Under official USA Lacrosse and NFHS rules, mouthguards are mandatory for all boys' and girls' players. Mouthguards cannot be completely white or 100% clear. In girls' lacrosse, guards must be strapless and compatible with protective goggles; in boys' lacrosse, guards may be strapped to the helmet facemask or strapless.
Lacrosse features high-velocity rubber balls traveling up to 90 mph, aggressive stick checks, and rapid fast-break transitions. Dental protection is among the most strictly enforced gear checks conducted by game officials.
Below is your complete guide to USA Lacrosse equipment regulations, color compliance rules, and how gear requirements differ between boys' and girls' divisions.
1. Girls' vs. Boys' Lacrosse: Key Rule Differences
- Girls' Lacrosse (Eyewear + Strapless): Because girls' lacrosse is non-helmeted (players wear ASTM-certified protective goggles), mouthguards must be strapless. The guard must fit snugly on the upper dental arch so players can communicate field calls without losing the piece.
- Boys' Lacrosse (Helmets + Optional Strap): Boys wear full-face helmets. Players can choose between a tethered guard attached to the facemask or a strapless dual-layer guard.
- The Color Rule: In both divisions, referees must be able to visually confirm that a player is wearing their mouthguard from the sideline. Solid high-visibility colors (like Black, Electric Pink, or Purple) are standard.
Jawgator Armour-Clad™ Dual-Layer 3-Pack
High-Impact Dispersion • High-Visibility Colors • Clear Speech Flow
- ✓ Stick-Check Energy Absorption: Dual-layer polymer absorbs high-speed ball and stick impacts.
- ✓ Clear Field Communication: Call defensive slides and offensive plays without muffled speech.
- ✓ 3 Guards Included: Includes 3 ventilated cases for clean gear bag storage.
2. Lacrosse Match-Day Equipment Checklist
- Check for White or Clear Sections: If your league follows NFHS guidelines strictly, ensure your guard has visible color so referees do not flag you before faceoff.
- Test Vacuum Retention: Before stepping onto the field, open your mouth wide. If the guard drops down without biting, re-soften in hot water and re-mold with stronger suction.
- Carry a Clean Spare: Dropping a mouthguard on the turf during substitutions means taking a penalty or missing plays while looking for water. Always keep a backup in your stick bag.
Frequently Asked Questions (Lacrosse Rules)
Jawgator Armour-Clad™ 2-Pack Combat Duo
Engineered with dual-layer Hydro-Mold EVA to cushion brackets and disperse heavy collision shock without triggering your gag reflex. Each set includes 2 legal guards + 2 sterile ventilated cases.
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