The Cradle of Sticks
A scholarly exploration into Lacrosse, from its profound Indigenous origins to its dynamic global presence and diverse modern forms.
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What is Lacrosse?
A Contact Team Sport
Lacrosse is a contact team sport played with a specialized lacrosse stick and ball. It holds the distinction of being the oldest organized sport in North America, with its roots tracing back to the Indigenous peoples of the continent as early as the 12th century. Over time, European colonists significantly modified the game, reducing its original intensity to evolve into the collegiate and professional forms recognized today.
Core Gameplay Mechanics
Players utilize the netted head of the lacrosse stick to execute fundamental actions such as carrying, passing, catching, and ultimately shooting the ball into a designated goal. The sport encompasses five distinct versions, each characterized by unique sticks, field dimensions, rules, and protective equipment, catering to various playing styles and levels of contact.
Global Governance & Olympic Status
The modern sport of Lacrosse is globally governed by World Lacrosse, a unique international sports organization that formally recognizes First Nations bands and Native American tribes as sovereign nations. Historically, men's field lacrosse was a medal sport in the Summer Olympics in 1904 and 1908, and was featured as a demonstration event in 1928, 1932, and 1948. Looking ahead, Lacrosse is set to return to the Olympic Games in 2028, where it will be contested in the dynamic lacrosse sixes format.
Ancient Origins
Indigenous Roots
Lacrosse's deep history begins with various Native American communities, who played versions of the game as early as 1100 AD. By the 17th century, a well-established form of lacrosse was documented by Jesuit missionary priests in what is now Canada, highlighting its long-standing presence and cultural significance.
European Encounter & Codification
The French Jesuit missionary Jean de Brébeuf observed Huron tribesmen playing the game in 1637 in present-day Ontario, naming it "la crosse" (French for "the stick"), a term possibly derived from the French for field hockey, "le jeu de la crosse." English-speaking individuals from Montreal began playing in the 1830s after observing Mohawk people. A pivotal moment came in 1856 when William George Beers, a Canadian dentist, founded the Montreal Lacrosse Club. In 1860, Beers codified the game, significantly shortening its duration and reducing the number of players to 12 per team. The first game under Beers's standardized rules took place in 1867 at Upper Canada College.
Global Expansion & Women's Introduction
The newly codified sport rapidly gained popularity, spreading across the English-speaking world. By 1900, dozens of men's clubs existed in Canada, the United States, England, Australia, and New Zealand. The women's game was pioneered by Louisa Lumsden in Scotland in 1890, following her observations in Quebec. In the United States, the first women's club was established by Rosabelle Sinclair at Bryn Mawr School in 1926. While initially a regional sport in the Mid-Atlantic states of the U.S., lacrosse experienced significant growth in the latter half of the 20th century, becoming the fastest-growing team sport among NFHS member schools by 2016, with over 825,000 participants nationwide.
Game Variants
Lacrosse is a diverse sport with several distinct variants, each offering a unique experience in terms of rules, field size, equipment, and physicality. Below is a comparative overview of the primary versions of lacrosse.
Field Lacrosse
Men's Outdoor Play
Field lacrosse is the men's outdoor iteration of the sport, featuring ten players per team: three attackmen, three midfielders, three defensemen, and one goalie. Each player is equipped with a lacrosse stick, with specific length regulations. Attackmen and midfielders typically use short sticks (40-42 inches or 100-110 cm), while defensemen and sometimes one defensive midfielder may carry long sticks (52-72 inches or 130-180 cm), with a maximum of four long sticks allowed per team on the field. Goalies use a stick with a wider head (up to 12 inches or 30 cm) and a length between 40 and 72 inches (100-180 cm).
Field Dimensions & Rules
The playing field measures 110 by 60 yards (101 by 55 meters). Goals, each 6 by 6 feet (1.8 by 1.8 meters), are positioned 80 yards (73 meters) apart. A circular "crease" with an 18-foot (5.5-meter) diameter surrounds each goal, granting the goalie special protections from opponents' stick checks. Offensive players or their sticks are prohibited from entering the crease. A mid-field line divides the field into offensive and defensive zones, requiring each team to maintain four players in its defensive zone and three in its offensive zone at all times to avoid an "offsides" violation.
