Women’s lacrosse players drop their sticks after scoring a goal so that the referee can check the stick to ensure it is legal. This is a rule in women's lacrosse to verify the pocket depth and other legal requirements of the stick, preventing players from using illegal sticks that might have an advantage, such as being able to hold the ball too securely. The stick drop allows quick inspection without any attempts to tighten the strings or alter the stick post-goal. This rule applies specifically in women's lacrosse and is not required in men's lacrosse, where stick checks happen randomly or by request instead. Dropping the stick has become both a necessary procedure and a celebratory gesture after scoring a goal in women's lacrosse.