Jul 15, 2009

While all athletes need to protect their eyes, different sports present different challenges in keeping players safe. ASTM International Committee F08 on Sports Equipment and Facilities has now approved a new standard that addresses the unique aspects of eye safety for field hockey players.

ASTM standard F2713, Specification for Eye Protectors for Field Hockey, was developed by Subcommittee F08.57 on Eye Safety for Sports. According to Liz Ryan, an optometrist and a member of F08.57, ASTM F2713 will be used by manufacturers to make eye protectors that are more specifically geared toward field hockey.

“Field hockey eyewear was being tested with a lacrosse ball and stick, which was not accurate for the sport, so we developed field hockey-specific testing guidelines using a field hockey ball and stick,” says Ryan.

Ryan says that future revisions to ASTM F2713 will reflect developments in field hockey and its players. “We want the players to have maximum protection but not interfere with on-the-field performance and visual functions,” says Ryan, who also notes that the subcommittee plans on writing separate standards for the sports currently included in ASTM F803, Specification for Eye Protectors for Selected Sports.

Subcommittee F08.57 welcomes participation in its standards developing activities, particularly from representatives from medical- or vision-related entities, as well as sports organizations such as the National Federation of High Schools and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

ASTM International standards are available for purchase from Customer Service (610-832-9585; https://www.astm.org/contact/) or at www.astm.org. For technical information, contact Liz Ryan, Florence, Mass. (phone: 413-584-4573; lizzardear@comcast.net). ASTM Committee F08 meets Nov. 10-12 during November committee week in Atlanta, Ga.
 
ASTM International welcomes and encourages participation in the development of its standards. ASTM’s open consensus process, using advanced Internet-based standards development tools, ensures worldwide access for all interested individuals. For more information on becoming an ASTM member, please contact Christine Sierk ASTM International (phone: 610-832-9728; csierk@astm.org).

Release #8296