Sunglasses

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

I know of no NFHS prohibition of an official wearing sunglasses. Ophthalmologists (medical doctors whose specializtion is eyes) have stated for years the people should be wearing sunglasses to protect one's eyes from UV rays. When I officiated soccer I wore sunglasses when conditions warranted it. I still wear sunglasses when I umpire baseball and fast pitch softball. I remember one summer during a USSSA girls' fast pitch softball tournament an USSSA umpiring big wig called me over between innings (I was the BU for the game.) and told me to remove my sunglasses; I asked him if he was an ophthalmologist, his answer was no. I told him that when he became an ophthalmologist to come back and talk to me. He got pissed and tried to get me removed from the tournament but it didn't happen.

As far as players wearing sunglasses. Until someone can quote NFHS R4-S4-A1 for me, I would like to refrain from making any comments.

MTD, Sr.