LACROSSE
History of Lacrosse Code of Conduct Equipment Stick Field Positions Faceoffs Offense Defense The Crease Penalties Substitutions Concussion Terms Overview
History of Lacrosse One of the oldest team sports in America dating back to the 17 th century Traditional lacrosse were major events that could last several days As many as 100 1000 men from opposing villages or tribes would participate Played in open plains located between the two villages Opposing goals could range from 500 yards to several miles apart Played to settle inner tribal disputes To toughen young warriors for combat Recreational purposes and as part of festivals Wagers against other tribes
History of Lacrosse 1876 New York University is the first US college to establish a team 1882 Phillips Exeter (NH), Phillips Andover (MA) and Lawrenceville (NJ) are first high school programs Sport with significant physical activity Sport which develops eye, hand, arms, body and feet coordination Team Sport you are a member A way to receive scholarships into universities Job (Major League Lacrosse)
Code of Conduct Players Respect your teammates, coaches, referees and opponents at all times. Give 100% effort at each practice and game. Know the rules of the game of lacrosse and abide by them. Support and encourage your teammates. Set a positive example. Wear the required equipment at all games and practices, and keep your equipment well maintained. Display good sportsmanship at all times on and off the field. Don't be afraid to make a mistake; that s part of learning. Learn from your coaches; practice hard; play smart; Have Fun! Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat.
Code of Conduct Parents Teach and practice good sportsmanship at all games and practices. You are role models! Know the rules of the game of lacrosse. Respect the game of lacrosse. Respect the officials. Respect the coaches, who are volunteers. Do not coach your child. Let players play and coaches coach, and support both positively. Do not EVER criticize other players irrespective of the circumstances. The referees are only to be approached and spoken to by the head coaches of each team. Please respect the coaches and officials by allowing them to handle all game circumstances. Follow the "24 Hour Rule"; if you have a complaint resulting from a game (or practice) situation, speak with the coach or appropriate organization member on the following day. If there is a serious problem, notify either the head of your respective youth program or the President of the NWCYLF. Emphasize the FUN of the game and the team, putting forth 100% effort at all times, not wins and losses.
Code of Conduct Coach A coach is a role model, who must act with the highest moral character possible. Coaches must reinforce the self image of each player. A coach must be positive and constructive. Respect the game of lacrosse. Respect the officials. Know & teach the rules of lacrosse. Abide by those rules in practices and games. Establish objectives for the team and players and inform them of team and individual goals. Teach and practice good sportsmanship at all games and practices. Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat.
Code of Conduct Any conduct, including abusive language and/or gestures, racially insensitive remarks, damage to property or belongings, or any other conduct that reflects poorly on yourself or the NWCYLF is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. This rule applies to all players, parents, siblings and guests at all times when in or around any NWCYLF Lacrosse games, practices, and/or functions. During a tournament or game when you are away, you represent your team, your community, and the game of lacrosse. Any conduct unbecoming or any other conduct that reflects poorly on yourself or the NWCYLF will not be tolerated. This rule applies for the entire time one is away for a game or tournament. The Board of Directors of the NWCYLF will address unacceptable conduct at its sole discretion, imposing warnings, suspension or expulsion, as the Board deems appropriate. ANY SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION BASED ON VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT WILL NOT BE ACCOMPANIED BY A FEE OR PAYMENT REFUND.
Lacrosse Equipment
Lacrosse Equipment Field Player Goalie
Lacrosse Field Stick (Cross) Length LENGTH: U9 all sticks must be 37 42 U11 short stick: 37 42 U13 & UP short stick: 40 42 U13 & UP long stick: 52 72 STRINGING 4 5 leather or synthetic strings, 8 12 stitches or cross lacing or mesh, max POCKET Depth is legal when the top of ball remains above the bottom of the head s wall when placed in the pocket of a horizontal stick HEAD Triangular piece affixed in same plane as shaft SHAFT Wood, composite or metal alloy
Lacrosse Goalie Stick/Goal LENGTH: 40 to 72 maximum STRINGING: 6 7 leather and/or synthetic thongs and cross lacing should be mesh POCKET: Legal when ball moves freely in pocket and stick meets specifications outlined in the boys rule book HEAD: Extra wide triangle in same plane as shaft SHAFT: Wood, composite or metal alloy Lacrosse Goal 6 x 6 made of pipes with net attached
Lacrosse Field DIMENSIONS: 110 yards long, 53 1/3 60 yards wide, with 15 yards between goal line and end line BOX: defensive/goal area defined by box on each end of the field MIDFIELD LINE: the center line that runs across middle of field with an X in the middle and 2 wing area lines on either side for faceoffs GOAL CREASE: 9 foot diameter circle around the goal SUBSTITUTION AREA: players enter game through this area TEAM BENCH AREA: positioned between scorer s table and end line SCORER S/TIMER S TABLE: score, time, penalty, and substitution area COACHING AREA: where coaches are permitted to roam SPECTATOR AREA: 6 yards from the sideline opposite team benches and never behind goal line
Lacrosse Field
Lacrosse Positions ATTACK (THREE PER TEAM) Attackmen generally stay on the offensive half of the field and are often referred to as the quarterbacks of the offense. They have excellent stick skills with both hands. Unless midfielder stays back, attackmen generally stay on the offensive side of the field. MIDFIELD (THREE PER TEAM) The work horses of the team. Midfielders play both offense and defense. Endurance, stick work and athleticism are key attributes. Play the entire field. DEFENSE (THREE PER TEAM) Defensemen first and foremost defend their goal. They also participate in the clearing game. Good footwork, communication and stick skills are important. Unless midfielder stays back, defensemen generally stay on the defensive side of the field. GOALIE (ONE PER TEAM): The last line of defense. A goalie is the leader of the defense and should direct the other players while protecting the goal from opponents shots. Good body position, hand eye coordination and communication skills are needed.
