Women's lacrosse is played at the high school and college level. It is a game that depends on athletic ability, quick decisions and the ability to throw and catch the lacrosse ball while using a stick called a "crosse." Players have specific roles on the lacrosse field, and not all players can go anywhere they want on the field.
Basics
The game of women's lacrosse is played by 12 players on each team. There are five attack players, six defenders and one goalkeeper. The object of the game is to fire the ball into the net. The game is 60 minutes long when played at the collegiate level and 50 minutes long when played at the high school level. The field is 120 yards long by 70 yards. The restraining lines, which are located 30 yards from each goal line, create an area in which a maximum of seven offensive players and eight defensive players (including the goalkeeper) are allowed.
Lacrosse Equipment
All players use a lacrosse strick--traditionally called a "crosse"--to catch and throw the lacrosse ball. The lacrosse stick must be between 35 1/2 and 43 1/4 inches long, and the head of the crosse may be 7 to 9 inches wide. The goalkeeper's stick can be 35 1/2 to 48 inches long, and the head may be up to 12 inches wide. The lacrosse ball is yellow and must be 7 1/2 to 8 inches in circumference and weigh 5 to 5 1/4 oz. Every player must wear protective eyewear and a mouthguard. Helmets are required in men's lacrosse, but they are not mandatory in the women's game. Gloves, noseguards and headgear are all optional. The goalkeeper wears a facemask, helmet and a mouthguard. She also wears a throat protector and a chest protector. The goalkeeper also wears pads on her hands, arms, legs, shoulders and chest.
Fouls
In women's lacrosse, there are minor and major penalties. Minor fouls include cradling the ball too close to the body, touching the ball with the hands and intentionally putting the ball out of bounds. These violations result in the other team getting possession and the offending player having to move 4 m behind the player. Major fouls include slashing, blocking, pushing from behind, tripping and charging. Players may get free shots when they are fouled, and players who commit fouls get yellow and red cards. A yellow card serves as a warning, while a red card results in an expulsion from the game.
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