The game of Chumash is a variation on standard lacrosse that features three-on-three play. More of a recreational sport than a competitive one, Chumash varies in several ways from regular lacrosse. It requires a smaller field and no goalie, making the strategy also different from the standard game of lacrosse.
Field of Play Rules
The Chumash lacrosse field measures only 50 yards long by 30 yards wide. In the center of the field stands a single goal, measuring 6 feet high and only 12 inches wide. A "take-back" line runs the width of the field 5 yards inside each end line. The game features two creases. One is a 9-foot-radius crease surrounding the goal. The second is an oval-shaped crease measuring 20 to 24 feet long and 6 feet wide, running the length of the field. Since three-on-three lacrosse is designed to be a recreational game, the standards of play are meant to be flexible to accommodate getting a group of friends together at a park or on the beach.
Game Play Rules
A standardized game consists of two 10-minute halves. Each team starts the game with only one two-minute timeout. First possession of the ball is determined by a coin toss, with the winning team starting with the ball behind its take-back line. The other team starts on its side of the field behind the goal. You can also start the game by having both teams behind their respective take-back lines and placing the ball in the middle of the field. Upon the whistle to start the game, both teams race to the ball. The first team to gain possession must take the ball back to the take-back line, after which play begins. Each time possession changes, the team gaining possession must return the ball to its take-back line. Players pass the ball among their teammates in an attempt to shoot at the goal, which has no official goalie. The team with the most goals at the end of the game wins.
Violations and Penalties
Entering the center crease is a violation unless the ball is on the ground inside that crease. A player may enter the crease to retrieve the ball but must exit immediately. No guarding of the center crease is allowed at any time. Players on the team opposite the one that has possession of the ball may enter the outer crease but must continually be moving in and out of the crease to avoid a violation. Violations result in a stoppage of play and the opposing team being awarded the ball at its take-back line. Most standard personal foul rules from lacrosse also apply.
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