Types of Rib Pads for Lacrosse Players
When suiting up for lacrosse, wearing rib protectors is one of the most important pieces of protective gear. There are a few different types of rib pads available:
- Hard shell rib protectors – These offer the most protection with a hard plastic outer shell and foam padding on the inside. Hard shell rib pads provide superior impact absorption but can restrict mobility.
- Soft shell rib protectors – Softer, flexible padded material without a hard outer shell. These allow for more freedom of movement but less protection.
- Integrated rib shirts – Rib padding is built right into a compression-style shirt. Less adjustable but streamlined under uniforms.
Hard shell rib guards are recommended for youth lacrosse players, as they provide maximum protection. Integrated rib shirt styles may not have adequate padding for growing kids. Be sure to get properly fitted rib pads that stay in place and overlap with shoulder pads to avoid gaps.
Proper Fit and Sizing of Lacrosse Rib Protectors
Getting the right size rib protector is crucial. Rib guards that are too big can shift and slide, leaving the ribs exposed. Pads that are too small can pinch and restrict breathing and mobility. When fitted properly, rib pads should:
- Cover rib cage from below pecs to just above the navel
- Wrap snugly with limited up and down movement
- Allow full arm range of motion when shooting and passing
- Overlap shoulder pad belt to eliminate gaps
Sizes are based on chest measurement and most brands offer youth sizes. Allow room to grow if sizing up. Straps and velcro closures help customize and adjust fit as needed. Educate young players on proper wear and check fit regularly as they grow.
Choosing quality rib protectors and ensuring proper fit is a must to keep your young athlete’s ribs protected on the lacrosse field. Taking precautions helps minimize injury risk and allows kids to focus on enjoying the sport.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Rib Guards
When shopping for rib protectors for youth lacrosse players, there are several important factors to consider:
- Protection level – Hard shell ribs guards provide the most impact protection for growing kids.
- Fit – Rib protectors should fit snugly without restricting breathing and range of motion.
- Coverage area – Opt for pads that protect rib cage from just under arms to above naval.
- Adjustability – Look for straps, velcro closures to customize and adjust sizing.
- Overlap with shoulder pads – Ensure rib guards overlap shoulder pad belt to eliminate gaps.
- Ventilation – Breathable materials help keep players cooler and drier.
- Comfort – Padding shouldn’t dig in or chafe; flexible materials aid movement.
- Durability – Durable outer shell prevents cracks; interior padding retains shape and shock absorption.
Top Youth Lacrosse Rib Protector Brands
When shopping for quality rib pads, look for brands designed specifically for lacrosse and youth sizes. Top brands include:
- Cascade – Well known lacrosse gear company; makes the Protector and Rib Pad line.
- STX – Leading equipment brand with Stallion rib shirts and Cell Padded shirts.
- Warrior – Specializes in lacrosse equipment with Rabil and RPM rib protectors.
- Brine – Offers King rib pads along with other lacrosse gear and apparel.
- Under Armour – Makes integrated Command rib shirts for lacrosse.
These major brands engineer their rib protectors specifically for the demands of the sport while offering youth sizes. Try on different options to find the right combination of protection, comfort, and fit for your young player. Buying from reputable lacrosse brands also ensures better quality and durability to protect your athlete’s ribs season after season.
Rib injuries can sideline youth lacrosse players for weeks. Protecting a child’s still developing body should be a top priority. Taking the time to find properly fitting, high quality rib pads gives parents peace of mind and keeps kids safer on the field.
Hard vs Soft Shell Rib Pads for Lacrosse
When choosing rib protectors for youth lacrosse, parents often debate between hard shell and soft shell styles. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
- Hard Shell
- Rigid plastic outer layer
- Superior impact protection
- Less flexible and breathable
- Recommended for youth players
- Padded fabric exterior
- More breathable and flexible
- Less shock absorbing
- May not offer adequate protection for kids
When to Choose Hard Shell Rib Guards
For most youth and adolescent lacrosse players, hard shell rib guards are the safest option. The thick outer plastic shell better protects growing bones and cartilage from the collisions and checks that are common when playing lacrosse. While the rigid guards may feel restrictive at first, players can adapt to them. The priority should be effective injury prevention.
Hard shell rib pads are especially important for the following youth players:
- Age 10 and under – Still developing injury prevention skills
- Playing varsity or travel lacrosse – Faster pace increases risk
- Playing defense – More physical contact from opposing players
- History of rib injuries – Vulnerable to re-injury
The soft padding of integrated rib shirts or soft shell pads alone simply cannot absorb the impacts that youth players receive to the rib cage area when actively defending and maneuvering on the field. The hard shell guards provide superior shock absorption, helping prevent cracked ribs and other traumatic injuries.
