In the latest twist to the FHSAA Helmet ruling FLN has learned that the FHSAA Girls Lacrosse Advisory Panel, at their May 2014 meeting, debated the issue of helmets in the Girls’ game and voted UNANIMOUSLY AGAINST requiring helmets to be worn. Here are the minutes as posted on the FHSAA web site: FHSAA Girls Advisory Panel May 2014 Minutes http://www.fhsaa.org/sites/default/files/orig_uploads/gov/lcg/minutes/2014.pdf (directly from web site) In Section VII, the Round Table Discussion on Page 2 it clearly states:   b. Requiring of Helmets Girls Lacrosse The committee discussed this item at length and felt that, if this item is approved, it will have an adverse effect on the safety of the game. The committee felt that, given current medical research pertaining to concussion prevention, helmets do not prevent the occurrence of concussions. In addition, the committee felt that if hard helmets are implemented, the overall aggression of the game will increase and in turn may increase the amount of concussion occurrences in the game. The committee was unanimous in disapproving the requirement for helmets in the sport of girls lacrosse. They did approve increasing the officials’ control over the safety of the game by approving the implementation of the US Lacrosse carding system.   When you look at the 9 members of the FHSAA Girls Lacrosse Advisory Panel (http://www.fhsaa.org/gov/girls-lacrosse-advisory-panel) you will see a number of the bigger names in the Girls game down here, including Vero Beach Coach Shannon Dean, Benjamin Coach Sarah Burlingame and one name that really stands out in particular: Coach Kerry Watson – Head Coach of Girls Lacrosse at Dr. Phillips High School – the same high school that FHSAA Board Member Russell Wambles presides over.  Coach Watson DID NOT attend the Advisory Meeting in April.  Was she asked not to by Mr. Wambles, knowing the issue was going to come up for discussion? Were any of the minutes of this Advisory Panel made available to either the Orange County AD’s or the Full FHSAA Board of Directors? Were any of the Advisory Panel members invited to share their votes and concerns with either? If not, then the simple question is WHY? Remember, in my podcast I clearly stated that my mind is open to the possibility of this down the line but that the US Lacrosse needs to finish their research and come forward with their own recommendations before any jurisdictions take any action. That position still stands and we continue to call on the FHSAA to take heed of what is going on in the sport and PLEASE listen to those with the proper experience.