The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) has revised its guidelines to make lacrosse shoulder pads safer. NOCSAE ND200 is the first-ever performance standard for chest protection to protect players from a syndrome known as Commotio Cordis.

Beginning this year, boys’ field lacrosse players must wear protectors for commotio cordis (cardiac arrest due to a blow to the heart area) that meet the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) ND200 standard and contain an SEI certification mark.