Lacrosse and field hockey involve high-velocity solid balls (often exceeding 60–90 mph) and hard stick contact. High school governing bodies (NFHS and USA Lacrosse) enforce strict gear certifications to prevent facial and cardiac injuries.
- Mouthguards: Mandatory for all players in girls' lacrosse, boys' lacrosse, and high school field hockey.
- Eye Protection: Field players must wear protective goggles certified to ASTM standards (ASTM F3077 for lacrosse, ASTM F2713 for field hockey).
- Chest Protectors (NOCSAE ND200): Mandatory for all lacrosse goalies and boys' field players to protect against commotio cordis.
Mouthguard Regulations in Stick Sports
Under NFHS rules, mouthguards must be form-fitted (boil-and-bite or custom dental) and fully cover the upper dental arch. Under updated guidelines, mouthguards must serve a clear protective purpose without dangling decorative attachments that pose injury hazards.
Chest Protection Standards (NOCSAE ND200)
Commotio cordis is a rare cardiac arrest caused by blunt-force impact to the chest over the heart. The NOCSAE ND200 standard requires chest pads to dissipate direct ball impacts:
- Boys' Lacrosse: Shoulder pads for all field players must carry the official SEI/NOCSAE ND200 certification tag.
- Lacrosse & Field Hockey Goalies: Specialized padded chest protectors certified to NOCSAE standards are mandatory.
Eye & Facial Protection
In girls' lacrosse and high school field hockey, field players wear lightweight wire or polycarbonate goggles that preserve 180-degree peripheral vision while preventing orbital fractures from stick checks.
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