EQUIPMENT

Lacrosse equipment looks different for boys and girls, but getting started is simpler than it may seem. Here's what you'll need for practices and games—and what to know before you buy.

NEW TO LACROSSE? START HERE

You don't need to purchase a full set of equipment before your player tries lacrosse. FMLA provides loaner equipment for new players for all Try Lacrosse clinics and summer camps.


Once your player joins a team, you'll need to purchase the equipment required for their age group and the version of lacrosse they play. They will use all equipment at every practice and every game.

EVERYONE NEEDS
  • Mouthguard. Not clear or white

  • Cleats (optional but recommended). Cleats designed for lacrosse, soccer, or football are acceptable.  Cleats designed for softball/baseball are not allowed.

  • Water bottle. For those players wearing helmets that cover the chin, consider a bottle with a long straw.


BOYS' EQUIPMENT
  • Boys' lacrosse stick. All players should begin with a standard stick.  These will be identified as an "attack"/"midfield" stick or a "short" stick. 

  • Boys' lacrosse helmet.  Check the manufacturer's label inside or on the helmet for the date of manufacture and any expiration or recertification information. Do not use a helmet that is past its certification date or has a cracked, damaged or deteriorated shell or padding.

  • Boys' lacrosse gloves.

  • Shoulder pads. Must meet NOCSAE ND200 standard.  Look for a tag with a stylized heartbeat/EKG symbol.

  • Elbow pads. They are required to cover the elbow, however styles vary and are completely personal preference of the player. 
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  • Protective cup.

  • Rib pads and upper arm pads are optional.  These are usually only worn by players in grade 5 and up.


GIRLS' EQUIPMENT
  • Girls' lacrosse stick.  Only the smallest athletes need a 'youth' stick.  By around 3rd grade, all players should use a standard girls' stick.

  • Lacrosse goggles or girls' lacrosse helmet.
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  • Girls' lacrosse gloves are optional.

BEFORE YOU BUY

Not all sports equipment is interchangeable

Our players can use some pieces designed for other sports, like cleats and mouthguards, but much of the equipment your player needs is unique to lacrosse, like helmets.  Make sure required protective equipment is designed for lacrosse and that it meets the applicable safety standards 

Boys' gear is not the same as girls' gear

Boys' and girls' lacrosse sticks are not the same.  Make sure you purchase the appropriate stick for your player.  Helmets and gloves are different for boys and for girls as well.  Girls are not allowed to wear boys' helmets on the field. 

Buying used equipment?

We know that protective equipment can be expensive and we encourage anyone who wishes to purchase used equipment to do so.  When shopping used, particularly for helmets, make sure you can verify its manufacture date and certification status before purchasing. When in doubt, replace it rather than relying on the helmet's age or appearance.

SPECIALTY EQUIPMENT

LONG STICKS/POLES

A "pole" is a longer lacrosse stick used by defensive players in boys' lacrosse. The longer shaft gives defensive players additional reach when defending and checking.


Long sticks are not introduced until 5th grade. All boys should begin with a standard-length stick. As players get older and begin learning different positions, coaches will let a player know if and when they should switch to a longer shaft.


New to lacrosse? Start with a standard stick. You don't need a long pole.


GOALIES
Goalies use specialized equipment because their job is to protect the goal. Their stick has a larger head and pocket designed to help them make saves and clear the ball, and goalies also need different protective equipment.


New players do not need to buy goalie equipment or a goalie stick. Players can learn the game with a standard stick, and coaches will help players explore the goalie position when they are ready.


If your player is interested in playing goalie, talk with their coach before purchasing specialized equipment.


OTHER SPECIALTY POSITIONS

When shopping for lacrosse equipment, you may see sticks and heads labeled for specific positions or skills, such as attack, faceoff or draw. These specialized options are designed for experienced players who have developed a particular position or skill.


New players don't need to choose any of these. Start with a standard stick and let your player's coaches help determine whether a specialized stick or head makes sense as they develop.


TEAM-SPECIFIC EQUIPMENT + UNIFORMS

IMPORTANT NOTE

EACH PLAYER IS ASSIGNED A UNIFORM NUMBER ONLY ONCE

Players keep their number throughout their FMLA career unless they request a change. Uniform numbers are assigned on a 7-year cycle to avoid overlap with any other players as they advance through the program.   


New players must have a uniform number assigned before ordering uniform or team merchandise.


Contact outreach@flowermoundlacrosse.org to request an available number.

RETURNING PLAYERS


Players do not need to replace existing merchandise simply because the season changes. Returning players only need to purchase uniform items when they advance to a new age group or need to replace an item due to loss, damage, or size change.

REQUIRED UNIFORM ITEMS

READY TO GIVE LACROSSE A TRY?

You don't need a garage full of equipment to get started. Pick up a stick, give lacrosse a try and see what your player thinks.