British American Football Association BAFA Rules Committee

BAFA Rules Committee

Uniforms: helmets and facemasks

As a general principle, any facemask with five or more horizontal bars below the eyes is not permissible. The exception is the facemask below - because of the larger gap between bars 2 and 3 and between 4 and 5, it is permissible.

 

Frequently asked questions

Why are tinted and reflective eye shields banned?

There are two reasons for this:

  1. If a player is possibly unconscious, medical personnel must be able to see their eyes.
  2. It is unfair if your opponent can't see which direction you are looking in.
Are helmet covers legal?

No, unless they have a NOCSAE certification (and we don't know of any that have).

See the IFAF guidance on this.