Lacrosse is thought to be America's first sport, according to U.S. Lacrosse. A lacrosse game is played in four quarters. Players must wear protective helmets, arm and shoulder pads, mouthguards, throat protectors and padded gloves. The game is played with a netted racket that players use to throw, catch and pick up a ball. The aim is to get the ball past a goal and score a point. The cardinal rule in the game is that players cannot touch the ball with the hands.
Players on Field
There are 10 players allowed on the field during a lacrosse game. This includes a goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three attackers. Game rules require each team to keep three of its players on the opponent's side whenever the ball is on its own side. This rule ensures a six-player vs. six-player ratio.
Out of Bounds
When the ball goes out of bounds, it is awarded to the team that did not put it out of bounds. There is an exception to this rule. If the ball goes out of bounds on a shot to the goal, then the ball goes to the team that has a player closest to it, so either team has the opportunity to gain possession of the ball after a goal shot.
Substitutions
Substitutions can be done "on the fly" like in hockey. A player can run off the field to the substitution area, and another player can step onto the field as the first player exits. Players need to exit and enter in their designated areas. A defensive player, for example, cannot enter or exit on the offensive side of the field.
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