Sporting Equipment Company STX Recalls Lacrosse Goalie Throat Shield Protector Over Injury Hazard

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced the recall of the STX  Shield Throat Protector because the product can crack or break when struck by a lacrosse ball, posing an injury risk to the user.

The STX Shield throat protector is black and has the letters STX engraved on the outer surface of the protector. The shield attaches to the goalie’s helmet below the chin guard with straps on each side and the bottom. The shield sold for $20 to $25 at specialty sporting goods stores such as Athlete’s Connection, Commonwealth Lacrosse, Lacrosse Unlimited, Play It Again Sports, Sport Stop USA and Universal Lacrosse and online at www.LAX.com from September 2013 through February 2014.

STX has received one report of the throat protector breaking, which reportedly resulted in bruising and lacerations to the user’s neck, according to the CPSC.

The CPSC said consumers should stop using the Shield and return the product to STX for a full refund. Consumers can contact STX toll-free at 888.789.7894, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.stx.com.  Click on RECALL–Shield Throat Protector for more information.

In 2004, the CPSC produced a report on injuries and death linked to equipment and products for team sports. CPSC data showed that there are more than 20,000 medically treated injuries attributed to lacrosse annually, and the agency categorized about 30 percent of these injuries as “addressable,” most likely through improved product safety. Most lacrosse injuries are caused by balls and sticks striking a player’s head and face. The recalled STX Shield is intended to prevent throat injuries by shielding the goalie’s throat from the fast-moving shots they often come into contact with.