GLASSES

Glasses, Spectacles & Sports Goggles

Regulations regarding glasses are covered by the Laws of the Game – Law 4

LAW 4 – PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT

SAFETY – “A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewellery).”

This includes anti-discrimination bands, leather necklaces and any other loose wristbands.

The taping of jewellery is no longer allowed (including earrings and wedding rings).

Sweatbands may be worn.

Any player not complying with these regulations will not be allowed to play.

It is therefore the decision of the match official (referee), in accordance with Law 4, to determine what is approved to be worn by a player.

Additional Information

Players are permitted to wear sports goggles, sports glasses or sports sunglasses as long as, in the opinion of the match official, they pose no danger to the player or other players. The Optometrists Association of Australia has stated that children involved in sport, requiring assisted vision, should wear protective eyewear such as sports goggles or sports glasses with soft or flexible frames fitted with a plastic or polycarbonate lens.

Several years ago, FIFA endorsed a view of its IFAB Committee and stated following: “New technology has made sports spectacles much safer, both for the player … and other players. We expect referees to take full account of this fact and it would be considered extremely unusual for a referee to prevent a player taking part in a match because he or she was wearing modern sports spectacles.”

While this statement endorses the wearing of modern sports spectacles this does not stop an individual referee refusing permission. The decision to allow a player to wear or not wear particular glasses or goggles under FIFA directives is still up to the individual referee.

For more information about children’s vision and sport Click here......

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