Update on Lacrosse Commotio Cordis Protection for 2022

DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS (May 7, 2021) – A reminder to lacrosse equipment dealers that the new US Lacrosse rule for shoulder pads for boys and men’s field players will take effect January 1, 2022. All shoulder pads must be designed for lacrosse and meet the NOCSAE ND200 standard for commotio cordis protection. Caitlin Kelley, the Women’s Lacrosse Director for US Lacrosse, said no delays were planned for implementation of the rule.

As of January 1, 2021, boys and girls goalie chest protectors were required to be designed for lacrosse and meet the NOCSAE ND200 standard. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) follows US Lacrosse rules.

All products must contain the NOCSAE logo and SEI certification mark on the product and packaging to be legal for play. NOCSAE ND200 is the first performance standard for chest protectors and shoulder pads that aims to reduce the risk of commotio cordis (cardiac arrest caused from a blow to the heart area).

Kelley said there are no proposals for girls field players to wear shoulder pads at this time.