The Goalkeeper Exemption form has been changed using height-based criteria. Equipment manufacturers make equipment based on height and weight specifications. Adjustable straps on equipment ensure that the athlete has a safe and proper fit to their equipment.

Using these criteria, the expectation is that there will be fewer exemptions required as the athlete’s equipment is based on their height rather than their age category. 

The Equipment Chart (12.10) below from the Lacrosse Canada Operations Manual outlines the height specifications for each piece of equipment and category. If the standard equipment is too big for a goalkeeper, they may go down a size without requiring approval from the Lacrosse Canada Equipment Review Committee.

12.10    EQUIPMENT CHART

Lacrosse Canada Goaltender Equipment Specifications

** Note: Shoulder caps must be anchored

It is Lacrosse Canada's intent to keep the goalkeepers in the category where they belong, however due to growth spurts and children who fall outside the standard growth chart, exemptions may be made by submitting a Request for Goalkeeper Equipment Exemption Form (available below).  An exemption may only be granted on the basis that it is necessary for player safety.

All exemptions must be approved by the Chair of the Lacrosse Canada Equipment Review Committee as per the Exemption Approval Process outlined below. The deadline to submit an exemption form for approval is annually on May 31. The decision made cannot be appealed.

1.     Download a Request for Goalkeeper Equipment Exemption Form from the Lacrosse Canada website (below), fill it out and submit it, along with photos of the goalkeeper in question as described in the “How to measure goaltender height” below, to the local association or club president.

2.     The local association or club president signs the form and forwards it to the Member Association (MA).

3.     The MA signs the form and forwards it to the Lacrosse Canada Office.

4.     The Lacrosse Canada Office forwards the form to the Chair of the Lacrosse Canada Equipment Review Committee, who will approve or deny the request and return the form to the Lacrosse Canada Office.

5.     The Lacrosse Canada Office will return the form to the individual who submitted it, as well as the representative MA and local association or club.

6.     If approved, the goaltender is required to carry the approved form with them to all games.

7.     If the process is not followed, the request will be denied.

8.     There is no appeal from the decision of the Chair of the Lacrosse Canada Equipment Review Committee.

Should you have any questions in regards to this process, please contact Wendy Dobbin (wendyd@lacrosse.ca)

How to Measure Goaltender Height

1. Have tape measure fixed to wall, showing full view from floor to above the athletes’ head.
2. Goaltender must be in shorts, T-shirt and bare feet.
3. Goaltender stands up straight with heels against wall, head level.
4. A ruler is used to measure straight from the top of the athletes’ head.
5. Pictures need to be full view from head to toe of the athlete with the measurement clearly visible.