All levels of play should only use certified lacrosse balls for games and practices. The lacrosse ball is the solid rubber ball that is used, with a lacrosse stick, to play the sport of lacrosse. It is typically white for men's lacrosse, or yellow for women's Lacrosse; but is also produced in a wide variety of colors.

As of January 1, 2014 there is a NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment; abbreviation is pronounced "KNOCK-see") standard for any lacrosse ball used in competition.   Certified lacrosse balls meet the NOCSAE performance standard, ND049. Verification of certification for lacrosse balls can be checked online at the listing maintained by the independent Safety Equipment Institute (SEI).