What is the rule regarding a player wearing soft-padded headgear before the game?

The rule states that a player may participate while wearing soft-padded headgear, as long as the headgear is deemed appropriate and compliant with safety standards. This soft-padded headgear is specifically designed to reduce the risk of injury and is permitted by the governing bodies of soccer. Therefore, players are allowed to wear it during the game, which aligns with the guidelines promoting player safety.

In this context, the other options do not align with the established rules concerning soft-padded headgear. For example, players are not required to remove their headgear if it meets the necessary safety criteria. Similarly, players are not subjected to having to obtain special permission for soft-padded headgear nor are they mandated to wear standard helmets, as these are not required in soccer unless specified by local rules or for specific purposes, such as football.