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posted 12/13/2016
Please read through. Copied from the USLax website, hoping to answer more questions than I create. The short of it is that headgear for girls is optional for all youth players this year; but, it is expected to be mandatory for the 2018 season. So if you buy, check that what you purchase will still meet next season's standards. Key note is that some headgear incorporates eye protection, too, so what she'll be most comfortable in over the long-term is an important consideration. Will provide more specifics asap! Lisa
Women's Lacrosse Headgear FAQs
Points of Emphasis
- The use of headgear is optional in girls' and women's lacrosse.
- Any headgear used after January 1, 2017 must meet the ASTM standard, F3137.
- The ASTM standard, F3137, is a performance standard, not a design standard.
- Product designs will likely vary from one manufacturer to another.
- Products must provide full coverage of the head.
- Products must be worn with required ASTM women’s lacrosse eyewear.
- There must be marking on both the packaging and product that states that the headgear conforms to ASTM standard F3137.
What does the 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.
Will the new headgear prevent concussions?
The headgear standard was developed to decrease ball- and stick-to-head impact force. 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 US Lacrosse Youth Rule Book and in the USL/NFHS Rule Book.
When will this headgear be available?
Headgear products have begun to be available in the marketplace, as of September 2016. US Lacrosse has created an online listing for headgear models that have submitted a passing report in compliance with ASTM standard F3137.
What does this mean for the 2016 season?
During the remainder of 2016, both current soft headgear allowable under the 2016 rules and any headgear that meets the ASTM standard will be legal for play. US Lacrosse encourages parents, program administrators and athletic directors to contact the manufacturer of gear already purchased for information on compliance to the new standard.
Will the new headgear be soft?
ASTM standard F3137 is not a soft headgear standard and the standard itself makes no mention of the word "soft." However, the testing protocol does require that the product meets a certain flexibility to insure that players who are wearing the product do not injure those who are not.
How much will the new headgear products cost?
Products vary in cost and design. Please contact the headgear manufacturers for more information.
What will the headgear look like?
The ASTM standard requires the headgear to fully cover the head, thus precluding the use of head band type products currently used by some players. All headgear must be worn with required eyewear, and some headgear models have integrated eyewear. The standard has two options, allowing manufacturers to make their headgear with eyewear implemented or a product that is compatible with various eyewear products currently on the market.
For further inquiries, please contact Caitlin Kelley, Women's Game Senior Manager at US Lacrosse, at
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