This portion of our web guide focuses on lacrosse, a team sport in which players use a long-handled stick with a triangular head and a mesh pouch to catch, carry, and throw a ball, the intent being to accurately shoot the ball into the opposing team's goal.
The roots of lacrosse go back to the Native American tribes of North America, where it was played as a ceremonial game with spiritual undertones. Known as "stickball" by some tribes, lacrosse was much more than a sport--it was a means to bring communities together, resolve conflicts, and honor the Creator. Matches could involve hundreds of players, with fields stretching miles in length. The game's name, "lacrosse," was coined by French Jesuit missionaries in the 1600s, who likened the stick used by players to a bishop's crosier, which is la crosse in French.
In the 19th century, lacrosse began transitioning into the modern sport we recognize today. The first standardized rules were established in 1867 by Dr. William George Beers, a Canadian dentist and passionate advocate for the sport. Over time, lacrosse expanded beyond its indigenous origins to become popular in schools, universities, and clubs across North America and beyond.
Lacrosse is played on a rectangular field, with two teams vying to score goals by propelling a small rubber ball into the opponent's net using a specialized stick called a crosse. The game emphasizes teamwork, precision, and physical endurance.
Lacrosse has four primary versions: field lacrosse, box lacrosse, women's lacrosse, and intercrosse. Each variation has distinct gameplay styles and rules. Field lacrosse, for instance, is played outdoors with ten players per team, while box lacrosse is a faster-paced indoor version with six players per side.
The rules vary depending on the version of the game that is played. In general, the objective is to score more goals than the opposing team within the allotted time. Players can pass, catch, and cradle the ball with their crosse while adhering to contact regulations. Penalties are imposed for infractions such as slashing or offsides.
Essential equipment includes the crosse, a helmet with face protection, gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, and a mouthguard. Goalkeepers require additional padding, and women's lacrosse players use less protective gear due to differing physical contact rules.
Field lacrosse is predominantly played outdoors. This is the original form of the sport and is especially popular in North America. Played indoors on a smaller field, box lacrosse is known for its fast pace and physical intensity, particularly in Canada. Women's lacrosse is characterized by less physical contact and a focus on finesse. Designed for recreational purposes, intercrosse is a non-contact variant played with a softer ball accessible to players of all ages.
Lacrosse is played at various levels, from school-based teams to amateur clubs and professional leagues. In schools, lacrosse is a platform for skill development, sportsmanship, and camaraderie. Collegiate lacrosse, especially in the United States, is a major draw, with the NCAA championships showcasing the nation's top talent. Professional leagues, such as the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) and the National Lacrosse League (NLL), offer opportunities for elite athletes to compete on a global stage.
At whatever level, topics related to the game of lacrosse are the focus of resources in this category.
Recommended Resources
The BCLA is a sanctioning body in British Columbia, Canada, that controls and regulates Minor level, Junior, and Senior level box lacrosse and field lacrosse in the province. An introduction to the association is provided, along with a schedule of events, access to various forms, membership information, coaching resources, and contacts. Other topics include Team BC, the Canada Games, wheelchair lacrosse, and its Spirit program, which is an Indigenous lacrosse program.
http://www.bclacrosse.com/
Inside Lacrosse is a comprehensive source for lacrosse news, scores, and analysis, covering various aspects of the sport, including college and high school lacrosse, professional leagues like the NLL and MLL, and provides recruiting data and participation events information, podcasts, and video content. Other resources include a camp directory, discussion forums, advertising and sponsorship opportunities, and an online store offering single copies of the magazine and other merchandise.
https://www.insidelacrosse.com/
Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association
The IWLCA is a membership-led non-profit association representing U.S. intercollegiate women's lacrosse coaches within NCAA Division I, II, and II, and the NAIA. The IWLCA provides updates on recent lacrosse news and various resources and events for coaches, such as a job board, and including sports engine integration, access to a video library for educational content, polls, photo galleries, and notification and details of coaching symposiums and other events.
https://www.iwlca.org/
Founded in 1867 and formerly known as the Canadian Lacrosse Association, Lacrosse Canada is the governing body for lacrosse in Canada. Headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, Lacrosse Canada conducts national junior and senior championship tournaments for men and women in both field and box lacrosse and is affiliated with World Lacrosse. The organization oversees five national teams that compete in World Lacrosse championships every four years. An online store offers branded apparel and other items.
https://lacrosse.ca/
Lacrosse Culture Daily provides coverage of lacrosse, including box lacrosse roundups, rookie reports, and analysis of college lacrosse games. They publish content such as several podcasts, videos, and articles to inform, educate, and entertain lacrosse fans, as well as information about lacrosse culture. The website follows the National Lacrosse League (NLL), the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) lacrosse programs.
https://lacrosseculturedaily.com/
The NLL is a professional box lacrosse league in North America. The league includes fourteen teams, eight in the United States and six in Canada. Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and founded as the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League in 1986, the NLL is the oldest lacrosse league in North America. The NLL plays its games in the winter and spring, from December to June. Its schedules, standings, statistics, players, and teams are highlighted, and tickets may be purchased online.
https://www.nll.com/
Founded in 1998, USA Lacrosse is the governing body of men's and women's lacrosse in the United States. It provides leadership in various aspects of the sport, such as overseeing the U.S. National Team Program. It is headquartered in Sparks, Maryland, and includes the Lacrosse Museum and National Hall of Fame. Its website features several resources for players and parents, information on where the sport can be played, scholarship information, awards, grants, and USA Lacrosse Magazine.
https://www.usalacrosse.com/
Initially known as the Federation of International Lacrosse, WL is the international governing body of lacrosse, responsible for the men's, women's, and indoor versions of the sport. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, it is the only international sports organization to recognize First Nations bands and Native American tribes as sovereign nations. Information about the sport in the Olympics is provided, along with an introduction to the game, a schedule of events, and an online store.
https://worldlacrosse.sport/
