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Original poster

What happens if you wear glasses and have to do rugby?

33 replies

Neolara · 19/09/2018 20:50

My ds has just started secondary and will be doing rugby in pe this term. He is very short sighted (-4 in both eyes) and is never without his glasses. His pe teacher has suggested he gets special sports goggles or contact lenses for rugby. But goggles seem to cost £100+ and it seems nuts to to start using contacts with all the associated costs and hassle for 2 hours a week for one term. So presumably he will just have to play without his glasses which will be totally pointless because he won't be able to see anything. Is this normal? Or would schools ever try and make alternative arrangements? Ds is actually quite coordinated and enjoys sports like tennis, swimming and running, so it's genuinely not about trying to get out of sport.

OP posts:
ShalomJackie · 19/09/2018 21:37

He will be able to wear them for tennis and cricket etc too. They make a massive difference and are worth the investment

Numbkinnuts · 19/09/2018 21:35

Look at the guidance from Rugby Union I have just posted

Original poster
Neolara · 19/09/2018 21:34

Thanks for your suggestions. I don't think rugby goggles are the same as swimming goggles. From a quick Google it seems like they have to be specially padded and strong so they don't damage the wearers or others on the pitch in a tackle.

OP posts:
Numbkinnuts · 19/09/2018 21:31

Spectacles are not allowed for contact rugby , only goggles or contact lenses.

The guidance is here
www.englandrugby.com/mm/Document/MyRugby/Education/01/32/50/38/SportsGogglesEyewear(RugbySafeEssentialGuide)May2017FINAL_Neutral.pdf

BewareOfDragons · 19/09/2018 21:28

I'd sign him out of rugby. Tell the school you are refusing permission for him to play and demand he do another sport, which will be available, during his PE lessons when rugby is taking place.

ilovetvandchocolates · 19/09/2018 21:26

www.prescription-swimming-goggles.co.uk/optiswim-adult.html

Have a look at these, will only set you back £17.50.

HarrietSchulenberg · 19/09/2018 21:14

You could ask to withdraw him from rugby, which means he would do two cycles of whatever the alternative is. My school will not let boys do rugby without goggles as they say it's Local Authority and RFU safety policy. I have to say that, having witnessed some Y8 tackles, I wouldn't fancy going into one wearing glasses.

Ask school for advice as I'm sure this won't be the first time it's come up.

halcyondays · 19/09/2018 20:51

That seems expensive for sports googles. Prescription swimming goggles are nothing like that price anway.

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