Lacrosse is a sport in which rough physical contact is constant. Equipment that protects players is required by the National Collegiate Athletic Association as well as US Lacrosse. To prevent serious cerebral injury, helmets (preferably approved by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment NOCSAE) must be worn. However, all lacrosse helmets are not the same when it comes to providing good protection from stick and ball impact. It's also important to realize that a helmet must properly fit the head of the player wearing it, to be fully effective.
Before selecting a helmet, simply place a standard tape measure around the circumference of the head of the prospective helmet wearer, about one inch above the eyebrows . This is the most accurate method of determining the exact size of their head.
If a helmet fits:
It will not be able to spin around on the wearer's head.
Its inner lining will wrap closely around.
The top pad will sit snug on the head and jaw pads will snug against the jaws.
There will not be a gap between the brow and the inside lining.
There will not be finger space between the head and the helmet.
The line of vision of the wearer will not be blocked from any angle.
Approximately 300,000 brain injuries happen every year in the United States, many of them on sports fields. The care that should go into choosing a lacrosse helmet can't be emphasized enough. The size of the helmet wearer's head should be matched with the range of sizes listed by the manufacturer on the lacrosse helmet box. If the prospective helmet wearer's head does not exactly match the sizes listed on the box but falls somewhere in between the two, the helmet to select is the smallest one in that range. The most desirable helmet fits the shape of the wearer's head as naturally as possible since this level of fit offers the most safety. The chin straps should be highly adjustable by the player for the same reason.
Adequate ventilation is another consideration. The player should be able to breathe freely when wearing a properly fitting helmet so there should be air vents on the head gear. A helmet should not feel bulky or clumsy, and a free flow of air in and out of it actually facilitates lightness.
It should be noted that the amount of hair on the head of the helmet wearer affects the fit, so if the helmet wearer has a lot of hair when fitted for their helmet than later cuts his hair, a whole new head measurement is required and new helmet may need to be purchased. There's no such thing as an athlete being too cautious before playing. Taking risks leads to serious injury while precautions keep the game of lacrosse enjoyable and safe. To purchase lax helmets and other discount lacrosse gear, visit Lax World.
About the Author
Ricco is a sports enthusiast and enjoys writing about all sports, especially lacrosse, football, and softball.
