The New Lacrosse Goalie Pad Rule? We have you covered!
As with most lacrosse parents, organizations and players, you are probably wondering what is going on with the “new goalie pad rules” you have heard rumblings of! No worries we have all the information that you are going to need right here when it comes to the NOCSAE standard, ND200!
Before we begin, we must tell you that this is about to be a crazy time period for lacrosse gear; as never in the history of the sport has an entire category of protective equipment all at one time become illegal for play! This coming season (2021), that will be the case for all Goalie Chest protectors and next year (2022) this will be the same scenario for all men’s and boy’s Field Shoulder Pads and Speed Pads!
So, let us get down to the exact details!!
WHEN
Beginning on January 1st, 2021, the use of a goalie chest protector that meets the new NOCSAE performance standard, ND200 will be mandatory.
AT WHAT LEVEL
NOCSAE ND200 will be essentially be REQUIRED at all levels such as: US Lacrosse boys’ and girls’ youth rules, the NFHS boys’ and girls’ high school rules, and the NCAA men’s and women’s rules.
WHY NOCSAE ND200?
Completely, valid question! NOCSAE ND200 is the first-ever performance standard and product compliance for chest protection. The specific goal in mind for NOCSAE ND200 is to reduce impact forces and ultimately the risk of commotio cordis. (cardiac arrest due to a blow to the heart area).
Wait, Commotio Cordis? Yeah, we asked the same thing! Simply put, Commotio Cordis is the lethal disruption of heart rhythm that occurs as a result of a blow to the area directly over the heart at a critical time during the cycle of a heartbeat. While not a common occurrence, NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) has deemed further prevention was necessary from protective equipment.
IS MY CURRENT PAD LEGAL?
The best way to determine if a pad is NOCSAE ND200 certified and legal is to look for the NOCSAE logo and SEI certification stamp (pictured below). This will be how team coaches, organizations and officials will ensure equipment meets compliance and is legal for play.
Simply put, if your goalie chest protector doesn’t have this marking on it, it does not meet certification NOCSAE ND200 and will not be legal for play after December 31st, 2020.
WHAT PADS ARE LEGAL?
Within the past year, manufacturers have produced pads that are NOCSAE ND200 certified and legal. This collection of Goalie Chest Protectors are available for immediate purchase at TopStringLacrosse.com which can be found
HERE.
.
The pads listed below are all NOCSAE ND200 certified and legal, as of this writing.
CAN I GET MY EXISTING CHEST PAD CERTIFIED?
Unfortunately, if a chest protector was not built with the exact specifications deemed by NOCSAE for ND200, then an old chest pad cannot be certified for NOCSAE ND200.
CAN I USE A SECONDARY PIECE LIKE WITH BASEBALL/SOFTBALL PITCHERS?
Unfortunately, a secondary or auxiliary “Heart Guard” protective equipment in addition to a non-certified chest protector will NOT be deemed legal for play. The Goalie Chest Protector itself MUST be NOCSAE ND200 certified.
WHAT ABOUT FIELD PLAYERS SHOUDLER PADS?
Great and important question! Beginning on January, 1 2022, all Men’s and Boy’s Field Player Shoulder Pads and Speed Pads must also be NOCSAE ND200 certified.
As of this writing only the Maverik EKG Series of Shoulder and Speed Pads are NOCSAE ND200 certified, however it is anticipated that all major equipment manufacturers will have their version of NOCSAE ND200 certified Shoulder and Speed Pads available within the first few months of 2021.
