The fall lacrosse season will be starting soon, and for those new to the game, or simply shopping for a new helmet, both USA Lacrosse and the CDC provide free online information to help guide consumers.
What should you look for and what should you avoid when picking out a helmet for your lacrosse player?
First and foremost, make sure any helmet you are considering is NOCSAE approved. The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment conducts rigorous tests and sets standards for safe athletic equipment, including lacrosse helmets. The helmet should have a label that says “MEETS NOCSAE Standard” as certified either by the manufacturer or by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI).
While there is no concussion-proof helmet, a lacrosse helmet can help protect your athlete from a serious head injury.
Remember that helmets are measured in inches, so check manufacturers’ charts to show the proper size helmet for your child’s head. Helmet sizes will often vary from brand-to-brand and with different models.
Each helmet will fit differently, so it is important to check out the manufacturer’s website for the helmet brand’s fit instructions and sizing charts. And bring your athlete with you when buying a new helmet to make sure that you can check for a good fit.
A lacrosse helmet should fit snugly all around, with no spaces between the internal padding and the athlete’s head. The padding of the helmet should give firm and uniform pressure about the head, but also allow the skin on the athlete’s forehead to move if the helmet is shifted left or right, up or down. A proper helmet fit should never cause headaches.
Your child or teen should try on the helmet with the hairstyle he or she will wear while at practices and games. Helmet fit can change if your athlete’s hairstyle changes. For example, a long-haired athlete who gets a very short haircut may need to adjust the fit of the helmet.
Be sure there is a four-point chin-strap attached to the helmet. Helmets are manufactured for the chin-strap to fit directly on the chin. The chin-strap should be tightened so that there is no slack.
Once the chin strap is fastened, the helmet should not easily move in any direction, back-to-front or side-to-side. For helmets with the four-point-chin strap system, all four straps must be snapped and tightened as part of the fitting process.
The facemask should attach cleanly to the helmet and should be replaced if it is bent.
Never allow your athlete to use a cracked or broken helmet, or a helmet that is missing any padding or parts. Check for missing or loose parts and padding before the season and regularly during the season.
These online resources may provide further assistance in the helmet purchasing process.
▪ Helmet Fitting Tips from USA Lacrosse
▪ Lacrosse Helmet Safety from the CDC
