Lacrosse is the oldest sport in North America; Native Americans played it and still call it the Creator's game. As of January 1, 2010, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) modified dimensions for the men's lacrosse stick head. This affects NCAA varsity teams, Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) teams and some high school teams. Teams that follow the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) rules are not affected. According to the NCAA, the change was made to return the stick head to a more traditional shape, resulting in a better balance between offense and defense.
Stick Use
Lacrosse is played with a stick (or crosse) that is used offensively to catch, cradle, pass and shoot the ball. The ball is not touched by the hands; movement of the ball is only allowed by using the crosse. Defensively, the stick is used to dislodge the ball. This can be done by stick checks or stick pokes, which involves controlled slapping and jabbing at the opponent's stick in an effort to knock away the ball. The penalty for a personal foul is a one-, two- or three-minute out-of-play penalty for the offending player. The length of time is determined by the official, based on the severity and perceived intent.
Crosse Length
There are three crosses used in lacrosse: a short crosse, a long crosse, and a goalkeeper's crosse. A short cross, which is used offensively, should be between 40 and 42 inches in length. A long cross, used defensively, is between 52 and 72 inches long and the goalkeeper's crosse is 40 to 72 inches in length. In the NCAA, only four long sticks are allowed on the field at a time. The crosse should be relatively straight. This is measured by laying the crosse flat on a table top on the side opposite from the netting. The distance from the tabletop to the highest point on the stick cannot exceed 2 3/4 inches. An official or a coach may call for a crosse check during the game. If a crosse is found to be illegal, there is a penalty assessed ranging from one to three minutes, and that crosse may not be used again during the game.
Crosse Handles
The circumference of the handle cannot be more than 3 1/2 inches. The handle must be straight. The stick can be constructed of wood, laminated wood or synthetic material. Handles may be taped, but it is illegal to add any other covering that is designed to improve the grip. Additionally, adjustable-length handles are not allowed. To prevent injury, all hollow crosse handles must have the open ends covered with plastic, rubber or tape. Metal caps, such as bottle caps, are not allowed.
Crosse Head
The height of the head of the crosse is ten inches. The width at the throat of the crosse is three inches, increasing to six inches wide in the scoop (under NCAA rules). Under NFHS rules, the width at the throat remains at 2.5 inches, expanding to 6.5 inches in the scoop. Goalie crosse heads are 10 to 12 inches wide for all.
Crosse Netting
The netting on the crosse may be of gut, rawhide, linen or a synthetic material. It is triangular in shape and attached to the frame. The netting must be of one solid color and cannot have a ball, for example, painted as a design in the net. The stringing should not be done in a way that makes the ball difficult to dislodge by an opponent. Pull strings, which can alter the depth of the pocket, are illegal.
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