Football visor rules can differ by age or state. Debate has existed as to whether football players wear a visor for fashion or protection. Tinted visors were once popular due to them not allowing the opposition to read your eyes, something that would be beneficial for a quarterback looking where to pass. Tinted visors are banned in most instances. Visors can protect a football player from punches or fingers in the eyes during a game.
Prescription
In some states, football visors are allowed if a football player has an eye condition or medical need. In Pennsylvania, junior high school and middle school football visors are allowed only if accompanied by medical prescription. Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association rules state a school principal may authorize, in writing, the use of a football visor by a football player. A football visor will be authorized if the principal sees a written statement from a licensed physician of medicine or osteopathic medicine or optometrist. The prescribing doctor must recommend the use of an eye shield during a contact sport such as football. The principal or a designee must present the written notice to the game referee and opposition head coach before the visor can be worn in a football game.
Material
A football visor must be molded and rigid to be allowed for use during a football game. A football visor must be attached to the helmet, and be deemed nonbreakable. A splintered eye shield would be extremely dangerous for the player wearing it, as well as all other football players on the field. A football visor not approved by the game referee will not be allowed for use during a football game. The player must remove the visor or will not be allowed to participate in the game.
Tint
Visors on football helmets must be clear and not colored or tinted in most states. The Iowa High School Athletic Association states that visors on football helmets are banned if they are colored or tinted. In professional football, the NFL banned the use if tinted visors in 1998 unless there is a medical need. A game referee will sometimes test by placing his game card underneath the visor. If he cannot read the writing, the visor is deemed unacceptable. A football player wearing a tinted visor will be forced to remove it or not be allowed to participate in the football game.
Member Comments