Which pad is not required to be worn by players?

In football, certain types of protective gear are mandated to enhance player safety on the field. Players are required to wear specific pads, such as shoulder pads to protect the upper body and thigh pads to guard against injury to the legs. Knee pads are also necessary as they provide protection to the knee area, which is vulnerable during gameplay.

The forearm pad, however, is not a required piece of equipment in the same way as the others mentioned. While players may choose to wear forearm pads for added protection, especially in positions that are more exposed to contact, it is not a uniform requirement across all players. This distinction underscores that the forearm pad is considered optional and can be left out without violating safety regulations or equipment rules. Thus, the correct choice reflects the non-mandatory nature of the forearm pad in football equipment regulations.