How do the 2022 women’s lacrosse rule changes affect goalies. What are the best padded shorts for lacrosse goalies. Which features should you look for in lacrosse goalie leg protection. How can proper gear improve a goalie’s performance.
2022 Women’s Lacrosse Rule Changes Impacting Goalies
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and USA Lacrosse have approved 19 rule changes for the 2022 women’s lacrosse season. These changes aim to improve game flow by reducing stoppages while maintaining safety. Several of these modifications directly affect goalies:
Optional Shin Protection
Rule 2-6-1a now makes shin protectors optional for goalkeepers. While still recommended, the lack of injury data supporting mandatory use led to this change. This allows goalies more flexibility in choosing their protective gear based on personal preference and playing style.
Expanded Clearing Options
Goalies now have increased options for clearing the ball after a save. This change aims to speed up play and create more dynamic transitions. How does this impact goalie strategy? Goalies can now make quicker decisions on clears, potentially catching the opposing team off-guard and initiating fast breaks more effectively.
Redefined Crease Area
The goalie crease area has been redefined, potentially affecting how goalies position themselves and interact with opposing players. Understanding these new boundaries is crucial for goalies to maximize their defensive effectiveness while avoiding penalties.
Top Lacrosse Goalie Padded Shorts: Features and Benefits
Proper lower body protection is essential for lacrosse goalies. Let’s examine two popular options:
ShockSkin LAX Impact Shorts with Ultra Carbon Flex Cup
These shorts offer comprehensive protection with several key features:
- Integrated cup pocket with Ultra Carbon Flex Cup for groin protection
- Impact-absorbing padding in key areas
- Moisture-wicking fabric for comfort during intense play
- Flexible design allowing full range of motion
Warrior Burn S18 Senior Lacrosse Goalie Leg Pad Shorts
The Warrior Burn S18 shorts provide a balance of protection and mobility:
- VPS Foam padding in critical areas
- Wartech Compression liner for moisture management
- Pocket for protective groin cup (cup sold separately)
- Low-profile design enhancing mobility
- Elastic waistband for a secure, comfortable fit
How do these features benefit goalies? The combination of padding and flexibility allows goalies to make quick, agile movements while still feeling protected from shots. The moisture-wicking properties help maintain comfort during long practices or games.
Choosing the Right Lacrosse Goalie Shorts: Key Considerations
When selecting padded shorts for lacrosse goalies, several factors should be taken into account:
Protection vs. Mobility
Finding the right balance between adequate padding and freedom of movement is crucial. Shorts with strategically placed padding offer protection without restricting agility. How can goalies determine the best balance? Try on different styles and practice movement drills to assess which shorts offer the best combination of protection and flexibility.
Comfort and Fit
Ill-fitting shorts can be distracting and hinder performance. Look for shorts with adjustable waistbands and compression materials that provide a snug, comfortable fit. Consider trying on shorts while wearing your other goalie gear to ensure a proper fit with all equipment.
Durability
Lacrosse goalies put their gear through intense wear and tear. Choose shorts made from high-quality materials that can withstand repeated impacts and frequent washing. Reinforced stitching and abrasion-resistant fabrics can extend the life of your padded shorts.
The Impact of Proper Gear on Goalie Performance
Investing in high-quality padded shorts can significantly improve a goalie’s game. Here’s how:
Increased Confidence
Knowing you’re well-protected allows goalies to focus on making saves without fear of injury. This mental edge can lead to more aggressive and effective play. How does this translate on the field? Goalies may be more willing to challenge shooters and make athletic saves when they trust their protective gear.
Enhanced Mobility
Modern padded shorts are designed to offer protection without sacrificing movement. This allows goalies to maintain quick reflexes and proper form when making saves. The ability to move freely can be the difference between making a game-winning save and allowing a goal.
Improved Stamina
Moisture-wicking materials and breathable designs help regulate body temperature during play. This can reduce fatigue and allow goalies to maintain peak performance throughout the game. How does this affect late-game situations? A goalie who remains comfortable and less fatigued is better equipped to make crucial saves in the final minutes of a close match.
Maintaining and Caring for Lacrosse Goalie Shorts
To maximize the lifespan and effectiveness of your padded shorts, proper care is essential:
Cleaning
Follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions carefully. Generally, machine washing in cold water and air drying is recommended to preserve padding integrity and prevent shrinkage. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, as these can break down protective materials.
Storage
Store shorts in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use. Avoid compressing the padding by folding or stacking heavy items on top of the shorts. Proper storage helps maintain the shape and protective qualities of the padding.
Regular Inspection
Periodically check your shorts for signs of wear, such as thinning padding or loose stitching. Address any issues promptly to ensure continued protection. How often should you inspect your gear? A quick check before each practice or game can help catch potential problems early.
The Future of Lacrosse Goalie Protection
As lacrosse equipment technology continues to evolve, what can goalies expect in terms of protective gear?
