Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: This post may contain Amazon affiliate links which means we may receive a commission for purchases made through links.
Introduction: What Are The Rules For Box Lacrosse?
Box Lacrosse, also known as Indoor Lacrosse, is a fast-paced game that is played inside a multi-sport rink. It is a variation of the traditional field lacrosse game, and has its own distinct set of rules. The game is played with two teams of six players each, and the objective is to score more goals than the opposing team.
The rules for Box Lacrosse are designed to accommodate the smaller playing area and the faster pace of the game. The playing surface is much smaller than that of a traditional lacrosse field, and there are boards and glass surrounding the playing area. The game is played with a smaller, harder rubber ball, and players wear helmets, gloves, and shoulder pads for protection. In this article, we will explore the rules of Box Lacrosse in more detail, including the rules for scoring, penalties, and player positions.
Equipment
When it comes to box lacrosse, players need to have the right equipment to ensure their safety and to play the game effectively. Here are the essential pieces of equipment for box lacrosse:
Sticks
Box lacrosse sticks are shorter than field lacrosse sticks, with a maximum length of 46 inches. They also have a larger head, which can be up to 10 inches wide. The pocket must be shallower than in field lacrosse, and the ball must be able to be seen above the sidewall.
Helmets and Face Masks
Box lacrosse players are required to wear a helmet with a full face mask. The helmet must be NOCSAE-approved, and the face mask must be made of metal or polycarbonate. Goalies must wear a helmet with a throat protector as well.
Gloves
Players must wear gloves that cover the entire hand and wrist. The gloves should have extra padding on the back of the hand and fingers to protect against stick checks and shots.
Shoulder and Arm Pads
Shoulder pads and arm pads are required for all players. They should cover the entire shoulder and upper arm, as well as the elbow and forearm. The pads should fit snugly to ensure proper protection.
Rib Pads
Rib pads are optional in box lacrosse, but they can provide extra protection for players. They should cover the ribs and back, and fit snugly to prevent shifting during play.
Protective Cups
All male players must wear a protective cup. It should fit securely and comfortably to prevent injury.
Mouthguards
Mouthguards are required for all players. They should fit properly and be worn at all times during play.
Footwear
Players should wear athletic shoes with good traction to prevent slipping on the smooth surface of the rink. Cleats are not allowed in box lacrosse.
Overall, players should ensure that their equipment fits properly and is in good condition before playing box lacrosse. This will help to prevent injuries and ensure a safe and enjoyable game.
Field and Goals
Dimensions
Box Lacrosse is played on a smaller field than traditional field lacrosse. The dimensions of the rink are typically 200 feet long and 85 feet wide. The playing surface is made of concrete or a similar material and is enclosed by boards and glass.
Crease
The crease in Box Lacrosse is a semicircle with a radius of 9 feet from the center of the goal. The crease is used to determine whether a goal is legal or not. An offensive player cannot enter the crease unless the ball has already entered it.
Goals
The goals in Box Lacrosse are smaller than those used in traditional field lacrosse. They are 4 feet tall and 4 feet 9 inches wide. The goalie wears more padding in Box Lacrosse to protect against the smaller shots.
Boards and Glass
The boards and glass surrounding the rink are used to keep the ball in play. Players can use the boards to bank the ball off and create scoring opportunities. The glass is typically 8 feet high and can be used to protect spectators from flying balls.
In summary, Box Lacrosse is played on a smaller field with smaller goals than traditional field lacrosse. The crease is used to determine whether a goal is legal or not, and the boards and glass are used to keep the ball in play.
Gameplay
Box Lacrosse is a fast-paced game that is played inside a multi-sport rink. The game has a distinct set of rules that are different from the field game. In this section, we will discuss the gameplay of Box Lacrosse in detail.
Starting Play
The game starts with a face-off at the center of the field. The two players stand facing each other with their sticks on the ground. The ball is placed between the sticks, and the referee blows the whistle to start the game.
Face-offs
Face-offs happen at the start of each quarter, after a goal is scored, and after certain penalties. The two players stand facing each other with their sticks on the ground. The ball is placed between the sticks, and the referee blows the whistle to start the face-off.
