REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
- Helmet
- Mouthguard
- Shoulder Pads (includes chest and upper back)
- Arm Pads
- Gloves
- Stick
- Cleats Although it is not absolutely required, we strongly recommend that all players wear cleats for better traction when running and stopping. When purchasing new cleats, try to get high-tops for ankle support as ankle injuries are one of the most common injuries in this sport. Cleats with a soft top in the toe area do not offer as much protection. Also DO NOT use baseball or golf cleats (no metal spikes). Cleats designed for lacrosse, football or soccer work best.
- Athletic Cup is strongly recommended; required for goal tenders
Since it protects the most important part of your player, the most important piece of equipment you will buy is the helmet. There are two things to remember when buying a helmet for the first time: 1) the helmet MUST be NOCSAE certified, and 2) it must FIT well. There are several manufacturers of helmets: Cascade by Sport Helmet, PlayLax, and Stryke. You will discover that Cascade helmets are the most common and easiest to find, consequently, most of our players in the league wear "Cascade" helmets. Cascade makes a number of expensive models such as the C2, C Pro, etc. You do not need these. Those who do wear Cascade typically wear the "Cascade Classic" model. We prefer that the players get white helmets, although any color is permitted. An "SV" sticker logo is available at Saucon Valley Sports. Regardless of the manufacturer, any helmet you get MUST be NOCSAE certified (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment). This is very easy to determine. On the back of the helmet will be a small, embossed emblem that states "NOCSAE Certified." If the helmet does not have this emblem, DO NOT BUY IT. Your player can not use this helmet in a game (or practice), and the referees know to look for the emblem. The emblem will certainly be on any new helmet you buy, but look to make sure. We strongly recommend that you take your player to the store when it is time to buy a helmet. It is essential to fit the helmet properly so it will provide the most protection. The helmet should be "snug," but not so tight that it makes your player uncomfortable. A common complaint has been the helmet pinching at the temple areas. Remember, your player is going to wear this helmet for 1 to 2 hours at a time. If it makes him uncomfortable when he is trying it on, it will make him miserable at practices and games.
All players are required to wear a mouthguard when practicing or playing lacrosse. The mouthguard must be visible and worn at all times. This means the mouthguard must have a strap to attach to the helmet. During games, referees require that the mouthguard be colored (black, yellow, green, etc.) and NOT CLEAR. The referees and coaches look constantly to see that your player has his mouthguard in his mouth. Wearing colored mouthguards allows them to do this easily. There are also mouthguards designed to cover braces. One of the most common brands is Shock Doctor.
Lacrosse shoulder pads are much simpler than football shoulder pads. The same manufacturers who make sticks generally make these pads. The most important aspect of getting shoulder pads is that they fit your player comfortably. If the pads are too tight, they will rub a raw spot on the player. If they are too loose then they will not provide appropriate protection. You don't need an expensive set of shoulder pads. You will want to make sure they go over his shoulders and cover his upper chest.
Elbow/arm pads are the simplest piece of equipment to buy. The main thing to remember is that the pads should fit tightly enough so that they don't slide down your player's arm, but not so tight that they cut off the player's circulation.
Like sticks, there are a lot of models of lacrosse gloves, also made by the same manufacturers who make sticks. Some of these gloves are expensive. You do not need them. Most gloves come with a nylon outer shell with leather (or leather and mesh) palms. Most manufacturers make sizes that are measured from the tip of the index finger on the glove to the base of the cuff. A typical youth sized glove is 10 inches. The glove Brine makes in this size is called an "L10." If your player is larger, he may need an 11 or 12 inch glove. The most important aspect of getting gloves is that they fit your player properly. Also, if you are buying used gloves, make sure there are no tears or holes in the palms; damaged or torn gloves cannot be worn in games.
At the U11 level and below, your first stick should be a Midfielder/ Attack stick. This is the standard size stick which should be about 40 inches in total length (from tip of head to bottom of stick), and should NOT be any longer than about 45 inches. Almost all of the Midfield/ Attack sticks you find in stores will be this length. Starting at the U13 level of play, defensemen can use the longer stick (52 to 72 inches in length). The goalie's stick may be up to 10 to 12 inches inside measurement at its widest point. The most common manufacturers of lacrosse equipment in general, and lacrosse sticks specifically are: Brine, STX, Warrior, and Shamrock. These manufacturers make sticks from entry level up to Pro level. The younger players will want to purchase an "entry level" stick and head. The entry-level sticks have simple aluminum shafts, and open faces on the head. Examples of these sticks for the manufacturers listed above are: Brine Oz or Flame, STX Rotor, Warrior Patriot, and Shamrock Rock. The retail cost of these sticks will be between $30 and $60. A quick word about the stringing on the stick: Most of the sticks you get will have one of three types of stringing. These are: Traditional (nylon and leather), Hard Mesh, or Soft mesh. All of these are fine. There are many other "specialty" stringings available (like "Monster- Mesh", "Rock-it Pocket," etc.), but these are not necessary, and your newer player can not appreciate them. The pocket of the crosse is considered illegal if the top of the ball, when placed in the head of the stick, is below the bottom of the stick's sidewall.