Lacrosse Positions Attack Midfield Defense Goalie
Faceoffs When? Start of the game and each quarter After each goal scored Techniques Clamp Rake Midfielder wings line up behind the wing area lines on either side Midfielder wings cannot pass the wing area lines until whistle Attackmen must stay in box behind restraining line until referee signals procession Defensemen must stay in box behind restraining line until referee signals procession
Offense Offense The Roll Dodge The Split Dodge The Face Dodge Attackmen The Split Roll Dodge The Question Mark Dodge The Rocker Dodge The Triangle Formation Attackmen Midfieldmen
Defense Defense The Lift Check The Poke Check The Slap Check Man to Man Zone Man to Man Zone
Goal Crease Stepping on the crease line is considered being in the crease Offense cannot enter the crease, with the exception after releasing a shot and scoring, they can run through the crease Offense can place their stick in the crease to recover a loose ball, but cannot make contact with the goalie If an offensive player upon shooting is pushed in the crease by a defensive player, the goal would count. If no goal was scored, the defensive player would serve a 30 second technical foul for pushing and procession would be given to the offense Offense can take ball from the goal once they leave the crease Defense can be in the crease, but cannot carry the ball from outside the crease into the crease
Technical Fouls The penalty for a technical foul is a thirty second suspension if a team is in possession of the ball when the foul is committed, or possession of the ball to the team that was fouled if there was no possession when the foul was committed. HOLDING: Occurs when a player impedes the movement of an opponent or an opponent's crosse. INTERFERENCE: Occurs when a player interferes in any manner with the free movement of an opponent, except when that opponent has possession of the ball, the ball is in flight and within three yards of the players, or both players are within three yards of a loose ball. OFF SIDES: Occurs when a team does not have at least four players on its defensive side of the midfield line or at least three players on its offensive side of the midfield line. PUSHING: Occurs when a player thrusts or shoves a player from behind. SCREENING: Occurs illegally when an offensive player moves into and makes contact with a defensive player with the purpose of blocking him from the man he is defending. STALLING: Occurs when a team intentionally holds the ball. without conducting normal offensive play, with the intent of running times off the clock. WARDING OFF: Occurs when a player in possession of the ball uses his free hand or arm to hold, push or control the direction of an opponent's stick check.
Personal Fouls The penalty for a personal foul is a one to three minute suspension from play and possession to the team that was fouled. Players with three (3) personal fouls are ejected from the game. SLASHING: Occurs when a player's stick contacts an opponent in any area other than the stick or gloved hand on the stick. TRlPPlNG: Occurs when a player obstructs his opponent at or below the waist with the crosse, hands, arms, feet or legs. CROSS CHECKING: Occurs when a player uses the handle of his crosse to make contact with an opponent. UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT: Occurs when any player or coach commits an act which is considered unsportsmanlike by an official, including taunting, obscene language or gestures, and arguing. UNNECESSARY ROUGHNESS: Occurs when a player strikes an opponent with his stick or body using excessive or violent force.
Personal Fouls ILLEGAL CROSSE: Occurs when a player uses a crosse that does not conform to required specifications. A crosse may be found illegal if the pocket is too deep or if the crosse was altered to gain an advantage. ILLEGAL BODY CHECKING: Occurs when any of the following actions take place: (a) body checking of an opponent who is not in possession of the ball or within five yards of a loose ball (b) avoidable body check of an opponent alter he has passed or shot the ball (c) body checking of an opponent from the rear or at or below the waist; (d) body checking of an opponent by a player in which contact is made above the shoulders of the opponent. A body check must be below the neck, and both hands of the player applying the body check must remain in contact with his crosse. ILLEGAL GLOVES: Occurs when a player uses gloves that do not conform to required specifications. A glove will be found illegal if the fingers and palms are cut out of the gloves, or if the glove has been altered in a way that compromises its protective features.
