Squash Eye Protection: When Are Goggles Required?

A squash ball travels fast in a small space, and the racket is close to your face in every rally. That is why squash federations take eye protection seriously — and why many clubs and events require it for juniors.

What the World Squash Federation says

The World Squash Federation (WSF) recommends that protective eyewear, made to an appropriate national standard, is worn properly over the eyes at all times during play — by every player, even though the risk of injury is low.

It is compulsory in some cases. Juniors (under 19 on the last scheduled day of the championship) playing in any WSF Team Championship or WSF Junior Individual Championship must wear appropriate protective eyewear. Under the rules of international doubles squash and hardball doubles, protective eyewear made to a national safety standard must be worn at all times during play.

National federations and clubs can set their own rules, so check the rules of your league, school or tournament.

Which standards to look for

The WSF guidance lists national standards for squash eye protection, including ASTM F803 (United States), CSA P400 (Canada), AS 4066 (Australia), NZS 4066 (New Zealand) and BS 7930-1 (Great Britain). Look for one of these on the product or its packaging. Ordinary sunglasses, prescription glasses and fashion frames are not made to these standards and are not a substitute for squash eyewear.

Choosing squash goggles

Fit: the goggles should sit snugly without pressing on the nose or temples, and stay in place when you move quickly. Vision: a wide, clear field of view and an anti-fog coating help you track the ball. Size: junior sizes are available for smaller faces. Glasses wearers: look for frames designed to take prescription lenses or to fit over glasses. Responsibility: as the WSF notes, it is the player’s responsibility to make sure the eyewear is suitable for the purpose.

Browse VELNUZ protective eyewear in the store.

Sources

World Squash Federation — International list of eye protectors certified for squash (updated April 2014, hosted by Scottish Squash): https://www.scottishsquash.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/WSF-Protective-Eyewear-Guidance-Aprl-2014.pdf