HEADLINE: NEW “CARDIAC SAFE” APPROVED SHOULDER PADS REQUIRED FOR ALL BOYS (K-8th grade)

Dear SYL Boys Parents,

   SYL is extremely focused on the safety of our athletes.  A major focus of USA Lacrosse and SYL is the prevention of cardiac related events.  A key concern and focus as related to boys’ lacrosse is the potential of a “Commotio Cordis Injury” which results from a ball/shot hitting a player in the chest, potentially resulting in cardiac arrest. 

   While these events are rare, the lacrosse community is focused on mitigating the potential of this cardiac event occurring and being able to treat if/when possible.  SYL has done the following to address potential cardiac events:

• AEDs: Several years ago, SYL invested in 4 AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator) which we attempt to have available at as many SYL events as possible. 
• New Goalie Chest Protectors: Effective January 1, 2021, USA Lacrosse required that all goalies (boys and girls) wear Cardiac Approved Chest Protectors.  SYL purchased 14 approved goalie chest protectors to comply with this requirement last season. 

  Effective January 1, 2022, USA Lacrosse, and in turn SYL, are requiring all boys to wear shoulder pads that meet NOCSAE standard, ND200 and are certified by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI).  The label below must be visible on each player’s shoulder pads. More information on this requirement is available: https://www.usalacrosse.com/lacrosse-chest-protector-faq

   SYL and our league, CVYL (CT Valley Youth Lacrosse) are at extreme risk from a liability perspective if all players are not fully compliant.  In addition, officials will not allow games to be played unless all players are wearing approved shoulder pads. 

   That said, SYL is requiring all players to be in compliance with the new chest protection requirement prior to participating in any SYL lacrosse activities. This includes our March try-outs for U12 and U14 A teams and the start of regular season in late March/early April for all U8, U10, U12, and U14 players.

   SYL will not allow U12 and U14 boys to tryout unless they are wearing approved shoulder pads.  In addition, SYL will not issue uniforms nor allow boys (K-8th grade) to take the field (including practices) until they are in compliance. 

   Approved shoulder pads may be purchased locally at retail stores such as Sartorius Sports and Lacrosse Unlimited (both on Rt. 44 in Avon), Dick’s Sporting Goods or via on-line retailers.  We recommend calling local retailers in advance to ensure they have your son’s size in stock.

   We’ve been in contact with USA Lacrosse which ensures us that they’ve worked with manufacturers, suppliers and retailers in an attempt to bring sufficient quantities of this produce to market over the next several months. 

   We appreciate your support related to this critically important and potentially life saving initiative.

Thank you,

Simsbury Youth Lacrosse