Boys Lacrosse

Lacrosse games and practices are almost never cancelled, play traditionally continues, even through a rainstorm. As Benjamin Franklin discovered, only a lightning bolt can stop play. During a thunderstorm, one does not run around an open field slashing with a lightening rod.  -see the Weather Underground on Links page

Rules for Lacrosse were codified in modern form in the 1880’s by college player James Naismith to adapt the wide open game of native rural fields to a defined urban playing ground. In its native habitat, Lacrosse involved hundreds of players, ranged over 9 miles and a game could last three days. When confined and crowded by streets and work schedules in cities, the gentleman's game of strategy, skill, and ranging endurance tended to be distorted by factors of gang brutishness. To restore civility and relativistic order in the space-time continuum, Naismith's rules ensured a level playing field while enabling the spontaneity and continuous fast pace of disperse play to be maintained in a smaller defined space. Designated zones marked on the field with corresponding time limits encourage fast paced play. On-the-fly substitutions, penalties & sideline boxes maintain game momentum, and timed halves and quarters with brief pauses preserve game continuity, still the fastest game on foot.   -see Condensed Field Diagram below

To continue play during periods when rain turns to deep winter snow, Naismith even invented a new indoor warehouse game he called basketball.  He later applied the same lacrosse strategies to write rules for hockey, soccer, and water polo. As Lacrosse has been called the father of all sports with balls, James Naismith was certainly the modern godfather. Someday all dynamic sports will be siblings with Lacrosse!

Today, rules for Lacrosse are written for different age groups. (Youth, High School, College, and Adult). High school rules are written by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).  -see the US Lacrosse website link.

Lacrosse Equipment also plays by rules. The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) conducts tests and sets equipment standards. Equipment signifies compliance by flashing a NOCSAE seal of approval. This seal must always be proudly displayed. Keep your equipment fresh, do not tape, decal or paint over it!  -see Equipment page

In the 2014 season games, all official balls will have the NOCSAE seal of approval.

College rules and standards are set by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).  - see website at ncaa.org

EQUIPMENT FOR BOY’S LACROSSE 

Team colors are Navy and Yellow-gold, Black Helmets

Avoid fluorescent or bright colors

 

Gear Every Player Must Have Own:

Cleats (any sport’s cleats will work)

Hard Cup

Mouth Guard* (must attach to helmet; any color except white or clear)

Gym Suits (typically school gear: shorts and T-shirts)