Section 2: Equipment
2.1 The Ball
The official lacrosse ball must be solid rubber. Per World Lacrosse specifications:
- Circumference: Not less than 19.7 cm (7¾ inches) and not more than 20.3 cm (8 inches)
- Weight: Not less than 142 g (5 oz) and not more than 149 g (5¼ oz)
- Color: White, yellow, or orange for men's field; yellow or orange for women's field. Box lacrosse typically uses an orange ball.
- The ball must meet World Lacrosse certification standards and must be approved by the referee before play commences.
2.2 The Crosse (Stick)
The crosse is the primary implement used by players to carry, pass, and shoot the ball. It consists of a handle (shaft) and a head, which contains a mesh or leather pocket.
2.2.1 Men's Field Crosse Specifications
- Overall length (field players): Minimum 101.6 cm (40 inches), maximum 182.9 cm (72 inches)
- Overall length (goalkeeper): Minimum 101.6 cm (40 inches), maximum 182.9 cm (72 inches); goalkeeper may use a crosse up to 182.9 cm
- Head width (attack/midfield): Minimum 6.4 cm (2½ inches), maximum 10.2 cm (4 inches) at the widest point inside the head
- Head width (defense/goalkeeper): Minimum 6.4 cm (2½ inches), maximum 38.1 cm (15 inches) for goalkeepers
- The pocket depth must not allow the top of the ball to fall below the bottom edge of the sidewall when the crosse is held horizontally.
- Shooting strings are permitted; no more than two shooting strings may be used, each of uniform diameter.
2.2.2 Women's Field Crosse Specifications
- Overall length: Minimum 91.4 cm (36 inches), maximum 121.9 cm (48 inches) for field players; goalkeepers may use a longer crosse
- Head width: Minimum 17.8 cm (7 inches) at the widest point inside the head; maximum 22.9 cm (9 inches)
- The pocket must be shallow — the top of the ball must be above the sidewall when held horizontally in all planes.
- No shooting strings are permitted in women's lacrosse.
2.3 Protective Equipment — Men's Field Lacrosse
The following equipment is mandatory for all players in men's field lacrosse:
- Helmet: Must be a lacrosse-specific helmet meeting NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) or equivalent World Lacrosse-approved standard. Must have a face mask and chin strap securely fastened.
- Gloves: Padded lacrosse gloves must be worn by all field players.
- Arm and elbow pads: Must be worn by all field players.
- Shoulder pads: Must be worn by all field players.
- Mouthguard: Mandatory; must be a color other than white or clear so officials can verify it is being worn.
- Athletic supporter/cup: Strongly recommended; may be required by national association rules.
- Goalkeeper additional equipment: Throat protector, chest protector, and leg pads are required. The goalkeeper's helmet must have additional throat protection.
2.4 Protective Equipment — Women's Field Lacrosse
- Eyewear/Goggles: Mandatory for all field players. Must meet ASTM F803 or equivalent standard.
- Mouthguard: Mandatory; must be a color other than white or clear.
- Gloves: Optional for field players.
- Soft headgear: Optional for field players.
- Goalkeeper: Must wear helmet with face mask, throat protector, chest protector, and leg pads. Gloves are required.
2.5 Uniforms
Each team must wear matching jerseys of a contrasting color to the opposing team. Jersey numbers are required and must be clearly visible. Numbers must be at least 20.3 cm (8 inches) high on the back and at least 10.2 cm (4 inches) high on the front. Teams may also wear matching shorts. The goalkeeper must wear a different colored jersey from both teams to be distinguished by officials.