Protect your athlete's eyes

As of last year (the 2011-2012 season), high school field hockey team members are required to wear eye protection when they play. A study published online today in the journal Pediatrics provides evidence that this was an important, positive change.

Researchers analyzed eye injuries in field hockey players in 14 states in 2009 and 2010, when not all states required protective eyewear. Only one eye injury was reported in states that required eye protection. Overall, in these states, there was a 32 percent lower rate of head and face injuries, and an 80 percent lower rate of eye injuries.

If your child plays field hockey, what do you think of this rule? Do you have any advice for other parents of field hockey players?