Game Flow & Penalties
A regulation game consists of 60 minutes, divided into four 15-minute periods. Play commences at the start of each quarter and after every goal with a "face-off," where two players compete for the ball by "clamping" it under their sticks. When the ball goes out of bounds, possession is typically awarded to the team that did not last touch it, with an exception for shots on goal. Penalties, resulting from rule violations, can lead to a loss of possession or a temporary removal of a player (time-serving). These can be "releasable" (penalty ends if the opposing team scores) or "non-releasable." Fouls are categorized as technical (e.g., offsides, pushing, holding, resulting in 30-second penalties) or personal (e.g., cross-checking, illegal body checking, slashing, incurring 1-minute or longer penalties for safety infractions).
Box Lacrosse
Indoor Arena Play
Box lacrosse is an indoor variant played by teams of five runners plus a goalie within an enclosed area, typically an ice hockey rink with the ice removed or covered, or an indoor soccer field. This "box" environment, in contrast to the open field of traditional lacrosse, was introduced in Canada during the 1930s to utilize hockey arenas outside of the ice hockey season, and it quickly gained popularity, almost supplanting field lacrosse in Canada.
Equipment & Physicality
The goals in box lacrosse are smaller, traditionally 4 feet (1.2 meters) wide and tall. Goaltenders wear significantly more protective padding, including large chest and arm protectors ("uppers"), substantial shin guards ("leg pads"), and ice hockey-style goalie masks. The game is notably more physical than field lacrosse, with cross-checking being legal. Players wear rib pads and more robust shoulder and elbow pads, along with hockey helmets fitted with box lacrosse cages.
Fast-Paced Gameplay
The confined playing area and the implementation of a 30-second shot clock contribute to a quick, accelerated style of play, requiring the attacking team to take a shot on goal within this timeframe. Unlike field lacrosse, there is no offsides rule, and players substitute freely from their bench areas, similar to ice hockey. Most players specialize in either offense or defense, leading to frequent full-team substitutions as the game transitions between phases. Penalties result in the offending player being sent to the penalty box, leading to "man-down" play for their team. Minor penalties last two minutes, while major penalties for serious offenses last five minutes. At professional and junior levels, participating in a fight incurs a five-minute major penalty but not an automatic ejection.
Professional Leagues
Box lacrosse is played at its highest levels in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) and by the Senior A divisions of the Canadian Lacrosse Association (CLA). The NLL, a semi-professional league, incorporates minor rule variations from CLA rules, such as 4-foot 9-inch (1.45-meter) wide goals and a winter season. NLL games consist of four 15-minute quarters, and players are restricted to using sticks with hollow shafts, whereas CLA games feature three 20-minute periods and permit solid wooden sticks.
Women's Lacrosse
Distinct Rules & Equipment
The rules of women's lacrosse diverge significantly from those of men's lacrosse, particularly concerning equipment and the permissible degree of physical contact. Physical body contact is not allowed, though stick-to-stick contact is. The only mandatory protective equipment for field players includes a mouth guard and eye guard, which is a metal cage covering the eyes. Discussions have occurred regarding requiring headgear to prevent concussions, with Florida mandating it in 2008. Goalies, however, wear helmets, gloves, and chest protectors.
Stick & Start of Play
Stick checking is permitted in the women's game, but only under strict rules and at certain levels of play. Women's lacrosse sticks do not allow for a deep pocket; the ball must remain visible above the sidewalls of the stick head. Games begin with a "draw" rather than a face-off. Two players stand with the ball placed between their horizontal stick heads at waist height, lifting their sticks into the air upon the whistle to gain control of the ball.
Field Markings & Violations
Women's lacrosse fields feature 12 players per team and distinct boundary lines not present in men's play. Key boundaries include an 8-meter (26 ft 3 in) "fan" in front of the goal (11 meters internationally), a 12-meter (39 ft 4 in) half-circle surrounding the 8-meter fan (8 meters internationally), and a central draw circle. The goal circle is positioned slightly closer to the end line. Players, excluding the goaltender, are prohibited from stepping inside the goal circle, a "goal-circle violation," though collegiate defenders may pass through it. Within the 8-meter fan, defenders cannot remain for longer than 3 seconds without being a stick-length away from the offensive player they are guarding, akin to the three-second rule in basketball. Violations result in a free shot for the opposing team.
