🏛️Official — World LacrosseIn Season
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Team Sports
10 players
both
ball, crosse
10 essential rules
Lacrosse is one of the oldest team sports in North America, originating with Indigenous peoples long before European contact. The modern international game is governed by World Lacrosse (formerly the Federation of International Lacrosse, FIL), the international federation recognized by the Intern...
The official lacrosse ball must be solid rubber. Per World Lacrosse specifications: Circumference: Not less than 19.7 cm (7¾ inches) and not more than 20.3 cm (8 inches); Weight: Not less than 142 g (5 oz) and not more than 149 g (5¼ oz); Color: White, yellow, or orange for men's field; yellow or...
The crosse is the primary implement used by players to carry, pass, and shoot the ball. It consists of a handle (shaft) and a head, which contains a mesh or leather pocket.
The following equipment is mandatory for all players in men's field lacrosse: Helmet: Must be a lacrosse-specific helmet meeting NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) or equivalent World Lacrosse-approved standard. Must have a face mask and chin strap securely ...
Eyewear/Goggles: Mandatory for all field players. Must meet ASTM F803 or equivalent standard.; Mouthguard: Mandatory; must be a color other than white or clear.; Gloves: Optional for field players.
Each team must wear matching jerseys of a contrasting color to the opposing team. Jersey numbers are required and must be clearly visible.
The men's lacrosse field is a rectangular grass or artificial turf surface with the following official dimensions per World Lacrosse Men's Field Rules:
Length: 110 yards (100.6 m) recommended; minimum 90 yards (82.3 m); Width: 60–70 yards (54.9–64.0 m); A center circle of 9.1 m (10 yards) diameter is marked at midfield.
Goal posts: 1.83 m (6 feet) apart, inside measurement; Crossbar height: 1.83 m (6 feet) from the ground to the underside of the crossbar; The goal is positioned 15 yards (13.72 m) from the end line.
Goal posts: 1.83 m (6 feet) apart, inside measurement; Crossbar height: 1.83 m (6 feet) from the ground; The goal is positioned 15 yards (13.72 m) from the end line.
, 30 yards from each end line). " During a face-off, all players other than the two taking the face-off and the goalkeepers must remain in the wing areas or beyond the restraining line until possession is gained or the ball crosses the restraining line.
Honor the Creator's Game
Lacrosse was created by the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy) as a sacred gift and is widely called 'The Creator's Game.' Players across all levels are expected to treat the game with reverence — acknowledging its Indigenous origins, not disrespecting the game through excessive aggression, taunting, or contemptuous play. This is considered the foundational cultural norm of the sport.
The Haudenosaunee Nationals compete in World Lacrosse events and serve as cultural stewards of this expectation.
Shake hands sincerely after the game
The post-game handshake line is a deeply ingrained tradition. Walking through it half-heartedly, avoiding eye contact, or refusing to participate — especially after a physical or contentious game — is viewed as a serious breach of the sport's honor code. Both teams are expected to mean it.
Incidents of poor handshake-line conduct are remembered and discussed in the lacrosse community.
Don't run up the score against a clearly outmatched opponent
When a team has a commanding lead, it is expected to ease off — substituting heavily, holding the ball, or avoiding unnecessary goals. Continuing to shoot freely against a weaker opponent deep in the second half is seen as disrespectful and a failure of sportsmanship by the coaching staff.
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