A lot goes into the lacrosse experience and the safety of participants — not only the equipment they wear, but also other factors like the composition of the ball and playing surface, the credentials of the coaches and officials, and the rules governing the game.

Surprisingly, many of these elements are not standardized, often relegating a player’s safety to the discretion of consumers. One of US Lacrosse’s primary functions is to foster uniformity in the playing experience through education and advocacy.

To that end, the sport's national governing body had cause to celebrate Friday, when NOCSAE formally approved a new standard for chest protectors that researchers believe will reduce the likelihood of commotio cordis, a rare but lethal disruption of the heart rhythm that occurs as the result of a blow to the area directly over the heart.

Here’s a quick look at the essentials for which standards exist and should be followed — and those which remain discretionary.

BOYS/MEN

Stick
No standard

Though specifications exist for competitive purposes, there are no performance standards related to the component materials like the plastic of the head or the metal of the shaft.

Ball
NOCSAE 049-15m16

Original research in 2005 by Trey Crisco, a member of the US Lacrosse Sports Science and Safety Committee, led to the development of a NOCSAE ball standard, which became required by rules in 2014.

Helmet
NOCSAE 042-04m14

This longtime standard was in the spotlight in December 2014, when NOCSAE voided certification of the Cascade R and Warrior Regulator. Cascade developed a modification to regain NOCSAE compliance.

Facemask
NOCSAE 045-09m15

Testing requirements include projectile and penetration tests.

Mouthpiece
No standard

How are those pearly whites? ASTM F697 provides a standard for care and use, but the material used in mouth protection is not standardized.

Gloves
No standard

Broken thumbs are among the most common injuries for goalies.

Arm Pads
No standard

Though required by rules, arm guards do not have to meet a performance standard.

Shoulder Pads
No standard

See, arm pads.

Rib Pads *
No standard

Chest Protector **
NOCSAE 200-16

A standard to reduce risk of commotio cordis was approved Friday.

Supporter/Cup *
No standard

No comment.

Throat Protector **
No standard

Required for goalies. There is a standard for ice hockey (ASTM 3165), but not lacrosse.

* optional equipment
** required for goalies

PHOTO BY AJ MAST

GIRLS/WOMEN

Stick
No standard

Specifications have been under review in recent years to ensure competitive balance, but no safety standards exist.

Ball
NOCSAE 049-15m16

NOCSAE measures how much pressure it takes to compress the ball to 25 percent of its diameter, recently limiting that range to 115-150 pounds.

Eyewear
ASTM F3077

Studies showed a drastic reduction in ocular injuries after US Lacrosse and the NCAA mandated protective eyewear in 2014.

Headgear **
ASTM F3137

US Lacrosse led the development of this standard for optional head protection as allowed by the rules. Products must keep non-opting players safe by deforming upon contact, but must also meet stick and ball impact requirements.

Mouthpiece
No standard

Care and use standard ASTM F697 applies.

Shin Guard (Goalie) **
NOCSAE 091-03m14

Lacrosse goalies’ shin guards (mandatory at high school and below) must meet this soccer standard.

Helmet (Goalie) **
NOCSAE 042-04m14

Gloves (Goalie) **
No standard

Throat Protector (Goalie) **
No standard

Chest Protector (Goalie) **
NOCSAE 200-16

OTHER

Turf
ASTM F1936

This standard, developed initially for football, provides recommended specifications for shock absorption of turf playing systems.

Coaches
US Lacrosse

The national governing body offers a three-tiered certification system that can be completed in 3-5 years.

Officials
US Lacrosse

US Lacrosse requires its officials to undergo training and education as part of an annual recertification process. Not all local officials organizations, however, require US Lacrosse certification.

Footwear
No standard

ASTM standards cover impact attenuation for athletic shoe cushioning and traction of sports surface interface, both does not address these for specific sports.

Rules
US Lacrosse, NFHS and NCAA

In accordance with the Lacrosse Athlete Development Model, US Lacrosse adjusted its rules — including small-sided play and player segmentation — to assure a more developmentally appropriate experience at the youth level.

A version of this article appears in the January "Sport Science" edition of US Lacrosse Magazine. Don't get the mag? Join US Lacrosse today to start your subscription.