Why Do Women's Lacrosse Not Wear Helmets?

March 22, 2023 Post a Comment

Debate stirs about female lax players not wearing helmets from www.dailyherald.com

Introduction

Women's lacrosse is a fast-paced and exciting sport that has been gaining popularity in recent years. However, one thing that often confuses people about this sport is why the players don't wear helmets. In this article, we will dive into the reasons why women's lacrosse players do not wear helmets and explore the different types of protective gear they do wear.

The Rules of Women's Lacrosse

Women's lacrosse is different from men's lacrosse in many ways. One of the biggest differences is the rules surrounding protective gear. In men's lacrosse, players are required to wear helmets, gloves, and shoulder pads. However, in women's lacrosse, the rules are much more relaxed. The only protective gear that women's lacrosse players are required to wear is a mouthguard. This is because the rules of women's lacrosse are designed to minimize the amount of physical contact between players. For example, there is no body checking allowed in women's lacrosse, and stick checking is only allowed on the stick and gloves.

The Evolution of Women's Lacrosse Gear

While women's lacrosse players are not required to wear helmets, that doesn't mean they don't wear any protective gear at all. In fact, over the years, the gear that women's lacrosse players wear has evolved to become more protective. One of the most important pieces of protective gear for women's lacrosse players is the goggles. Goggles are required in women's lacrosse to protect the eyes from flying balls and sticks. They are typically made of a hard plastic frame with a mesh or polycarbonate lens. The cost of women's lacrosse goggles can range from $20 to $70. Another important piece of gear for women's lacrosse players is the headband. Headbands are worn to keep hair out of the player's face and to protect the forehead from cuts and bruises. Many headbands also have extra padding to provide additional protection. The cost of women's lacrosse headbands can range from $10 to $30.

The Benefits of Not Wearing Helmets

While it may seem counterintuitive, there are actually some benefits to not wearing helmets in women's lacrosse. One of the main benefits is that it allows for better peripheral vision. Lacrosse is a fast-paced sport, and players need to be able to see everything that is going on around them. Without a helmet, players have a wider field of vision and are able to see more of the field. Another benefit of not wearing helmets is that it promotes a safer style of play. Because there is no body checking allowed in women's lacrosse, players are less likely to engage in dangerous collisions. Additionally, because players are not wearing heavy protective gear, they are more agile and able to move around the field more quickly.

The Debate Around Helmets in Women's Lacrosse

Despite the benefits of not wearing helmets, there is still a debate around whether or not they should be required in women's lacrosse. Some argue that helmets would provide additional protection for players and could prevent serious head injuries. However, others argue that helmets would fundamentally change the nature of the sport. Women's lacrosse is a non-contact sport, and adding helmets could encourage more aggressive play and lead to more injuries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, women's lacrosse players do not wear helmets because the rules of the sport are designed to minimize physical contact between players. While this may seem like it leaves players vulnerable, the gear that women's lacrosse players do wear, such as goggles and headbands, provides adequate protection. Additionally, not wearing helmets allows for better peripheral vision and promotes a safer style of play. While there is still a debate around whether or not helmets should be required in women's lacrosse, it is clear that the sport has evolved to prioritize player safety in other ways.

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