Last updated: 6 August 2026
Reviewed by Jordan Makin, FA Level 2 Football Coach
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Men's lacrosse | Women's lacrosse |
|---|---|---|
| Body checking | Legal, with restrictions on target area | Not permitted — much more restrictive contact rules |
| Stick checking | Full stick checks (hitting an opponent's stick) permitted within rules | Very limited stick contact — mostly restricted to controlled checks on the stick head |
| Protective equipment | Helmet, shoulder pads, arm pads, gloves (full contact gear) | Historically eye protection/mouthguard only in most leagues; helmet use has been expanding in youth/some leagues |
| Field markings | No shooting-space restraining arcs (uses offside lines instead) | Uses a "shooting space" restraining arc around the goal that restricts defensive positioning |
| Number of players | 10 per team on field | 12 per team on field (varies by rule set) |
| Stick pocket depth | Deeper pocket permitted | Shallower, more restricted pocket depth |
Top picks compared
| Pick | Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick | Men's Lacrosse Stick (Complete) | Full-pocket stick built for men's field lacrosse specifications. | Check price → |
| Option | Women's Lacrosse Stick (Complete) | Shallow-pocket stick meeting women's lacrosse regulations. | Check price → |
| Option | Lacrosse Eye Protection (Women's Spec) | Regulation eyewear for women's lacrosse leagues. | Check price → |
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Frequently asked questions
Why is checking allowed in men's lacrosse but not women's?
The two versions evolved along different rule traditions — men's lacrosse developed as a contact sport with body and stick checking as core defensive tools, while women's lacrosse developed with defence built around positioning, stick interception and controlled stick checks rather than physical contact. This is a structural difference in the sport's rules, not a difference in athleticism or intensity.
Can equipment be shared between men's and women's lacrosse?
Not really — sticks are built to different pocket-depth specifications to match each version's checking rules, and protective gear differs significantly (men's requires full contact padding; women's traditionally requires less, though this varies by league and is evolving). Always check your specific league's equipment requirements before buying.