Equipment for Boys' and Men's Lacrosse
(scroll down for info on girls' equipment)
The Crosse:
The crosse (lacrosse stick) is made of wood, laminated wood or synthetic material, with a shaped net pocket at the end. The crosse must be an overall length of 40 - 42 inches for attackmen and midfielders, or 52 - 72 inches for defensemen. The head of the crosse must be 6.5 - 10 inches wide, except a goalie’s crosse which may be 10 - 12 inches wide. The pocket of a crosse shall be deemed illegal if the top surface of a lacrosse ball, when placed in the head of the crosse, is below the bottom edge of the side wall.
The Ball:
The ball must be made of solid rubber and can be white, yellow or orange. The ball is 7.75 - 8 inches in circumference and 5 - 5.25 ounces.
The Helmet:
A protective helmet, equipped with face mask, chin pad and a cupped four point chin strap fastened to all four hookups, must be worn by all players. All helmets and face masks should be NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) approved.
The Mouthpiece:
The mouthpiece must be a highly visible color and is mandatory.
The Glove:
All players are required to wear protective gloves. The cutting or altering of gloves is prohibited.
Other Protective Equipment:
All players, with the exception of the goalkeeper, must wear shoulder pads. Arm pads are required and rib pads are strongly recommended, and often required, as are athletic supporters and protective cups for all players.
The goalkeeper is required to wear a throat protector and chest protector, in addition to a helmet, mouthpiece, gloves and a protective cup.
Men's Equipment Articles and Information
► Helmet Fitting and Facemask Removal
► Helmet Fitting Tips
► USL Position Statement on Helmets
► USL Position Statement on Mouthguards
► USL Position Statement on NCAA Stick Specs
► Men's Rules
Below is a diagram of the body equipment and suggested price ranges. SBLA has arranged for gear packages at a discount (see below).
Click Here for Men's Lacrosse Sizing Chart
Men's Lacrosse Sticks
Most lacrosse sticks are a little over one meter in length. The key difference between a boy’s/men’s lacrosse stick and a girl’s/woman’s lacrosse stick is the depth of the pocket. The men's lacrosse stick has a deeper pocket to allow for greater ball retention while absorbing body checks. Starting in middle school, boys who play defense may use sticks with longer shafts - up to five feet in length.
The crosse (lacrosse stick) is made of wood, laminated wood, or synthetic material, with a shaped net pocket at the end. A girl's crosse must be an overall length of 35.5 - 43.25 inches. The head of the crosse must be seven to nine inches wide. The pocket of the stick must be strung traditionally; no mesh is allowed. The top of the ball when dropped in the pocket must remain above the side walls.* The goalkeeper¹s crosse may be 35.5- 48 inches long. The head of the crosse may be mesh and up to 12 inches wide.
