The Current List of NOCSAE Approved Lacrosse Goalie Chest Pads
In January 2021, the lacrosse rules committee enacted a new rule for lacrosse goalie chest protectors.
Here is the exact line from the rulebook which will apply for both the boy’s and girl’s game:
*Note: Beginning in 2021, only a goalkeeper chest protector designed for lacrosse that incorporates the NOCSAE ND200 will be legal for play and shall contain an SEI certification mark.
While on one hand this rule is great in that kids need full protection from the rare but fatal commotio cordis.
But on the other hand it was a bummer since it forced many lacrosse goalie Moms and Dads to go out and buy their kid a new chest pad.
And those certainly are not cheap.
So what chest pads are legal now? And which are still waiting for NOCSAE approval?
In this post I’ll give the full list of NOCSAE approved chest protectors. I’ll try to keep this post updated but in the event you see something missing or erroneous, leave me a comment down below.
NOCSAE Approved Goalie Chest Pads
At the time of this writing, these are the 10 lacrosse goalie chest pads that are NOCSAE approved:
More chest pads might eventually get approved but as of now, all goalies should be using one of these seven.
Where to find the updated list of approved chest pads
I imagine in the future NOCSAE will approve more chest pads as new ones hit the market.
I’ll try to keep this list as up to date as possible, however if you’d like to check for yourself, here’s the instructions.
To check the list of approved chest protectors, you can go to this site: https://www.seinet.org/search.htm
Then select program = NOCSAE.
Then select sports = Lacrosse
Then select NOCSAE: Protector for Commotio Cordis (Lacrosse) (ND200-19)
That will give you the list of approved chest pads.
Mixed in there is the approved gear for field players as well. They too must use commotio cordis starting in 2022.
So just look for the phrase goalie chest pad or goalie chest protector next to the options.
Which Chest Pads Should I use?
Chest pads are pretty unique to each goalie and its hard to answer that question without knowing more about your goalie.
When I posted this on my Instagram, you see some goalies loving the Maverik Max:
And some goalies hating it:
Browse the comments of this post and you’ll see all sorts of variety:
I’m in the process of analyzing all the approved chest pads and writing up reviews for the blog.
Unfortunately its a long and expensive process as I need to buy the chest pad, then spend a few weeks playing with it in order to write a solid review.
So I assure you, reviews of all 10 NOCSAE approved chest pads are coming soon.
Here’s the reviews I’ve done so far:
Will update this list as news ones become available.
I will say that if you have a youth goalie who is just starting you’re better off starting with the lower priced STX Shield 200 or 400, or the Maverik MX.
These chest pads offer solid protection and won’t break the bank.
Nothing is worse than dropping $170 on a new chest pad only for your youth to tell you he’s not interested in goalie anymore.
Shield 200 is $70. Shield 400 is $130. Maverik MX is $100.
If you can find one of these models used on SidelineSwap you’ll save even more loot.
So I’d recommend starting with one of those for at least the first season (maybe even first few seasons) and then upgrading the chest pad once you see they’re hooked on the goalie position.
Do refs check for certified chest pads?
My understanding is no.
It is the responsibility of the goalie, coach, and parent to ensure that they are using legal protection.
The refs might ask a coach if his/her players all have legal gear but they will not be lifting up jerseys to check for the NOCSAE stamp on the chest pad.
So it’s your responsibility to ensure you are using one of the 10 NOCSAE certified chest pads before you step onto the field.
The other thing is there are only 10 certified chest pads, so if you’re the kind of goalie who warms up without the jersey, is pretty easy to spot a non-certified chest pad.
For example, first clip of this video (not a legal chest pad):
If the opposing team catches wind that you’re not using legal gear they could call for an equipment check and you’d be giving your team an unreleasable penalty for equipment violation.
Until next time,
Coach Damon
Which chest pad are you (or your goalie) using? Leave me a comment down below.
Visited 1 times, 1 visit(s) today
Looking to purchase, next level female goalie chest protector. Currently using old 2019 stx400 provided by the team. Should I look at Unequal Hart ll or STX 600. She does not wear elbow or shoulder pads. She has a very strong right arm throw and needs that option, suggestions?
Both great chest pads. Can’t go wrong with either. The unequal is going to be slimmer (less protection but more mobility) and I’ve heard stories of girls liking the fit of this one.