Lacrosse Chest Protector FAQ

NOCSAE ND200 is the first-ever performance standard for chest protection. Product compliance with ND200 reduces impact forces and thus the risk of commotio cordis (cardiac arrest due to a blow to the heart area). Effective January 1, 2021, the use of goalie chest protectors that meet this NOCSAE performance standard became mandatory in the USA Lacrosse boys’ and girls’ youth rules, the NFHS boys’ and girls’ high school rules, and the NCAA men’s and women’s rules.

Players at any age and gender are at risk for this injury, but based on statistics, younger male athletes have a higher incidence of sustaining this injury.

Beginning in 2022, it became mandatory that all field players in the boys’/men’s game must have shoulder pads or protectors that meet the NOCSAE performance standard. These products are available in the marketplace through multiple manufacturers and retailers, both online providers as well as brick-and-mortar outlets. The shoulder pads must be designed for lacrosse, cover the top of the shoulder, collarbone and sternum, and contain the NOCSAE logo and SEI certification mark. 

Beginning in 2021, it became mandatory that all goalie chest protectors (youth, high school, collegiate, and post-collegiate) meet the NOCSAE performance standard. Goalie chest protectors that meet the performance standard could vary in product design from one manufacturer to another, but all must meet the NOCSAE ND200 standard. 

All equipment that meets a performance standard and is certified by a 3rd party in boys’ or girls’ lacrosse is mandatory, with the exception of women’s headgear, which remains optional. Additional protective equipment that does not meet a performance standard may also be required and is noted in the respective rule books.

Modifications to the approved rules that could jeopardize player safety, including the use of non-certified equipment, should never be made. Further, intentionally violating the rules could bring greater liability to game officials and program leaders. The USA Lacrosse insurance policy states that game officials must officiate according to the approved rules. Therefore, if the officials permit the use of non-ND200 protection, and a lawsuit resulted, officials would not be covered if any liability suits arise. Similarly, leagues that violate the approved rules could be deemed negligent, and perhaps grossly negligent, if the player were to suffer a commotio cordis event as a result of not wearing the approved protection.

All products that meet the NOCSAE standard, ND200, must be certified by the independent Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) and include the NOCSAE Lacrosse label shown below. Consumers are also encouraged to check the SEI website (https://www.seinet.org/search.htm) under Program: Chest Protectors (Lacrosse) to verify that the specific brand is listed as approved. 

USA Lacrosse grants and scholarships help to support community partners that create participation opportunities and break down the barriers that prevent some individuals from the experiencing lacrosse. For more information visit www.usalacrosse.com/types-grants.