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Lacrosse Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Q: What are the stick details? A: From top to bottom: head (plastic with either traditional stringing or mesh), shaft (metal or wood), butt-end (plastic/rubber cap at the very bottom). Overall length must be 40-42", except defensemen which can have 52-72." The goalie head is oversized and there is no limit on the goalie's pocket depth. | Q: What are the positions? A: Each team has 10 players total on the field at one time: goalie, 3 defensemen, 3 midfielders ("middies"), and 3 attackman. | Q: What is illegal/What are the rules? A: Tripping, slashing (controlled or uncontrolled swinging of the stick), any stick check to the head, pushing/hitting from behind, cross-checking (hitting with hands separated on the shaft), offsides (at all times each team must have 3 players in their respective offensive half and 4 in their respective defensive half), unsportsmanlike conduct, illegal stick (overall length is too short, head pinched/too narrow, pocket too deep, ball does not leave stick at 45 degree angle vertically or horizontally). See this link for an overview of NCAA rules (some of which we play), boys' youth and girls' youth rules, including a glossary! | Q: What do the referee's hand signals mean? Q: How does the ball not fall out when running with it? A: Physics! The stick is rocked back and forth to keep the ball in, this is called "cradling." Q: How are boys' and girls' lacrosse different? A: Besides the obvious, such as equipment and contact regulations, most rules and the field lines are very different. While both boys and girls play lacrosse with the same size goal and a lacrosse stick, the games differ quite a bit. The women's game stresses finesse, body positioning, and stick skills. No body checking is allowed. The only equipment required is a women's lacrosse stick, a mouth guard, and eye protection. Additionally, women play on a larger field with 11 players per side. The men's game is played with a helmet, gloves, elbow pads, and shoulder pads in addition to the stick. There are 10 players to a side and, depending on the age of the players, body checking is allowed. Still, the incidence of injury in lacrosse is actually lower than soccer. (Source: http://www.idaholacrosse.org/about_ila.aspx)
Links of Interest
Lacrosse Basics:
Lacrosse Rules - NCAA and youth; boys' and girls'
U.S. Lacrosse - The governing body of men's and women's lacrosse
Lacrosse Primer - A very basic guide to understanding the game (great resource for first timers!)
Field Positions Diagram - A= attack, M= midfielder (middy), D= defensemen, G= goalie (ball would be on the right half of the field in this case)
Lacrosse Gear:
For more info on purchasing lacrosse equipment, see the Buying Guide
Lacrosse News, Scores, Etc.:
Lax.com - news, scores, shop, message boards
Inside Lacrosse - news, scores, audio and video, message boards, camp listings
e-lacrosse - news, scores, streaming video of the week's top games, stick tips, store
Lax Power - news, scores, high school and college rankings | |
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