Poll: Should girls lacrosse players wear helmets?

Girls lacrosse, among the most popular and growing school sports on Long Island, is at the center of a national debate over the use of equipment in preventing injuries, particularly concussions, in young players.

Nationwide, researchers are studying the causes, ramifications and prevention of concussions in athletics. Professional sports are studying the long-term impact of concussions. The National Football League has instituted stiffer penalties intended to cut down on helmet-to-helmet contact, and Major League Baseball has created a seven-day disabled list for concussion victims while introducing new, thicker helmets in the minor leagues.