Lacrosse, also known as LAX, is a stick and ball game that has its origins with the Native American tribes in the North America. Very few rules were used to regulate the style of lacrosse sticks used by players in the original form of the game, with many shafts being made from large sticks that had animal hides tied on them for a pocket. In the modern game, the governing bodies of the sport set out clear rules that dictate the size and style of a player's lacrosse shaft.
Diameter and Material
The goalkeeper's shaft has the most variability of all the crosses used on the field of play. Modifications to the diameter of the shaft are allowed with tape or other materials to fit the goalkeeper's play style. However, the rules of professional lacrosse as set forth by the National Lacrosse League dictate that the shaft must never exceed two inches in diameter. In terms of material, the goalie's crosse shaft is treated similarly to a field player's, and may be comprised of wood, metal or synthetic materials.
Length
The National Collegiate Athletic Association states in its rules for men's lacrosse that field players must use a "short crosse" between 40 and 42 inches or a "long crosse" between 52 and 72 inches. The goalie does not have such limitations on his shaft may use one anywhere between 40 and 72 inches long, depending on his preference. The high school level of the game has less freedom, with goalies being limited to a shaft that is between 35 1/2 and 48 inches in length.
Broken Shaft
If a field player's shaft becomes bent or broken during play, the game may continue as long as the player does not attempt to participate and replaces the damaged crosse immediately. This is not true of a goalie's crosse. If a goalie's shaft is bent or broken, the referee stops play immediately and will not resume the match until the crosse has been replaced.
Exchanging Crosses
At the high school and college level of the sport, field players may exchange crosses while the match is in play. This is not true of a goalkeeper, who may be penalized with a technical foul for trading shafts with a field player. An exception to this rule is if the goalie has already been penalized and is leaving the field of play. In this case, the goalie may trade his shaft for that of a field player, who will then take over duties as goalie.
