Overview
This guide provides a comprehensive summary of lacrosse rules, including gameplay basics, field setup, player roles, scoring, out-of-bounds procedures, checking, and fouls.
Basics of Lacrosse
- Lacrosse is a fast-paced team sport played with a stick and ball.
- The main objective is to score more points than the opposing team by shooting the ball into their goal.
- Players can only use the stick to carry, pass, catch, and shoot the ball; only goalies can use hands.
Gameplay Structure
- Games start with a face-off; two players compete for ball possession at midfield.
- Each team attempts to advance the ball and score, while defenders prevent goals.
- After a goal, play resumes with another face-off at midfield.
- Games consist of four quarters, with each level (college, high school, youth) having different quarter lengths and total durations.
Lacrosse Field and Equipment
- The field measures 110 yards long by 60 yards wide, with 6'x6' goals and an 18-foot diameter crease.
- Each team has ten players: three attackmen, three midfielders, three defensemen, and one goalie.
Player Roles
- Attackmen focus on offense and scoring.
- Defensemen prevent opponent goals in the defensive half.
- Midfielders play both offense and defense, moving the ball across the field.
- The goalie protects the net and blocks shots.
Scoring and Out of Bounds
- Goals are scored by shooting into the opponent’s net, each counting for one point.
- Players cannot touch the ball with their hands (except the goalie).
- Offensive players cannot enter the crease around the goal.
- If the ball goes out after a shot, possession goes to the player closest to where it exited; otherwise, the non-offending team gains possession.
Checking Rules
- Stick checks involve dislodging the ball from an opponent’s stick safely.
- Legal body checks must target a player with the ball, within five yards, from the front/side, above the waist, and below the shoulders.
Fouls in Lacrosse
- Personal fouls involve physical contact and result in a 1–3 minute suspension; five fouls eject a player.
- Technical fouls are minor, non-contact infractions, often resulting in a 30-second penalty or loss of possession.
- Common personal fouls: slashing, tripping, cross-checking, unsportsmanlike conduct, unnecessary roughness, illegal body checking, illegal crosse, and illegal gloves.
- Common technical fouls: holding, interference, offsides, pushing, screening, stalling, and warding off.
Conclusion
- Understanding these rules equips new players to participate and enjoy lacrosse while promoting fair and fun play.