ASA Lacrosse Equipment Guidelines

This guide is intended to provide parents and players recommendations for proper equipment to allow safe and effective play. ASA does not endorse any specific manufacturer of lacrosse equipment. The main concern is that equipment meets national and youth standards. In most cases equipment guidelines are the same as scholastic or collegiate rules. Other deviations are youth specific.
 
General fit guidelines
All pads should fit the body such that mobility is not impaired. Equipment that is too small will not properly cover the intended body part. Equipment that is too large will impede play and potentially cause injury.   The most important fit guideline is that the helmet or goggles are properly fitted and is in good condition.
 
Boys
All age groups
  • Mouth guard (or mouth piece)
  • Supporter and Protective cup
  • Helmet- Lacrosse helmets should be in good condition, certified to meet national and youth standards, with chinstrap
  • Footwear- Players should wear football/soccer type molded cleats; work well in dry or wet conditions. Running shoes do not provide good footing even on dry grass.
  • Shoulder pads-should be sized to adequately cover the shoulders but not impede play. Deltoid pads are to be included and attached to the shoulder pads. 
  • Arm pads- should be sized to adequately cover the arms but not impede play.
  • Gloves- should be sized so players stick skills are not impeded but adequate hand protection is provided.
  • Rib pads may be worn if desired
  • Lacrosse stick
 
 
Special note on helmet fit: Small children cannot wear larger youth or adult helmets. (With a large helmet children’s movement is impeded and effective protection is not provided.). 
 
Sticks- There is a variety of sticks available from several manufacturers. . (ASA does not specifically endorse one equipment manufacturer.) The Selection of a stick should match the skill level of the player, keeping in mind that the price of a stick does not determine the ability of the player. There are many good sticks available at bargain prices. The player’s ability to pass, catch and shoot is mainly determined by good technique and the setup and adjustment of the pocket.

Stick Length
The length of the stick needs to be within the lengths specified by the lacrosse rules. But the practical length for the player should be a length that does not impede the movement and skill development of the player. Coaches can make recommendations on proper playing length. New sticks or handles when purchased are not trimmed to minimum length. This allows the handle to be trimmed to give a final stick length that is best for the player.
 
Legal lengths (youth rules)
·        K-4th grade 36”-42” overall length
·        5/6th grade 40” -72” overall length (Attack sticks are 40-42; Def are 52-72)
             Recommended lengths if used for this level are usually not longer than the height
             of the player to allow for proper development of stick handling.
·        7/8th grade 40” -72” overall length (Attack sticks are 40-42; Def are 52-72)
              Length of a goalie stick should be between 40” and 72” by the rules. However a
             short handle allows greater ability to make saves. Generally new goalie sticks are
             too long, and should be cut down to size for youth players.
 
Legal pocket depth (excluding Goalie) - Cannot see top of ball as viewed from side looking at the Bottom edge of the side wall. Coaches will assist players in adjusting pockets for best performance
  
Stick Design- Generally most manufacturers make sticks that apply to all age groups. However some models are intended for less experienced players, the difference being that the design is more forgiving in passing and catching. One particular stick design to AVOID is a “pinched head”, generally associated with advanced sticks. This means that the opening at the base (or throat) of the head is very narrow due to the pinching of the stick sidewalls. This design is not recommended for youth players, these advanced sticks can be very difficult to catch and throw with.
 
Mesh vs Traditional.
Traditional pockets are made of leather and nylon stringing that is manually constructed by weaving the material to the stick head. Mesh pockets are prefabricated material with diamond shape holes, which is attached to the stick head.
The general rule is if you do not know how to string your traditional pocket, you should be using mesh. Traditional stringing requires constant attention to maintain playability in all weather conditions. Mesh pockets by far are the most consistent in all weather conditions, and require less maintenance. Goalie sticks are always constructed with mesh pockets.
 
 Goalie Equipment
Goalies must wear all required equipment (as stated above) as other field player including arm pads. In addition to other equipment a properly fitting lacrosse chest protector and throat guard are required. New goalies may also wish to wear some type of soccer shin guards .
 
 
Girls
All age groups
  • Mouth guards – (mouth piece)
  • Goggles- Properly fitting approved women’s lacrosse goggles must be worn by all players certified to meet national and youth standards.
  • Footwear- Players should wear football/soccer type molded cleats; work well in dry or wet conditions. Running shoes do not provide good footing even on dry grass.
  • Protective Gloves can be worn, if desired.
 
Sticks
All girls are to use regulation women’s sticks. Men’s sticks are not to be used at any time. The design of women’s sticks though similar to men’s, they are not. Please ask the coaches if there are any questions regarding sticks.
 
Stick Length
·        K-4th grade 35.5”-43.25” overall length
·        5/6th grade 35.5”-43.25” overall length
·        7/8th grade 35.5” -43.25” overall length
·        Goalie stick 35.5” – 48”
 
Legal pocket depth (excluding Goalie) - Must see top of ball as viewed from side looking at the TOP edge of the side wall. Coaches will assist players in adjusting pockets for best performance.
 
Note – Girls 2-4th grade can have a pocket that is deeper that the legal pocket depth noted above. This will allow the player the opportunity to learn the basic passing and catching skills easier.
 
Goalie Equipment
Goalies must wear all required equipment (as stated above) as other field player including arm pads. In addition to other equipment a properly fitting lacrosse chest protector and throat guard are required. New goalies may also wish to wear some type of soccer shin guards as well.
 
  
Where to get equipment.
From other players
Getting used equipment from other players or siblings is a great way to save money. However, caution must be exercised in that the must meet current standards, be in good condition, and fits properly.
  
Local Stores
There are several local stores that sell equipment such that players may try the gear on for proper fit.
Dicks Sporting Goods              Omega Sports              Play it again sports
Sports Shack- Apex
 
Internet

Also, there are many vendors on the Internet that specialize in lacrosse equipment as well. Additional equipment guidance can be found at www.uslacrosse.org.