Lacrosse Sixes
Olympic-Bound Variant
Lacrosse Sixes is a dynamic variant of lacrosse played outdoors with six players per side. Developed by World Lacrosse in 2021, this format was specifically designed to facilitate lacrosse's inclusion in the Olympic Games. It is slated to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles edition, marking a significant milestone for the sport. While maintaining similar rules for men and women, Sixes preserves some distinctions regarding the amount of contact permitted.
Streamlined Gameplay
Compared to traditional field lacrosse, Lacrosse Sixes features several key modifications to enhance its fast-paced nature. The field of play is smaller, measuring 70 by 36 meters. Face-offs are limited to the beginning of each quarter, with play restarting after goals by the goalie taking the ball out of the net. A 30-second shot clock is enforced, promoting continuous action. Games are played in four 8-minute quarters, and rosters consist of 12 players. A defining characteristic is that all players are expected to participate in both offense and defense, and there are no long crosses, emphasizing agility and versatility.
Intercrosse
Non-Contact & Accessible
Intercrosse, also known as soft stick lacrosse, is a non-contact form of the sport designed for accessibility and safety. It utilizes modified equipment, featuring an all-plastic stick head, unlike the traditional leather or nylon pockets. The ball is larger, softer, and hollow, contrasting with the solid rubber lacrosse ball. These modifications make it an ideal way to introduce youth to the sport, with a developed curriculum for physical education classes.
International Presence
As a competitive adult sport, Intercrosse enjoys popularity in Quebec, Canada, and in many European countries, particularly the Czech Republic. Teams typically consist of five players per side, competing on fields 20 meters wide and 40 meters long. Adult goals are the same size as those in box lacrosse, measuring 4 feet (1.2 meters) in height and width. The Fédération Internationale d'Inter-Crosse (FIIC) serves as its international governing body, hosting a World Championship biennially.
Global Reach
Expanding International Footprint
Historically, lacrosse has been predominantly played in Canada and the United States, with smaller but dedicated communities in the United Kingdom and Australia. However, in recent years, the sport has experienced significant international growth, with new teams and leagues emerging worldwide, particularly across Europe and East Asia.
World Lacrosse: Unifying the Sport
In August 2008, the men's international governing body, the International Lacrosse Federation, merged with the women's, the International Federation of Women's Lacrosse Associations, to form the Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL). This organization was later rebranded as World Lacrosse in May 2019. Currently, World Lacrosse boasts 62 member nations, reflecting the sport's expanding global appeal and unified governance.
World Championships & Iroquois Nationals
World Lacrosse sponsors five major world championship tournaments: the World Lacrosse Championship for men's field, the Women's Lacrosse World Championship, the World Indoor Lacrosse Championship for box lacrosse, and the Men's and Women's Under-20 World Lacrosse Championships. Each of these prestigious events is held every four years. Notably, the Iroquois Nationals, representing the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy, are the only First Nations team sanctioned for international competition in any sport, showcasing their profound heritage and skill on the global stage.
Lacrosse at the Olympics
Field lacrosse was a medal sport at the 1904 and 1908 Summer Olympics. In 1904, three teams competed in St. Louis, with the Winnipeg Shamrocks of Canada securing the gold medal. The 1908 London games featured only two teams, Canada and Great Britain, with Canada again winning gold. Lacrosse was also featured as a demonstration sport in the 1928, 1932, and 1948 Summer Olympics. After previous unsuccessful bids for exhibition status, World Lacrosse was granted provisional status by the International Olympic Committee in 2018. Following a recommendation from the LA28 Organizing Committee in October 2023, lacrosse received final approval from the International Olympic Committee on October 16, 2023, for inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, specifically in the lacrosse sixes format.
Collegiate Lacrosse
Men's University Play
Collegiate lacrosse in the United States is organized across NCAA (Divisions I, II, and III), NAIA, and various club levels, including the Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA). The first U.S. intercollegiate men's lacrosse game was played on November 22, 1877, between New York University and Manhattan College. The NCAA began sponsoring a men's lacrosse championship in 1971, with Cornell winning the inaugural title. Historically, Syracuse, Johns Hopkins, and Princeton have been dominant forces, with the NCAA national championship weekend tournament attracting over 80,000 fans.
