An explanation of the current guidelines for children
We have had several enquiries regarding this issue. Please find below a statement which should help clarify things for you.
The RFU’s regulation relating to the wearing of spectacles or sports goggles is set out in Regulation 15.13.3 which states that players of all age grades are permitted to wear spectacles, glasses or specifically designed sports goggles in all forms of non-contact rugby but that players are not permitted to wear spectacles, glasses or specifically designed sports goggles in any form of contact rugby. This means that U9s and above are not permitted to wear any eye wear when playing contact rugby.
The RFU’s Regulations are dictated by IRB Regulations and for some time now the RFU has been trying to persuade the IRB to permit U12s and below to wear goggles because the RFU recognises that this creates difficulties for children with impaired eyesight who cannot yet wear contact lenses. The IRB’s approach stems from the stipulations relating to player dress/clothing set out in IRB Regulation 12 which says that all clothing/equipment worn by players must fall within the requirements of Regulation 12 and not fall within the description of banned clothing set out in their regulations. This means that goggles could be worn if they comply with Regulation 12 but the problem is that no manufacturer has yet produced goggles that are IRB compliant. The IRB are talking to manufacturers in the hope of producing a compliant set of goggles but this is a work in progress.
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