Points of Emphasis
- Headgear use is optional in the rules at all levels of play in girls' and women's lacrosse.
- Any headgear that is used must meet the ASTM standard, F3137, initially developed in 2015.
- All women’s headgear products that include integrated eyewear must meet the ASTM eyewear standard, F3077-17, in addition to the ASTM headgear standard, F3137.
- All protective eyewear and integrated headgear that have been certified by SEI and are legal for play are listed on the SEI website.
- Questions regarding the compliance of specific headgear models that include integrated eyewear should be directed to the manufacturers. The primary manufacturers of integrated headgear are: Cascade (1-800-537-1702) and Hummingbird (1-888-501-1590).
- There must be marking on both the packaging and product that states that the headgear conforms to ASTM standard F3137.
- Recent research measuring the effect of protective headgear use by female high school players found that the use of headgear that meets the ASTM standard can reduce concussion rates.
- Researchers and experts agree that the use of headgear is not the oversimplified approach for reduced concussion risk, but should be just one factor, along with coaches and officials education, consistent rules implementation, and technical ability of players, for a safer game.
Women's Headgear News Archives
- VIDEO: Perceptions of Headgear Use (Dec. 2021)
- VIDEO: Headgear Research & Rule Changes (Nov. 2021)
- VIDEO: Summary of Women's Headgear Research (Oct. 2021)
- Women's Headgear Research Study Findings Announced (Oct. 2021)
- The Story Behind the 10-Year Evolution of Women's Headgear (Sept. 2021)
- Women's Headgear Timeline & History (June 2021)
- New Research Provides Data on Women's Headgear Use (Jan. 2021)
- Pandemic Puts Pause on USL Funded Women's Headgear Research (Sept. 2020)
- USL Extends Research Funding for Girls' Injury Study (Oct. 2019)
- Two-Year Research Study is Examining Impact of Women's Headgear (March 2019)
- VIDEO: Deep Dive Into Women's Headgear (July 2017)
FAQs on Women's Headgear
What does the ASTM standard mean?
The ASTM standard is the first-ever performance standard for women’s lacrosse headgear, developed to help reduce impact forces associated with stick and ball contact in women’s lacrosse. See the timeline of headgear development.
Who are ASTM and SEI?
ASTM and SEI are independent organizations that develop performance standards and certify products to help ensure player safety. Please visit the SEI website for a listing of models that have submitted a passing report compliant with ASTM F3137 and are deemed legal for play.
Will the headgear prevent concussions?
The headgear standard was developed to decrease ball-to-head and stick-to-head impact forces. No headgear or helmet in any sport has been proven to prevent concussions.
Is the use of headgear required?
No. Headgear remains optional in the USA Lacrosse Youth Rule Book and in the USAL/NFHS Rule Book.
What does the headgear look like and what does it cost?
The ASTM performance standard requires the headgear to fully cover the head, thus precluding the head band type of products used by some players. Some headgear may have integrated eyewear; any headgear used must be worn with required eyewear. The standard has two options, allowing manufacturers to make their headgear with the eyewear implemented or a product that is compatible with various eyewear products currently on the market. Products vary in cost and design.