A fellow official just called me asking about a question that came up in a midget scrimmage over the weekend. It had to do with a player wearing dark sunglasses. I told him it had nothing to do with the rule regarding dark eyeshields. In fact, I saw on the fed web site two years ago that eyeglasses that were dark were still legal.

If anyone feels I'm wrong please let me know. Assuming everyone agrees is note still required from a doctor?

I believe no note is required and that dark glasses are legal.

Sunglasses are legal. Prohibition against the dark eyeshields is because the player's eyes are hidden from view and they can't be seen unless the helmet is removed, which may agravate a neck injury.

You can take glasses off a player without moving anything.

Really? I'd like to hear some more opinions on this, there is no rule that I know of that supports this. I don't think there is a caseplay either, if there is please cite.

Sun Glasses are illegal\

ABoselli is exactly right, and so is his reasoning.

Most of the players wear a strap in the back to hold glasses on. They may not be able to be taken off with removing helmet NY does not allow sunglasses

[Edited by andy1033 on Aug 18th, 2004 at 07:53 PM]

The question was asked at the NY state interpretors meeting specifically regarding sunglasses and they were ruled illegal.

I went back and looked at my notes.

Ill advised, if you ask me.

[Edited by ABoselli on Aug 16th, 2004 at 05:16 PM]

OK. I located my notes. According to what I have it's legal, BUT the ruling I have is dated.

As you all know NFHS puts out its "interpretations page" on its web site every year. In 1999 they covered this and I don't believe the rule has changed. Here's what I have on paper, but unfortunately, I don't have this electronically.

If anyone is a packrat like me and have this please let me know. Especially if it has changed. Here's what I have on paper...

"Situation 12: Player A1 has a legal eye shield attached to his helmet but is wearing a pair of dark-lens sunglasses to cover his light-sensitive eyes.

Ruling: Legal. (1-5-3m)"

as Snake~Eyes stated, please provide the source of your comments.

I believe I cited the source. Again, it was from the NFHS web site in 1999 as I stated. I downloaded it at that time and printed out the document. What I don't have is an electronic version of that same document, only from the printout I made in 1999. I could make a copy and fax the entire paper (5 pages total) if you wish. I'll look around on my computer some more but I changed computers since that time and may not have transferred everything. If I find this electronically I'll post it.

thanks ljudge, I was directing my comment to andy1033.

Difficult ruling. Does that mean the photo-tint, glasses that turn dark in the sun, are illegal?

My guess is no, as those lenses, once deprived of sun, will lighten and allow one to see the eyes of the player.

Then again, we didn't cover it specifically. Since I was wrong before on my assumption, I'm probably wrong here.

So, if I'm reading this thread right, this is entirely a state association ruling. In the NFHS Casebook, there is a situation in there (1.5.3 SITUATION D) that states that the eye shield is legal if, in addition to being clear, it is also molded and rigid, and attached firmly to the helmet.

How can you attach eyeglasses firmly to the helmet?
Serg

Let's not forget, we're talking about sunglasses. Eyeglasses have been and I'm sure will always be legal. I would say if they are presciption sunglasses or automatic tinting glasses they are fine...and here's my reasoning. I wear glasses, and it can be much harder to see in the bright sunlight with clear lenses than with tinted lenses.

As for strictly sunglasses, I think you could ask most coaches that unless the player really needs them for an eye condition we would rather him not wear them for safety concerns.

I'll go along with that.

Serg

I would agree with Patton on this but I would have to say they are illegal but until I have something concrete I would be hard pressed to not allow them.

Kind of goes hand in hand with the designer contact lenses that make eyes look like a dragon eyes or 8-balls or whatever the design. You cannot see the eyes which is what the clear sheild is supposed to do but everyone I have asked also says they do not apply to the rule.

They may be legal but if he gets flattened and I look into his eyes and see 8 balls, he ain't playing no more tonight.

I think that's a double negative. So he is playing more that night? ;)

I aint gonna not let him play no more!

Better? ;-)

REPLY: The September 2004 issue of <b><i>Referee</i></b> Magazine addresses the issue of sunglasses. It's in the "It's Official" section, pages N14-N15. We all know what a paragon of accuracy the magazine is. So here's what they say: <i>"Sunglasses or corrective eyewear with tinted lenses are legal. Eye shields are restricted because they are attached to the helmet. There are occasions on which medical personnel must examine a player's eyes. A tinted shield prevents such examination, forcing removal of the helmet. If the player sustained a neck or head injury, removing the helmet may not be the proper thing to do. Since eyeglasses can be removed without removing the helmet, they are not restricted. (NFHS 1-5-3n; NCAA 1-4-5s)"</i>

Take it for what it's worth...

OK. I can reach in and take the eyeglasses off without disturbing the helmet!? Let me say that again...I can reach in and take the eyeglasses off without disturbing the helmet!?

And the cow jumped over the moon.

I believe in miracles.