Please see the attached regarding the wearing of glasses

Hi all

The question regarding the wearing of glasses (spectacles) in a football match was raised again this weekend.

Please ensure you read the information below.

Wearing of Spectacles in Football

The Law regarding this reads as follows;

‘In view of the new technology that has made sports spectacles much safer, both for the wearer and for other layers, referees should allow tolerance when authorising their use, particularly for younger players’

This refers to players under the age of 11.

Below are descriptions of what sports spectacles should be made of and how they should be worn. This was send to us by an optician who had concerns with injuries with players wearing spectacles during matches.


Can players wear spectacles or goggles when playing football?

Flying footballs and close physical contact make football a moderate risk sport for eye injuries. Spectacles or goggles may provide protection from injury and can also be worn with those who need to wear prescription lenses.
Polycarbonate Lenses: This is the most important property of all protective spectacles or goggles. Good polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable, and will sustain the impact of a ball or finger.
Sports Band: an elasticised band and not temple pieces should secure the frame. Players must have something that will be secured tight to the head so that the spectacles or goggles won't fall off. A frame with temples will not hold tight enough and a jab from a finger could lift the frame off and potentially damage the eye.

Although sports eyewear is intended to offer the best protection available, there is always the possibility that the wearer may sustain an eye or facial injury due to severe impact or because of the nature of the athletic activity. Referees should ensure that if a request has been made to wear glasses/goggles, that they must not be a danger to himself or to any other player.


Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Kind regards
John Major