2010 NCAA Lacrosse Head FAQ

The lacrosse world is currently experiencing a major transitional phase due to the NCAA's installment of the new 2010 lacrosse head specifications rule. The new requirements have left many parents, fans, and even players, asking themselves what the new rule means for the game of lacrosse and for their old lacrosse heads.

LacrosseTURF asked youth, high school, and college players from around the country what their biggest questions and concerns are in regards to the new NCAA rule. We have compiled the most common questions and answered them below.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When did the NCAA start considering a change?

The NCAA had been considering a rule change for quite some time. Over the past few years it has become harder for defenders to take the ball away from opponents due to narrower, more pinched heads. By making the throat of the head wider, the new rule hopes to increase the tempo of the game with more team play rather than 1 on 1 play.

When is the rule being implemented?

At the collegiate level, the official rule is being implemented during the 2010 season, although many teams started using the new sticks during fall ball to make sure they are 100% comfortable with their sticks come January. The rule is also being implemented for the 2010 season for high school lacrosse in Texas. The rule will go into effect in 2011 for the MIAA high school lacrosse conference.

Can you look at a head and tell if it meets 2010 NCAA specifications?

There is a 2010 etching on all the new heads. The new heads also have a wider throat, which isn't always noticeable to the untrained eye.

Has women's lacrosse been affected at all?

The 2010 rule only applies to men's lacrosse.

Will the speed of the game increase?

The speed of the game seems to remain unaffected as players are adjusting rather quickly to the new head specifications. It is yet to be seen whether or not the tempo of the game will increase.

What exactly was changed in the new sticks?

In short, the throats of the heads were made wider and the scoop of the head more narrow. View the article titled "Lacrosse Head Specification Guide" for exact measurement changes.

Are 2010 heads more expensive?

All 2010 stick prices remained consistent with what new sticks generally cost, although the price of older heads like the Evo Pro has dropped.

Are the new heads stronger or weaker?

Head strength should remain the same regardless of the rule change. However, there are heads available that are known to be stiffer or more flexible than others.

Are any older sticks like the original edge, or x2, legal for 2010 play?

If the old stick meets the 2010 requirements of being 3 inches across at the throat and at least 6 inches across at the scoop, then it is legal. Refer to our article titled "Lacrosse Head Specification Guide" for more information on the legal head dimensions.

Is it harder to play with the new heads?

Like any new equipment, it takes time for players to break the new heads in and adjust their game. Player feedback has indicated that players initially noticed a difference when playing with the new heads, but became used to them after a few practices.

Is there a noticeable difference between last year's heads and the 2010 heads?

Beyond the 2010 etching on the new sticks, there only other difference is in the throat width and scoop width. This is exactly what the NCAA set out to change.

Can you still string your stick they way it was strung in previous years?

Sticks are being strung slightly differently depending on player's preferences, but with a few minor adjustments, the new sticks can throw exactly how a player wants.

Will the new heads change the game at the face-off "x" or affect certain face-off moves?

This is one of the most popular questions being asked. Ultimately, not until the 2010 season kicks off in February will we be able to tell.

What positions does the new rule affect?

The 2010 rules affect all positions except goalies.

Do the new sticks favor the offensive player or the defensive player?

In theory, the rule change will favor the defensive player as the NCAA believes it will become easier to take the ball away since there is less hold for the offensive player.

Which head is best for a defenseman or an offensive player?

Each player has his own personal preference for which head he prefers. You can refer to our "2010 Legal Head Recommendations" article for specifics on which heads players prefer.

Can players take as accurate of shots?

Once the 2010 season begins, we should be able to tell whether shooting percentages have been significantly affected.

What are the penalties for playing with an illegal head during a game?

Like in previous years when a stick is too pinched or warped, the player will receive a 3 minute non-releasable penalty for his head failing to meet the NCAA's proper dimensions.

What if a team following NFHS rules competes against a team following the new 2010 NCAA rules? Which rules will be followed?

Teams will have to adhere to the rules of the home team during all competitions.

How long until all high schools across the country are held to these NCAA standards?

The NFHS has not yet decided if they are going to adopt the new rules. They want to analyze data from the 2010 NCAA season to see if the rule will be worthwhile to adopt.

Do the rules apply for DII and DIII men's lacrosse or is it only for DI?

The installment of the new 2010 lacrosse head specifications are applicable to all DI, DII and DIII teams.

What are the distributors like Brine and STX doing with the old lacrosse heads?

Major distributors like Brine, STX and Warrior, are continuing to sell older heads across the country because not all levels are subject to NCAA rules.