Lacrosse Penalties Technical Foul Personal Foul
Lacrosse Procedural Signals
Lacrosse Substitutions Regular substitutions from the bench can be made on any whistle, dead ball, out of bounds, penalty in our league Wait for the horn Special substitutions on the fly, players exiting and entering the field must go through the Special Substitution Area Very important that every player remains seated on the bench in the order the coach instructs When you come off the field, keep your equipment on and stick in hand
Concussion A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that interferes with normal brain function An athlete does not have to lose consciousness to have suffered a concussion COMMON SYMPTOMS OF A CONCUSSION headache fogginess difficulty concentrating easily confused slowed thought processes difficulty with memory nausea lack of energy, tiredness dizziness, poor balance blurred vision sensitive to light and sounds mood changes; irritable, anxious, or tearful My Rule I make the decision if you are allowed to continue to play after a collision or fall on the field, even if you or mom/dad think you are okay to play
Lacrosse Terms ASSIST: when one player passes the ball to another and it leads directly to a goal without the scorer having to dodge a defender. BODY CHECK: contact with an opponent from the front or side (but not a blind side check) between the shoulders and waist when the opponent has the ball or is within 3 yards of a loose ball. Not permitted at U9 and U11 levels. BOX: an area drawn in both ends of the field surrounding the crease area. Also called the goal area or defensive area. BREAKOUT: when the defending team gains possession of the ball, players spread out across the field to initiate a clear. CREASE: a circle around the goal with a radius of 9 feet into which only defensive players may enter. DODGE: a move by the ball carrier to advance past a defender. EXTRA MAN OFFENSE (EMO): a man advantage resulting from an opponent s time serving penalty. Also known as man up. FACEOFF: this technique is used to put the ball in play at the start of the game, each quarter, half, or after a goal is scored. FEED: a pass to another offensive player in an attempt to create a scoring opportunity. FLAG/DELAYED WHISTLE: when a team in possession is fouled, a flag is thrown but no whistle will sound to stop play until the fouled team loses possession. INTERFERENCE: a player can t interfere with the free movement of an opponent, except when they have the ball or both are within 3 yards of a ball in flight or a loose ball.
Lacrosse Terms LOOSE BALL: a ball that is not in possession of a player is referred to as a loose ball. Players will attempt to gain possession by scooping the ball off the ground. This is a technique practiced by players and involves lowering the body and hands and using the stick like a shovel to pick up the ball. The act of gaining possession of a loose ball is called a ground ball. At the U9 and U11 level players must play the ball when competing for ground balls. While incidental contact is allowed they cannot intentionally body check their opponent. MAN DOWN: the defense plays with at least a one man disadvantage due to teammates serving penalties. MATCH UP: a call given by the goalie to tell each defender to find his man and call out his number. MIDFIELD LINE: the line across the center of the field of play. ON THE FLY SUB: a substitution made during play. PENALTIES: the penalty for a technical foul is loss of possession or 30 seconds. The penalty for a personal foul is 1 3 minutes and/or expulsion. Penalties can be releasable or non releasable after a score. PICK/SCREEN: an offensive maneuver in which a stationary player attempts to block the path of a defender guarding another player. RELEASE: the term used by a timekeeper to notify a penalized player in the box that he may re enter the game. SCORER S TABLE: the table and area between the benches at midfield where time and score is kept, penalties served and some substitutions made.
Lacrosse Terms SHAFT: the stick s handle, the shaft, may be made of aluminum, wood, or composite material and is connected to the stick head. SLIDE/HELP: when a defender leaves his defensive position to help a teammate guard an offensive player. STICK CHECK: using stick to stick contact to try to dislodge the ball. STICK POCKET: the strung part of the head of the stick which holds the ball. Sticks with pockets not to specification may be removed from the game and may also lead to penalties. TRANSITION: the change from offense to defense or defense to offense. This often involves clearing, moving the ball from your defensive half of the field to the offensive half of the field and/or riding, trying to prevent your opponent from getting the ball out of their defensive half. Transition often creates odd man situations because the offense moves the ball forward more quickly than the defense is able to complete their transition and thus have more players in their offensive goal area than the defense for a brief period of time. When a single player moves the ball up the field ahead of the other midfielders creating a four (offensive players) vs. three (defensive players) it is called a fast break. Other transition situations where the offense has an advantage are often called a slow break. As a team is riding or clearing you will often hear the call middie back or hear a coach reminding a player to stay back or stay on side. This is terminology used to ensure a team maintains the minimum number of players at each end of the field.