Sunglasses for officials?

[LaxRef]

When I started officiating, I was told that it was improper for lacrosse officials to wear sunglasses. I complied, but I till find this troublesome. Shouldn't we be more concerned about being able to see well than with the possible perception that we're "trying to look cool"? I've worked some afternoon games where when you're on one side of the field you can't see anything because of the angle of the sun.

[RYU]

I agree w/ you LaxRef. In fact, wlax umpires are encouraged to use sunglasses if they will help them in conditions like the one you described.

[LaxRef]

I agree w/ you LaxRef. In fact, wlax umpires are encouraged to use sunglasses if they will help them in conditions like the one you described.

We should probably avoid "special" sunglasses like World Series of Poker champion Greg Raymer wears :chuckle:

[Snake~eyes]

We should probably avoid "special" sunglasses like World Series of Poker champion Greg Raymer wears :chuckle:
I agree, sunglasses are good to wear, I wear them even though I'm not suppose to. :nofear:

[Laxref_36]

I agree, sunglasses are good to wear, I wear them even though I'm not suppose to. :nofear:


I never wear sunglasses during the regular season. I have worn them during a summer "recreation" league. I've never seen on Television a game where the officials wear sunglasses. Not any sport ever (Football, Lacrosse, Soccer, Baseball, etc...).

[Longest]

They DO wear them in baseball, FYI.

Dan

[rilax]

They DO wear them in baseball, FYI.


Think that settles it for me.

Never used them myself, and think they would just get in the way. Find that the hat keeps enough sun out to be honest.

[Longest]

Think that settles it for me.

Never used them myself, and think they would just get in the way. Find that the hat keeps enough sun out to be honest.

I wear them in baseball/softball some but I so rarely work games midday that it's not really an issue.

Dan

[LaxRef]

I never wear sunglasses during the regular season. I have worn them during a summer "recreation" league. I've never seen on Television a game where the officials wear sunglasses. Not any sport ever (Football, Lacrosse, Soccer, Baseball, etc...).

It should be pointed out that in the vast majority of televised games, they are played in stadia that would prevent a low-angle sun being in the eyes of the officials. Contrast that to a high school game on an open field with a 5:30 start.

[shrekjr]

Here comes one of my novels. I am really torn on this issue. As someone who's eyes are very sensitive to sunlight and rarely go outside without sunglasses (even on an overcast day), I certainly can agree there is an advantage to wearing them.

On the other side, if we're talking about image, you have to start at the highest levels and see what is approved there. Do they were sunglasses? No. LaxRef makes a good point about the big boys playing in a stadium and the angles of the sunlight, but look at the other images as well....do you see long hair, facial hair, beer guts, or anything else that makes one official stand out from all the others? Not usually. That is the image the league wants to portray to the public and they are going to hire people who fit that image. Granted, sunglasses are not a physical trait but if the league approved of them, I'm sure most of the officials would wear them. Not to mention it is just another lame excuse for coaches to use when they think you blew a call...."You could see if you'd take off the sunglasses"! I'll even agree that maybe you saw the call because you ARE wearing sunglasses, but it's just one more thing a coach can complain about even though he is probably wearing them himself.

As Rilax said, I think the hat usually does a pretty good job of keeping the sun out most of the time. We do play some games, especially in the summer, at a city park with no obstructions where we are looking right into the sun as it sets. But I figure the players are at just as much a disadvantage as I am and it is rare that I can't adjust my angle to get the play out of direct view of looking into the sun.

[Snake~eyes]

Here comes one of my novels. I am really torn on this issue. As someone who's eyes are very sensitive to sunlight and rarely go outside without sunglasses (even on an overcast day), I certainly can agree there is an advantage to wearing them.

On the other side, if we're talking about image, you have to start at the highest levels and see what is approved there. Do they were sunglasses? No. LaxRef makes a good point about the big boys playing in a stadium and the angles of the sunlight, but look at the other images as well....do you see long hair, facial hair, beer guts, or anything else that makes one official stand out from all the others? Not usually. That is the image the league wants to portray to the public and they are going to hire people who fit that image. Granted, sunglasses are not a physical trait but if the league approved of them, I'm sure most of the officials would wear them. Not to mention it is just another lame excuse for coaches to use when they think you blew a call...."You could see if you'd take off the sunglasses"! I'll even agree that maybe you saw the call because you ARE wearing sunglasses, but it's just one more thing a coach can complain about even though he is probably wearing them himself.

As Rilax said, I think the hat usually does a pretty good job of keeping the sun out most of the time. We do play some games, especially in the summer, at a city park with no obstructions where we are looking right into the sun as it sets. But I figure the players are at just as much a disadvantage as I am and it is rare that I can't adjust my angle to get the play out of direct view of looking into the sun.

We're not Bigboys, we do not get paid as much, recieve tons of training, sometimes we don't use three man, we use a different rules code... the list goes on. Long hair and facial hair isn't much of an issue at the lower levels because of the need of officials. Also if the best thing coaches can come up with is that we missed a call because of sunglasses then they need to find a new line of work, I doubt any coach woudl ever try and say that, as sunglasses would enhance performance IMO.

[eme]

Youth games, club summer games, wear what you want.
High school and above games, I like the players and coaches to see my eyes when I'm talking to them.