Lacrosse showcases the best of sports — speed, athleticism, skill, heart, determination — and it’s a recipe for a lifelong love affair. Originated by Native Americans, lacrosse is North America's first sport and has picked up tremendous momentum in recent years. No other sport is growing faster at the high school or college level, resulting in countless opportunities for young men to make their mark.
Lacrosse was originated by Native Americans and is the oldest sport played on the North American continent. First documented in the 17th century, lacrosse began to be played in the United States at the collegiate level in the late 19th century. Lacrosse was first played in the Olympics in 1904 and the first international championship recognized by World Lacrosse was held in 1967. There are now more than 65 nations recognized by World Lacrosse and the United States has won 10 world championships, more than any other nation, beginning with the 1967 team (pictured).
Lacrosse has been the fastest-growing team sport in the United States for most of the last two decades. There are now nearly 400 NCAA varsity men’s programs today, up from just 262 in 2010. Similar growth has occurred at the youth and high school levels as America continues to further embrace the continent’s first sport.
Boys field players are required to use a helmet, stick, gloves, shoulder pads, arm pads, a mouthguard and a protective cup. Rib pads are optional. Goalies are also required to wear a helmet with face mask, a separate throat protector, padded gloves and a chest protector. Visit our equipment page for complete details.
The rules of men’s lacrosse are designed with safety in mind and to ensure fair competition. USA Lacrosse, the National Federation of State High School Associations and the National Collegiate Athletic Association write the rules for the sport in the United States and the organizations often work together on rule development and player safety. Visit our rules page for complete information.
There are countless playing opportunities at the youth level through local community programs and club and travel programs. USA Lacrosse works directly with many of these clubs to help create a positive experience for participants. Visit our Where to Play page to find programs in your area that are connected with USA Lacrosse.
Lacrosse is an official championship sport by roughly half the states in the U.S. through the official state associations under the National Federation of State High Associations. Many other states offer varsity programs and championship opportunities through lacrosse-specific statewide organizations. There are also numerous clubs, both school-affiliated and private entities, providing opportunities for high school-aged players.
The wide range of playing levels means that almost anyone wishing to play at the collegiate level can find a home. The NCAA offers just under 400 Division I, II and III varsity lacrosse programs. The Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Associates (MCLA) has more than 200 club programs at schools nationwide. The National Collegiate Lacrosse League has nearly 100 club teams. There are roughly 40 programs competing in the NAIA level and about 20 at the junior college level as well.
The U.S. men’s national team program features a senior team (annual), a U20 team (every four years) and the National Team Development Program (annual). Visit the U.S. team page for more information.
Greg Gurenlian and Kyle Hartzell didn't start playing lacrosse until high school, but both earned their way onto the U.S. national team in 2014 and 2018 for the world championship. No matter when you start, you can chart your own course.
USA Lacrosse works directly with community partners to create sustainable programs in underserved communities across the nation.
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 5 yards (high school) or 3 yards (youth) of a loose ball. Not permitted at U9 and U11 levels.
An area drawn in both ends of the field surrounding the crease area. Also called the goal area or defensive area.
Transitioning the ball from the defensive half to the offensive half.
A circle around the goal with a radius of 9 feet into which only defensive players may enter.
A man advantage resulting from an opponent's time-serving penalty. Also known as "man-up."
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.
Goal line extended
Another name for the area outside/in front of the crease area, the imaginary box, 10 yards by 10 yards in front of the goal
The defending team will try to prevent their opponent from advancing the ball, thereby creating a turnover.
A poke into the ribs, chest, neck or back. A vicious uncontrolled swinging of the stick whether contact is made or not. The gloved hand on the stick may be legally checked.
