Lacrosse originated in North America but quickly spread around the globe, with the first Australian lacrosse clubs formed in 1874. Since then, the sport has grown in popularity, with Australian lacrosse developing its own distinct flavor. The Australian Lacrosse Association, Australia's premier lacrosse organization, has adopted the rules and regulations of the Federation of International Lacrosse to govern competitions.
Field
In Australian lacrosse, the playing field is 110 yards long and 60 yards wide, matching the accepted international standard. Goal dimensions are 6 feet wide by 6 feet high, with each team's goal placed 15 yards from the back boundary and 80 yards apart. A circle with a radius of 9 feet surrounds each goal to designate the goal crease.
Equipment
The lacrosse ball must be made from white or orange rubber and measure 7 3/4 to 8 inches in circumference with a weight of 5 to 5 1/4 oz. When dropped on a hard wood floor from a height of 6 feet, the ball must also bounce 45 to 49 inches. The lacrosse stick, or crosse, can be a short crosse, measuring 40 to 42 inches in total length, or a long crosse measuring 52 to 72 inches in length, although no team is allowed to have more than four long crosses, excluding the goalkeeper. The head of the crosse, which must measure 4 to 10 inches at its widest point, must be made of wood, laminated wood or plastic, with the shaft constructed from wood, aluminum or other approved material. Players must also wear gloves, suitable shoes and a helmet with protective face guard.
Teams
Each team fields 10 players, with the lineup consisting of three attackers, three midfielders, three defenders and one goalkeeper. No more than 23 players can be in uniform for a game. Each team must designate a captain or co-captains to represent the team during play.
Time
Each Australian lacrosse match consists of four 20-minute quarters. The clock runs throughout the contest, only stopping on dead balls during the final three minutes of the fourth quarter and during overtime.
Scoring
A goal is scored when a team passes the ball completely through the imaginary plane between the goal posts, the goal crossbar and the ground. Each goal counts as one point, with the team scoring the most goals declared the winner. However, a goal does not count if any part of an attacking player's body is touching the goal crease area.
Fouls
Fouls may be technical or personal in nature. A technical foul, such as interfering with, holding or pushing an opponent either forfeits possession or results in a 30-second penalty, with the offending party removed from play. A personal foul such as an illegal bodycheck, slashing, cross-checking, tripping, unnecessary roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct results in a one-minute, two-minute or three-minute penalty depending on the severity of the foul.
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