How Many Periods in Lacrosse? A Beginner’s Guide to Game Timing

Key Takeaways

• Understanding Periods: Lacrosse games are divided into periods or halves, with specific structures varying between men’s and women’s field lacrosse, as well as box lacrosse. Men’s field lacrosse uses four quarters, women’s lacrosse uses two halves, and box lacrosse uses three periods.
• Game Length and Timing: The length of each period or half depends on the level of play, ranging from 12 to 20 minutes per period. Overtime rules also differ, with sudden death formats commonly used to determine a winner if the game is tied at the end of regulation.
• Level Variations: High school, college, and professional lacrosse have different timing and period structures, reflecting the specific needs and traditions of each level of play.
• Additional Resources: For more detailed information, rule books, and resources are available to help players, coaches, and fans understand the game’s structure and rules.
• Enjoying the Game: Familiarity with these elements enhances the viewing experience, making it easier to follow and appreciate the strategies and dynamics of lacrosse.

Brief History of Lacrosse

Lacrosse is among the oldest team sports in North America. It originated with Native American tribes, particularly the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) people. They played lacrosse as part of their spiritual and cultural practices, using the game to settle disputes and prepare for war. The sport was introduced to European settlers in the 17th century, and since then, it has evolved and spread across the world.

Today, lacrosse is played at multiple levels, ranging from youth leagues to professional teams. It is especially popular in the United States and Canada, but the sport is also growing in countries like the UK, Australia, and Japan.

Overview of Lacrosse Gameplay

Lacrosse is played with a small rubber ball and a stick with a netted end, known as a crosse. The game’s objective is to score goals by shooting the ball into the opponent’s net.

There are different types of lacrosse, including field lacrosse and box lacrosse:

• Field Lacrosse: This is played outdoors on a large grass field. Each team has ten players (three attackmen, three midfielders, three defensemen, and a goalie). The field measures 110 yards in length and 60 yards in width.
• Box Lacrosse: This version is played indoors in a smaller rink-like area. Each team has six players (three forwards, two defensemen, and a goalie). The playing area is much smaller than in field lacrosse, and the game is often more physical.

Equipment and Field Layout

To play lacrosse, players use several key pieces of equipment:

• Crosse: A stick with a netted pocket used to catch, carry, and shoot the ball.
• Ball: A small, hard rubber ball.
• Helmet: Protective gear for the head.
• Gloves: To protect the hands.
• Pads: Shoulder, elbow, and rib pads to prevent injuries.
• Mouthguard: To protect the teeth and mouth.

In field lacrosse, the playing field is large, with a goal at each end. There are marked areas like the crease (a circular area around the goal) and the restraining line (which separates the offensive and defensive zones). In box lacrosse, the rink is enclosed, with walls surrounding the playing area, and the game is played with boards like those in ice hockey.

Understanding these basics will help you follow the game and appreciate the skill involved in playing lacrosse.

Structure of a Lacrosse Game

Lacrosse games are structured with periods or halves, depending on the type of lacrosse being played. The organization of these periods affects the flow and timing of the game.

Periods and Game Length Overview

In lacrosse, the game is divided into distinct periods or halves, and each period has a specific duration. The structure varies between men’s and women’s lacrosse, as well as between field and box lacrosse.

Traditional Field Lacrosse (Men’s)

• Number of Periods: A men’s field lacrosse game consists of four quarters.
• Length of Each Period: Each quarter typically lasts 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the level of play (high school, college, or professional).
• Breaks: There is a short break between the first and second quarters, and between the third and fourth quarters. Halftime, the break between the second and third quarters, usually lasts about 10 to 15 minutes.
• Overtime Rules: If the game is tied at the end of regulation, overtime periods are played. In regular season games, this usually involves a sudden death format, where the first team to score wins. The number of overtime periods can vary in postseason play.

Women’s Lacrosse

• Number of Periods: Women’s lacrosse games are divided into two halves.
• Length of Each Half: Each half lasts 30 minutes.
• Breaks: There is a halftime break of about 10 to 15 minutes between the two halves.
• Overtime Rules: Overtime in women’s lacrosse often involves a set number of extra periods, with sudden death rules applied. The format may vary depending on the competition.

Box Lacrosse

• Number of Periods: Box lacrosse games are played in three periods.
• Length of Each Period: Each period lasts 20 minutes.
• Breaks: Similar to field lacrosse, there are short breaks between periods, and a longer intermission at halftime, which is usually about 15 minutes.
• Overtime Rules: In box lacrosse, if the game is tied at the end of regulation, overtime periods are played, often with sudden death rules.

Timing Rules and Considerations

Understanding the timing rules is crucial for both players and fans. Here’s an overview of how timing works in lacrosse games:

• Clock Stoppage and Running Clock: The game clock stops for certain events, such as goals, penalties, and timeouts. In some leagues, particularly youth leagues, a running clock is used, which means the clock continues to run except during specific stoppages.
• Timeouts and Time Management: Each team is allowed a limited number of timeouts per game. Timeouts are used to strategize, rest, or address injuries. Timeouts can impact the game’s flow, so managing them effectively is important.

The structure of periods and the rules governing game timing are designed to keep the game fast-paced and exciting. Understanding these aspects helps players and fans appreciate the strategy and skill involved in lacrosse.

