Lacrosse is a contact sport, making the helmet a required and critical piece of equipment for players. A properly fitting helmet protects the player from injury during games and practice and should be worn at all times. The key to getting the maximum protection from a lacrosse helmet is having one that is the proper size.
Determining Helmet Size
Lacrosse helmets come in a variety of sizes and most exact measurements vary by manufacturer. In general, sizes are usually determined in inches. A measuring tape can be used to determine the players head circumference to provide a starting point for helmet sizing. The helmet should be placed squarely on a player's head with the front sitting on or just above the brow.
Assessing Helmet Fit
Several factors must be considered to ensure the helmet you have chosen fits properly and provides maximum protection. The padding inside the helmet should place uniform, firm pressure around the head allowing the skin on the forehead to move with the helmet. The chin strap should be fastened and offer no slack while allowing the mouth to open and close and the helmet should sit squarely on the top of the head.
Adult and Youth Helmet Sizes
The sizing of specific helmets varies among manufacturers but typically adult lacrosse helmets are in the range of small, medium and large while youth lacrosse helmets are in the range of toddler, small/medium and medium/large. The adult small helmet fits head circumference 20 to 21-3/4 inches, medium fits 22 to 22-3/4 inches and large fits 23-1/4 to 24 inches. The youth toddler helmet fits head circumference 18-1/2 to 20-1/2 inches, small/medium fits 20-1/2 to 22-1/2 inches and medium/large fits 22-1/2 to 23-3/4 inches.
Tips
Wearing a properly fitting lacrosse helmet ensures the player's safety and the available helmet options can be overwhelming. Some helmets might be available in a one-size-fits-all category and manufacturer's recommendations should be followed as to how to fit these individual helmets to best fit the player. Lacrosse players are required to wear a mouth guard that is usually attached to the face mask of the helmet. Helmets use a four-point buckle system to assist with fit and the face mask must have a center bar that runs from top to bottom.
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