Hurling vs Lacrosse: Introduction to Hurlacrosse

Overview of Hurlacrosse

• Definition: A compromised rules match between a hurling team and a lacrosse team.
• Objective: Promote both sports steeped in culture and heritage.
• Field: Played on a standard-sized soccer field or American football field.
• Ball Used: Sliotar size 4 (camogie sliotar).
• Team Composition: Each team has 10 players.
• Goalkeepers Swap: The hurling goalkeeper plays for the lacrosse team, and the lacrosse goalkeeper plays for the hurling team.

Game Structure

• Duration: Four quarters of ten minutes each.
• Breaks: A 5-minute pause between quarters.
• Starting Play: Ball is thrown on the ground between two players from each team.
  • Players perform specific actions: hurling players do a job role, lacrosse players do a scoop.
• No Direct Striking: No direct striking of the ball along the ground during the throw-in.

Scoring

• Points System:
  • 1 point: Score above the crossbar between the uprights.
  • 3 points (Goal): Score below the crossbar between the posts.
• The X Bar: The area behind the goal line (16.5-meter line).

Gameplay Rules

• Hurling Players:
  • May carry the ball in hand for two periods of four steps.
  • Cannot lift the ball directly from the ground with hands.
• Lacrosse Players:
  • Can carry the ball for six steps in the pocket before playing.

Historical Background

• Origin: Created by David Walken after moving to North America.
• Development: Collaboration with the University of Toronto lacrosse team.
• First Match: Hosted in Los Angeles, involving OC Wild Geese and T. Martin Lacrosse.
• Global Adoption Efforts: Events in various countries and a demonstration match at the 2019 World Games in Croke Park, Dublin.

Goal of Hurlacrosse

• Promote sportsmanship, teamwork, and skill.
• Celebrate the unique skill sets of both hurling and lacrosse.
• Encourage the growth of both sports communities.

Additional Resources

• Rules: Full set of rules available at hurlacrosse.com/rules.

Call to Action

• Host events in your city to foster the growth of Hurlacrosse.