Shoulder pads are a type of protective equipment used in many contact sports like football, lacrosse, ice hockey, and some non-contact sports like ringette.
Most modern shoulder pads are built of shock-absorbing foam with a hard plastic covering. Rivets or strings that the athlete can tie to adjust the size are usually used to secure the pieces.
The disadvantage of shoulder pads before was that they were made of foam with a hard plastic outer shell and little ventilation. Players dehydrated more quickly due to the lack of ventilation. Synthetic fibers were added to the shoulder pads in the 1990s, which made them more breathable.
Shoulder pads are rarely worn by professional lacrosse players (with the exception of the goalie), and they are not required. And with the uniforms’ soccer-style design, the league never intended or expected them to.
I’m not sure that’s the best message to send to young players, but that’s always been the case.
Professional lacrosse has always been a different game than high school or college lacrosse, with unbuckled chinstraps, dangling mouth guards, and palms cut out of gloves.
Please continue reading to learn why players don’t wear pads even though they should.
Why Don’t Pro Lacrosse Players Wear Shoulder Pads?
USA Lacrosse collaborated with manufacturers and medical experts to bring NOCSAE performance standard ND200 equipment to the lacrosse community.
Despite the fact that shoulder pads are already required for all boys’ and men’s field players under USA Lacrosse (youth), NFHS (high school), and NCAA (college) rules, PLL has yet to implement this rule.
There are some indications that they will, and that only products certified by the Safety Equipment Institute as meeting the new NOCSAE standard will be allowed. (This year, all goalies, regardless of gender, must wear SEI-certified chest protectors.)
The MLL (all operations were merged with the Premier Lacrosse League, and they’re now both PLL) never actually wore shoulder pads, but the jerseys were baggy enough that it didn’t matter.
It’s more of a problem with the shot speed and the possibility of someone being hit in the chest; it only takes one person to cause a terrible tragedy.
They’re all adults, so I guess they’ve decided to take the risk.
The thing is, as time passes, players become tougher. The longer you play, the more likely your opponent has been playing for a long time as well, so they won’t be throwing uncontrolled hacks. They know how to throw checks in the right direction.
There is a general “don’t be a d**k” rule in professional lacrosse. You shouldn’t be getting worked up and hacking, and there isn’t a lot of body checking.
Because most summer leagues only require a helmet, mouthpiece, and gloves, not wearing elbow and shoulder pads allows for a greater range of motion. I always wore shoulder pads because I was afraid of blocking a shot with my chest, but I was one of the few.
Why Should They Wear Pads?
Matt Dunn isn’t a big Twitter user. He doesn’t feel comfortable weighing in or expressing his thoughts on the internet.
Late last month, however, the reigning Premier Lacrosse League Defensive Player of the Year and member of the United States national team refused to remain silent after what he described as “probably the scariest moment of his life.”
“This summer, I will 100% be wearing shoulder pads/chest liner,” Dunn wrote in response to a Tweet from the blog QuickStick, which questioned whether outdoor pro lacrosse leagues should require the use of shoulder or chest pads. “Whether mandated or not, I’d expect to see more pro D guys in them.” It’s crazy that we haven’t been. Let’s not wait for another ‘excuse’ to put on our uniforms.”
Dunn is a firm believer in the adage that “actions speak louder than words.” He’s been wearing Maverik Max EKG Speed shoulder pads since stepping onto the turf at Gillette Stadium for pro lacrosse training camp earlier this month, which meet the NOCSAE performance standard ND200 to protect against commotio cordis. The extra protection stands out in the outdoor pro ranks, where shoulder pads have been optional for decades.
Dunn described the decision to wear some form of chest protection as a “no-brainer” as his preparations for the PLL season got underway. He recalled blocking a Myles Jones shot in the summer of 2019 and mistakingly believing he had dislocated a rib.
When he rushed in between the pipes when Whipsnakes goalie Kyle Bernlohr was caught out of his crease on scramble plays during the PLL Championship Series last summer, his mother and sisters “freaked out.”
Lacrosse is a high-contact sport. Protective equipment is required to keep players safe during gameplay. Shoulder pads are one of the most important protective items a lacrosse player can wear, so getting the right fit is crucial to ensuring maximum safety and enjoyment.
Shoulder pads for lacrosse are designed to protect your shoulder blades, collarbone, and sternum while also providing additional upper back coverage.
Only men’s lacrosse leagues demand players to wear shoulder pads, as women’s lacrosse tries to avoid physical play, and additional pads could encourage it.
Traditional shoulder pads, hybrid shoulder pads, and shoulder liners are all options for today’s players. Each style provides adequate protection and flexibility, but their coverage differences make them better suited to specific positions.
On the different levels of shoulder pad protection, former collegiate lacrosse player and DICK’S Sporting Goods Associate Ryan Wallace says, “I remember the pads being big and bulky even when I first started playing.” “Pads have come a long way in recent years.”
More Reasons for Wearing Shoulder Pads
My friend actually sees this idea of not wearing pads as a masculinity issue. He thinks this problem in lacrosse relates to hockey.
According to him, when players wear these gigantic pads, they wear them not to “protect their shoulders,” but so they can absolutely blow people up. These big hits are fun but sometimes get a little out of hand.
Take away the shoulder pads, and any strong hit comes with its own consequences. If you go for a gigantic hit, good for you, but it’s going to hurt you as well.
So when we see huge hits in this league, you know they are going body on body.
Many guys prefer the mobility that comes with removing the shoulder pads over the protection and decreased mobility with them, but they don’t understand the risks that come with it.
And the mobility is definitely nice. I know that for me personally, my shot on the run gets worse the more stuff I have on my arms.
Some guys, though, get used to getting hit all the time. But if they get hit in the same spot enough, the bruise may start to calcify (which is just a fancy term for starting to form a new bone) instead of healing.
If you had no idea about the calcification thing, you might be nervous hearing about it. Don’t worry. In most cases, it’s just a bruise that’s having a difficult time healing, but everyone should know the consequences that could come with not wearing pads.
Best Shoulder Pads for Lacrosse
Given how common injuries are among lacrosse players, finding the right protective gear is critical regardless of age or position.
Because of the significant risk of injury, players should be proactive in selecting the proper equipment to avoid complications in the first place.
When we talk about shoulder pads and protective gear in general, players will want to find products that provide adequate protection while allowing them to move freely throughout the game. Adults who play recreationally may need to purchase their own equipment, whereas children are usually provided with it at school.
Here are the best lacrosse shoulder pads on the market.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Xenith Element Hybrid Shoulder Pads at Amazon
The pads are a great lightweight option for all positions because they strike the perfect balance of mobility and protection.
Best Budget:
Schutt Sports XV HD Shoulder Pads at Amazon
A great all-purpose option from a reputable brand that isn’t too pricey.
Best for Goalie:
Xenith Element Lineman Shoulder Pads at Amazon
A contoured chest plate designed specifically for goalies provides the best fit and maximum chest protection.
Best for Midfield:
Schutt Sports Varsity FLEX 4.0 All Purpose at Amazon
Designed with breathable mesh and arch vents to keep players cool when the weather gets hot.
Best for Defense:
Riddell SPX QB/WR Shoulder Pads at Dick’s
Riddell’s STAC Shoulder System protects defense positions from hard hits by providing AC joint protection.
Best for Skill Positions:
Xenith Element Skill Shoulder Pads at Amazon
Provides a wide range of motion without sacrificing protection, making it ideal for skilled players.
Best for Attack:
Schutt Sports AiR MAXX Shoulder Pads at Amazon
Provides maximum flexibility and range of motion with a high level of coverage.
