I think that because lacrosse is miles behind in cultural relevance, more manufacturers should be pressured into releasing 1-for-1 products- like Toms or Warby Parker do- and they should publicize the socially responsible steps they take. I have a funny feeling that a lot of gear already gets donated around the country, but maybe in informal and inefficient ways.

As for Thailand, I think you guys can do whatever you want, and for that matter, so can Oregon! I am simply glad to hear people are considering or interested in the idea. Like I said, we may not have reached a change point yet.

Thanks for the comments, Payu. I certainly see both sides, and I’m glad we could have such a constructive conversation here to keep it going.

I honestly don’t know what the future hold, but as for Thailand lacrosse it’s still on the “more” side. Next season, both men’s and the women’s program will be doing R&D testing uniform for Enigma Apparel. So expect multiple uniforms for both teams, but we’ll tone down on protective equipments (helmet, gloves)… 

I think what you are proposing is flying against the face of the trend in lacrosse, it’s ballsy and unpopular. But it is much needed, in this “more” mentality society… and I applaud you for it. It is one of those thing that we see but dare not to say, and it’s about time someone saids it. It doesn’t mean you don’t like gear, or “Anti-swag”, you just simply “call to attention” the current issue we are facing. Even for a self proclaimed “gear whore” like my self, I can’t help but agree when it comes to the larger picture for our sport. 

Keep writing pieces like this.

I don’t think any of this is a crime, and I also believe that programs can use their funds however they want to. At the same time, I think we can do a little more for our community, whatever it is. A start for Oregon would be to donate a set of uniforms to a team in need instead of just dropping a new of uniforms for their own team.

When a team like Oregon gets 8 new uniforms, it starts to get a little repetitive. Eventually, gearing yourself out nicely gets old, just like anything, right? And I want to know what is next!

The next step? Gear someone ELSE out nicely! You are absolutely right in how you describe the atmosphere right now… what do you think will happen in the future? Something different? Very curious to hear more of your excellent thoughts!

Thanks for the insightful comment!

I do admit we uses the gears to attract attention to our program because it’s the “nature of the beast” of lacrosse (or football). The industry are so short attention span nowadays, it forces you to come out with new thing WITHIN the same season to get noticed or talk about. There are other benefits that comes with newest uniforms beside, for marketing effort for the brand, but for the program, for recruitment, product sales etc. It’s all in the vicious chain reaction of marketing capitalism. 

Even when we were with Pro Athletics, we had a 3rd uniform because it help get exposure for our team, and our partner (Pro Athletics) because it’s something “new” that no one have done before. It’s to differentiate ourselves (or themselves) from the rest of the field, I don’t think people would know about us as much as now, if we just stick to only about our game on the field. However, it is worth mention that you can do more with less… and keep the focus on the gear you have. A lot of program without “special circumstances” seem to lost track of that, and now going overboard like you said… great post.