Field Hockey Players Now Required To Wear Protective Eyewear

May 13, 2011 / Hockey

Public-school field hockey players across the state will sport a new look this fall.

And it has nothing to do with a fashion statement.

The National Federation of State High School Associations voted recently to mandate that field hockey players wear protective eyewear beginning with the 2011 season.

Accordingly, the Virginia High School League adopted the change.

Many private-school leagues across the country – including those in Virginia – have worn protective eyewear since 1999.

But some public-school coaches have resisted, saying the gear could limit players’ vision.

“I don’t like the fact that we have to wear them at all,” First Colonial’s Brooke Hiltz said. “I am very concerned about vision on the field.”

But her coach, Beanie Schleicher, understands the potential benefit.

“I suffered a bad eye injury my freshman year in college and I know that goggles would have prevented it,” she said. “All the girls are going to have a hard time adjusting to wearing them.

“But they have to wear them, so fighting it, or complaining, does not help the issue.”

Norfolk Academy coach Mary Werkheiser had to deal with the initial concern of her players when the Tidewater Conference first mandated use of lacrosse-style eye protection in 1999.

“Some of the issues being raised are the same that I heard over a dozen years ago,” she said. “I think when the dust settles, and the girls learn to adjust to them, it will have no effect on the outcome of the game.”

Protection from the hard balls and sticks used in the game is the main reason for the change.

“I have not seen a serious injury with the use of goggles,” Werkheiser said. “I have witnessed serious career-ending injuries without the use of goggles.”

Most area coaches said they were surprised by the ruling, but understood that the change was inevitable.

Some are starting the process of ordering eyewear to give players as much time as possible to adjust. Protective eyewear must be worn during practice and in games.

“I worry about peripheral vision and fogging issues, but they do offer some protection,” Cox coach Julie Swain said. “We’re hoping to order soon and start getting familiar with them during the summer.”

With its announcement this week, the VHSL provided a list of approved eyewear, and some pairs closely resemble sunglasses.

Not everyone was concerned only with limited vision.

“I don’t think the players were too worried about it,” Lakeland coach Tara Worley said. “Or at least one of their first concerns only dealt with the new tan lines they will have.

“If this is their biggest concern, I feel like we are in good shape.”


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