Speed Skating Canada has made a new mandatory requirement in regard to safety equipment for the 2010-2011 season. All skaters are now required to have eye protection. Shatter-resistant protective sport glasses (with polycarbonate lenses) or a visor/cage for hockey helmets. Glasses must be held in place by an elastic strap. The above Letter From The Coach has been updated to reflect these changes.

Coach Notes: The requirement for a visor or cage would only apply to a hockey helmet. Sport glasses generally do not work well with a hockey helmets because of the hard piece that comes down by the ear, which can interfer with the arms of the glasses. Eye protection can be bought at sporting goods stores, hardware stores, and even WalMart. Cheap glasses tend to fog up more and kids grumble less about the glasses if they look cool. I've seen polycarbonate glasses for $10 at Princess Auto that look pretty cool. Kids that wear prescription glasses, would not necessarily require safety glasses as well, if the parent or adult skater felt that their prescription glasses (which likely have polycarbonate lenses) provide adequate protection. They would still need an elastic strap to keep them securely in place. The more competitive skaters tend to go with the fancier glasses, but I would be cautious about buying glasses with interchangeable lenses, that may not stay secure in the case of a fall.