Section 2: Equipment
The Ball
- Solid rubber, white, yellow, orange, or lime green (officials' selection)
- Circumference: 7¾ to 8 inches
- Weight: 5 to 5¼ ounces
- NCAA-approved/NOCSAE-stamped balls only in competition
Sticks (Crosses)
NCAA men's lacrosse uses three stick length classifications, defined as total length including the head:
- Short stick / attack stick: 40 to 42 inches (offensive stick used by attackmen and midfielders)
- Long pole / defensive stick: 52 to 72 inches (used by defensemen and the long-stick midfielder)
- Goalkeeper's stick: 40 to 72 inches with a larger head profile
The head of a field player's stick must be 6 to 10 inches wide at its widest point. Stick checks are performed by officials at the discretion of the on-field crew and at the request of the opposing head coach; an illegal-stick finding carries a personal foul or technical foul depending on the nature of the violation. Long pole and goalie sticks have their own width and pocket-depth specifications.
Protective Equipment (Required)
- NOCSAE-approved helmet with chinstrap securely fastened, four-point fit, and properly fitted facemask
- Properly fitting mouthpiece (NOCSAE compliance recommended; color must contrast with the field surface)
- Shoulder pads designed for men's lacrosse
- Arm pads / elbow pads
- Gloves designed for men's lacrosse
- Protective cup
- Goalkeeper additional: throat protector (must be NOCSAE-approved), chest protector, shin/leg pads, optional thigh pads, and a goalie-specific stick
Footwear and Uniform
Cleats are appropriate to the surface; metal spikes are prohibited on most NCAA fields. Uniform numerals must be legible and distinct from teammates'; the goalkeeper wears a contrasting color permitting clear identification by officials.