The only protection senior captain Maddie Brown has from a ball hitting her head is a pair of goggles. Even without a helmet she said she doesn’t worry about getting a concussion.

Helmets are not a concern for Brown, although a new study might change that.

Stick blows are the leading cause of concussions in girls’ lacrosse, according to a study by Brown University.

The study was conducted to show the relationship between various forms of headgear and the impact of stick blows.

Athletes were called to perform a series of tests, including hitting mannequins with various types of headgear on them.

The study concluded the boys’ lacrosse helmet was the most effective, reducing skull fractures and concussions.                                                                                                                                    

David Thorson, a family physician with a practice in sports medicine, said he has worked  with athletes with head injuries for more than 20 years, and has considered the impact helmets have on lacrosse.

“They don’t consider girls’ lacrosse (having) the same impact as boys’ lacrosse, because it’s supposed to be a non-contact sport,” Thorson said. “That’s why they’re getting away with not wearing helmets.”

Although this study may start the enforcement of helmets, the transition will not be easy, according to Brown.

“Helmets are safer than what we wear now, which are goggles, but it will still be a hard transition because women’s lacrosse is a finesse sport,” Brown said. “There aren’t many instances where we get hit in the head, because it is a rule that you cannot have your stick in your or someone else’s sphere.”

Safety is the main priority in a sport and should be taken seriously, according to Thorson.

“Obviously, helmets will increase the cost for sports, but concussions also increase the cost of health. It’s a trade-off,” Thorson said. “But trading off for an athlete’s safety makes a whole lot of sense to me.”

Daniel Vlodaver