While soft shell rib pads may have some advantages in terms of comfort and range of motion, compromise should not come at the expense of safety for young athletes. Hard shell rib guards provide essential protection.
Rib Pad Designs for Maximum Protection
When evaluating rib protectors for youth lacrosse players, look for certain design elements that offer enhanced protection:
- Full wraparound coverage – Guards should extend all the way around the rib cage, not just the front and sides.
- Extended length – Extra long rib pads protect from just below the pecs down to the abdominal area.
- Overlap with shoulder pads – Rib protector should overlap the shoulder pad belt to eliminate gaps.
- Adjustable and secure fit – Straps, velcro closures ensure a snug, customized fit.
- Rigid outer shell – Hard plastic exterior better absorbs impact forces.
- Dual density foam – Multi-layered interior padding improves shock absorption.
- Ventilation zones – Strategic mesh panels allow airflow to keep players cooler.
- Moisture wicking – Specialized fabric pulls sweat away from the body.
Full Wraparound Protection
Since rib injuries can occur from all angles of impact, rib protectors that shield both the front and back of the rib cage are ideal. Some rib pads only protect the sternum area, leaving the back and sides exposed. Full wraparound designs deliver superior protection for young lacrosse players.
The broad coverage also eliminates gaps that could leave ribs unprotected. With adjustable straps, full wraparound rib guards contour to a player’s body while allowing range of motion for passing, cradling, and shooting during competition.
For physically active sports like lacrosse, injuries can come from any direction. A stray stick or ball, knocked over teammate, or hard hit from an opponent can all cause trauma to unprotected ribs. Full wraparound rib pads are essential to shield a youth athlete’s vulnerable ribs on all sides.
Parents and coaches should help educate young players on wearing their rib protectors properly so they get maximum protective coverage. Taking these precautions will help keep kids safer and give them confidence to play their best.
Ventilation and Breathability in Lacrosse Rib Guards
When shopping for youth lacrosse rib protectors, look for options that provide ventilation and breathability:
- Mesh paneling – Strategically placed mesh zones allow air to flow through.
- Moisture wicking fabrics – Material pulls sweat away from the body and promotes evaporative cooling.
- Minimal coverage over shoulder pads – Don’t overlap too much to avoid overheating.
- Lightweight padding – Limits thermal insulation and heat trapping.
Keeping Cool on the Lacrosse Field
Proper ventilation helps keep young athletes cool and comfortable even during intense lacrosse games and practices. Breathable rib guards reduce overheating and sweat buildup.
Excessive heat under lacrosse pads and uniforms can lead to irritating chafing, dehydration, and fatigue. Well-ventilated rib protectors allow air to circulate and provide a cooling effect.
Moisture wicking fabrics also pull sweat away from a player’s skin rather than absorbing it into the pads. This evaporation helps regulate body temperature. The last thing a youth athlete needs is hot, heavy, wet gear restricting movement.
Lightweight but durable padding materials in rib protectors add less thermal insulation than traditional thick foams. Newer technical fabrics strike a good balance between protection and breathability.
While rib injuries are a big concern, overheating presents another safety issue on warm sunny fields. Allowing proper airflow and minimizing heat retention makes rib pads more comfortable to wear for active kids focused on the game.
Care and Maintenance of Lacrosse Rib Protectors
To get the most out of youth lacrosse rib pads, proper care and maintenance is key:
- Hand wash pads – Use mild detergent and air dry after games and practices.
- Sanitize periodically – Use disinfecting wipes or spray to prevent bacterial buildup.
- Inspect for damage – Check for cracks, loose padding, fraying straps.
- Replace pads annually – Old pads lose protective abilities.
- Store in ventilated area – Allow to fully dry before packing away to prevent mildew.
- Follow sizing guidelines – Kids grow quickly; ensure proper fit each season.
Extending the Life of Rib Protectors
With all the contact, weathering, and wear that youth lacrosse rib pads endure, some basic maintenance is required. Taking steps to care for rib guards results in several benefits:
- Preserves protective abilities – Prolongs padding shock absorption.
- Reduces odor – Prevent bacterial buildup and musty smells.
- Avoids skin irritation – Keep pads clean and sanitary.
- Extends product lifespan – Allows rib guards to last longer.
- Saves money – Delays need to replace due to damage.
Washing pads regularly prevents the growth of odor and bacteria that can occur with dirt, sweat, and contact. Air drying fully before storage avoids mildew that can degrade materials prematurely.
Inspecting for cracks, fraying or loose padding ensures rib protectors maintain protective structural integrity after repeated impacts. Well-cared for rib pads stay safer longer.
