Men’s vs. Women’s Field Lacrosse

While field lacrosse is played by both men and women, there are key differences between the two versions of the game. In men’s lacrosse, the game is characterized by physical contact, including body checking and aggressive defense. As a result, men’s players wear extensive protective gear, including helmets, shoulder pads, gloves, and more. The game features a faster, more physically demanding style of play, with players often using more aggressive tactics to gain possession of the ball.

In contrast, women’s lacrosse is played with less physical contact. Checking is not allowed, and players rely more on skill, agility, and strategy. Women’s lacrosse players wear less protective gear, typically consisting of goggles, gloves, and mouthguards, as the emphasis is on finesse and teamwork rather than physical confrontation. The rules also differ, with the women’s game having a smaller playing field and a slightly different setup for draw controls and offside penalties.

How It’s Played

Field lacrosse is played with two teams of 10 players each (in men’s lacrosse) or 12 players (in women’s lacrosse). The objective is to score goals by shooting the ball into the opponent’s net using the lacrosse stick. The game is divided into four quarters, with each team trying to gain possession of the ball and move it down the field while avoiding the opposing team’s defense. Players use their sticks to pass, carry, and shoot the ball, while the goalie defends the net.

Basic Rules

• Game Duration: Four quarters, typically lasting 15 minutes each (with some variations in different leagues).
• Players: Men’s teams consist of 10 players, including a goalie, while women’s teams consist of 12 players.
• Possession: Teams must advance the ball down the field within a set amount of time (usually 20 seconds) after gaining possession.
• Penalties: Players can be penalized for actions like slashing, tripping, or interference. In men’s lacrosse, penalties result in serving time in the penalty box, while in women’s lacrosse, players are often required to stand outside the play area during the penalty.

Safety in Field Lacrosse

Safety in field lacrosse is a priority, especially given the physical nature of men’s lacrosse and the speed of the game. Players are required to wear protective gear, including helmets, shoulder pads, gloves, and mouthguards, to minimize the risk of injury. The sport is governed by strict rules regarding dangerous actions like slashing or cross-checking, with penalties in place to protect players.

In women’s lacrosse, the emphasis on non-contact play reduces the risk of injury, but safety remains a key consideration, with players required to wear goggles and mouthguards to protect against eye injuries and dental damage.