Field Hockey Goggles: Worn or Not?

When playing in a field hockey game, most people are known to not wear goggles. As of July 2020, goggles were not required to be worn throughout the duration of a game. When the rule was taken away, it really helped players from being able to see the field when playing, but what people didn’t think about washe rising injury rate. From experience, playing at an extremely high level of field hockey has led me to see that there isn’t a game that goes by without at least multiple injuries. According to, “American Optometric Association”, Dr Citek states, “With all due respect, I beg to differ with the federation and hope it reconsiders its action”.  It has been brought to many people’s attention that with no eye protection within a field hockey game  is beyond dangerous, and could result in many injuries. Having no eye protection puts you and your face region at a high risk of getting hurt. This can truly go for any sport, and not just field hockey. 

To give some thought to this opposing side, Stephanie Loh from “Patriot News” states, “Most coaches expressed an understanding that the rule was imposed with the interests of the players in mind, but many were concerned about how much the goggles seemed to inhibit their players’ peripheral vision.” The goggles can also be seen as a danger that can also cause more injuries. Players in the game with goggles on, have a harder time with their decision making, and the gathering of information within the game. Another statement includes, “There’s just more people running into each other,” Burger said. “I don’t think it’s helping the game”. This piece of information provides that there are many formed opinions  why goggles are more of a hindrance to the game of field hockey than helping the game. From experience with talking with a few of my teammates, our opinions remain in the lines of not wanting to wear goggles. It clearly is a major obstruction of our view of the field. 

In conclusion,Having this information gathered we can see that with the rule being or not being enforced, wearing goggles or not wearing goggles can be a risk either way. The decision is really up to you and your comfortability. The goggles were never known to fully protect you, but they are there to help you a little. This is why coaches will always recommend it, but depending on how good a team is or how intense they may be, players will form their own opinions and decisions on those. Overall, field hockey goggles are there if you need them, and if you don’t need them, they will still be there.