Soccer referees are responsible for the effective functioning of the game. They ensure the safety of the players, implement the rules, they are mentally, and physically switched on for the game. They must therefore be able to see clearly.
But is it permissible for soccer referees to wear glasses? This article will explain everything as well as any possible rules governing the use of wearing glasses in the round leather game, so whether you’re a fan of the beautiful game or just curious, read on to learn more.
Soccer referees can wear glasses. There are no laws forbidding it, and there is no serious risk associated with it. On the other hand, referees may want to buy sports glasses or contact lenses because they are meant to run and monitor the game without oversight.
Can Soccer Referees Wear Glasses?
Absolutely! provided the referee governing body grants you the clearance. There is no rule that forbids soccer referees from wearing glasses.
FIFA soccer laws permit the use of sports glasses, but this does not include fashion or sunshades: The reason is straightforward: wearing regular glasses puts both the wearer and players at great risk of physical harm.
The task of keeping up with the game’s tempo requires soccer referees to move up and down the field quickly. They sometimes make sudden direction changes.
Because if they can’t see properly, how are they supposed to officiate the game? Having said that, there are some benefits and downsides to wearing glasses. You are less susceptible to glare than someone who is squinting against the sun.
Why Good Vision Is Important In Soccer
Many referees worry if they actually need to wear anything for their eyesight while officiating the game.
This is ultimately a matter of preference. It’s possible that those with minor vision impairments won’t need any kind of visual aid.
Not every ref who wears conventional glasses will need them while officiating. However, having a clear vision when officiating the game is crucial.
Referee use vision in a number of ways, including:
- To differentiate between team A and team B (see jersey colors, especially out of peripheral vision).
- Follow the game and take the appropriate action in line with tackles, throw-ins, corners, and every aspect of the game.
- To engage, combine several visual information (“reading the game”).
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The Downsides Of Soccer Referees Wearing Glasses
Even without any other benefits, wearing glasses can help you stand out on the field. When it comes to game time wearing glasses can be somewhat difficult even though it is not a problem during a training session.
- The use of glasses can interfere with the tacit communication that occurs between a player and the referee. This may result in misunderstandings and dissatisfaction, neither of which is acceptable.
- Glasses lack toughness, and they are not designed for high-impact and direct contact situations.
- They are more of a distraction than a help because they are easy to slip and fall off the face.
- Susceptible to break
- If the glasses shatter into the eye, as a result of a ball hit, there is a possibility of irreversible blindness.
- A pair of glasses that are overly tight could cause discomfort or even injure you.
Are There Any Risks For Soccer Referees Who Wear Glasses?
As with any sort of eye protection, there are risks associated with wearing glasses while officiating. To begin, you must ensure that you adhere to FIFA rules regarding the amount of coverage required. Also, ensure the glasses are firmly attached.
This can be challenging, as broken frames or lenses could pose serious risks. Soccer Referees could suffer a major eye injury if one of these breaks.
And lastly, officials need to exercise caution to avoid getting sweat in their eyes, especially if their contact lenses are foggy. Also, wherever possible, they must refrain from touching the lenses.
Why Soccer Referees Do Not Wear Glasses
If you think wearing glasses is as easy as wearing a soccer cleat and socks and you don’t get it! There are a number of reasons why some referees choose not to wear glasses when they officiate.
- They are hard to clean and must be removed during any stoppage time.
- You must also be careful not to break them in the event of a collision with a player.
- You must ensure that you are wearing the correct pair of glasses.
- When officiating indoor games, you shouldn’t be wearing sunglasses.
- Some referees feel that wearing glasses, especially a small or delicate pair, tends to make them appear less competent.
How To Choose The Best Soccer Referee Glasses
There are several types of glasses that can be used in different circumstances. There are clear lenses for visibility and tinted lenses for protection.
It’s important to know how you’ll use them and what they need to do when selecting the best type of referee‘s glasses.
In order to see the ball better at night or in low light, there are specialized glasses with a reflective surface.
- If you’re going to be officiating in a poorly lit pitch, you’ll need to wear a pair with a tinted lens.
- Choose a pair with clear lenses if you need to see clearly in bright light or outdoor soccer games.
- Do not forget to consider their durability and comfort level as well.
Fitting: The first thing you should check is how well the glasses fit. They shouldn’t be too tight or too loose.
They will hurt you if they are overly tight because they will press into your face. If the glasses are too loose, they will slip off your face if you move quickly or if you collide with a player ( which is unavoidable ).
Safety: Another important factor to consider is whether the glasses offer sufficient protection. Do well to check if the glasses are certified and come with the required standard.
Comfort: The glasses must be comfy as well. You should be able to know if you’re comfortable and the weight or the feel is not a burden when wearing them.
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Alternatives To Normal Glasses For Soccer Referees
While in training or in a game, you shouldn’t use normal glasses. You also cannot wear them during competitive games.
There are alternative options which include:
- Sport Glasses
- Laser Eye Surgery
- Contact Lenses
Sport Glasses
Sports glasses are made of better materials than standard sunglasses. This is because the frames are composed of flexible materials and include anti-shatter and anti-scratch properties on the lenses.
These glasses are built to withstand the demands of soccer and are designed for sporting purposes.
Sports glasses are lightweight and still does its primary function and protect the eye. This is due to the unique lightweight materials that they are built of, which make them really comfortable to wear. They are therefore a fantastic option for referees or athletes who have eye conditions.
This sort of glass is permitted by the rules of the game since they are made to withstand great force and are affixed to the head.
Sports glasses are obviously not perfect. Here are some of the major drawbacks:
- Sports glasses are preferred by many athletes because of their attractiveness. However, many may find this extremely challenging, and might not enjoy how it feels to wear while officiating.
- The cost of these glasses is more than that of normal prescription glasses, and the insurance varies.
Laser Eye Surgery
If you are an aspiring soccer ref but you have an eye condition that might affect your career and you don’t fancy wearing glasses, laser eye surgery may be a good option.
Sports glasses or replacing contact lenses every now and then might be a burden, but laser treatment provides a more effective long-term fix.
The best way to know if laser eye surgery is a good choice for you is to talk to your doctor about it. If you are eligible, it might be something to consider.
Laser eye surgery does, however, require some thought, as its price is one of the major drawbacks. The cost of laser eye surgery is unquestionably more expensive than that of contacts, glasses, or sports glasses.
In the US, laser eye surgery costs roughly $2,200 for one and $4,400 for both eyes.
Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are one of the most popular alternatives to glasses. Contact lenses help with an all-around vision since they are round, gentle, and rest on the eye.
Contact lenses, unlike glasses, do not slip and fall on the face. The lens doesn’t crack, or in any way hurt your eye even if a ball hits you in the face.
However, there are risks associated with contact lenses:
- Placing contact lenses could be challenging at first.
- The lens may become tainted with dirt or debris, and if this occurs, it needs to be cleaned out.
- The lense could become loose and fall out, however, this is unlikely.
Contact lenses are indeed a popular approach despite their minor downsides. For any of the aforementioned concerns, having an extra set of contact lenses and solutions in your bag is usually a smart approach.
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Final Thought
When officiating, vision is critical. There is no reason why you can’t wear glasses if you need them.
Discuss the best prescription with your eye doctor, and be sure that they are the certified types and FIFA standards.
Remember to always keep your eyeglasses clean and safe when not in use, you don’t want to be wiping glasses while the game is going on!
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