Advanced Materials
Manufacturers are constantly researching new materials that offer improved impact absorption while remaining lightweight and flexible. Future padded shorts may incorporate cutting-edge fabrics and foam technologies to provide even better protection without sacrificing mobility.
Customization Options
As 3D printing and other manufacturing techniques advance, we may see more options for customized goalie shorts. This could allow players to tailor padding placement and thickness to their individual playing style and body type.
Integration with Other Equipment
Future designs might better integrate padded shorts with other pieces of goalie equipment, creating a more cohesive and streamlined protective system. This could potentially improve overall mobility and reduce gear interference during play.
Adapting to Rule Changes: Strategies for Lacrosse Goalies
With the new 2022 rule changes in women’s lacrosse, goalies need to adapt their strategies and equipment choices. Here are some tips for making the most of these changes:
Reassess Your Gear
With shin protection now optional, take the time to evaluate whether you prefer playing with or without shin guards. Experiment during practice to determine what feels most comfortable and allows for the best performance. Remember, just because something is optional doesn’t mean it’s not beneficial for your individual needs.
Practice New Clearing Techniques
The expanded clearing options provide opportunities for more dynamic play. Work on quick decision-making and accurate long passes to take advantage of these changes. How can you incorporate this into your training? Set up drills that simulate various clearing scenarios, focusing on both traditional and newly allowed techniques.
Master Crease Positioning
With the redefined crease area, practice positioning yourself to maximize coverage while staying within the new boundaries. This may require adjusting your stance or approach to certain types of shots. Work with your coaches to develop strategies that comply with the new rules while optimizing your defensive capabilities.
Communicate with Your Defense
Ensure your defensive teammates are also aware of the rule changes and how they might affect positioning and strategies. Clear communication during games and practices will help the entire defensive unit adapt more quickly to the new rules.
By understanding and embracing these rule changes, lacrosse goalies can turn potential challenges into opportunities for improving their game. The key is to remain flexible, continuously practice, and always prioritize safety while exploring new techniques and equipment options.
Warrior Burn S18 Senior Lacrosse Goalie Leg Pad Shorts
Warrior
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- BGP18
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- Description
Description
Warrior Burn S18 Senior Lacrosse Goalie Leg Pad Shorts – Gray
Model: Burn 18′
Model Number: BGP18
Color: Gray, Orange
Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X Large
Lacrosse Goalie Leg Pad Shorts
Features
Enhances Fluid Mobility
Pocket for Protective Groin Cup
Overall weight is greatly reduced
Provides Maximum Air Flow Throughout
VPS Foam provides protection in key areas
Wartech Compression Provides Comfort and Flexibility
Elastic Waistband responsible for comfortable around waist
Wartech Compression Liner Wicks Away Moisture From the Body
Everysportforless says.
..
The Warrior Burn S18 Senior Lacrosse Goalie Leg Pad Shorts sport a sleek design most would find suitable for the field and for the sport of Lacrosse. In the front of the Burn S18 Lacrosse Goalie Leg Pad shorts is an area for a protective cup to be placed. Does not come equipped with Protective cup, sold separately, but is compatible with any cup that corresponds with the size of the shorts. Low Profiled design to give way to enhanced mobility without sacrificing protection for the wearer. The Warrior Burn S18 Goalie Leg Pad Shorts are enhanced with Wartech compression liner that wicks moisture away from the body leaving the body cool and dry along with flexible giving the most when it comes to unleashing your full potential out on the field.
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New Women’s NFHS 2022 Lacrosse Rules and Goalies
By Coach Damon
About a month ago the women’s high school lacrosse rules panel came together with a bunch of rules changes that will go into effect for the 2022 season.
The changes have been approved by the board of directors for both the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and for USA Lacrosse. Here is the full list of changes.
There are 19 rule changes in total and most have to do with improving the flow of the women’s game.
The idea is to create fewer stoppages of play while still maintaining the safety and integrity of the women’s game.
I’m all for it. Every time I watch a women’s game the sheer number of whistles and stoppages is surprising to me.
In this post we’ll have a look at the rules which specifically impact the goalies, and there are quite a few.
Women’s Lacrosse Rule Changes that Impact Goalies
Here are the rule changes which specifically impact us goalies.
Shin Padding Now Optional
- Under Rule 2-6-1a, goalkeepers are no longer required to wear shin protectors. This equipment is still recommended for goalkeepers, but with no injury data and no safety standard in place, the committee opted to align with both the collegiate rule and the boys’ rules. Goalkeepers still have the option to wear shin protection with padding up to one inch in thickness.
If you’ve followed me for any amount of time you’ll know that I am 100% for young goalies getting padded up.
That said, if a goalie feels more comfortable without the padding (especially during game days), I’m fine with them not wearing it.
So I’m actually good with this rule which turns the padding from “required” to “optional”.
There’s no reason the women’s game should have different rules than the men’s game on this one.
If you want to wear the padding – and I recommend you do – wear it. If you don’t want to wear the padding, don’t. Simple as that.
