Native Americans played lacrosse for years before Europeans settled in North America, and used lacrosse not just as a sport, but as a cultural and functional activity. Since the sport's beginnings, two different types of lacrosse have emerged, along with new rules and equipment which have made the sport accessible to a variety of players.
Origins
Europeans first learned about lacrosse from Native Americans in the 1600s. The Native Americans used these games to settle disputes between tribes and train for hunting excursions. A French team was the first to challenge a Native American team in 1740 and lost quite handily. In 1851, a European team finally defeated a Native American team; the sport subsequently increased in popularity in the Montreal area. French settlers gave lacrosse its name because the sticks used by the Natives bore a resemblance to the crosier, which bishops would carry during religious ceremonies.
Types
Field and box, the two types of lacrosse, have different rules and regulations. Box lacrosse, for example, involves more contact because the area of play is smaller. Each type of lacrosse takes place on a different surface; field lacrosse is played on a grass or turf field and box lacrosse takes place in a hockey style arena. Men and women can participate in both versions of the sport.
Rules
One of the most important rules in lacrosse is the hand-ball rule. If a player other than the goalie touches the ball with his glove, the other team receives possession of the ball. Other infractions like cross-checking, high-sticking, holding, checking from behind and hooking will lead to the referee sending the player off the playing surface for two minutes. The referee can eject a player from the game for more severe infractions, such as spearing and fighting.
Equipment
Because of the physical nature of lacrosse, players must wear protective equipment. Participants should wear helmets, gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads and kidney pads. You will also need a lacrosse stick, which comes in the form of a shaft with a pocket on the end. Goalies can wear additional padding on their legs, torsos and arms, since they must block the ball. Goalies also use a stick with a larger head, which helps them to make saves.
References
- "Lacrosse: Technique and Tradition"; David G. Pietramala, et al.; 2006
- "Lacrosse For Dummies"; Jim Hinkson; 2003
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