ASTM F3603-23

Standard Specification for Eye Protectors for Handball

SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers eye protectors designed for use by players of handball that minimize or significantly reduce injury to the eye and adnexa due to impact and penetration of balls. Protective eyewear offers protection only to the eyes and does not protect other parts of the head.  
1.2 Impact testing is done in a laboratory setting. Eye contact is determined by observation.  
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2023
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.57 - Eye Safety for Sports

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D1003-11 - Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2011
• Refers: ASTM D1003-11e1 - Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2011
• Refers: ASTM D1003-07 - Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2007
• Refers: ASTM D1003-00 - Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2000

Overview

ASTM F3603-23: Standard Specification for Eye Protectors for Handball sets forth the minimum design and performance requirements for protective eyewear used by handball players. Developed by ASTM International, this standard aims to significantly reduce or minimize eye injuries caused by impact and penetration from handballs by specifying laboratory testing methods and safety requirements. It also addresses labeling, product marking, and user information to ensure handball eye protectors are fit for the sport and properly used.

Key Topics

• Scope of Protection
  Eye protectors designed under ASTM F3603-23 provide impact and penetration protection exclusively for the eyes and adjacent areas (adnexa). They do not protect other regions of the head or face.

• Design and Classification
  The standard defines three types of eye protectors:

  • Type I: Molded lens and frame as a single unit
  • Type II: Lenses, prescription or plano, mounted in a separate frame
  • Type III: Protectors without a lens

• Performance Testing

  • Impact Resistance: Protectors must withstand laboratory-simulated impacts from handballs without direct contact with the eye, lens dislodgment, or frame fracture.
  • Optical Requirements: Lenses (if applicable) must meet stringent criteria for luminous transmittance, optical clarity, refractive power, prism deviation, haze, and surface imperfections.
  • Mechanical Durability: Frames and lenses are evaluated for their resilience against high-velocity ball impacts and repeated cleaning.

• Marking and Information for Users
  Products must carry permanent manufacturer and model identification, date codes, sizing, and prominent safety warnings regarding the limits of protection and proper care.

Applications

Handball eye protectors following ASTM F3603-23 are essential for:

• Individual and Team Safety: Reducing the risk of sports-related eye injuries for recreational and professional handball players.
• Sports Facility Requirements: Many gyms, leagues, and tournaments mandate certified eyewear for participation, making compliance with this standard a prerequisite for entry.
• Product Certification and Procurement: Manufacturers, distributors, and sports equipment purchasers use this specification to ensure that eyewear meets recognized safety and performance requirements.
• Coaching and Training Programs: Coaches and trainers reference the standard when recommending or requiring appropriate eye protection during drills, games, and practice sessions.

Related Standards

• ASTM D1003: Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics
• ANSI Z80.3: Requirements for Nonprescription Sunglasses and Fashion Eyewear
• ANSI Z87.1: Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protectors
• CSA Z262.6: Specifications for Facially Featured Head Forms (for use in testing)
• USHA Rules: United States Handball Association rules for ball characteristics in impact testing

Practical Value

Adherence to ASTM F3603-23 provides handball players, associations, and manufacturers with a clear, internationally recognized benchmark for selecting and verifying eye protection. This standard ensures that protective eyewear not only resists common on-court impacts but delivers reliable optical quality and comfort. Clear labeling and prescribed warnings help users understand the limits of protection and proper care, reducing misuse and extending the effective lifespan of protective devices. Compliance also supports regulatory and liability needs for sports organizations and educational institutions.

