Lacrosse FAQ

AboutLacrosse

Frequently Asked Questions About Lacrosse

Q: What is Lacrosse? Where did it come from?
A: Lacrosse is one of the oldest North American Team sports. Lacrosse was created by Native American tribes to prepare young warriors for combat, recreation, as parts of festivals, religious purposes, and for the wagering involved. Modern lacrosse has come a long way from the days of all-day games, no out of bounds and large scrums of warriors who would not pass and where dodging an opponent was seen as cowardly. Wikipedia has a great run down of the history of lacrosse to include pre-game rituals, equipment, and European involvement in lacrosse which brought us closer to todays game. Wikipedia has more information on the history of lacrosse here.

Men's Lacrosse

Q: What are the basic rules of lacrosse?
A: Lacrosse is played with 10 players per side on a field a little longer and wider than a football field. The arrangement of players is 1 goalie, 3 defensemen, 3 middies, and 3 attackmen. At all times, there must be at least 3 players on each side of the mid-field line, generally the 3 defense and 3 attack. The intent of the game is to place the ball into the opponents goal.

Q: How is the men's lacrosse field set up?
A: See the Men's Field Diagram here.

Q: What are the areas of the field called?
A: The areas of a men's lacrosse field are as follows:

Wing area: The wing area is 20 yards from the mid-point of the field, extending 10 yards each side of the mid-field line. The wing area is where middies not involved in the face-off start play from.
Restriction line/box: The restriction line is 20 yards from the mid-field line. The box is 20 yards from both the midfield line and the center of the field (or 10 yards from the sideline) all the way to the end-line.
Table Area/Substitution box: This is where players enter and leave the field. It is located on the team bench side of the field and extends 5 yards to either side of the mid-field line.
Crease: This is a circular area around the goal. Opposing players are not allowed in this area. It measures 9 in diameter.

Q: How does play begin?
A: To start a game, half, or after a goal, play begins with a face-off. One middie from each team kneels facing each other with stick heads across from each other. The ball is placed in between the players. On the whistle, each player attempts to control the ball or move it out of the area so that another middie, entering play from the WING AREA, can control the ball. Attack and defensemen may not enter play and must remain behind the restraining line, the line 20 yards from the mid-field line, until possession is gained by either team.

Q: What are the penalties/fouls?
A: There are two type of fouls: Technical and Personal

Technical Fouls - result in a change of possession:

Holding: Occurs when a player impedes the movement of an opponent or an opponent's stick.
Loose ball push: When the ball is on the ground, a player more than 5 yards away may not make contact with an opponent. Also, contact from behind may be called a loose ball push.
Entering the Crease: When the opposing team enters the goalie crease.
Off-sides: Less than 3 players (the goalie does not count) on a side will result in a change of possession.
Out of bounds: The last team who touches a ball prior to it going out of bounds loses possession unless a shot on goal results in the out of bounds in which case possession is granted to the team whose player or players equipment is closest to the ball at the time it left the field of play.
Moving pick: Similar to basketball, a player setting a pick without possession of the ball must remain still.
Warding: Occurs when a player with the ball uses his free hand to direct an opponent
Stalling (Middle School and older only): the team with the lead must keep the ball in the goal area during the last two minutes of the game.

Personal Fouls - result in a time served penalty and a Man-Down/Man-Up situation:

Spearing: Leading with the head when making contact with another player.
Illegal Body Check: Body checking is permitted; however, no take-out checks are permitted by any player. A take-out check is defined as any check in which the player lowers his head or shoulder with the force and intent to put the other player on the ground. Players may check the man who possesses the ball. When the ball is on the ground, also known as a loose ball, Players may make contact in an upright position within five yards of the ball. Penalty occurs for checking a player not within 5 yards of the ball, a late hit, or contact from behind, above the shoulders or below the waist.
Tripping: Occurs when a player obstructs his opponent below the waist with his cross, feet or legs.
Slashing: Personal Foul/Slashing - Any poke check making contact with an opponent (other than the gloved hand while holding the stick) will be considered a slash. Slashing is also called when a player swings a stick with one hand in an out-of-control fashion.
Unnecessary Roughness: Striking an opponent with his stick or body using excessive force.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Personal fouls are taken seriously. Any player or coach who uses derogatory or profane language (starting with "damn") on the field or bench, whether addressing a player, coach or referee may receive: first offense, 1 to 3-minute non-releasable unsportsmanlike conduct penalty; second offense a 3-minute non-releasable expulsion foul. This also covers fighting and other conduct considered unsportsmanlike.
Illegal Lacrosse Equipment: Occurs when a player uses a cross or any of other equipment that does not conform to required specifications.

Q: What is the penalty for a Personal Foul?
A: A timed penalty is where a player must leave the field of play and wait in the table area prior to re-entering play. There are two types of timed penalties, releasable and non-releasable. A releasable penalty means that regardless of how much time is left on the penalty, the player is released when the opposing team scores. A non-releasable penalty means the player must remain in the box regardless of the number of times the opposing team scores. Teams may not replace the player who receives the penalty, resulting in a man-down situation. Off-sides still applies in such situations. Penalties vary in length from 30 seconds to 3 minutes depending on severity of the foul.

Q: Where can I find more information for me as a parent?
A: The US Lacrosse web-site has an excellent guide for parents on their web-site here.

Women's Lacrosse

Q: How is the women's lacrosse field set up?
A: See the Women's Field Diagram here.

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