How Rib Pads Can Prevent Injuries in Lacrosse
Wearing proper rib protectors is one of the best ways for young athletes to avoid rib injuries while playing lacrosse. Here’s how rib pads prevent trauma:
- Cushion blows – Padding absorbs and dissipates impact forces from collisions.
- Protect cartilage – Rib guards shield the flexible costal cartilage along the ribs.
- Limit fracture risk – Hard shell and foam guard rib bones from breaking.
- Reduce bruising – Extra padding decreases painful torso contusions.
- Minimize risk of puncture – Outer shell guards against sharp sticks and elbows.
Shielding Vulnerable Rib Cage Area
The rib cage is particularly prone to injury during physical contact sports. The curvature of ribs creates protruding areas vulnerable to blows. Costal cartilage between the ribs is also susceptible to traumatic bending or over-flexion.
Quality rib protectors act as an armor to safeguard the rib cage. The padding absorbs energy from collisions and checks that young players experience from all angles during competition and practice.
The rigid outer shell of rib pads also distributes impact forces over a wider surface area. This dissipates shock rather than concentrating it on a small spot like an unprotected rib.
Well-fitting rib protectors allow youth athletes to play with confidence knowing their ribs have an extra layer of shock-absorbing protection. This gives parents peace of mind as well.
Rib Protector Rules and Regulations for Youth Lacrosse
When suiting up for youth lacrosse, rib pads are a required protective gear piece. Here are some key rules and regulations regarding rib protector use:
- Mandatory for all levels – Youth, adolescent, high school.
- Must meet NOCSAE standards – Verify certification logo on packaging.
- Proper overlap with shoulder pads – No exposed gaps.
- Full wraparound or side coverage minimum – Back optional at some ages.
- Self-check before games and practices – Ensure good condition and fit.
- Coaches inspect gear – Check for defects, damage, improper fit.
Following Protective Gear Guidelines
All major lacrosse leagues and associations including US Lacrosse, NFHS, NCAA, require rib pads for youth players based on age and level. While specific rules can vary, rib protection is universally recognized as essential.
Only rib pads meeting NOCSAE standards deliver adequate shock absorbing abilities and durability. The NOCSAE logo should be present on packaging or product.
Coaches and referees may prohibit players from competing if worn or damaged rib pads are spotted during inspections. Kids and parents share responsibility for gear checks before games.
Ultimately, the goal is keeping young athletes safe as they learn and enjoy playing lacrosse competitively. Rib injuries can pose major short and long term consequences.
When to Replace Old and Worn Out Rib Protectors
Rib pads take a beating and wear down over time. Here are signs it’s time to replace youth lacrosse rib protectors:
- Daily use exceeds one season – Performance declines with age.
- Frayed straps and damaged closures – Affect fit and mobility.
- Padding is compacted or warped – Reduces shock absorption.
- Outer shell is cracked or dented – Compromises protection.
- Pads seem loose or tight – No longer proper fit.
- Noticeable odor persists – Even after washing.
Replacing Worn Out Lacrosse Rib Guards
While rib protector pricing can add up, trying to extend the use of pads past their effective lifespan is a false economy. Old rib guards simply cannot provide the same level of protection and injury prevention compared to new equipment.
The repeated impacts rib pads endure degrade their shock absorbing capacities over time. Cracked shells and squished padding lose protective structural integrity.
Straps and closures stretch out with use, jeopardizing a secure fit. Serious rib injuries can occur if pads shift during play.
Replacing rib protectors at the first signs of deterioration ensures kids always benefit from maximum protection. Prioritizing safety trumps saving a little money.
Buying Quality Rib Protectors on a Budget
Protecting a young athlete’s ribs is a priority, but parents often need to watch expenses. Here are tips for getting quality lacrosse rib guards on a budget:
- Shop end of season sales – Stock up on next size up at discounts.
- Consider last year’s models – Technology changes little year-to-year.
- Buy protective gear bundles – Combination sets can offer savings over individual pieces.
- Stick to major brands – Better durability and replacement policies.
- Search for coupon codes – Retailer websites may offer special promos.
- Buy protective gear used – If in good condition with much life left.
- Prioritize essential pieces – Rib guards a better investment than optional gear.
Finding Affordable Lacrosse Protective Gear
With strategic shopping, parents can outfit their kids with needed lacrosse protective equipment without breaking the bank. Prioritizing essential safety gear like rib pads ensures kids are covered for those vulnerable impact zones.
Well-known lacrosse brands like STX, Maverik, and Brine offer equipment bundle packages at a discounted rate over buying pieces separately. Taking advantage of off-season clearance sales is also an ideal time to get quality gear at reduced prices.
Gear swaps and buying used equipment in good condition offer additional savings possibilities. Focus on required protective gear first when allocating budget for a youth player’s needs.