Attention! New Equipment Standards Boys' & Girls' Lacrosse Chest Protection FAQs
Starting January 1st, 2022 all field players must wear NOCSAE ND 200 compliant shoulder pads. (Goalies were required to wear certified chest protectors starting in 2021.)
Refer to USA Lacrosse's equipment page to understand the importance of the new shoulder pads and for answers to frequently asked questions.
Before you buy –
- Read the FAQs on the USA Lacrosse website
- Ask your grade coordinator if you need help
- MYL is working on a COUPON day with a local equipment provider – will announce details soon.
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Only purchase shoulder pads with the NOCSAE certified label
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What is NOCSAE ND200?
NOCSAE ND200 is the first-ever performance standard for chest protection. Product compliance with ND200 reduces impact forces and thus the risk of commotio cordis (cardiac arrest due to a blow to the heart area).
Who is most at risk for sustaining a commotio cordis injury?
Players at any age and gender are at risk for this injury, but based on statistics, younger male athletes have a higher incidence of sustaining this injury.
When must goalies begin using chest protection that meet the NOCSAE standard?
Beginning in 2021, all chest protectors (youth, high school, collegiate, and post-collegiate) must meet the new performance standard. US Lacrosse encourages players of all ages to begin using chest protectors that meet the NOCSAE standard as soon as possible. The delayed implementation in the rules allows for product development by equipment manufacturers.
What are the different product options for goalies?
Goalie chest protectors that meet the performance standard began to emerge in the marketplace in 2019, with more products scheduled for release in the future. Product designs will vary from one manufacturer to another, but all must meet the NOCSAE ND200 standard.
When must boys’ & men’s field players have pads that meet the NOCSAE ND200 standard?
Beginning in 2022, all field players in the boys’/men’s game must have shoulder pads or protectors that meet the NOCSAE performance standard. Some manufacturers have already begun to introduce chest protection for boys’ field players into the marketplace. US Lacrosse encourages field players of all ages to begin using protection as soon as they can, rather than waiting for the 2022 mandate.
How do I know that the chest protector I buy meets the NOCSAE standard?
All products that meet the NOCSAE standard, ND200, must be certified by the independent Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) and include the NOCSAE Lacrosse label shown below. Consumers are also encouraged to check the SEI website (https://www.seinet.org/search.htm) under Program: Chest Protectors (Lacrosse) to verify that the specific brand is listed as approved.
