Players do not wear any padding or protection except for a mouth guard. The traditional uniform consists of a long sleeve cotton shirt with a collar. Shorts are usually cotton and rise to about mid-thigh. Knee-length socks with turnover tops are worn along with boots similar to soccer cleats. There are strict rules governing the kinds of cleats used. An optional piece of equipment is the scrum cap worn by some forwards which made from leather or cloth and worn as protection for the ears. Any other item than what is listed is usually not allowed in play with the inclusion of jewelry. The ball comes in many sizes. It is shaped like an American football, but is larger. The standard length is about 285 mm (11 inches) and the standard center circumference is about 630 mm (24 inches).