BALTIMORE– US Lacrosse has released recommended lacrosse helmet facemask and chinguard removal hints for certified athletic trainers. While many athletic trainers are well versed in the removal of a football facemask, the emergence of lacrosse helmets into the sports world presents a "horse of a different color." Review of current lacrosse helmets and discussions with the helmet manufactures provides insight into effective methods of removing the facemask/chinguard in case of emergency.

"In an effort to raise awareness about the necessary safe removal of lacrosse helmet facemasks in the occasion of severe injury, US Lacrosse has taken the lead in establishing recommendations for athletic trainers," said Brian Reese, director of sport development at US Lacrosse. "While we are not providing mandates, we are providing guidance for athletic trainers and encouraging them to become familiar with lacrosse helmets before an injury occurs."

"Certified athletic trainers continually update emergency care plans for those sports for which they are responsible," said Nancy Burke, ATC, chair of the US Lacrosse Sports Science and Safety Committee. "This information provides an opportunity to obtain appropriate emergency tools specifically for lacrosse helmets, leading to practice in the removal of the helmet pieces. The positive relationships established between lacrosse helmet manufacturers and US Lacrosse only enhances the safety of all lacrosse athletes."

5 Recommendations for Safe Removal of the Lacrosse Helmet Facemask and Chinguard

1. Athletic trainers should always review all lacrosse helmets on the market and be prepared with knowledge of how to deal with their own team helmets as well as those of opponents.

2. Athletic trainers should be equipped with two tools: a power screwdriver and a cutting tool. Common cutting tools are: the FMXtractor, the Trainers Angel, anvil pruner, modified pruning shears and other cutting tools that the trainer personally prefers. Screws on lacrosse helmets are "combo screws" meaning a flathead or Philips head screwdriver will work.

3. While no brand power screwdriver is recommended, the following is suggested: screwdriver should have a light to allow for better viewing of the mechanical action, have charged batteries in the screwdriver at all times along with extra charged spare batteries for backup, and athletic trainers should be familiar with the torque of the screwdriver to prevent accidental damage to the screw and/or T-bolt.

4. Helmets will have between 3-5 specific screws to be removed and/or clips to be cut. The screws, similar to those on a football helmet, attach to a T-bolt. Many of the screws attaching the clip to the chinguard also attach the chinguard to the helmet. In this case, the screw must be removed in addition to cutting the connecting clip.

5. It is highly recommended that the team athletic trainer not only have some responsibility in the fitting of the lacrosse helmet, but that the athletic trainer and his/her staff also practice removal of the facemask and chinguard prior to the lacrosse season. Practice will benefit the athletic trainer and the injured athlete with quick and efficient removal of the items allowing for safe and effective assessment of the athlete.

These tips plus a complete list of manufacturers’ 2008 lacrosse helmets and removal techniques are available at www.uslacrosse.org/safety.

US Lacrosse, a 501(c)(3) corporation, is the national governing body for men’s and women’s lacrosse. US Lacrosse has more than 250,000 members around the country. To learn more about US Lacrosse, please visit www.uslacrosse.org.