Whether you're checking an opponent's stick, dodging a defender or hurtling a ball into the goal, lacrosse is a fast-moving and fun sport to play. Like many contact sports, lacrosse requires players to wear protective gear, including helmets. Helmets protect players' heads against injury, but they work only if they fit properly.
Construction
Lacrosse helmets have a hard plastic shell with padding on the interior. A chinstrap secures the helmet under the chin, and a wire face mask closes over the player's face. Often, players attach their mouth guards to the face mask. Air vents dot the helmet's plastic shell, reducing helmet weight and improving air flow. U.S. Lacrosse recommends using only helmets approved by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment.
Brow Fit
For maximum protection, helmets must provide good head coverage while also allowing players a good field of vision. According to U.S. Lacrosse, helmets should sit low on the forehead so there is just one finger's width of space above the eyebrows. When fitted in this way, helmets minimize injury to foreheads while also allowing players to see clearly.
Snugness
Helmets should sit squarely on the head and fit snugly all around. U.S. Lacrosse recommends the fit be firm and uniform throughout, so that the skin of the forehead will move if the helmet is shifted left or right, up or down. The four-point chinstrap attached to the helmet secures the helmet to the player's head. Chinstraps should be tightened beneath a player's chin so they leave no slack. However, helmets should not be so tight as to cause headaches.
Maintenance
U.S. Lacrosse recommends replacing helmet screws and T-nuts before each new lacrosse season and replacing face masks if they are bent. The organization also reminds players and their parents that helmet fit can change if hairstyle changes considerably. A long-haired player who gets a very short cut will need to adjust his helmet's fit.
Manufacturer Recommendations
Consumers should follow specific manufacturers' fit instructions when considering whether to purchase a specific brand or size of helmet. Helmets are often measured in inches, and manufacturer size charts will specify what helmet sizes correspond to different head sizes. Players should not decorate their helmet without consulting with the manufacturer first, as decorating the helmet may compromise safety.
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