What are the key 2022 rule changes for women’s lacrosse goalies. How do the new regulations impact goalie equipment and play. Which lacrosse padded shorts offer the best protection for goalies.
2022 Women’s Lacrosse Rule Changes Affecting Goalies
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and USA Lacrosse have approved 19 new rules for women’s high school lacrosse in 2022. These changes aim to improve game flow by reducing stoppages while maintaining safety. Several of these updates directly impact goalies:
Optional Shin Protection
Under Rule 2-6-1a, shin protectors are no longer mandatory for goalkeepers. While still recommended, the lack of injury data has led to this equipment becoming optional. This change allows goalies more flexibility in choosing their protective gear based on personal preference and playing style.
Simplified Clearing Process
The new rules streamline the clearing process for goalies after a save. How does this affect gameplay? Goalies now have more freedom to quickly transition the ball upfield, potentially leading to faster-paced games and increased scoring opportunities.
Goalie Stick Regulations
Are there changes to goalie stick requirements? Yes, the rules now allow for more variety in goalie stick designs, giving players additional options to suit their individual techniques and preferences.
Top Lacrosse Padded Shorts for Goalies
Proper lower body protection is crucial for lacrosse goalies. Let’s examine some top options for padded shorts:
ShockSkin LAX Impact Shorts with Ultra Carbon Flex Cup
These shorts offer comprehensive protection with an integrated cup pocket. What makes them stand out? The Ultra Carbon Flex Cup provides superior impact absorption while maintaining flexibility for quick movements.
Warrior Burn S18 Senior Lacrosse Goalie Leg Pad Shorts
The Warrior Burn S18 shorts are designed specifically for lacrosse goalies. Key features include:
- Enhanced fluid mobility
- Pocket for protective groin cup
- Reduced overall weight
- Maximum airflow
- VPS Foam protection in key areas
- Wartech Compression for comfort and flexibility
How do these shorts improve a goalie’s performance? The combination of protection and flexibility allows for unrestricted movement while safeguarding sensitive areas from high-speed shots.
Importance of Proper Goalie Equipment
Selecting the right protective gear is crucial for lacrosse goalies. Why is this so important?
- Safety: Goalies face high-velocity shots and need adequate protection to prevent injuries.
- Confidence: Proper equipment allows goalies to focus on making saves without fear of injury.
- Mobility: Well-designed gear provides protection without restricting movement.
- Comfort: Comfortable equipment helps goalies maintain focus throughout the game.
Choosing the Right Lacrosse Goalie Shorts
When selecting padded shorts for lacrosse goalies, consider the following factors:
Protection Level
How much padding is necessary? This depends on the goalie’s playing style and personal preference. Some prefer maximum protection, while others prioritize mobility.
Fit and Comfort
Properly fitting shorts are essential for optimal performance. How should goalie shorts fit? They should be snug but not restrictive, allowing for a full range of motion.
Breathability
Goalies often work up a sweat during intense games. Moisture-wicking materials and ventilation features help keep players cool and comfortable.
Durability
Lacrosse goalies put their equipment through rigorous use. High-quality materials and construction ensure longevity and consistent protection.
Benefits of Compression Technology in Goalie Shorts
Many modern lacrosse goalie shorts incorporate compression technology. What advantages does this offer?
- Improved blood circulation
- Reduced muscle fatigue
- Enhanced recovery
- Better moisture management
- Increased stability and proprioception
How does compression technology work? By applying pressure to specific muscle groups, compression garments can help improve performance and reduce the risk of injury.
Maintenance and Care for Lacrosse Goalie Shorts
Proper care extends the life of your goalie shorts and ensures they maintain their protective properties. Follow these tips:
Washing Instructions
How should you clean lacrosse goalie shorts?
- Machine wash in cold water
- Use mild detergent
- Avoid fabric softeners
- Air dry or tumble dry on low heat
Storage
Where should you store goalie shorts between uses? Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent material degradation.
Regular Inspection
Periodically check your shorts for signs of wear or damage. Replace them if you notice any compromised areas to ensure continued protection.
Adapting to New Equipment: Tips for Goalies
Transitioning to new goalie shorts or adapting to rule changes can be challenging. How can goalies adjust effectively?
Gradual Introduction
Introduce new equipment slowly during practice sessions before using it in games. This allows time to adapt to any differences in feel or mobility.
Drills for Adaptation
Incorporate specific drills that focus on movement and reactions while wearing the new shorts. This helps build muscle memory and confidence with the equipment.
Feedback and Adjustments
Pay attention to how the new shorts affect your performance. Make necessary adjustments or try different options if you encounter any issues.
The Future of Lacrosse Goalie Equipment
As the sport of lacrosse continues to evolve, so does the equipment used by goalies. What trends can we expect in the future?
Advanced Materials
Manufacturers are constantly developing new materials that offer improved protection without added bulk. We may see the introduction of impact-absorbing fabrics that remain flexible and lightweight.
Customization Options
The trend towards personalized equipment is likely to continue. Will we see more options for custom-fitted goalie shorts? This could lead to improved comfort and performance for individual players.
Integration of Technology
Could smart textiles and wearable technology find their way into lacrosse goalie shorts? Features like built-in sensors to track movement or impact force could provide valuable data for training and injury prevention.
Sustainability Focus
As environmental concerns grow, expect to see more eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes in lacrosse equipment production.
The world of lacrosse goalie equipment is constantly evolving, with new rules and innovative gear designed to enhance player performance and safety. By staying informed about the latest developments and choosing the right protective gear, goalies can maximize their potential on the field while minimizing the risk of injury. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out, investing in quality padded shorts and adapting to new regulations will help you stay at the top of your game.
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.
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.