In lacrosse or field hockey, players score goals by casting a ball into a net using sticks on an outdoor field; it has similarities to both soccer and ice hockey. Most lacrosse rules for grades six to eight are similar to those of high school games, with oversight by US Lacrosse, the youth governing organization for the sport.
Divisions
US Lacrosse, the organization that governs American youth lacrosse programs, recommends dividing middle-grade lacrosse programs into two divisions: a 13-and-under Junior Division and a 15-and-under Senior Division. The organization states that "players 13 years old may have difficulty playing with 15-year-old players;" however, since most eighth-grade students are not older than 14, age divisions may not be necessary at some sixth- to eighth-grade schools.
Players
US Lacrosse regulations call for 10 players per team on the field during a game; however, as few as seven players per side can be used if both coaches agree to the number. This rule may vary by region, but the number of players is generally kept flexible to allow schools with smaller lacrosse programs to compete.
Game Play
Games include four 10-minute quarters, with two four-minute sudden-victory overtime periods if needed. If the game is still tied after the second overtime period, coaches and officials may determine how much more time will be played. The team in possession of the ball may call a timeout up to twice per half. Players should play on a regulation-size field, 110 yards long and 60 yards wide, unless both coaches agree to play on a non-regulation field.
Safety and Equipment
There are small differences between safety and equipment regulations for boys' and girls' lacrosse. Girls use the same length of stick with no pockets, while boys use sticks with pockets that are sized differently, based on the position played. Girls do not wear helmets, but they do wear protective eyewear and are permitted soft headgear or noseguards. Cross-checking is allowed in boys' lacrosse but not in girls'. Some younger teams may have more stringent safety rules than these national requirements.
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