Deep South Lacrosse is closely monitoring the situation regarding the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment’s (NOCSAE) decertification of the Cascade Model R and Warrior Regulator helmets on November 24. We are maintaining open lines of communication with Cascade Lacrosse, a subsidiary of Bauer Performance Sports Ltd., and Warrior Sports, a subsidiary of New Balance, and expect to hear of a resolution to this issue very shortly.
Please understand that the decertification only applies to the following helmets:
- Cascade Model R (CPX-R, CPV-R, CPV, CS-R, CS, and Pro7 still have valid NOCSAE certifications)
- Warrior Regulator (all previous Warrior models still have valid NOCSAE certifications)
As soon as a resolution or recall protocol is put into place, we will share it with you on our website and via email. If you are in immediate need of a NOCSAE certified helmet, we have alternatives to Cascade’s Model R and Warrior’s Regulator helmets and can outfit you while supplies last. Please note that until a resolution to this issue has been reached, the expense of a replacement helmet falls solely on the consumer as we are unable to issue refunds/returns until a protocol is in place.
So, what do you need to know?
- Don’t panic: A non-affiliated source close to Deep South Lacrosse has inferred that NOCSAE’s move to void the certification of the helmets in question had “everything to do with the process of certification,” rather than any issue with the helmets themselves. Industry sources tend to believe that this is merely a paperwork issue that will be resolved shortly.
- DO NOT participate in lacrosse activities with the Cascade R or Warrior Regulator until a resolution has been reached: While many believe that there are no issues with the helmets’ abilities to protect players, we strongly recommend that you do not use these helmets until given the “all-clear.” Officials will not allow a player to use these helmets in the time-being and US Lacrosse insurance will not cover any damages sustained during this time period. Please find an alternate helmet to use for the immediate future.
- Contact the manufacturer: If you are scheduled to play in a sanctioned lacrosse event prior to the start of the 2015 regular season and own one of the helmets in question, contact the manufacturer. Cascade and Warrior will direct you on how to best handle the situation.
- Cascade Lacrosse Customer Service - (800) 537-1702
- Warrior Lacrosse Customer Service - (800) 968-7845
- Let the dust settle: As previously mentioned, this is likely a paperwork issue. We recommend that you don’t rush out and purchase a new lacrosse helmet unless you absolutely need a NOCSAE-certified model in the immediate future.
- If you have further questions, give us a call: We will be happy to answer any further questions that you may have regarding this issue. Give us a call at the shop at (407) 203-2075.
NOCSAE statement regarding the decertification of the aforementioned lacrosse helmets:
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (November 24, 2014) – The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment has voided the manufacturers’ NOCSAE® certification for the Warrior Regulator and the Cascade Model R lacrosse helmets.
A product manufacturer certifies compliance with NOCSAE® standards when it puts the NOCSAE® name and logo on a helmet. The certification tells the player, parent, coach and the governing bodies that the helmet has been subjected to all of the required testing, quality control and quality assurance obligations specified by the NOCSAE standard. The manufacturer must confirm that its helmet meets the standard in all aspects.
Cascade Lacrosse Response:
The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) has announced that the Cascade R model lacrosse helmet no longer complies with NOCSAE standard ND041 and that Cascade’s certification of compliance on that helmet model only is invalid.
We are working with NOCSAE to clarify the concerns and appropriately address the issue. However, our first priority is always our loyal Cascade customers.
Players not in immediate need of a certified helmet are encouraged to retain their helmet. Cascade is confident that we will be able to re-certify the helmet and that recertification could be a simple fix. We expect to communicate all available remedies as soon as possible, once approved by NOCSAE.
Read Full Statement at CascadeHelmets.com
Warrior Sports Response:
On November 24th, 2014, the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) announced their determination that the Warrior Regulator lacrosse helmet no longer complies with the NOCSAE standard ND041 making Warrior’s certification of the Regulator helmet invalid.
While we disagree with and are disappointed in NOCSAE’s decision, we are working with them to quickly resolve this issue. With that said, our primary concern is, and always has been, our brand’s loyal customers and consumers.
Read Full Statement from Warrior Sports
US Lacrosse Memo to officials regarding NOCSAE ruling:
On Tuesday, November 25, 2014, US Lacrosse issued a memo to all lacrosse officials regarding the NOCSAE decision to void the certification of the Cascade Model R and Warrior Regulator helmets.
Until the manufacturers and NOCSAE are able to remedy and re-certify these helmets, the Model R and Regulator are both illegal at all levels of play and by all rules that mandate helmets meet NOCSAE standards and be NOCSAE certified.
Until further notice we are asking all officials, prior to the game, to add the following statement to the pre-game certification for head coaches. Officials are encouraged to meet with both coaches together at midfield to conduct this certification.
Read Full Memo from US Lacrosse