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New for 2022! USA LAX Chest Protection Requirements

By CGLAX, 02/01/22, 5:45PM CST

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NOCSAE

Beginning in January 2022, USA Lacrosse youth field lacrosse rules will require that all field players in boys’ lacrosse must wear chest protection for commotio cordis that meet the NOCSAE performance standard ND200 in order to be deemed legal for play.  All field player equipment meeting the NOCSAE performance standard must contain an SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) certification mark to be considered legal for play at all levels of boys’ youth lacrosse.  Additional information about this new rule can be found at via link below. 

All protective shoulder & chest pads meeting the new NOCSAE ND200 standard will feature a noticeably larger and more robust chest plate specifically designed to help shield the cardiac system from ball impact.  Shoulder and chest pads meeting the new ND200 standard must have an SEI certification mark like the image below to be considered legal for play in 2022.

It is recommended that all players requiring new shoulder & chest protectors consider purchasing new equipment well in advance of the start of the 2022 lacrosse season to avoid potential shortages in equipment that may occur as a result of this new equipment mandate.  The links below are a few reputable online retailers where the new NOCSAE compliant equipment can be purchased.

ALL NEW SHOULDER & CHEST PADS THAT MEET THE NEW USA LACROSSE SAFETY STANDARDS WILL BE PROMINENTLY MARKED WITH A SEI CERTIFICATION MARK. 

Points of Emphasis

  • Effective January 1, 2022, shoulder pads for boys’ field players must be designed for lacrosse and meet NOCSAE standard ND200. Products are now available.
  • Effective January 1, 2021, boys' and girls' goalie chest protectors must be designed for lacrosse and meet the NOCSAE standard, ND200.
  • All chest protectors and shoulder pads must contain the NOCSAE logo and SEI certification mark on both the packaging and the product to be legal for play.

IMPORTANT UPDATE (Dec. 8, 2021)At this time, the implementation date requiring that shoulder pads designed for lacrosse and meeting NOCSAE standard ND200 remains as January 1, 2022. USA Lacrosse is aware of concerns raised by some that there will not be enough products for the start of the 2022 season. USA Lacrosse has spoken with multiple manufacturers and retailers, and they do not expect that current supply chain issues would affect the start of next season. USAL encourages consumers to consider multiple online and brick-and-mortar providers to find needed equipment. If there are any changes or new developments, USA Lacrosse will keep our members updated with the latest information.