Lacrosse

Lacrosse is a game with Native American origins that involves teams of 10 players each competing by projecting a small solid rubber ball into the opposing team's goal. The field of play is approximately 110 yards (100 m) long and 40 yards (37 m) wide. The goals are 6 feet (1.8 m) by 6 feet and contain a mesh netting similiar to a hockey goal. Players line up based on 3 offensive players called "attackmen", 3 "midfielders", 3 "defensemen", and 1 goaltender. Each player carries a stick (the French settlers on seeing the Native Americans using the stick called it "la crossier" hence the name "Lacrosse") of varying length from 40 inches (1.0 m) to 72 inches (1.8 m). The sticks have a metal shaft and a plastic head with a string and leather basket called the "pocket". Players scoop the ball off the ground and hurl the ball in the air to other players. Unlike basketball, players are able to run carrying the ball. There are a number of complicating rules for positioning and offsides of players, but, in general, to the unintiated, think a combination of soccer and hockey. Games consist of 4 fifteen minute periods. The scores of games typically consist of a total of twenty or so goals being scored.

The game is very popular in the northeastern United States, particularly on Long Island, Maryland, upstate New York, and New England. It is, however, gaining popularity in many other parts of the United States. The colleges, high schools and "pee wee" leagues in the United States support many teams. Internationally, it is played in Canada, Australia, and England. It is actually the offical national pasttime of Canada. Cornell University's "Big Red" and other Ivy League schools tend to be the best teams in the collegiate ranks.

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