A lacrosse goalie chest protector should be designed for lacrosse, meet ND200 where required, cover the torso from the neckline to below the navel and fit snugly with the straps secured to the front. Verify the NOCSAE and SEI marks, then use the manufacturer's chart for the exact model.
Choose the required standard first, then assess how the torso coverage and straps sit on the player. A goalkeeper chest protector is shaped and fitted differently from field-player shoulder pads, so use the maker’s goalie sizing guidance rather than transferring a field-pad size.
Verify the standard before comparing fit
USA Lacrosse says goalie chest protectors must meet NOCSAE ND200 under boys’ and girls’ youth, high-school and collegiate rules. The 2026 equipment guide calls for a lacrosse chest protector and shows the NOCSAE and SEI markings. Check that both the product and its packaging carry the required marks, then use SEI’s certified product search to find the maker or brand. Ask the maker or league to resolve a naming mismatch before buying.
| Fit checkpoint | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Standard and markings | The USA Lacrosse Chest Protector FAQ says goalie protectors must meet ND200 where required and carry the NOCSAE logo and SEI mark on the product and packaging. Check both, then use SEI’s certified product search to find the maker or brand. |
| Front coverage | The 2026 USA Lacrosse equipment guide describes coverage from the neckline to below the navel. Confirm the pad covers that span on the player while worn as directed. |
| Strap position | USA Lacrosse says the body straps should be secured to the front and adjusted for a snug, comfortable fit. Follow the model’s instructions and retest after adjustment. |
| Sizing | STX’s protective sizing chart uses height and weight ranges. Measure the player and follow the exact maker’s chart instead of transferring another model’s size. |
ND200 certification is a rule-compliance check. USA Lacrosse has warned against claims that one certified brand or standard version offers superior protection to another certified product. Compare fit, design, adjustability and documented coverage instead.
Check the torso coverage and straps
USA Lacrosse’s current equipment guide describes goalie chest coverage from the neckline to below the navel. It says the body straps should fasten to the front of the pad and be adjusted for a snug, comfortable fit. Put the protector on according to its instructions, secure the straps and confirm the coverage remains in place when the goalie moves into a ready stance and handles the stick.
Do not choose by age label alone. Use the exact maker’s chart for the model and confirm the chart’s measurement method. STX’s protective sizing chart is organized by height and weight and includes chest protectors. Product pages may list their available sizes, but the chart is the better starting point for matching the player’s measurements.
Keep field pads and goalie pads separate
A field shoulder pad has different coverage requirements. Boys’ field shoulder pads cover the top of the shoulder, collarbone and sternum, while the goalie chest protector covers the front torso down below the navel. For field-player markings and shoulder fit, see the ND200 shoulder-pad fit guide. Goalie throat-piece attachment and helmet compatibility are covered in the throat guard fit guide, and the goalie gear guide lists the rest of the setup.
Sources
Checked November 5, 2026.
- USA Lacrosse Chest Protector FAQ
- USA Lacrosse 2026 Equipment Guide
- USA Lacrosse statement on ND200 claims
- SEI certified product search
- STX protective sizing chart
Related
Common questions
Do lacrosse goalies need an ND200 chest protector?
USA Lacrosse says goalie chest protectors meeting NOCSAE ND200 are required in boys' and girls' youth, high-school and collegiate rules. Check the rules for the player's competition and confirm the exact product listing.
How much of the torso should a goalie chest protector cover?
USA Lacrosse's equipment guide describes coverage from the neckline to below the navel, with the body straps secured to the front and adjusted for a snug, comfortable fit.
Can one brand's chest-protector size chart be used for another?
Use the chart for the exact manufacturer and model. For example, STX's protective chart uses height and weight ranges, while its separate Cell V shoulder-pad chart is limited to that product line.