Keywords: handball eyewear, eye protector standard, ASTM F3603-23, sports eye safety, handball protective equipment, impact-resistant eyewear.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F3603 − 23
Standard Specification for
Eye Protectors for Handball
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3603; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.3 Federal Standard:
National Institute of Standards and Technology Specification
1.1 This specification covers eye protectors designed for use
Technical Publication 374 Method for Determining the
by players of handball that minimize or significantly reduce
Resolving Power of Photographic Lenses
injury to the eye and adnexa due to impact and penetration of
2.4 Canadian Standard:
balls. Protective eyewear offers protection only to the eyes and
CSA Z262.6 Specifications for Facially Featured Head
does not protect other parts of the head.
Forms
1.2 Impact testing is done in a laboratory setting. Eye
contact is determined by observation.
3. Terminology
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in
3.1.1 binocular, adj—relating to the field of view which is
this standard.
shared by both eyes simultaneously; also any simultaneous
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
activity of the two eyes.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.2 central viewing zone, n—that part of the eye of a
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
protector that has its center in line with the wearer’s normal
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
line of sight.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—The zone is circular in shape and 40
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
mm in diameter. The center of the central viewing zone shall be
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
the point of intersection of the line of sight with the lens as
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
mounted on the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) head
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
form (see CSA Z262.6).
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.3 cleanable, adv—ability of a protective device to be
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
made readily free of dirt or grime without being damaged
during an appropriate cleaning process such as the use of soap
2. Referenced Documents
and water.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1.4 coverage, n—characteristic of a protective device that
D1003 Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance
obstructs straight line paths that are coincident with the
of Transparent Plastics
wearer’s eyes.
2.2 ANSI Standards:
3.1.5 definition (optical), n—characteristic of a lens that
ANSI Z80.3 Requirements for Nonprescription Sunglasses
allows separate distinct points in close proximity to be dis-
and Fashion Eyewear
cerned when looking through the lens.
ANSI Z87.1 Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye
and Face Protectors
3.1.6 eye, n—relating to the eye of a test head form or the
eye of a person wearing a protector or that part of an eye
protective device through which a wearer’s eye would nor-
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports
mally look.
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee F08.57 on Eye Safety for Sports. 3.1.7 eye of the head form, n—all structures contained
Current edition approved July 1, 2023. Published September 2023. DOI:
within the orbital rim of the CSA head form (see CSA Z262.6).
10.1520/F3603-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100
the ASTM website. Bureau Dr., Stop 1070, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1070, http://www.nist.gov.
3 5
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., Available from Canadian Standards Association (CSA), 178 Rexdale Blvd.,
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org. Toronto, ON M9W 1R3, Canada, http://www.csagroup.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3603 − 23
3.1.8 haze, n—fraction of the total transmitted light from a 3.1.18.5 base-up, n—refers to the type of prism that causes
normally incident beam that is not transmitted in a focused a horizontal beam of light to bend upward causing objects to
condition but scattered by inclusions or surface defects. appear lower than their true position.
3.1.8.1 Discussion—Excessive haze will reduce contrast
3.1.19 prism imbalance, n—
and visibility.
3.1.19.1 horizontal imbalance, n—difference in prismatic
deviation of incident parallel light beams on the two eyes of a
3.1.9 head form optical parameters, n—key dimensions for
protective device in the horizontal meridian (see 3.1.18.3 and
the head forms.
3.1.18.4).
3.1.10 impact resistance, n—ability of a device to afford
3.1.19.2 vertical imbalance, n—difference in prismatic de-
protection from impact as required by this specification.
viation between parallel light beams incident on the two eyes
3.1.11 lens, n—when so equipped, the transparent part or
of a protective device in the vertical meridian.
parts of a protective device through which the wearer normally
3.1.20 protective device (or protector), n—device that pro-
sees.
vides protection to the wearer’s eye against specific hazards
3.1.12 luminous transmittance, n—function of the spectral
encountered in sports.
transmittance of the lens weighted by the corresponding
3.1.21 refractive power, n—focusing effect of a lens ex-
ordinates of the photopic luminous efficiency distribution of
pressed in diopters.
the CIE (1931) standard colorimetric observer and by the
3.1.21.1 astigmatism, n—condition in a lens that creates two
spectral intensity of standard Illuminant C (see ANSI Z80.3).