Substitutions
Box Lacrosse allows for on-the-fly substitutions, meaning players can enter and exit the game while play is still happening. Players must enter and exit the field through the designated substitution area.
Penalties
Penalties are given for various infractions, such as slashing, tripping, and holding. The player who commits the penalty must serve time in the penalty box. The length of time in the penalty box varies depending on the severity of the penalty.
Scoring
A goal is scored when the ball crosses the goal line and enters the net. Each goal counts as one point. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
Box Lacrosse has a unique set of rules that differ from the field game. The gameplay is fast-paced and exciting, with on-the-fly substitutions and penalties for various infractions. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
Time and Timeouts
Box lacrosse games are typically divided into four 15-minute quarters, with a 15-minute halftime break. There is a two-minute break between each quarter, during which teams switch ends of the field.
Game Time
During the game, the clock is stopped whenever play is stopped due to a penalty, injury, or other reasons. The clock starts again when play resumes. If the game is tied at the end of regulation, the teams will play sudden-victory overtime periods until a winner is determined.
Overtime
In sudden-victory overtime, the first team to score wins the game. Each overtime period is 10 minutes long, with a two-minute break between periods. If the game is still tied after two overtime periods, the teams will participate in a shootout.
Timeouts
Each team is allowed one 45-second timeout per half. Timeouts can be called by either the head coach, an official, or a field player. During timeouts, coaches can discuss strategy with their teams and make any necessary tactical or roster adjustments.
It’s important to note that the clock does not stop during timeouts. Teams must use their timeouts wisely, as they can have a significant impact on the game’s outcome.
Conclusion
In conclusion, box lacrosse is an exciting and fast-paced sport that requires quick decision-making and excellent teamwork. The game is played indoors on a smaller field than outdoor lacrosse, with distinct rules and regulations.
Some of the key rules in box lacrosse include the use of a shot clock, which limits the amount of time a team has possession of the ball, and the requirement for players to wear protective gear, such as helmets, gloves, and shoulder pads.
Other important rules include the use of a crease, which players cannot enter unless they are shooting the ball, and the requirement for players to stay onside at all times, which means that they must have at least one foot on their team’s defensive side of the center line.
Overall, box lacrosse is a thrilling and dynamic sport that requires skill, strategy, and teamwork. Whether you are a seasoned player or a newcomer to the game, understanding the rules and regulations of box lacrosse is essential for enjoying and excelling in this exciting sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the size of a box lacrosse field?
A box lacrosse field is typically much smaller than a traditional outdoor lacrosse field. The size of the playing surface is typically around 200 feet long by 85 feet wide, which is roughly the size of a hockey rink. The goals are also smaller than outdoor lacrosse goals, measuring 4 feet tall by 4 feet wide.
What are the basic rules of box lacrosse?
Box lacrosse has a unique set of rules that differ from outdoor lacrosse. Some of the basic rules include no offsides, a 30-second shot clock, and a 10-second count to advance the ball past midfield. Additionally, players are not allowed to step into the crease, and any shot that hits the goalie and goes into the net does not count as a goal.
Are there penalties in box lacrosse?
Yes, there are penalties in box lacrosse. Some common penalties include slashing, tripping, and roughing. Penalties can result in the offending player being sent to the penalty box for a set amount of time, typically two or five minutes.
What equipment is required for box lacrosse?
Players in box lacrosse are required to wear a helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, and a mouthguard. Additionally, players must wear a protective cup and cleats. Goalies are required to wear additional equipment, including a chest protector, throat guard, and leg pads.
Can you pass the ball over the boards in box lacrosse?
No, players are not allowed to pass the ball over the boards in box lacrosse. If the ball goes out of bounds, possession is awarded to the team that did not touch the ball last. If the ball goes out of bounds off a shot, possession is awarded to the team with players closest to the ball when it went out of bounds.
How many players are on a box lacrosse team?
Box lacrosse is typically played with six players on each team, including a goalie, two defensemen, two forwards, and a transition player who plays both offense and defense.
