Is Head Gear for Girls' Lacrosse More or Less Protection?

The debate over head gear for girl's lacrosse has been going on for a long time.  Recently, 2 companies have started to sell head gear specifically designed for girls that adhere to sports industry standards.  The use is currently optional except in Florida where it will be mandated for 2018.  If your daughter plays lacrosse then you've heard all about some of the pros and cons:

• the fear that wearing head gear will foster fiercer play
• recent studies do show that girls’ lacrosse had the fifth-highest rate of concussions in high school sports
• other sports have had success with helmets so why not girls' lacrosse
• there's the added cost for individual sports players, teams and high schools

As parents, it is important to be educated on all the safety considerations for your youth sports player.  While the use of head gear is optional, this would be a good time to spend some time researching the topic,  talking to your athlete, your child's coach and other parents.  It would be tough to make a decision without having all the facts to consider.

Read more from the New York Times:  With Headgear Here, Girls’ Lacrosse Just Got Safer. Or Did It?