Many female goalies who I’ve spoken to never wore shin padding anyways. Even if it was required by rule, the rule wasn’t very well enforced and only on a few occasions would an official make the goalie throw on the shin guards.
Again, I think that lacrosse goalies should wear padding but I don’t think you’re going to get mass adoption by making it “required” via the rules. To me, the answer is better designed padding that’s functional but also looks cool.
But until there is very well designed lacrosse goalie leg protection I like this rule change making it optional for women to wear the leg padding if they want.
What is odd about this rule change is that female goalies are still required to wearing padded thigh pants. This rule change is only about shin guards.
If you’re going to make shin protection optional, why not make the thigh protection optional as well? That is aligned with both the collegiate rule and the boys’ rules.
Allowance to Wear Tinted Eyeglasses
- A change to Rule 2-6-1 also details a new equipment option for goalkeepers – the allowance to wear tinted eyeglasses under a non-rigid helmet eye shield.
I’m not sure I 100% understand this rule change. Under the current rules eyeglasses were not permitted under the helmet?
Or was it just “tinted” eyeglasses?
Anyways now if you want to wear tinted eyeglasses under your helmet, by rule you can.
As a goalie who wore contacts for a vision issue, this is a good thing.
A lot of lax goalie Moms/Dads ask for recommendations about glasses.
If you’re in the market for Rec Specs, these ones come highly recommended from a lot of parents – Optics Outfitter Rec Specs
In addition to the prescription and scratch protection, you can get light-responsive lenses which tint in the sun.
And now according to this rule change, that is legal for goalies.
Goalies Can Get GB’s with One Foot Out of Crease
- Within Rule 7-2-1, a goalkeeper only needs to keep one foot inside the goal circle in order to reach out her crosse and bring the ball back inside the goal circle.
Previously, the goalkeeper could not execute this move with any part of her body grounded outside the goal circle.
Previously, the goalkeeper could not execute this move with any part of her body grounded outside the goal circle.I hate when they are differences in the rules for goalies in the men’s and women’s game. (Hello rules committee, please allow women goalies to score goals).
And while I’m on that topic, can we just start calling it a “crease” for all games? I refuse to write the word “goal circle”.
Even though I’ve worked with a lot of female goalies I never coached women’s lacrosse so sometimes these rules sneak up on me as I just assumed it was the same as the men’s game.
In the men’s game, as long as you had one foot in the crease, you’re in the crease.
In the women’s game, if you had one foot outside the crease you could not scoop a loose ball outside the crease.
This rule changes that. So once put into effect, the technique of keeping a single foot in the crease and scooping a GB around the crease is in full effect and highly encouraged for those female goalies.
I love this rule change as goalies can flash more of their athleticism to win loose balls for their team while remaining protected by the crease.
False Start Penalty Changes
- Rule 10-1 PENALTIES was modified to change the penalty assessment of a false start penalty committed by the goalkeeper or her deputy in the goal circle. PENALTY 5 of the rule now states that the goalie or her deputy may remain in the goal circle for a free position and no defensive player is placed behind the player taking the free position.
What is a goalie’s deputy? Should I have a deputy? Sounds pretty cool.
Ok so I researched the term –
DEPUTY is a player on the defensive goalkeeper’s team who may only enter or remain in the goal circle when her team is in possession of the ball and the goalkeeper is out of the goal circle.
In the men’s game, that just sounds like a brave defenseman who jumps into the goal to wear one in a chaotic situation.
So I guess I had deputies after all.
Anyway this rule change switches what happens if a goalie false starts, which is probably pretty rare given that proper goalie technique is to be “set” in your stance.
Before they had to leave the crease, essentially giving the opposition a free goal. Now they can stay and defend the net. That’s good.
Goalkeeper Allowed to Return to the Crease
- 5-5-3, 5-5-3b(1) & (2) – Allows the goalkeeper to return to goal circle unless the goalkeeper committed the foul, eliminating the advantage to the opponent with free movement if the goalkeeper is required to stay out when closest to the incident.
In the women’s game there seemed to be a lot of rules which really discourage the goalie from leaving the crease.
The rulebook says they “lose all their goalie privileges” which seems pretty threatening.
I love athletic and active goalies. I love seeing a goalie leave the crease to win a possession for their team.
Previously if a goalie was outside of the crease when a foul was committed, they essentially had to stay outside of the crease on the restart, almost ensuring the opposing team gets a free goal.
With this change, assuming the goalie isn’t the one who committed the foul, they’re allowed to return to the crease to protect the goal. I like it.
Restart Possession from the Crease
- 4-3-3d, e, f & g (NEW)– Establishes that when play is restarted for a possession time-out and the goalkeeper has possession of the ball in the goal circle, play will resume from the goal circle and clarifies that if play resumes with a free position it will begin at the spot of the free position.
This is one is more about making the game more fluid and faster.
If the goalie had the ball in the crease and a time out was called, they’re restart not in the crease. Now they restart in the crease.
Shouldn’t change our position all that much.
Conclusion
Quite a few rule changes will go into effect for the women’s high school game starting in 2022.
