Safety — at a cost

Coaches also worry about the financial burden of helmets. Jupiter coach Claire Poza, who estimates she has 40 players between her varsity and JV programs, says with helmets costing roughly $140 each, the price tag could reach as high as $5,600. That total, along with other team expenses, is not paid by the school district, but through fundraising.

“If you’re thinking of starting a program at a high school that doesn’t have one, that’s a ton of money you have to invest,” Poza said. “It won’t change things for private schools or public schools that have established programs. It’ll change it for the ones who want to start a program. It adds another layer of logistics.”

Donovan agrees the extra costs could hinder participation rates and ultimately the growth of the sport, which has enjoyed burgeoning numbers in recent years.

From 2011-16, the number of high school girls lacrosse teams nationwide increased by 28.7 percent, according to a US Lacrosse participation study. In Broward and Palm Beach counties during the same time, there was a 64 percent increase in new programs, as the total number jump from 22 to 36.

“One of the things lacrosse has been criticized for is being a sport of privilege,” Donovan said. “The FHSAA is being shortsighted — because you’re changing a sport that was relatively accessible to one that’s now very expensive to get into.”