Why All NOCSAE-Certified Helmets Aren't Equal
Every lacrosse helmet sold in the US must be NOCSAE certified — that's the law. But NOCSAE is a minimum standard, not a performance ranking. Think of it like car safety: every car must have seatbelts, but some have better crash test ratings than others. The same is true for lacrosse helmets.
Virginia Tech's STAR rating system tests helmets far beyond NOCSAE requirements and publishes public ratings. Their testing shows that top-rated helmets reduce concussion risk by up to 70% compared to bottom-rated helmets that still pass NOCSAE.
NOCSAE Certification: The Baseline
The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment tests helmets by dropping them from specific heights onto specific surfaces and measuring peak G-forces. A helmet must keep impact forces below threshold levels to pass.
What NOCSAE tests: Linear impact (direct hits) from front, side, rear, and top.
What NOCSAE doesn't test: Rotational impacts (the primary cause of concussions), repeated sub-concussive impacts, or impacts at angles.
Recertification: Helmets must be recertified (NAERA standard) every year for team/league use. This involves visual inspection and reconditioning. Check the recertification sticker date.
Virginia Tech STAR Ratings
Virginia Tech's helmet lab conducts 48 impact tests per helmet across multiple locations, velocities, and angles — including rotational impacts that NOCSAE skips. Helmets receive 1–5 stars (5 = best). Their ratings are free and public at helmet.beam.vt.edu.
Always check Virginia Tech ratings before buying. A 5-star helmet provides measurably better protection than a 1-star helmet, even though both pass NOCSAE.
Safety Features to Look For
- EPP foam liner (multi-density): Expanded polypropylene foam at multiple densities absorbs both high-speed and low-speed impacts. Better than single-density VN (vinyl nitrile) foam alone.
- Rotational protection: Some helmets now include MIPS-like systems or floating liners that address rotational forces. This is the cutting edge of lacrosse helmet safety.
- Titanium or stainless steel face mask: Titanium is lighter and stronger. Stainless is heavier but cheaper. Both are safe; titanium reduces neck fatigue.
- Adjustable fit system: A helmet that fits properly protects better. Look for ratchet-style or dial-fit rear adjustment.
- Ventilation: Important for preventing heat-related issues during summer play, especially for youth.
Recommendations
Proper Helmet Fit
- The helmet should sit level — not tilted back (exposing forehead) or forward (blocking vision).
- Snug all around — no rocking side-to-side when you shake your head. Use the adjustment system to dial in fit.
- Chin strap tight — one finger gap maximum between strap and chin. The helmet should stay on if you bend forward.
- Facemask position — the facemask should not touch your face during normal play. If it does, the helmet is too small.
Common Mistakes
Sources & Further Reading
- Virginia Tech. "Lacrosse Helmet Ratings." helmet.beam.vt.edu
- NOCSAE. "Standard Performance Specification for Lacrosse Helmets." nocsae.org
- Cascade. "Helmet Technology and Safety Features." cascadelacrosse.com
- US Lacrosse. "Equipment Safety Standards." uslacrosse.org
- Inside Lacrosse. "Helmet Safety Guide for Parents." insidelacrosse.com, 2024.