Women's University Play
Women's collegiate lacrosse is also structured across NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, and NAIA teams. The NCAA initiated its women's lacrosse championship in 1982. The University of Maryland has a storied history of dominance, securing numerous NCAA championships, including seven consecutive titles from 1995 through 2001, and more recently in 2010, 2014, 2015, and 2017. Princeton and Northwestern have also achieved significant success in the women's collegiate arena. Additionally, the Women's Collegiate Lacrosse Associates (WCLA), organized by US Lacrosse, oversees over 260 college club teams.
Professional Lacrosse
National Lacrosse League (NLL)
The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is North America's premier men's semi-professional box lacrosse league, featuring fifteen teams across the United States and Canada. Its 18-game regular season runs from December to April, with games primarily held on weekends. NLL games are played in ice rinks converted with artificial turf, ranging from large NHL arenas to smaller venues. In 2017, the league averaged 9,500 attendees per game. NLL players, many of whom are Canadians and Native Americans, typically hold other jobs, as the average salary is around $20,000 per season. The NLL originated in 1987 as the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League and has seen franchises like the Toronto Rock and the former Philadelphia Wings (now Albany FireWolves) achieve significant success with six championships each.
Premier Lacrosse League (PLL)
Founded in October 2018 by former MLL player Paul Rabil, the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) is a professional field lacrosse league. The PLL distinguishes itself with a touring model, bringing top players to various cities across the United States. It offers players a minimum salary of $25,000, equity in the league, and medical benefits, with an average salary of $35,000. The Whipsnakes Lacrosse Club has been a notable success, securing two championships. Since its inaugural 2019 season, the PLL has expanded to eight teams and merged with the Major League Lacrosse (MLL), integrating the Boston Cannons as the Cannons Lacrosse Club. The league secured a broadcasting deal with ESPN starting in the 2022 season. For 2024, the PLL announced home-cities for each team, while maintaining a touring model where each team hosts one regular season weekend and two neutral site weekends are also held.
Women's Professional Leagues
The landscape of women's professional lacrosse is evolving. The Women's Lacrosse League is a new professional women's league set to commence play in 2025, adopting the lacrosse sixes format. Previously, Athletes Unlimited Lacrosse operated from 2021-2024 with a unique format where the top four players each week became captains and drafted new teams, with the season champion being the player accumulating the most points. Defunct leagues also include the Major League Lacrosse (MLL), which merged with the PLL in 2020, and the United Women's Lacrosse League (UWLX) and Women's Professional Lacrosse League, both of which operated for a few years before closing in 2020.
Essential Equipment
The Lacrosse Stick
The lacrosse stick comprises two main components: the head and the shaft. The head itself has three parts: the scoop (affecting ground ball pickup, passing, and shooting), the sidewall (influencing head depth and stiffness), and the pocket (the leather or nylon mesh attached to the sidewall and scoop). A wider pocket facilitates easier catching but reduces ball control, while a narrower pocket enhances retention and accuracy at the expense of catching ease. Shafts are typically hollow metal, octagonal for better grip, and made from materials like aluminum, titanium, scandium, or various alloys, though wood, plastic, carbon fiber, or fiberglass are also used.
The Lacrosse Ball
The lacrosse ball is constructed from solid rubber. For men's lacrosse, it is typically white, while for women's lacrosse, yellow is the standard color. However, balls are also produced in a variety of other colors, such as orange or lime green, in accordance with men's lacrosse rules and interpretations.
Men's Protective Gear
Men's field lacrosse players wear a comprehensive set of protective equipment, including gloves, elbow pads, shoulder pads, a helmet, a mouthguard, and cleats. The size and level of protection for pads vary based on a player's position, ability, comfort, and personal preference. For instance, attack players often opt for larger, more protective elbow pads to shield against checks, whereas defenders might wear smaller pads. Goalies are required to wear a large protective chest pad, a plastic neck guard attached to their helmet, and a protective cup.
Women's Protective Gear
Women's field lacrosse players are generally not required to wear protective equipment beyond eyewear and a mouthguard. The eyegear typically consists of a metal cage covering the eyes, secured with a strap around the back of the head. In recent years, there has been ongoing discussion regarding the allowance or mandatory use of padded headgear to mitigate the risk of concussions. Women goalies, however, are required to wear a helmet, gloves, and a chest protector for enhanced safety.
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References
References
- Vennum, Thomas. American Indian Lacrosse: Little Brother of War. (Smithsonian Institution, 1994) SBN 978-1560983026.
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