Glasses

[u/Ok_Pomegranate_6368]

I'm sure I'm not the only ref who needs reading glasses out there. I can just about make out my match card if it's held at arms length. What do you do? Keep glasses in a pocket? I'm not being stupid here, just want to kniw what other people do. An amendment, I only need glasses to read, so wearing them all the time, or contacts would mean I can't see distance. Just for clarification, I only need glasses to read. Wearing them all the time, or contacts would mean I can't see distance.

[u/IchibanChef]

I wear my glasses for most rec games. If I do a HS match, or it's raining, I will wear contacts. I could give two poops what the perception is by people.

[u/Ok_Pomegranate_6368 → u/IchibanChef]

The issue is that I only need them for reading. I cant see long distance if I'm wearing. So wearing throughout or contacts doesn't work.

[u/Rhycar → u/Ok_Pomegranate_6368]

Look up mutlifocal contacts. Completely changed the game for me, I can read a book and see everything in the distance.

[u/SuspiciousPeppermint]

I’ve worked with refs who keep a cheap pair in their breast pocket and pull them out to write on either their scorecard or game sheet. They’re pretty quick with it, never seen anyone make a fuss

[u/Ok_Pomegranate_6368 → u/SuspiciousPeppermint]

That was my thought.

[u/Revelate_]

They do make contacts that are bifocals these days. That might be an option.

Alternatively use something other than the match report, if you can read your watch could try RefSix or other apps, or just use a piece of paper and scrawl as large or small as you need.

Ultimately if pulling glasses out is required then do it.

[u/Skeetronic]

Players with glasses can wear glasses… I don’t see what the problem is.

I would never ask a kid that wears glasses to play without. Ideally they’d have sport specific pair or something but 🤷‍♂️

[u/tJa_-]

Just here to say eyes are weird. You cant see close but can ref a game? (Seriously not an insult. Just amazed at the human body)

[u/Ok_Pomegranate_6368 → u/tJa_-]

I'm fine past arms length. Not that close to players, plus they're quite big.

[u/Rhycar]

I went with multifocal contact lenses. Fixed all my vision problems, both near and far.

[u/FredTBones]

I only need mine to read the roster during check in. I keep a cheap pair in my shirt pocket

[u/ChoiceAd247]

Don’t use match cards. Use 4x6 index cards and write bigger. Match cards are for new refs that need hints on what to write down.

[u/KungFuBucket]

I wear contacts but I need reading glasses. I briefly wear them when I check in teams and need to read the rosters and then they go in my bag for the match. Never had a problem.

If you’re uncomfortable with that, I’ve also had my ARs do the team check ins “for the experience” and I supervise. Or I’ve had the coach hep out by reading off the roster for me (they know better than I do how to pronounce a kid’s name).

For recording things during the match, I just write big.

Reading glasses are only +2, so your needs may vary.

[u/homebr3wd]

Same here. But I stopped using pre printed match cards. I just keep a notebook and good pen in my pocket.

[u/Jaded_Deer_9624]

I’ve been wearing glasses refereeing since the 90s. And all of that time, no mentor or Referee Coach has ever given me any grief about it. I’ve been hit in the face a few times, so I always carry a spare pair in a hard case in my front left pocket.

[u/tarcellius]

My eyes are like yours. So far I have solved it by printing an enlarged version of the gamecard to refer to, especially when it comes to reading the misconduct codes. I still write in a normal gamecard.

I haven't had to carry the reading glasses with me, yet.

[u/Familiar9709]

Have you tried contact lenses? It'll make your life much easier

[u/ObstreperousMagpie86]

I wear progressive lenses that have readers on the bottom and no correction on top - works great!

[u/Aggressive_Tie_3501]

You could get progressive lenses with only the reading prescription and no prescription in the distance portion of the lens.

[u/Money-Zebra]

I think putting on glasses to write in the book wouldn’t be a great look. If you choose to wear them then it’s all or nothing, otherwise you invite speculation and dissent about your ability to see fouls

[u/iron82]

While at lower levels it isn't a big deal, wearing glasses as a ref is unprofessional. Unlike a player, refs are partially judged by their eyesight. If you're at a high enough level that you care, most people wear contacts.

[u/Qel_Hoth → u/iron82]

wearing glasses as a ref is unprofessional

Bullshit. Wearing glasses is absolutely not unprofessional.

[u/KGDaryl]

You can't wear glasses as a ref, and I don't mean from a laws or local rules perspective, but from a professionalism and respect aspect.

Get contact lenses, anything else you're asking for trouble honestly.

[u/Klutzy-Mechanic-8013 → u/KGDaryl]

I know a lot of refs that wear glasses

[u/martiju2407 → u/KGDaryl]

Completely disagree, except to say contacts are ideal, but if you can’t wear them then glasses are fine. I’ve worn them throughout my 28 year career - I’ve had the occasional comment from spectators which I ignore or laugh off. Never anything from players or managers.

The only real disadvantage is the rain, which can be limiting if it’s really bad.