Fig. 1

Examples of the Hard Shell Helmets Mandated in Boys’ LAX and Optional Flexible Headgear Allowed in Girls’ LAX. a: Coverage provided by boys’ hard shell helmet with full face mask. b: Coverage provided by girls’ flexible headgear with integrated eyewear. c: Lack of deformation of boys’ hard shell helmet when LAX stick with 10lb. weight in pocket was laid across the helmet. d: Clear deformation of girls’ flexible headgear when LAX stick with 10 lb. weight in pocket was laid across the headgear. Note: c and d document the same static, weighted lacrosse stick resting at an angle across a never worn male helmet and a never worn female headgear. There was no stick strike (e.g., no acceleration of the stick toward the helmet/headgear) when the photos were taken