TRI TOWN LACROSSE ASSOCIATION
Lacrosse Rules and Equipment
Box Lacrosse
Box Lacrosse is played on a standard sized arena floor and features 6 players (goaltender and five runners)
of an 18-20 player team on the floor at one time.
The strategy of Lacrosse is similar to that of basketball, with all five runners involved in the offense
and the defense. Added to the appeal are the speed and excitement created by a 30 second shot clock.
The combination of action and reaction makes Box as much fun to play as it is to watch.
Field Lacrosse
Field Lacrosse is played outdoors on a 100m x 55m filed. Teams consist of 10 players of a team roster of
20-23 players. The team on the field consists of goaltender, attack, midfielders and defense.
Field is very similar to Box in the fundamental skills of passing and catching, and the physical nature
of the play. The games differ in the style of play and strategy. There is no controlling shot clock in Field
and the game is more strategic and relies more heavily on possession and control of the ball.
Basic Rules
- The game begins with a face-off. The ball is placed between the sticks of two squatting players at the
center of the field. The official blows the whistle to begin play. Each face-off player tries to control
the ball. The players in the wing areas can release; the other players must wait until one player has
gained possession of the ball or the ball has crossed the goal line.
- Center face-offs are also used after a goal and at the start of each quarter.
- Players may run with the ball in the crosse, pass and catch the ball. Only the goalkeeper may touch the
ball with his hands.
- A player may gain possession of the ball by dislodging it from an opponent's crosse with a stick check,
which includes the controlled poking and slapping of the stick and gloved hands of the player in possession
of the ball.
- Body checking is permitted if the opponent has the ball. However, all contact must occur from the front or
side, above the waist and below the shoulders. An opponent's crosse may also be stick checked if it is
within five yards of a loose ball or ball in the air.
- If the ball or a player in possession of the ball goes out of bounds, the other team is awarded
possession of the ball. If the ball goes out of bounds after an unsuccessful shot on goal, the player
nearest to the ball when and where it goes out of bounds is awarded possession.
- An attacking player cannot enter the crease around the goal, but may reach in with his stick to scoop
a loose ball.
Player-Parent Guide
This guide explains the basics of the game, the skills needed, and the rules.
Click image to see a larger view
Click image to see a larger view
