So you think you are cool or can move better if you wear minimum sized shoulder pads, or arm guards? Well, let me tell you that after 48 years of coaching I have seen many injuries which have caused great players to become seriously injured and miss weeks of playing time. The rules dictate that you must be properly equipped to play the game. However, many players will compete with shoulder pads and arm guards which do not fully protect the area they are meant to protect. If you are confident in the protection your equipment provides, you will be a player who can dodge and “take a check” and not be portrayed as a “soft player”. Soft players are not held in high regard. WEAR the most protective gear available. You will greatly decrease your chances of missing a game due to injury, allowing you to play your best at all times. Lacrosse is a great game, but only if you are on the field to play this great game.
-Fred Acee, Team USA ’94, 4x Hall of Fame Coach