If you’re a fan of basketball, football or hockey, then odds are you will like lacrosse. The game play is similar to basketball in terms of offensive and defensive schemes. The shooting and scoring reminds many people of hockey, and the open-field running and hitting is reminiscent of football. Lacrosse actually predates all of those sports, in regards to how long it has been played. To the casual fan, however, it may seem like it has taken or borrowed rules and game play from other popular sports.
Here is a basic overview of the rules and regulations of lacrosse:
Here is a basic overview of the rules and regulations of lacrosse:
There is no limit on the number of players on a team, but there is a limit as to how many players are on the field at one time. Each team has 10 players on the field at once (barring a penalty), at four different positions. The position breakdown is as follows:
One goalie,
Three defense-men,
Three midfielders and
Three attack-men.
All players on the field must wear a uniform with a number unique to them, as well as matching team shorts. The uniform number may be any single or two digit number from 1 to 99.
Lacrosse sticks must adhere to regulations regarding length and width. Attackmen and midfielders must use a stick between 40 and 42 inches long. Defensemen are permitted to use a stick up to 72 inches long. Goalies also may use a stick up to 72 inches long.
Protective equipment is standardized for all positions, save goalies. In addition to their stick, field players must wear the following equipment:
Helmet with mouth guard and chin strap,
Shoulder pads,
Arm pads and Gloves.
Goalies have a different set of equipment, as their physical contact on the field is slightly different from the rest of the players. They are required to use the following equipment:
Helmet with mouth guard, chin strap and throat guard covering the neck,
Chest protector and
Gloves.
Goalies are allowed to wear pants, while other players on the field are not.
Though it is not technically required, a protective cup is highly recommended for all players.
Lacrosse games are divided up by four quarters of equal time. Collegiate and professional games last a total of 60 minutes (15 minutes per quarter), and most scholastic-level games last 48 minutes (12 minutes per quarter). If the score is tied at the end of the four quarters, “sudden death” five-minute overtime periods are be played until a goal is scored to win the game. All overtimes begin with a faceoff.