axially separated line foci of each object point, the lines being
3.1.13 normal lines of sight, n—straight-ahead horizontal
mutually perpendicular. In other words, the lens has two
lines that intersect the center of the eyes of the appropriate head
different refractive powers in meridians that are 90° apart.
form.
3.1.22 scotoma, n—blind or partially blind area within the
3.1.14 penetration resistance, n—ability of a device to
visual field.
afford protection from moving objects as required by this
3.1.23 spherical power, n—average of the maximum meridi-
specification.
onal astigmatic power and the minimum meridional astigmatic
3.1.15 permanent, adj—marked so as not to become uniden-
power of a lens.
tifiable with normal usage.
4. Classification
3.1.16 plano lens, n—lens that does not incorporate a
corrective prescription.
4.1 Eye protectors are classified into the following types:
3.1.16.1 Discussion—This lens is not necessarily flat.
4.1.1 Type I—A protector with the lens or lenses and frame
front piece molded as one unit. Frame temples or other devices,
3.1.17 power imbalance, n—relates to the condition in
such as straps, to affix the lens/front piece may be separate
which the refractive power of the lens or lenses of a protector
pieces.
is different as presented to the two eyes.
4.1.2 Type II—A protector with a single lens or lenses, either
3.1.18 prism, n—device that bends a beam of light as a
plano or prescription, mounted in a frame that was manufac-
result of the lack of parallelism of the two surfaces of a lens
tured as a separate unit.
through which the beam of light traverses.
4.1.3 Type III—A protector without a lens.
3.1.18.1 Discussion—The amount of bending is a function
5. General Requirements
of the curvatures, thickness, index of refraction of the material,
and the angle of approach of the line of sight to the optical
5.1 Materials of Construction:
surface. In this specification, prism refers to the amount of
5.1.1 The manufacturer’s choice of material shall be in
bending that is imposed upon the line of sight of a wearer of an
accordance with 5.1.2 and 5.1.3.
eye protector for the specified viewing position. Prism is
5.1.2 Materials coming into contact with the wearer’s face
expressed in diopters. The deviation of the line of sight by 1
shall not be of a type known to cause skin irritation.
cm/m is one prism diopter.
5.1.3 Materials coming into contact with the wearer’s face,
3.1.18.2 base-down, n—refers to the type of prism that
except replaceable padding, shall not undergo significant loss
causes a horizontal beam of light to bend down causing objects
of strength or flexibility or other physical change as a result of
to appear higher than their true position.
perspiration, oil, or grease from the wearer’s skin and hair.
3.1.18.3 base-in, n—relating to the type of prism imbalance 5.1.3.1 The manufacturer will provide material selection
and, by affidavit, support 5.1.1 – 5.1.3.
that tends to cause parallel rays of light passing through a
protector, spaced apart by the inter-pupillary distance, to 5.1.4 Cleanability—Protective devices shall be capable of
converge. being cleaned to the degree that, when conditioned in accor-
dance with the method described in 9.1, they shall remain
3.1.18.4 base-out, n—relating to the type of prism imbal-
functional in all ways.
ance that tends to cause parallel rays of light passing through
a protector, spaced apart by the inter-pupillary distance, to 5.2 Finishes and Construction—The protector shall be con-
diverge. structed in a manner to prevent the ball or components of the
F3603 − 23
protector from contact with the eye of the head form when 6.3.2 When tested in accordance with Section 10, displaced
tested in accordance with Section 10. fragments or complete fracture of any components of the eye
protector excluding padding constitutes a failure.
5.3 Straps are not required on eye protectors provided the
6.3.3 When tested in accordance with Section 10, any
protector passes the standard without straps.
displacement of the lens from the frame constitutes a failure.
6.3.4 A protector that is dislodged from the test head form
6. Performance Requirements
when tested in accordance with Section 10 shall not constitute
6.1 Optical Requirements—Type I and II (Plano Lens)
a failure provided all of the above mechanical requirements are
Protectors:
met.
6.1.1 Rx (corrective) Lenses shall comply with current
6.3.5 Damage to manufacturer-installed protector padding
requirements as set forth in ANSI Z80.1.
does not constitute a failure provided no other failures occur.
6.1.2 Refractive Tolerances—When tested in accordance
6.4 Requirements for Frames to be Fitted With Rx (Correc-
with 8.6, the spherical power shall be in the range of +0.06 to
tive) Lenses:
–0.18 diopters.
6.4.1 Frames intended to be used for prescription lenses
6.1.3 Astigmatism—When tested in accordance with 8.5, the
shall be tested to the requirements of 6.3 with representative
astigmatism shall not exceed 0.12 diopter.
test lenses of plano, and the highest plus effective sphere power
6.1.4 Power Imbalance—When tested in accordance with
and lowest minus effective sphere power as desired to be
8.5, the power imbalance in corresponding meridians shall not
qualified by the manufacturer. Each lens material(s)/
exceed 0.18 diopters between the two eyes for straight-ahead
manufacturer(s), surface treatment (for example, coating) and
seeing.
finishing process as desired to be qualified for laboratory
6.1.5 Prism—For the primary viewing position of either eye
finishing. If all test lenses pass, than any prescription lens of
of a shield or pair of lenses, the prism deviation shall not
the same of greater thickness at it thinnest point within the
