Debate Over Requiring Helmets for Girls Lacrosse Players

The Debate Over Girls Lacrosse Helmets

Lacrosse has long been considered one of the fastest growing youth and high school sports in the United States. As participation numbers continue to rise, increased attention has been placed on safety equipment and preventing injuries, especially concussions. In girls lacrosse specifically, there is an ongoing debate over whether female athletes should be required to wear the same protective helmets that are mandated in the boys game.

Concussions in Girls Lacrosse

According to a recent study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, concussions account for over 15% of all injuries sustained by high school girls lacrosse players. Researchers found that girls suffer these traumatic head injuries at nearly the same rate as their male counterparts in boys lacrosse. The study highlighted the rising incidence of concussions and called for evaluating additional safety equipment requirements.

Part of the issue lies in the differences between boys and girls lacrosse rules and required gear. Boy's lacrosse players are required to wear a protective helmet with a face mask. This headgear must meet strict NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) certification standards. Girls lacrosse rules only mandate that players wear protective eye-guards during competition. Lacking the helmets and face masks required in boys lacrosse, female athletes have less protection from shots to the head and accidental collisions leading to concussions.

Would Helmets Prevent Girls Lacrosse Concussions?

In response to growing concerns over concussion rates, a research study aimed to determine if the number of head injuries could be reduced by requiring girls to wear standard lacrosse helmets. The study analyzed data across multiple sports including hockey, football, soccer, basketball and lacrosse. Researchers evaluated the effectiveness of protective equipment in reducing diagnosed concussions.

They determined that sports mandating helmet use showed markedly lower concussion rates compared to non-helmeted sports. In boys lacrosse with nearly 100% helmet use, the concussion rate was 0.53 concussions per 1000 exposures. Girls lacrosse on the other hand saw 0.97 concussions per 1000 exposures, almost twice as a high as the boys game. According to the data, researchers estimated that by requiring girls lacrosse players to wear a NOCSAE certified lacrosse helmet, the concussion rate could potentially be reduced by up to 44%.

Arguments Against Requiring Girls Lacrosse Helmets

Despite evidence suggesting helmets could prevent nearly half of all girls lacrosse concussions, there are arguments opposing mandatory helmet regulations. Opponents contend that adding helmets could negatively alter the girls game and have unintended consequences leading to more injuries.

Some common arguments against requiring helmets in girls lacrosse include:

• Mandating helmets may give players a false sense of security, resulting in more dangerous stick checks, illegal body contact and overly aggressive play.
• The added weight of helmets could increase neck injuries from inadvertent contact and checks.
• Helmets with face masks would limit visibility compared to protective eye guards.
• Data so far has only shown correlation but not direct causation. More research is needed to study the potential impact of helmets specifically within girls lacrosse.
• Requiring expensive helmets presents financial concerns, especially for developing lacrosse programs.
• Some consider lacrosse helmets unnecessary over-protection that would take away from the natural flow of the game.

The Push to Mandate Protection

Nonetheless, momentum seems to be growing towards increased safety requirements for girls playing lacrosse. Over 30 states have already mandated that girls lacrosse players wear protective headgear during competition. Rule changes are being considered at local, district and national levels to require universal helmet use over time.

Adding support for more protective equipment, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued an official policy statement in 2020 recommending:

...that helmets be required for all organized lacrosse competitions and practices, similar to ice hockey and football.

They cited alarming injury statistics showing girls lacrosse had one of the highest concussion rates across all high school sports. The AAP contends that as long as the rules of girls lacrosse permit physical stick and/or body contact, helmets should be required to minimize head injuries during competition.

Next Steps in the Girls Lacrosse Helmet Debate

While requiring protective lacrosse helmets shows promise for preventing concussions, more data is still needed. Additional research can help determine the potential impacts of helmet use specific to girls lacrosse. Studies should evaluate any corresponding rise in aggressive play, full-contact related injuries, heat management concerns and other unintended consequences.

Cost is also a significant factor. At over $100+ per helmet, the budgetary impact would be substantial for many developing girls lacrosse programs. Financial assistance and helmet donation programs should be considered. Phase-in periods for new helmet rules and specialized girls lacrosse helmet innovation could help ease the transition over time.

As cries for improved player safety and concussion prevention get louder, pressure continues mounting to mandate girls lacrosse helmets. But opposition remains among those hesitant to alter the integrity of the girls game. There is still much debate required to reach consensus on any rule changes. One thing is clear though, as participation and injuries continue trending higher, a verdict on girls lacrosse helmets cannot wait for long.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.