Lacrosse helmet guide: fit, chin strap, NOCSAE labels and upkeep
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- NOCSAE-certified youth lacrosse helmet. Best for: Youth lacrosse players. See options on Amazon
- Adult lacrosse helmet. Best for: High school and adult players. See options on Amazon
- Lacrosse helmet hardware kit. Best for: Pre-season maintenance. See options on Amazon
Fit checklist
| Check | What a good fit looks like | Sign of a problem |
|---|---|---|
| Snugness | Forehead skin moves when helmet is shifted | Helmet slides over the skin |
| Height | Sits low; one finger's width above the eyebrows | Sits too high or too low |
| Chin strap | Four-point strap, all snapped, centered and snug | Helmet does not pull down on a big yawn |
| Vision | Eyes visible; player sees ahead and to the sides | Facemask blocks the view |
From the CDC HEADS UP Lacrosse Helmet Safety fact sheet. Always follow the manufacturer's fitting instructions.
Sizing before you buy
- Bring the player so you can check the fit in person.
- Measure with a soft tape just above the eyebrows and ears, keeping it level. A string and ruler work too.
- Check the maker's chart. Sizes vary by brand and model, and each helmet fits differently.
- Ask how it feels. It must be snug, but too tight can cause headaches.
- Hairstyle. Try it with the hairstyle worn at practices and games; a big haircut change may mean refitting.
To do the skin test, put the helmet on, fasten the strap, and gently shift it left, right, up and down. The forehead skin should move with the helmet. If the helmet slides on its own, try a smaller size or adjust the fit system per the maker's instructions.
Chin strap and facemask
The CDC says to be sure there is a four-point chin strap attached, and that all four straps must be snapped and tightened during fitting. The strap should be centered under the chin and snug. Have the player yawn wide: the helmet should pull down on the head. Once fastened, it should not easily move in any direction.
On the facemask, NOCSAE notes that lacrosse helmets are tested with an attached compatible faceguard, and that faceguards must be or have been tested to its face protector standard on the same helmet model. In practice, that means swapping in a facemask the helmet maker does not list as compatible can affect the certification, so check the label and the maker's parts list before changing one.
Labels and standards
The CDC says to look for lacrosse helmet labels that:
- say it meets the NOCSAE standard, certified by the manufacturer or SEI, meaning the model has been tested to NOCSAE performance and protection standards
- state whether it can be recertified, or when its certification expires
- specify how often it must be reconditioned and recertified
- show the date of manufacture
NOCSAE lists ND041 for newly manufactured lacrosse helmets with faceguard and ND043 for recertified lacrosse helmets. The CPSC's "Which Helmet for Which Activity?" table lists NOCSAE ND041 and ASTM F3137 for lacrosse.
Season upkeep and reconditioning
- Hardware. The CDC says to replace helmet screws and T-nuts before each new lacrosse season.
- Facemasks. Replace a facemask if it is bent.
- Inspect. Check for missing or loose parts and padding before and during the season. Never use a cracked or broken helmet or one missing parts.
- No home repairs to the helmet or faceguard.
- Reconditioning. Have the helmet reconditioned regularly by a licensed NAERA member, and do not use a used helmet that has not been approved or recertified by a NAERA reconditioner. Only companies licensed by NOCSAE can recertify a helmet.
Care and storage
Clean the helmet often inside and out with warm water and mild detergent, without soaking it, putting it near high heat or using strong cleaners. Store it out of the car and away from direct sunlight, in a room that is not too hot or cold, and do not let anyone sit or lean on it. Check with the manufacturer before adding paint or stickers. The CPSC adds that team sport helmets are built for multiple impacts and can generally keep being used, but follow the maker's guidance on replacement or reconditioning.
For other team sports, see our hockey helmet guide and football helmet guide.
What to look for when you buy
NOCSAE-certified youth lacrosse helmet
Best for: Youth lacrosse players
The CDC says to look for a label saying the helmet meets the NOCSAE standard.
Watch out: Check the date of manufacture and reconditioning schedule.
See options on AmazonAdult lacrosse helmet
Best for: High school and adult players
The CPSC lists NOCSAE ND041 helmets for lacrosse.
Watch out: Use only a facemask the maker lists as compatible.
See options on AmazonLacrosse helmet hardware kit
Best for: Pre-season maintenance
The CDC says to replace helmet screws and T-nuts before each new season.
Watch out: Match the kit to your helmet model.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- How should a lacrosse helmet fit?
- Snug, sitting low with one finger's width above the eyebrows, and forehead skin moving when you shift it.
- How often should lacrosse helmet hardware be replaced?
- The CDC says replace screws and T-nuts before each new season, and replace bent facemasks.
- What certification should a lacrosse helmet have?
- A NOCSAE label; the CPSC lists NOCSAE ND041 and ASTM F3137 for lacrosse.
- Can I buy a used lacrosse helmet?
- Only if it has been approved or recertified by a NAERA reconditioner, the CDC says.
- Can I swap the facemask on my lacrosse helmet?
- Use only a compatible one; NOCSAE tests helmets with faceguards on the same model.
Sources
- Get a Heads Up on Lacrosse Helmet Safety (fact sheet) (cdc.gov), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Which Helmet for Which Activity? (cpsc.gov), U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- NOCSAE Standards (nocsae.org), National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment