The U.S. Lacrosse Women's Division Board of Governors has voted to amend the rules of women's lacrosse to highly recommend the use of protective eyewear meeting current ASTM lacrosse standards for 2004 and to mandate its use beginning in 2005.

While women's lacrosse is a comparatively safe sport, the use of protective eyewear will prevent the rare but catastrophic eye injury. Use of protective eyewear will minimize the risk of catastrophic eye injury at all levels.

Because of concerns about product availability and other timing issues, the board highly recommends that all players wear ASTM-approved protective eyewear for 2004 but will not mandate its use until Jan. 1, 2005.