickboxing, but all these activities can also be considered for sport instead of being necessary in battle . </P> <P> Cricket was the first sport to adopt the use of shin guards . The introduction of this equipment was not motivated by the need for protection, but rather a strategic device to gain an advantage for the batsman . The batsman who wore the leg pads was able to cover the stumps with his protected legs and prevent the ball from hitting the stumps, instead the ball bowled into the batsman . Thus, the protection provided by the leg pads provided the batsman confidence to play without suffering pain or injury . This resulted in an offensive advantage; instead of hitting the wickets to get the batsman out, the bowler hits the batsman giving him another chance to hit the ball . This was addressed in 1809 with a rule change called leg before wicket, where the umpire was allowed to deduce whether the ball would have hit the stumps if the batter was not hit first . Leg pads became more popular as protective measures against the impact from the ball and are worn by the batsman, the wicket - keeper, and the fielders that are fielding in close to the batsman . </P>

When did shin pads become compulsory in football