Is It Safe To Play Football Without A Visor?

The football helmet is a traditional piece of protective equipment, but players started wearing the football visor for added protection during the early 1990s. Some players wear the visors for medical purposes and safety, while others wear the visors strictly for fashion. The facemasks are specifically designed to maximize your safety, but legal visors can improve your safety from getting poked in the eye while blocking, tackling or running the football. However, there is still some risk for getting injured with or without a visor.

Visor Rules

To ensure safety for all players, most leagues enforce specific rules for wearing visors. These rules govern the materials and shade of the visor lens. For example, the NFL passed a rule in 1998 that only clear visors may be worn during games. The clear lens allows medical personnel to see your eyes in the event of a head-related injury. The visor must also be made from a shatter-resistant material without any burrs or sharp edges.

Fashion

Not all players wear visors for medical or safety reasons. Some players choose to wear a visor for fashion. For example, Tim Jefferson, quarterback for the Air Force Academy, admitted to wearing a visor for a fashion statement. The following year, Jefferson removed the visor and didn't sacrifice seem to any safety by not wearing a visor.

Face Masks

Facemasks are available in a variety of designs and styles to match the personal preference and position demands of each player. Regardless of the facemasks' style, they are constructed to provide protection against other facemasks, helmets and hands. Some facemasks do offer more safety and protection if you desire additional protection. You can choose a large facemask with nose, jaw and oral protection.

Medical

At times, visors must be worn for medical purposes. These visors are commonly tinted as a result from a medical condition such as sensitivity to sunlight. A player must have a doctor's prescription to wear a tinted visor. If a player is wearing a tinted visor for medical purposes, the coach must present a written authorization from a licensed physician to the officials before the game.