Introduction

Lacrosse is a game played on a field similar in size to a rugby or soccer field. The field is divided up into three sections with netted goals at each end. The goals are about 2 x 2 metres. Every player has a lacrosse stick of a standard size except the goalie, who has a larger head on his stick to enable him/her to stop goals. The ball is a solid rubber ball about the size of a cricket ball.

The object of the game is to scoop up the ball, throw and catch it or run with it until you get it near your goal, which is protected by the opposition’s defense and their goalie. When you are near the goal you throw the ball into the net to score a goal, if you can get it past the opposition.

Each team has 10 players on the field with up to another 10 (depending on the standard of the game) on the substitute bench.

The equipment needed again depends on the standard but this is the norm for boy’s lacrosse which allows some contact. Each player needs a stick, a helmet, arm pads and gloves. The goalie needs a helmet, gloves, chest pad and goalie stick.

Girl’s lacrosse is different in that the girls do not have any contact allowed in the game at all so they do not need helmets, gloves or arm pads. Girls use a slightly different stick and mouth guards for protection. Girl’s goalies pad up exactly like the boys though, with helmets, gloves, chest pads and goalie sticks.