Lacrosse is a unique team sport that has become increasingly popular in this country. Men's and women's lacrosse have some significant rule differences. In addition, youth lacrosse may also have some slight adjustments in rules. However, the basic regulations and objective of the game remain the same regardless of gender or age.
Logistics
Lacrosse is played with 10 players on the field for each team. These players include three forwards, three midfielders, three defenders and a goalie. By rule, a team must always have four players on the defensive half of the field and three players on the offensive half of the field.
The size of the field may vary depending on age. However, most lacrosse fields are 60 yards wide and 110 yards long. Each goal is located 15 yards inside of the end line. Each goal is surrounded by a 9-foot circle, which encompasses the restricted area. No offensive player is allowed inside this area.
Equipment
Women players have sticks of the same size. Men's sticks are different sizes depending on position. All sticks must fall within specific size regulations. Men must wear protective equipment including a helmet, gloves and shoulder pads. Women only need to wear protective eyewear.
Rules of the Game
Once a team gains possession of the ball following a face-off, which begins the game, they attempt to move the ball towards the opponent's goal by either running or passing the ball to a teammate. Defensive players can try to dislodge the ball by hitting an opponent's stick. Hits to the body are allowed in men's lacrosse but prohibited in women's. Body checks are only allowed to an opponent's midsection on his front side.
If the ball goes out of bounds, the last team with the ball losses possession. If the ball goes out on an attempted shot, the team closest to the ball when it crosses the boundary line gains possession.
Fouls
Lacrosse fouls are categorized as either personal or technical. Personal fouls include slashing, tripping, unsportsmanlike conduct, cross-checking, playing with an illegal stick and illegal body checking. These fouls result in the guilty player being suspended from game action for one to three minutes. The team must only play with nine players during this time. Technical fouls result in a 30-second suspension if the team who committed the foul is in possession or a change of possession if the team that was fouled did not have the ball.
