I was reading through the NCAA rule book on Women’s lacrosse goalie equipment and I found a really interesting line in it. Check this out and see if you find the section that I thought rather interesting. This is in the 2010 rule book:
Goalkeeper Equipment
Section 6. The goalkeeper must wear a helmet with face mask, a separate throat protector, padded gloves, a mouthpiece, and a chest protector. In addition, for high school level and below the goalkeeper must wear padding on the shins and thighs. The protective helmet, designed for lacrosse, must meet the NOCSAE test standard.
Section 7. It is recommended that the goalkeeper wear padding on arms and shoulders. Leg padding is recommended for goalkeepers above high school level. This padding must not excessively increase the size of these body parts. Body padding must not exceed the thickness of legal goalkeeping gloves–2.54cm (1”) padding. Gloves must not contain any webbing and must not excessively increase the size of the hands as they are presented to the ball.
AR 2-5 A goalkeeper wears football shoulder pads. RULING: LEGAL, if they do not exceed the maximum legal thickness of 1”.
AR 2-6 A goalkeeper wears canvas field hockey leg pads. RULING: LEGAL, if they are pulled tight or taped around the leg. Bamboo/cane field hockey pads are illegal.
AR 2-7 A goalkeeper wears a throat protector that is attached to her helmet using screws. RULING: LEGAL. This is one type of “separate” throat protector.
It was section 7, and the requirements of High School goalies to wear shin and leg guards and the “recommendation” that they still wear shin and leg guards above high school level.
Now I have always recommended that goalies wear more equipment than they do right now. If they did they would be a better goalie. Now, I can’t believe the NCAA rule book actually recommends it but doesn’t make it a rule. It’s stupid in my opinion.
The ONLY reason lacrosse goalies don’t wear more equipment is because of peer pressure. Plain and simple. Don’t worry, I did the same thing in high school. There is this “stigma” if you wear what’s considered “extra” equipment.
If you, yes you, can get past the peer pressure, and you protect your legs, you will be a better goalie. I guarantee it.
Jonathan – The Goalie Guru
If you’d like to download a free copy of the NCAA Lacrosse Rule book for women you can download it here: NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Rule Book
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