Your Mouthguard Matters More Than You Think
One of the easiest (and most frustrating) ways to get penalized?
👉 If your mouthguard isn’t fully in your mouth during play, it’s an automatic foul.
Yes, something as simple as letting your mouthguard dangle can stop the game and give the ball to the other team.
Here’s everything a beginner needs to know about this important but often overlooked women’s lacrosse rule.
Why Mouthguards Are Required in Women’s Lacrosse
In women’s lacrosse, mouthguards are mandatory for one main reason: player safety.
Lacrosse is a contact sport — sticks swing, balls fly, and accidental collisions happen.
Mouthguards protect teeth, gums, lips, and jaws from injury.
They also help reduce the risk of concussions by absorbing impacts to the head and face.
Bottom line:
Mouthguards aren’t just a suggestion — they are a required piece of equipment at every level of women’s lacrosse, from youth leagues to college and professional play.
The Specific Mouthguard Rule in Women’s Lacrosse
Here’s the actual rule that players must follow during games:
Mouthguards must be worn properly.
They must be completely inside the mouth covering the upper teeth.Mouthguards must be a visible color.
Mouthguards cannot be clear or white. They must be a bright, noticeable color like pink, green, blue, or red so officials can easily see them.Mouthguards cannot be chewed or dangling.
You can't have the mouthguard half-out, hanging, or being chewed during play.If the referee sees a violation:
Immediate whistle.
Foul called for dangerous equipment.
Other team gets possession.
How Referees Spot Mouthguard Violations
Women's lacrosse referees are trained to look for mouthguard issues during play, especially when players are moving fast, setting up for a draw, or running in transition.
Here’s how they spot violations:
👀 Quick visual checks during breaks in play.
👀 Watching players on the draw circle to ensure mouthguards are fully in.
👀 Scanning players after turnovers or fouls to catch dangling mouthguards.
If they see even part of the mouthguard sticking out, they’ll immediately stop the game.
Important:
The referee does not have to warn you first. They can blow the whistle the moment they see the violation.
What Happens If You Violate the Mouthguard Rule?
If you violate the mouthguard rule, here’s what happens:
Play stops immediately.
The referee blows the whistle wherever the ball is.Dangerous equipment foul is called.
You are penalized for unsafe play.Other team gets possession.
You lose the ball, even if your team was on offense.Possible escalation:
If you violate the rule repeatedly (chewing, dangling, or not wearing it properly), you could receive a green card.
A green card results in a one-minute releasable penalty where your team plays a player down.
Why This Rule Is So Strict in Women’s Lacrosse
You might wonder — why are officials so strict about mouthguards?
Here’s why:
Head and facial injuries are serious.
One quick stick check to the face without a mouthguard could lead to broken teeth, lip injuries, or worse.Officials are responsible for player safety.
Refs are trained to prevent injuries before they happen.Mouthguards are proven to reduce concussions.
They help absorb shock, especially during unintentional hits to the jaw or head.
In short, wearing a mouthguard properly isn’t just about following the rules — it’s about protecting yourself and making the game safer for everyone.
How to Avoid Mouthguard Penalties in Women’s Lacrosse
Here’s how players can easily avoid getting penalized for mouthguard violations:
Before the Game
✅ Choose a visible color.
Pick a bright mouthguard (no clear or white!).✅ Get a good fit.
Mold your mouthguard properly so it fits snugly and stays in place.✅ Bring a backup.
Always have an extra mouthguard in your bag in case you lose or damage one during warmups.
During the Game
🏑 Keep it fully in your mouth at all times.
Even when tired, resist the urge to chew or spit it out.🏑 Check before faceoffs and draws.
Make sure it's in before every restart.🏑 If you get tired of it, switch to a more comfortable model.
Some newer mouthguards are thinner and easier to breathe with.
Common Mouthguard Mistakes Players Make
MistakeWhat HappensChewing on the mouthguard during playImmediate whistle and turnoverLetting the mouthguard dangle from the mouthImmediate whistle and turnoverWearing a clear or white mouthguardIllegal equipment — potential penalty before the game startsForgetting to wear a mouthguard after halftimeWhistle and dangerous equipment foul
Quick Tip for Beginners and Coaches
🗣️ "Mouthguard in, mouth closed, ready to go."
This easy reminder before every faceoff or draw can save players from losing possession over something so simple.
Fun Fact: Some Leagues Are Even Stricter
In college women’s lacrosse (NCAA) and international play, mouthguard violations are watched even more closely.
College referees can issue a green card faster for dangerous equipment.
Some tournaments won’t even let players onto the field unless their mouthguard is fully in place and visible.
In professional women's lacrosse leagues like Athletes Unlimited, players usually wear custom-fitted mouthguards to make sure they’re compliant and comfortable.
Conclusion: Small Equipment, Big Impact
In women’s lacrosse, something as small as a mouthguard can have a huge impact on the game.
Remember:
Your mouthguard must be fully in your mouth during play.
It must be a visible color — no clear or white mouthguards allowed.
If the referee sees it hanging out, they will blow the whistle, and your team will lose possession.
By taking care of your mouthguard and wearing it properly, you’ll protect yourself from injury, stay in the game, and avoid giving away free turnovers to the other team.
It’s a small rule — but in women’s lacrosse, small details matter.
