Stick The lacrosse stick (or crosse) consists of a metal shaft with a plastic head. The ball is caught in the pocket on the head of the stick. The pocket can be made of mesh or leather strings (traditional). The stick must be an overall length of 40 - 42 inches for attackmen and midfielders, or 52 - 72 inches for defensemen. The head of the stick must be 6.5 - 10 inches wide, except a goalie's stick which may be 10 - 12 inches wide. The pocket of a stick shall be deemed illegal if the top surface of the ball, when placed in the head of the stick, is below the bottom edge of the plastic side wall. Helmet A protective helmet, equipped with face mask, chin pad and a cupped four point chin strap fastened to all four hookups, must be worn by all men's players. All helmets and face masks should be NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) approved. Gloves All players are required to wear protective gloves. The cutting or altering of gloves is prohibited. Shoulder Pads All players must wear shoulder pads. Shoulder pads protect the players shoulder caps and collar bone. Arm Guards All players must wear arm guards. Arm guards cover the entire arm from the wrist to the tricep. Good arm guards generally have extra pading on the elbow. Goalie Equipment The goalkeeper is required to wear a throat protector and chest protector, in addition to a helmet, mouthpiece and gloves. Athletic Cup All players must wear a cup (this is a no brainer). Mouthpiece All players must wear a mouthpiece The Ball The ball is made of solid rubber and can be white, yellow or orange. The ball is 7.75 - 8 inches in circumference and 5 - 5.25 ounces.