Glasses-Goggles

[PIAA REF]

I was asked this question and have yet been able to find documentation. If a player who wears eye-protective goggles (more so for protection than eye correction) Is he permitted to pull the glasses up and leave them on his head while he shoots a free-throw. I guess the players glasses were a little scratched and felt more comfortable to not look throw them while shooting free throws. Is there any rule or case that gives the correct ruling on this matter.

Thanks

[Adam]

No rule.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by PIAA REF

I was asked this question and have yet been able to find documentation. If a player who wears eye-protective goggles (more so for protection than eye correction) Is he permitted to pull the glasses up and leave them on his head while he shoots a free-throw. I guess the players glasses were a little scratched and felt more comfortable to not look throw them while shooting free throws. Is there any rule or case that gives the correct ruling on this matter.

James Worthy used to do this.

Glasses, goggles, and eye protectors are examples of additional equipment that are permitted as long as the item is deemed to be safe by the referee.
There is no problem here unless the referee believes that there is a safety issue. In this case, the safety issue can't be for the player wearing the item because it is noncompulsory, so by definition he can participate without it. You only need to judge whether it presents a problem to another player in the game. In this case, there should not be any contact with the FT shooter, so how can there be a problem?

This is the same issue mouthguards present. They are also noncompulsory in the vast majority of states (MA is one exception). Would you allow a player to take out his mouthguard and hold it in his hand while play is going on in order to breathe better? Is the mouthguard in his hand going to hurt someone?

I guess one could argue that the item is temporarily not being worn in the manner intended by the manufacturer, but that seems silly to me as this is clearly only a temporary situation.

[satellite_6]

What if the goggles are tinted? Do you disallow because an advantage is gained by the player wearing them? I actually saw this in a 5A varsity boys game that I attended this year.

[CoachP]

Originally Posted by satellite_6

What if the goggles are tinted? Do you disallow because an advantage is gained by the player wearing them? I actually saw this in a 5A varsity boys game that I attended this year.

What possible advantage is gained by tinted goggles?

If there is any visual advantage, maybe Officials should start wearing them....

[satellite_6]

Having also been a player, there is tremendous value in reading the eyes of an offensive player. Especially in a high school level game when a player may or may not have developed the ability to 'look off' his passes yet. I just wasn't sure, and thought I'd open it up for discussion. The officials on the floor allowed them. Just wondering if anyone else would consider it an advantage.

[M&M Guy]

Originally Posted by satellite_6

Having also been a player, there is tremendous value in reading the eyes of an offensive player. Especially in a high school level game when a player may or may not have developed the ability to 'look off' his passes yet. I just wasn't sure, and thought I'd open it up for discussion. The officials on the floor allowed them. Just wondering if anyone else would consider it an advantage.

Nothing in the rules about tinted vs. untinted glasses or goggles (yet), so I wouldn't worry about them.

I have seen some manufacturers claim certain tints help players see better with certain types of lights. For example, some tints help golfers see their ball better; some skiers use certain tints to block the glare off the bright white snow. It wouldn't surprise me if some manufacturer is marketing their brand of tint as being able to help players see better in most gym lighting. I really don't think it's an issue of a player trying to block other players from seeing their eyes.

[ChrisSportsFan]

Originally Posted by satellite_6

Having also been a player, there is tremendous value in reading the eyes of an offensive player. Especially in a high school level game when a player may or may not have developed the ability to 'look off' his passes yet. I just wasn't sure, and thought I'd open it up for discussion. The officials on the floor allowed them. Just wondering if anyone else would consider it an advantage.

Sure you watch their eyes somewhat but you will get shook all night if you don't watch their hips playing D. I see nothing wrong with a slight tint but if they are sunglasses, that's another story. ***last sentence is made without referring to the rule book***

[BayStateRef]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

This is the same issue mouthguards present. They are also noncompulsory in the vast majority of states (MA is one exception).

No more. The mandatory mouthguard rule for basketball was changed this year. Mouthhguards are "highly recommended" but no longer required.