Girls Helmet Program
UPDATE 08 April: Over 60 girls have received a helmet via the BVLC Helmet Program!
UPDATE 30 March: BVLC has expanded the program to the High School girls too.
As you may be aware, after years of debate US Lacrosse has approved the use of lacrosse helmets (aka "ASTM-approved headgear") for women's lacrosse effective this season. Helmets are OPTIONAL for the girls, but approved for use at high school and all youth levels.
Although good data are hard to come by, a UC Denver report on injuries in women's high school lacrosse in 2015-16 showed that concussions/head injuries accounted for over 40% of competition injuries and almost 25% of practice injuries. Although the causes of these injuries are not reported, stick-head, ball-head and head-head contact (when going for a ground ball) are cited elsewhere as the most common causes, with almost 66% attributed to contact with sticks or balls.
So far, two manufacturers have commerically available helmets meeting the ASTM standard: Hummingbird and Cascade. The Cascade integrates an eyeguard so googles are not used. These helmets are lighter than boys lacrosse helmets and are intended to protect against stick or ball contact.
We have had a few sample Cascade helmets at practices, and the feedback has been positive. While these are optional and not required (yet) by US Lacrosse, we strongly encourage everyone to seriously consider using one.
The full, retail price for these helmets is approx. $150, but to facilitate and encourage use, and for a limited time only, Bay Lacrosse is offering royal blue/light grey Cascade helmets for $55. Working with our equipment vendor we were able to negotiate a substantial discount, and the Club is also subsidizing part of the cost.
If you have any questions or would like to buy one, please contact one of your coaches or email me (kyle@kylefleming.com).
Kyle
Links to some of the sites/materials referenced above: