Eyeglasses, Sunglasses, and hats

Eyeglasses and Sunglasses

Glasses may pose a risk to the players. A ball striking a player wearing glasses can cause significant injury. FIFA recognizes that modern technology has made glasses safer, but has not taken a firm position one way or the other on glasses. The referee is the final decision maker as to whether "optional equipment" (anything beyond the "five S's" - shorts, shirt, shoes, socks, shinguards) is safe. From a "practical standpoint", referees in WSYSA will normally allow a youth player to wear prescription glasses. However, the wearing of non-prescription sun glasses is not permitted.

May the goalkeeper wear a hat?

Players are not permitted to wear hats or caps to keep the sun out of their eyes. A notable exception is the goalkeeper. However, the bill of the cap may not be hard. There is often disagreement as to whether or not the "hard" rule applies to baseball caps (with the cardboard inside the bill of the cap). We are aware that such hats are generally permitted in higher level competition and we are aware that some well respected organizations do not consider this a safety concern. However, as of this writing, it is LWYSA's position that we will support a referee's decision that a baseball cap may not be worn. Soft billed hats that do not contain hard stiffeners are available from many sporting goods stores (such as REI).