exceed 0.50 prism diopters when tested in accordance with 8.3.
prescription range tested and qualified which is made of the
6.1.6 Prism Imbalance:
same material(s)/manufacturer(s), with the same surface treat-
6.1.6.1 Vertical and base-in—0.25 prism diopters.
ment (coatings) and finishing processes may be approved for
6.1.6.2 Base-out—0.50 prism diopters.
use with that frame.
6.1.7 Lenses that exhibit any distortion or doubling of the
6.4.2 Optical Finishing laboratories shall only fit lenses into
image during the test for refractive power or prism shall be
protector frames within the highest plus and lowest minus
further tested in accordance with 8.1.
sphere power as qualified for the frame in accord with the
6.1.8 Optical Quality—Within the central viewing zone,
minimum thickness, material(s), manufacturer(s) and surface
striae warpage, surface ripples, lenticulations, or abrupt optical
treatment(s) which were qualified and approved for use with
changes that are visible under the test conditions of 8.1 and
the protector (frame) in accord with those instructions as
would impair the function of the lens shall be cause for
provided by the frame manufacturer (as required by this
rejection. Visual impairment is defined by the scanning and
standard).
focimeter test of 8.1.
6.4.3 Finished (glazed) lenses shall comply with current
6.1.9 Surface and Internal Defects—Pits, scratches,
requirements as set forth in ANSI Z80.1.
bubbles, grayness, specks, cracks, and watermarks that are
visible under the test conditions of 8.6 and would impair the
7. Sample Preparation
function of the lens shall be a cause for rejection. Grayness
7.1 Only new and complete eye protectors as offered for
should be evaluated by the requirements of 6.1.7.
sale shall be tested. Protectors shall be conditioned at 23 6 2°C
6.1.10 Haze—When tested in accordance with 8.4, the haze
for a minimum period of 4 h prior to mechanical tests.
in the protector shall not exceed 3 %.
7.2 Protectors shall be subjected to no more than one test
6.2 Transmittance:
impact from each ball specified in 10.1.1.1 in the listed order of
6.2.1 Luminous Transmittance—When tested in accordance
that section.
with 8.2, protectors shall have a luminous transmittance of not
less than 85 % for a clear device and not less than 20 % for
TEST METHODS
tinted devices. Additionally, the difference in values as would
be viewed by the two eyes through a single protector as worn
8. Optical Tests
shall not exceed 0.9 to 1.1 times the other value (measured at
8.1 Optical Quality—Localized power errors or aberrations
the design line of sight) unless specifically prescribed by an
that are detected by the visual inspection procedure of 8.1.1 are
ophthalmic professional.
permissible if no measurable or gross focimeter or telescope
6.2.2 Ultraviolet Transmittance—Type I or Type II protec-
target distortion or blur is found when the localized area is
tors with sun (solar) or tinted lenses shall meet the UV A and
examined with an instrument as indicated in 8.1.2.
UV B requirements set forth in the current requirements of
8.1.1 Inspection Procedure—One method of optical inspec-
ANSI Z80.3 when tested in accordance with 8.2.2.
tion is to view a high-contrast grid pattern of dark and white
6.3 Mechanical Requirements: lines through the lens, scanning it area by area and moving it
6.3.1 No contact with the eye of the head form shall be about. The grid pattern should be at least 46 by 46 cm and
permitted when tested in accordance with Section 10. constructed of high-contrast black lines on a white background
F3603 − 23
(the white separations being equal to the black lines, both being darkened for 20 mm in each direction from center, with the
approximately 7 mm wide). The target should be at least 96 to center lines emphasized, measurements will be easier. Each 5
244 cm from the observer, and the lens should be held at least mm of the scale represents 0.125 prism diopters. The prism
46 cm to from the eye. Any ripples in the lens detected by this values off center can be labeled along one edge of the 4 cm
test method should be further examined in accordance with square vertically and horizontally departing from the central
8.1.2. zero. The right side of the target should be labeled plus (+) and
8.1.2 The referee method of detecting optical defects and the left side minus (Ð) and vertical top plus (+) and bottom
local aberrations is to scan the central viewing zone, especially minus (Ð).
areas of suspicion arising from the visual test of 8.1.1. The lens 8.3.3 Test Procedure—The eye protector shall be mounted
or shield should be scanned with a precision focimeter accurate in a fixture so that the axis of the test instrument is aligned with
to 0.02 diopter resolution or an 8 to 10× telescope using the the normal line of sight as defined in 3.1.13. An appropriate
targets and arrangements described in 8.5.2. The aperture standard head with parallel horizontal holes drilled through the
should be 5 to 7 mm for this examination. Areas outside the eyes would be convenient but, in some cases, unnecessary. A
central viewing zone or within 6 mm of the edge need not be fixture with a board and dowel sticks can be devised to
tested. When the central viewing area is scanned, there shall be reproduce the alignment observer on a standard head. The
no sudden jump, doubling, or blurring of the image greater than interpupillary distance shall match that of the head. The fixture
0.08 diopters change in power. Gradual variations in the central or head should be mounted on a bench or table. A single
viewing zone shall be within the power imbalance tolerances. telescope can be used for straight-ahead monocular readings.
An optical focimeter with elect
...