EQUIPMENT FITTING GUIDE
US Lacrosse recently published an Equipment Fitting Guide to help provide first-time buyers, parents and players with suggested guidelines in purchasing equipment. Designed to help both the boys’ and girls’ youth player, the guide explains how lacrosse equipment should feel when properly worn.
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BOYS
GLOVES (Required)
Hand must be fully inserted in glove
Includes additional thumb protection
Should cover 2”-3” above the wrist
Too short - cuff won’t protect wrist
Too long - cuff will limit mobility
HELMET (Required)
Must be field lacrosse-specific
Statement/seal indicating it meets NOCSAE standard performance specification
Proper fit should be based on manufacturers’ guidelines & requirements on their website or included with helmet
RIB PADS (Recommended)
Must cover ribs and kidneys; adjust by loosening/tightening straps
Should fit comfortably, not restricting breathing
Tight enough to so they do not move excessively during play
Try on rib pads prior to adding shoulder pads to ensure proper fit
PROTECTIVE CUP (Youth Required/HS Recommended)
Fitted for comfort & protection
Large enough to provide coverage but not cause discomfort while running
Garments to improve comfort include: supporters, all-in-one briefs & combinations of both
MOUTHGUARD (Required)
Variety of materials, sizes, colors & fitting options
Must be visible color other than clear or white
Self-molding (from manufacturers) or custom-molded (from dentists)
Proper fit allows players to talk, cover the upper jaw of teeth & not cause discomfort
May not be altered to decrease protection; can cut if too large for athlete’s mouth
SHOULDER PADS (Required)
Covers top of shoulder, collarbone & sternum
Shoulder caps must rest on top of shoulders
Collar should lie flat on collarbone
Straps tightened - bicep pad sits high on arm so to not interfere with arm pads
Sternum plate must cover sternum
Should fit comfortably; adjust by loosening/tightening straps
Too tight - may restrict movement; too loose - can move during play & expose player to injury
ARM PADS / GUARDS (Required)
Tight as to not slide down arm; loose as to not cause discomfort
Elbow should be properly & completely covered
If pad includes straps secure comfortably for limited movement during play
BOY’S GOALIE EQUIPMENT
GOALIE GLOVES (Required)
Hand must be fully inserted in glove
Includes additional thumb protection
Should cover 2”-3” above the wrist
Too short - cuff won’t protect wrist
Too long - cuff will limit mobility
MOUTHGUARD (Required)
Variety of materials, sizes, colors & fitting options
Must be visible color other than clear or white
Self-molding (from manufacturers) or custom-molded (from dentists)
Proper fit allows players to talk, cover the upper jaw of teeth & not cause discomfort
May not be altered to decrease protection; can cut if too large for athlete’s mouth
ARM PADS / GUARDS (Youth Required/HS Recommended)
Tight as to not slide down arm; loose as to not cause discomfort
Elbow should be properly & completely covered
If pad includes straps secure comfortably for limited movement during play
PROTECTIVE CUP (Youth Required/HS Recommended)
Fitted for comfort & protection
Large enough to provide coverage but not cause discomfort while running
Garments to improve comfort include supporters, all-in-one briefs & combinations of both
For goalies – pads available that integrate thigh padding with protective cup
THROAT GUARD (Required)
Separate from helmet & required
Attach with snaps/screws/other fasteners
Proper fit for helmet & guard must be done relying on manufacturers’ guidelines & requirements on their website or included with helmet/guard
CHEST PROTECTOR (Required)
Covers front torso, neckline to below navel
Body straps secured to front of pad – adjust for snug, comfortable fit
Too tight – restricts player’s movement
Too loose – pads can move & expose player to injury
Collar of chest protector should lie flat on player’s collarbone
Preferably includes additional arm & shoulder protection
Must wear underneath jersey
HELMET (Required)
Must be field lacrosse-specific
Statement/seal indicating it meets NOCSAE standard performance specification
Proper fit should be based on manufacturers’ guidelines & requirements on their website or included with helmet
GIRLS
GOGGLES (Required)
Must be lacrosse-specific
Meets the ASTM International standard performance specification; includes a statement/seal indicating compliance
Proper fit should be based on manufacturers’ guidelines & requirements on their website or included with the goggles
MOUTHGUARD (Required)
Variety of materials, sizes, colors & fitting options
Must be visible color other than clear or white
Self-molding (from manufacturers) or custom-molded (from dentists)
Proper fit allows players to talk, cover the upper jaw of teeth & not cause discomfort
May not be altered to decrease protection; can cut if too large for athlete’s mouth
GLOVES (Optional)
If worn, they must be close-fitting & should be comfortable for player while holding a stick
Goalie gloves not permitted for field players
GIRLS GOALIE EQUIPMENT
GOALIE GLOVES (Required)
Hand must be fully inserted in glove
Includes additional thumb protection
Should cover 2”-3” above the wrist
Too short - cuff won’t protect wrist
Too long - cuff will limit mobility
CHEST PROTECTOR (Required)
Should cover front torso from neckline to below navel
Body straps must be secured to the front of pad – adjust for a snug, comfortable fit
Too tight – restricts player’s movement
Too loose – pads can move & expose player to injury
Collar of chest protector should lie flat on player’s collarbone
Must wear underneath jersey
PELVIC/ABDOMINAL PROTECTION (Youth Required/HS Recommended)
Generally incorporated in leg pads
MOUTHGUARD (Required)
Variety of materials, sizes, colors & fitting options
Must be visible color other than clear or white
Self-molding (from manufacturers) or custom-molded (from dentists)
Proper fit allows players to talk, cover the upper jaw of teeth & not cause discomfort
May not be altered to decrease protection; can cut if too large for athlete’s mouth
HELMET (Required)
Must be field lacrosse-specific
Statement/seal to indicate it meets NOCSAE standard performance specification
Proper fit should be based on manufacturers’ guidelines & requirements on their website or included with helmet
THROAT GUARD (Required)
Separate from helmet
Attach with snaps, screws or other fasteners
Proper fit for helmet & guard must be done relying on manufacturers’ guidelines & requirements on their website or included with helmet/guard
LEG PADS (Required)
Must protect shins & thighs
May not use field hockey equipment
Tight enough so they don’t slide up or down during play
Tight enough not to cause discomfort