For boys' field shoulder pads, check lacrosse design, the NOCSAE ND200 marking and SEI certification before comparing fit. Then confirm the pad covers the top of the shoulder, collarbone and sternum, and stays in position when adjusted. Rules differ by game and level, so check the current rulebook and the exact maker chart.
Buy for the game and the rule first, then find the fit. A shoulder-pad label can verify a standard, but it does not tell you whether that model’s shape and size sit correctly on a particular player.
Start with the rule and the label
USA Lacrosse says boys’ field players’ shoulder pads must meet NOCSAE ND200, and goalkeepers in boys’ and girls’ lacrosse must wear a chest protector meeting ND200. The standard and equipment rules differ across player roles and competitions, so check the current rulebook for your level before choosing between field shoulder pads and a goalkeeper chest protector.
For a product governed by ND200, inspect the actual pad and its packaging for the NOCSAE logo and SEI certification mark. USA Lacrosse points buyers to SEI’s certified product search, where products can be searched by product, brand, model or company. Confirm the exact model with the manufacturer or league if the listing and package use different names.
| Player setup | Standard, label and fit checks |
|---|---|
| Boys’ field player shoulder pads | Use a lacrosse-designed pad meeting ND200. Check the NOCSAE logo and SEI mark on the item and packaging. It should cover the top of the shoulder, collarbone and sternum; adjust the straps and check the pad stays in place. |
| Boys’ or girls’ goalie chest protector | Use an ND200 chest protector and check the same NOCSAE and SEI marks. It should cover the front torso from neckline to below the navel, with straps secured at the front for a snug, comfortable fit. |
These role-specific checks follow the USA Lacrosse Chest Protector FAQ and the 2026 equipment guide. Use the goalie-specific fit guide below for sizing a chest protector.
ND200 is a compliance check, not a basis for saying one certified brand protects better than another. USA Lacrosse has specifically cautioned against brand-to-brand superiority claims about certified protectors.
Check coverage before sizing up
For field-player shoulder pads, USA Lacrosse says the design must cover the top of the shoulder, collarbone and sternum. Its current equipment guide recommends a comfortable fit with the straps adjusted. A youth fitting guide suggests trying the pad on, adjusting the straps and moving around: a pad that shifts up and down is too large, while a pad that leaves the sternum uncovered is too small.
Try the exact model over the layers the player will wear in a game. Check the shoulder and sternum coverage again after moving. Do not size up only to extend the time before replacement if the pad shifts or leaves required coverage exposed.
Use the maker’s chart for that model
Size labels are not measurements. Follow the manufacturer’s chart for the exact product and confirm which body measurements it uses. For example, STX’s protective sizing chart uses height and weight ranges for its protective gear. STX says its separate Cell V shoulder-pad chart applies only to Cell V shoulder pads and liners; other shoulder pads use its protective sizing chart.
If the chart points between sizes, compare coverage and movement in both sizes instead of choosing from age alone. For a goalkeeper’s separate torso pad, use the goalie chest-protector fit guide. The broader gloves and pads by position guide explains how protective choices vary by role.
Sources
Checked November 5, 2026.
- USA Lacrosse Chest Protector FAQ
- USA Lacrosse 2026 Equipment Guide
- USA Lacrosse statement on ND200 claims
- USA Lacrosse shoulder-pad fit tips
- SEI certified product search
- STX protective sizing chart
- STX Cell V size-chart note
Related
Common questions
Which lacrosse players need ND200 shoulder pads?
USA Lacrosse says boys' field players must use shoulder pads meeting ND200, and goalkeepers in boys' and girls' lacrosse must use an ND200 chest protector. Confirm the current rule for your game, age group and league.
How can I check that a pad is certified?
USA Lacrosse says the NOCSAE logo and SEI certification mark must appear on both the product and packaging. Search the maker or brand in SEI's certified product search, then confirm the exact model with the manufacturer or league if the listing name is unclear.
How should lacrosse shoulder pads fit?
They should cover the top of the shoulder, collarbone and sternum. Adjust the straps, then move in the pad; it should not shift up and down, and the sternum should remain covered.