Overtime in Lacrosse

When a lacrosse game is tied at the end of regular play, overtime periods are used to determine a winner. The rules for overtime can vary based on the type of lacrosse and the level of competition.

Regular Season Overtime Rules

• Men’s Field Lacrosse:
  • Format: Overtime is typically played in a sudden death format. The game is won by the first team to score a goal.
  • Duration: Overtime periods usually last 4 to 5 minutes. If the game is still tied after the first overtime, additional periods are played until a winner is decided.
• Women’s Lacrosse:
  • Format: Overtime can vary. In some leagues, the game goes into sudden death, where the first team to score wins. In others, there might be a set number of overtime periods.
  • Duration: Each overtime period is usually 3 to 5 minutes long. The game continues until a team scores, or until all allotted overtime periods have been played.
• Box Lacrosse:
  • Format: Similar to field lacrosse, box lacrosse uses a sudden death format for overtime.
  • Duration: Overtime periods in box lacrosse are often shorter, typically around 5 minutes. Multiple overtime periods can be played if necessary to determine a winner.

Playoff/Championship Overtime

In playoff or championship games, the rules for overtime might be adjusted to ensure a fair resolution:

• Men’s Field Lacrosse:
  • Format: The sudden death format often continues in postseason play. However, some leagues may have longer or multiple overtime periods to ensure a clear winner.
  • Duration: Playoff overtime periods might be longer or have fewer interruptions to maintain the game’s pace.
• Women’s Lacrosse:
  • Format: Postseason overtime rules might include longer periods or additional rules to ensure a definitive outcome. Sudden death is commonly used.
  • Duration: Overtime periods might be extended compared to regular-season games, and multiple periods can be played if needed.
• Box Lacrosse:
  • Format: In playoffs, box lacrosse often uses the sudden death format, with potential adjustments for the length of overtime periods.
  • Duration: Postseason games might feature longer overtime periods or more than one sudden death period to determine the winner.

Summary

Overtime rules are designed to ensure that games are decided fairly and competitively. Understanding these rules helps players and fans follow the game more closely, especially during high-stakes matches. Whether it’s sudden death in field lacrosse or extended periods in box lacrosse, overtime adds an extra layer of excitement to the sport.

Variations at Different Levels of Play

Lacrosse rules and game structure can vary depending on the level of play. Here’s a look at how the number of periods and game timing might differ across high school, college, and professional levels.

High School Lacrosse

• Men’s Field Lacrosse:
  • Number of Periods: High school men’s lacrosse games are played in four quarters.
  • Length of Each Quarter: Each quarter is usually 12 minutes long.
  • Breaks: Similar to other levels, there are short breaks between the first and second quarters, and the third and fourth quarters, with a longer halftime break of about 10 minutes.
  • Overtime Rules: Overtime in high school lacrosse often follows a sudden death format. If the game is tied, the first team to score in overtime wins.
• Women’s Lacrosse:
  • Number of Halves: High school women’s lacrosse games are played in two halves.
  • Length of Each Half: Each half is typically 25 minutes long.
  • Breaks: Halftime is usually around 10 minutes.
  • Overtime Rules: High school women’s lacrosse often uses a format with multiple 3-minute overtime periods. The game continues until a team scores.

College Lacrosse

• Men’s Field Lacrosse:
  • Number of Periods: College men’s lacrosse games are played in four quarters.
  • Length of Each Quarter: Each quarter lasts 15 minutes in NCAA games.
  • Breaks: The game includes short breaks between the first and second quarters, and the third and fourth quarters, with a halftime break of 15 minutes.
  • Overtime Rules: In NCAA games, overtime periods are 4 minutes long, with a sudden death format. If no goal is scored, additional overtime periods are played until a winner is determined.
• Women’s Lacrosse:
  • Number of Halves: College women’s lacrosse games are played in two halves.
  • Length of Each Half: Each half lasts 30 minutes.
  • Breaks: Halftime is 10 minutes long.
  • Overtime Rules: College women’s lacrosse often uses a sudden death format with 3-minute overtime periods. If no goal is scored, additional overtime periods are played.

Professional Lacrosse

• Field Lacrosse (PLL):
  • Number of Periods: Professional field lacrosse games are played in four quarters.
  • Length of Each Quarter: Each quarter is 12 minutes long.
  • Breaks: Short breaks between quarters and a halftime break of 10 minutes.
  • Overtime Rules: The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) uses a 2-minute overtime period with a sudden death format. If no goal is scored, additional overtime periods can be played.
• Box Lacrosse (NLL):
  • Number of Periods: Box lacrosse games are played in three periods.
  • Length of Each Period: Each period is 20 minutes long.
  • Breaks: The game includes short breaks between periods and a halftime break of about 15 minutes.
  • Overtime Rules: The National Lacrosse League (NLL) uses a sudden death overtime format, with 5-minute periods. Additional overtime periods are played if necessary to determine a winner.

Summary

Each level of lacrosse has its own variations in the number of periods and game timing, reflecting the unique needs and style of play at that level. Whether it’s the shorter periods in high school, the longer quarters in college, or the extended play in professional leagues, understanding these differences helps fans and players appreciate the game’s diversity.

Common Questions & FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about periods and timing in lacrosse. These answers will help clarify how the game is structured and how timing rules apply.