Lacrosse equipment for kids varies depending on gender. The fact that boys lacrosse is considered a contact sport and girls lacrosse is a non-contact sport dictates the amount of protective gear required to play. The lacrosse sticks, also called crosses, vary between genders as well, due to the amount of contact permitted.
Stick/Crosse
A regulation crosse is required to play both boys and girls lacrosse, yet the differences between boys and girls crosses are noteworthy. Boys lacrosse allows two lengths of sticks--a long crosse used by defenders and a short crosse used by attack players. Both long and short crosses have deep mesh pockets that help players maintain ball possession despite physical contact. In comparison with boys, girls lacrosse employs only one length of crosse and because of minimal physical contact, the crosse is strung with a shallow pocket.
Face Protection
The contrast in physical contact between girls and boys lacrosse results in different forms of face protection. Based on equipment guidelines from US Lacrosse, helmets "equipped with face mask, chin pad and a cupped four point chin strap" are required for boys lacrosse. Girls lacrosse requires players to wear only an eye mask, which must meet specific safety standards.
Mouth Protection
Regardless of gender or age, mouth guards are required to play the sport of lacrosse. US Lacrosse also states that players must wear colored mouth guards, meaning no clear or white, so that referees can easily see whether players are wearing mouth guards.
Body Protection
Due to the degree of physical contact, only boys are required to wear body protection. Required gear includes shoulder pads, arm guards and a protective cup. Although not required, Boys' Youth Lacrosse Rules from US Lacrosse strongly recommend rib pads.
Hand Protection
The stick-to-stick contact that occurs in boys lacrosse imparts the necessity of gloves, which are thick and padded, much like ice hockey gloves. According to US Lacrosse equipment guidelines, no requirements exist, but girls are permitted to wear "close-fitting gloves."
Footwear
Specialized footwear is not a requirement to play lacrosse, but cleats are highly recommended. Many games are played on grass or turf fields, where typical athletic shoes may not provide sufficient traction. Lacrosse-specific cleats for both turf and grass can be worn, but soccer cleats may also be utilized.
Goalkeepers
Equipment required for goalkeepers is nearly identical for both boys and girls lacrosse. US Lacrosse equipment guidelines dictate that "a helmet with face mask, separate throat protector, padded gloves, mouth piece, and chest protector" must be worn by goalkeepers. Boys must also wear a protective cup, with the option of arm, leg and shoulder padding. Additionally, US Lacrosse 2010 Official Rules for Girls & Women's Lacrosse specifies that high school and younger need thigh and shin padding, youth girls are required to wear abdominal/pelvic protection, and girls of all ages have the option of wearing arm padding.
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