Rules and History of Lacrosse

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Lacrosse

Once a niche sport played primarily on reservations and east coast prep schools, lacrosse has enjoyed a recent surge of popularity that has launched it into the American sports consciousness. Many kids who would have once played baseball or soccer are now choosing to play lacrosse, and professional and collegiate games have gained a large following. The Web has a wealth of information that will help the unacquainted discover the game and the informed attain a deeper understanding of the game.

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Rules and History of Lacrosse

Early lacrosse games were played over miles of land, lasted for days, and resembled a battle more than a sport. The game has since become smaller, shorter, and safer, to the point where indoor fields and shot clocks are commonplace in professional leagues. But the essence of the game remains: a ball, two nets, and la crosse - the stick. The Web sites we recommend in this section will help you learn everything from the basics of the game to the slightest differences between various leagues.

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For a more detailed history of players, teams and leagues, look on the history pages of league sites listed in the "Where can I find information on lacrosse leagues and organizations?" section of this guide.

There are three distinctive forms of lacrosse: men's field lacrosse, men's box (indoor) lacrosse, and women's field lacrosse. The rules, terms, and equipment found in one will not necessarily apply to the others.

The game was created by Native American and First Nation tribes in the 15th century. These roots are still present in the game today, as there are many professional and collegiate players who hail from the Iroquois Tribe.

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For rules ...

U.S. Lacrosse explains the basic rules of the game, including field measurements, explanations of positions, equipment, and fouls, and a glossary to help you become hip to lacrosse lingo. The full rulebook for men's lacrosse is available in PDF format.

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Major League Lacrosse plays field lacrosse with several unique rules designed to make the game more exciting for the fans. These rules, like the addition of a shot clock and a 2-point arc, are delineated here.

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The National Lacrosse League is a professional box lacrosse league that plays its games in hockey arenas on artificial turf. As such, the rulebook is quite different from field lacrosse. Here is an overview of box lacrosse from the National Lacrosse League, with a link for an official rulebook in PDF format.

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For history ...

Sports Know How presents a simple but comprehensive history of lacrosse, covering the game's First Nation roots and the rise of the modern game. This is a good place to start for those who know little about the game.

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The Lacrosse Museum and National Hall of Fame in Baltimore offers a virtual tour, covering the earliest origins to the modern game for both men's and women's lacrosse. The site features detailed descriptions of selected exhibits and includes a list of Hall of Famers, including NFL Hall of Famer and Syracuse University lacrosse star Jim Brown.

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The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Archives has several video and radio clips covering the history of lacrosse in Canada. From a radio clip in 1943 to modern video clips, CBC includes news stories, personal stories, and historical reflections.

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