Lacrosse is a popular team game in North America. This game is one of the official national games of Canada. This game is gaining rapid popularity in the USA as well. Lacrosse is a game started by the North American natives. The game of Lacrosse has traditional history among the Native American tribes. Initially, it was a very violent game often injuring the players, and sometimes even killing them. Lacrosse is played both indoors and outdoors.
The French standardized the game of Lacrosse in the 19th Century. They are said to be responsible for the name Lacrosse too. It is a French word. The game of Lacrosse was a very rough game. The French are also credited for reducing the use of violence in the sport. Modern day Lacrosse players use adequate protective gear to minimize injury. Protective equipment is worn on arms, heads, hands, and shoulders. Men’s Lacrosse is more dangerous than the women’s version. In men’s Lacrosse it is within the law to use stick checks to body parts like hands and arms. In women’s Lacrosse, such contacts are not allowed. Lacrosse is played between two teams of 10 players each. Lacrosse played indoors is termed as box lacrosse.
Box lacrosse is a six-a-side game very popular in Canada. Professional indoor lacrosse leagues are common both in the USA and Canada. Lacrosse is also played in Australia. The game of Lacrosse is played with a rubber ball. The object of the game is to put the ball into the opponent’s goal. A Lacrosse team consists of a goaltender, three midfielders, three attackers, and three defenders. The players carry sticks with which they hit the ball. The goaltender carries a lacrosse stick with a slightly longer head. Even though Lacrosse is a contact sport, there are rules governing it. Players are penalized with fouls if they flout the rules. Tripping and slashing are not allowed in this game. The offside rule of the game is somewhat similar to soccer rules. Technical fouls of the game include pushing, holding, and interference. A referee is the person who supervises the game of Lacrosse.
World championships are the most coveted Lacrosse tournament in the world. This prestigious event is held every four years. The United States have been the dominant force in this championship. Canada is the traditional rivals of the USA and has won the World Championship twice. The World Championship is held in the following categories—senior women & men, and women’s under-19 & men’s under-19. European Lacrosse Championship is the second most important lacrosse tournament in the world. The game of Lacrosse is predominant in USA and Canada. But gradually it is gaining popularity the UK & other European nations, Australia, and some part of East Asia.
