Once a niche sport played by men, lacrosse continues to grow as a sport for women. Data provided by the National Federation of State High School Associations shows that participation in women's lacrosse grew 12.6 percent between the 2007-2008 and 2009-2010 school years. The women's game shares many of the same objectives as men's lacrosse, but with added safety measures requiring modifications to the equipment used.
Sticks
Women's lacrosse sticks, or crosses, are limited to two varieties -- field and goalkeeper. US Lacrosse rules, which are used at the high school level, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association restrict the goalie's crosse to a length between 35.5 and 48 inches. Field crosses have the same minimum length, but are capped at 43.25 inches. There are no weight specifications.
Both organizations' rule books state that sticks can only be made from carbon composite; rubber; synthetic or natural leather; fiberglass; nylon; or plastic. Companies may also use other synthetic materials, but are restricted on the use of metal alloys, which may only be used in the stick handle.
Stick Pockets
The head of the stick is topped with a triangular-shaped head and laced pocket. Both the NCAA and US Lacrosse state that field players can have four or five horizontal laces, crossed by 8 to 12 vertical laces. Mesh pockets are prohibited for field players. Goalie pockets may have mesh, or a cross pattern of horizontal and vertical laces with six or seven in each direction.
Balls
Lacrosse balls are stamped with the approved seal of the level of the game being played -- NFHS for high school or NCAA for college. Game balls measure between 7.75 and 8 inches around and weigh between 5 and 5.25 ounces. Balls must also pass a bounce test. When dropped from a height of 6 feet onto concrete with a temperature between 72 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, the ball's rebound must measure between 43 and 51 inches.
During regular season college play, teams may choose between a smooth or textured ball that is either yellow or bright orange. The NCAA mandates use of a smooth yellow ball in all tournament games.
Goalkeeper Gear
Goalies spend the entire game having the above-described ball shot at their bodies. To protect goalies, NCAA and US Lacrosse rules require headgear and body padding. Helmets must have a face mask with separate throat protector. Goalies must also outfit themselves with padded gloves, and chest padding, which may not exceed 1 inch in thickness. Arm pads are recommended, but not required for all goalkeepers, while leg pads are recommended for college players and required for high school players.
Safety Equipment
Every player is required to wear a mouth guard. Although off-the-shelf guards are approved, US Lacrosse recommends professionally fitted protectors. Eyewear is also mandated and only protection certified by US Lacrosse may be worn at the high school or collegiate levels. Nose guards and soft headgear may be worn by players, but are not required.
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