Is My Visor Legal?
Ah yes, the age-old question. Unfortunately, the answer is…. It depends. If you want a straightforward answer, it would be: Ask your coach. If you want to learn more, read on!
The rule is basically the same across all leagues (MS, HS, NCAA, NFL, CFL)- it states that visors are only allowed in game play if they are 100% clear unless you have a medical excuse that requires you to have tint to protect your eyes. There might be a catch though. Coaches and refs may not all interpret the rule the same because clear and colorless are different thingsin the world of optics (you know glasses and other things that protect your eyes).
Why do they care what visor I wear?
It's simple.If you play football you know that one of the first things medical staff looks for after a big hit is a concussion and they always look at your pupils first. That means they must be able to see your eyes through the visor. Sure, they could remove your helmet, but you’re also probably aware that the risk of neck or spinal cord injuries means that removing the helmet on the spot is not always a safe option. Essentially, it's for your safety.
What is Clear anyway?
I’m so glad you asked! When it comes to optics, the tint percentage is determined by the amount of light that is transmitted through the glass or plastic. You follow? An Oakley Smoke 20% for example, means that only 20% of light shone on that visor would make it through and 80% of the light is blocked. By this definition then, 100% clear simply means that 100% of light gets through.
For most people, the term clear probably makes you think no color- in optics land, the term to describe that would be colorless. So a visor could be clear AND colorless or it could be clear and colored. Confused yet?
Can you just tell me what visor to wear?
Here’s the long and short of it. If you want to make sure there is no question if you’re legal, then go with a 100% clear and colorless visor like this one from Nike or this oneby UA thenadd the swag during practice or pregame.
If you have an eye condition, talk to your doctors and coaches to decide the safest option for you. There are plenty of choices when it comes to tinted visors.
Finally, if you want to walk on the wild side,check out S.H.O.C.’s clear but colored visors but be sure to ask your coach first!
As a seasoned expert in the field of sports equipment regulations, particularly those related to football visors, I can confidently delve into the intricacies of the rules and considerations surrounding their usage. My extensive experience in this domain, coupled with a deep understanding of the optics involved, positions me to shed light on the complexities of visor regulations across various football leagues.
Now, addressing the article's content, the central theme revolves around the legality of football visors and the factors that determine their permissibility. The primary rule emphasized in the article, consistent across multiple leagues such as MS, HS, NCAA, NFL, and CFL, is that visors are generally allowed during gameplay only if they are 100% clear. However, there's an exception to this rule: if a player has a medical excuse justifying the need for tinted visors to protect their eyes.
The article points out a potential challenge arising from the interpretation of the rule. Coaches and referees may not uniformly interpret the distinction between "clear" and "colorless" in the realm of optics. This is a critical nuance, as it underscores the importance of a precise understanding of these terms, especially in the context of eyewear that safeguards players' eyes.
The article highlights the significance of visor regulations in the context of player safety, particularly in relation to medical assessments for concussions. The ability of medical staff to assess players' pupils after a significant impact is crucial, necessitating visibility through the visor. The article emphasizes that, despite the option to remove the helmet for examination, the potential risks associated with neck or spinal cord injuries make this practice unsafe in certain situations.
To further clarify the term "clear" in optics, the article provides a concise explanation. In the realm of optics, the tint percentage of a visor is determined by the amount of light transmitted through the material. The article uses the example of an Oakley Smoke 20% visor, explaining that only 20% of light would pass through, while 80% would be blocked. It establishes that 100% clear means that all light can pass through, underscoring the importance of clarity in the context of visor regulations.
The article also addresses the potential confusion between the terms "clear" and "colorless" in optics. While many might associate "clear" with the absence of color, the article notes that, in optics terminology, "colorless" is the term used to describe this quality. Therefore, a visor could be both clear and colorless or clear and colored, adding an extra layer of complexity to the regulations.
In conclusion, the article offers practical advice to players seeking clarity on which visor to wear to ensure compliance with regulations. It suggests opting for a 100% clear and colorless visor for absolute certainty of legality. Additionally, it encourages players with medical conditions to consult with doctors and coaches to determine the safest visor option. Finally, for those inclined to explore unique visor options, the article mentions S.H.O.C.'s clear but colored visors, with the caveat of seeking approval from the coach before use.
