Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. According to a May 20, 2009, article in the "Wall Street Journal," data compiled by the National Federation of State High School Associations showed the number of boys and girls high school lacrosse players roughly had doubled in the past decade from 74,225 in the 2000-2001 school year to 143,946 in 2007-08.
Equipment
Lacrosse is played on a field 110 yards long and 60 yards wide. The last 35 yards of each end is the attack or defensive areas. A goal is placed 15 yards from each end line. The crease, a circle with a 9-foot radius, surrounds each. The lacrosse stick varies in length and includes a net or crosse. Players wear helmets, gloves and other safety equipment. The ball is made of solid rubber.
Positions
In men's lacrosse, a team consists of 10 players: a goalie, three defenders, three midfielders and three attackers. A teams must have at least four players---including the goalie---in its defensive half of the field and at least three in its attacking half. Midfielders are allowed anywhere on the field. In women's lacrosse, teams include 12 players: a goalie, three defenders, five midfielders and three attackers.
Game Rules
Lacrosse games begin with a face-off. The ball is placed in the middle of the field and a member of each team crouches to battle for possession. A face-off also follows each goal. Players use their sticks to carry the ball, pass it to a teammate and shoot at the goal. If the ball goes out of bounds the team that is closest to the spot where it went out is awarded possession.
Fouls
Lacrosse players may check an opponent if he has the ball or if he is within five yards of the ball. Checks must be made from the front or side of the body, below the shoulders and above the waist. Excessive contact, such as a push or trip, results in a foul. Some fouls may result in a penalty in which the player has to sit out for a specified amount of time.
Women's Rules
Rules for women's lacrosse vary from the men's game. There is an arc in front of the women's goal instead of a circle. The game is started with a draw, in which the two players are standing. There is far less contact permitted in women's lacrosse. Checks to the body are not allowed. Game lengths vary depending on age level. Men's games are divided into quarters while women play two halves.
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