tinted goggles for JAAF

Question
QUESTION: Do you know the CIF rule on the tinted goggles.  I cannot find anything in regards to face shield tinting or goggle tinting. I was told it was there and the rule is not for goggles as in NCAA but I need to find that information.  The officials in our league JAAF want to say my 8yr old can not play because his prescription is tinted.  That was the only way to have the goggles made as his prescription is extremely high and the clear lense did not have the curve the Polaroid had.

ANSWER: Laura,
The rule you seek is under the National Federation football rules (High School).  The rule only addresses Visors and eye shields that connect to the face mask or helmet.  They do not govern glasses, contact lens or goggles.  Goggles are permitted so long as they are not attached to the helmet.  Tinted goggles and sun glasses are legal equipment.

The National Athletic Trainers Association in lobbing to make a rule out lawing tinted visors specifically stated that if a player's eyes require "tinting" it can be achieved safely and legally by glasses, sports goggles and contact lens.

The CIF has nothing in its Blue Book addressing this is issue.  You may want to contact the JAAF commissioner to see if they have a rule prohibiting tinted goggles.  If I can be of further assistance in aiding you help your son play with goggles please let me know.

Victor C. Winnek

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The problem is the official said you could not play with tinted goggles and our commissioner did not know.  I couldn not find anything in our JAAF rule book and I can not find anything in the CIF blue book.  Therefore I am lead to believe without having anything in writing it is not an official rule and therefore they can not hold it agaisnt my child.  I am correct?

Answer
Yes, Laura you are correct there is no rule in the National Federation Rules that prohibit tinted sports goggles or glasses.  The CIF Blue Book is not the governing rules.
FOLLOWUP 9/9/07

LAURA HOW DID THINGS GO THIS WEEK?  I BROUGHT THIS ISSUE UP TO A POP WARNER ASSIGNER IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA AND EXPLAINED THE RULE TO HIM.  HE SAID HE WOULD PASS THE INFORMATION ALONG TO OTHER YOUTH FOOTBALL OFFICIALS.  
BEST OF LUCK,
Victor Winnek
NCAA Football Official