Lacrosse is a sport that combines elements of field hockey, soccer and basketball. The sport originated in Native American cultures and has evolved over the centuries to become a popular sport in many parts of the world.
For a better understanding of the sport, you need to be aware of the rules of lacrosse. This knowledge is essential to ensure a fair and competitive game, providing players and spectators with a unique experience!
With that in mind, we’ve brought you a special content with the main rules of lacrosse! Get ready to learn about everything from the structure and size of the field to infractions and penalties.
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Lacrosse rules: complete list
- Field;
- Duration;
- Score;
- Number of players;
- Equipment;
- Face-off;
- Position;
- Substitutions;
- Infractions and penalties;
- Box lacrosse.
Lacrosse rules: field
The lacrosse field has specific dimensions and structures. The men’s game has a field measuring 110 meters long by 55 meters wide, for example.
Women’s lacrosse uses a slightly smaller field, measuring 100 meters long by 55 meters wide.
In the center of the field, there is a circle with a radius of 9 meters, where the face-off takes place. The goal areas are semi-circles with a radius of 3 meters, located 12 meters from the end lines.
The field is further divided into three main zones: the defensive area, the midfield area and the offensive area.
Lacrosse rules: duration
The duration of a lacrosse game varies between the men’s and women’s categories, and also by level of play, such as school, university and professional.
In college men’s lacrosse, for example, a game consists of four 15-minute periods, totaling 60 minutes of regulation time.
In college women’s lacrosse, the game is also divided into four periods, but with 15 minutes each, totaling 60 minutes of play.
It is worth noting that the time is continuous, but can be stopped in specific situations, such as injuries, serious infractions or at the request of the coaches.
If the game ends in a draw after regulation time, extra time can be used to determine who the big winner will be.
Overtime is usually played in 4-minute periods with the sudden death rule, when the first team to score a goal wins the game.
Lacrosse rules: scoring
In lacrosse, each goal scored is worth one point, and the aim of the game is to score more goals than your opponent.
In men’s lacrosse, players can score from anywhere on the field, as long as the ball is not thrown with excessive violence or in a dangerous manner.
There are still specific rules about what constitutes a legitimate goal. For example, the player may not step or enter the goal area when taking the throw. If the ball is thrown after the regulation time has expired, the goal will not be validated.
Lacrosse rules: number of players
In men’s lacrosse, each team consists of 10 players: three attackers, three midfielders, three defenders and a goalkeeper.
In women’s lacrosse, teams usually have 12 players: four forwards, three midfielders, four defenders and a goalkeeper.
Player changes are frequent and strategically planned to keep the game active.
Lacrosse rules: equipment
Lacrosse requires the use of certain equipment to ensure player safety.
In men’s lacrosse, for example, players must wear helmets with face protection, mouth guards, gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads and, in many cases, rib protectors.
In women’s lacrosse, players wear mouthguards and goggles. However, helmets are compulsory for female goalkeepers.
The lacrosse stick, called a crosse, is an essential tool and varies in length and design depending on the player’s position.
Attackers and midfielders generally use shorter sticks for better handling, while defenders use longer sticks for greater reach.
Goalkeepers have sticks with larger nets to facilitate saves.
Lacrosse rules: face-off
The face-off is the method used to start the game and restart it after each goal. Find out more!
At the start of each period and after each goal, two players, one from each team, stand in the center of the field, bend down and place their sticks on the ground, parallel to the midfield line. At the referee’s signal, the players try to gain possession of the ball, which is in the middle of their sticks.
Lacrosse rules: position
In lacrosse, defenders and attackers are generally restricted to their respective areas, defense and offense. <Midfielders have the freedom to move all over the field, playing roles in both defense and attack.
The goalkeeper’s area is protected and only the goalkeeper and defenders can enter the goal area, called the crease. Breaking this rule can result in a penalty.
Lacrosse rules: substitutions
Substitutions in lacrosse are made on the fly, i.e. they can take place at any time during the game, without the need to interrupt the match.
Substitution areas are delimited along the side lines of the field, and players entering and leaving the field must do so within these specific areas to avoid penalties.
Lacrosse rules: infractions and penalties
Infractions in lacrosse can result in penalties. Among the main ones are interference or unsportsmanlike conduct, which result in 30 seconds to 1 minute of exclusion for the offending player.
But major infractions, such as cross-checking or illegal use of the stick, can result in up to 3 minutes of exclusion. Serious infractions can lead to a player’s expulsion.
Lacrosse rules: box lacrosse
Box lacrosse, a variant of lacrosse played in enclosed arenas, has its own rules that differ from field lacrosse.
The playing area is much smaller, measuring 55 meters long by 25 meters wide, and the teams are made up of six players (five line players and a goalkeeper). In addition, the game is played in four 15-minute periods.
Physical contact is more prevalent and allowed in box lacrosse, with specific rules for body checks. The pace of the game is faster due to the size of the field and the constant substitutions.
Lacrosse rules: complete list
- Field;
- Duration;
- Score;
- Number of players;
- Equipment;
- Face-off;
- Position;
- Substitutions;
- Infractions and penalties;
- Box lacrosse.
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