As much fun as lacrosse is to watch, coach or play, it’s not the cheapest sport for a newcomer to take up. The gear can be expensive to buy new. Not just the lacrosse stick, or the short crosse, that everyone is familiar with, but also the helmet and pads. In boys lacrosse, the shoulder and arm pads, helmet and gloves are required safety gear for every player.
The goalie has to additionally wear a chest pad and throat guard, and typically uses a different style of crosse than the field players. Optional equipment can include rib pads, and up to four players per team, usually defensively oriented, are allowed to use a long stick instead of the regular 42 inch one.