Face shield

[grantsrc]

Agreed. There is no rule in the rule book against such contacts.

I might mention to the coach that if that player gets hurt, it would be hard for the EMTs or trainers to accurately assess the player. Don't say it to the parents- they will take it out of context or not understand what you're saying. Now that I think about it, the coach probably will too.

[MJT]

Lets see. A 8-12 year old wearing contacts with an X on them so he gets more attention. Other kids call him crazy eyes. Unfortunately his parents are the biggest problem in allowing him to have them. I bet he and his parents will be a blessing to work with for all that come into contact with them until they don't feel the world is "singling them out." They probably paid more for the "special" contacts. Get some stinking normal ones and help you kid not be judged (maybe unfairly), when he is 12 years old.

[BktBallRef]

I'm surprised by the responses. I'm an umpire. The rule states, "Illegal equipment. No player shall participate while wearing illegal equipment. This applies to any equipment, which in the opinion of the umpire is dangerous, confusing or inappropriate." If I decide it's illegal, it's illegal. Granted, that authority carries a responsibility. But I don't think this is unreasonable at all.

Sunglasses can be removed and you can look into a player's eyes. Contact lenses are an entirely different matter. While there's no specific coverage for this, the U can certainly declare them dangerous to the player's health if he so deems it.

[waltjp]

If I ruled these contacts illegal I'd be pretty sure that my R would be giving me a good chewing out when he got the chance. I'm sure the EMTs are quite proficient at removing contact lenses is necessary. If I have a doubt that a player is okay and I can't make a full determination because of the contact lenses I'm going to err on the side of caution and remove him from the game. When a doctor evaluates him and tells me he's okay to return he can play again.

[dokeeffe]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

I'm surprised by the responses. I'm an umpire. The rule states, "Illegal equipment. No player shall participate while wearing illegal equipment. This applies to any equipment, which in the opinion of the umpire is dangerous, confusing or inappropriate." If I decide it's illegal, it's illegal. Granted, that authority carries a responsibility. But I don't think this is unreasonable at all.

Sunglasses can be removed and you can look into a player's eyes. Contact lenses are an entirely different matter. While there's no specific coverage for this, the U can certainly declare them dangerous to the player's health if he so deems it.

No question you have this right up until (in FED) your state authority makes a determination. In FL, the state has spoken: Any goggles, sun glasses, contacts are LEGAL equipment. I guess that any legal liability would be up to a jury but at least in FL there is a defense with the ruling.