Francesca Pallitta
eSomethin staff
The PHS girls lacrosse season started in February. Since then, six student athletes on the team have gotten concussions during games.
This stat is no surprise considering girls lacrosse is the second highest ranked high school sport for player concussions, according to a survey posted by the journal Injury Epidemiology. But what is sparking controversy is that our PHS girls Lacrosse team doesn’t wear helmets.
According to the Ohio High School Athletic Association, female lacrosse athletes are mandated to wear goggles, but many athletes that participate and their families are concerned that goggles aren’t enough.
Significantly, male high school lacrosse players are required to wear helmets in Ohio.
PHS girls junior varsity lacrosse captain Quinn Rerucha says, “I think that it is dangerous not to have [helmets] because goggles don’t do anything and we’re playing with the same ball that the boys have.”
Most experts say that the athletes should have to wear helmets to prevent concussions. C.U. Denver News says that an estimated 45 percent of all girls’ lacrosse concussions could have been prevented if girls wore the same helmets that are mandated in boys’ lacrosse.
While the evidence is there from CU Denver News, Orthopedic Associates of Long Island argue that helmets cannot actually truly protect an individual from a concussion. What they can do is reduce the risk of skull fractures, scrapes, cuts, and other conditions that may arise from high impact sports.
Some say it’s time for more protection, whereas PHS girls assistant Lacrosse coach Melody Betancourt argues helmets don’t 100% solve the problem.
“Helmets can be a safe option but does not 100% guarantee full protection from a concussion. You are still able to get hurt and though it’s not a high chance, a concussion can still happen,” said Betancourt.
Not only can helmets cause even more aggressive play, but when looking at the price of Lacrosse helmets, you might not even mind getting a concussion.
The cost of just one helmet is priced from $200-$400 compared to the presently mandated goggles that are only $50-$100.
After looking at the pros and cons of girls Lacrosse helmets, do you think it’s time to enforce them or should the sport stay the same?
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