Today we introduce a new blogger and series of articles by Salome Carr, a standout lacrosse athlete at Saucon Valley HS and Moravian College, to increase the awareness, knowledge and popularity of this growing sport for our readers.
In the realm of sports, lacrosse stands out as one of the top emerging sports with rapid growth in recent years in not only the Lehigh Valley, but across the country and all over the world. There has been a rise in the amount of teams and opportunities at the high school, collegiate, and even professional levels. Lacrosse is the oldest team sport in North America. The game played today originates from Native American communities and most closely relates to stickball that the Haudenosaunee or Iroquois people. Over the years, it has been adapted to cater to a diverse array of participants across different age groups, genders, and skill levels, and still continues to grow each and every year.
When it comes to the technicalities of the game, the Men’s and Women’s versions could not be more different. While they do share fundamental principles such as getting the ball in the net, the two variants exhibit distinct differences. Men’s lacrosse is renowned for its physicality and high-speed gameplay, with aggressive stick checks, and lightning-fast shots on goal. Conversely, women’s lacrosse prioritizes finesse, strategy, and precision, with players wielding different equipment and adhering to modified rules regarding contact and protective gear. Not only do the men and women play with different equipment, the field set up and number of players is different too.
Men
- 10 players on the field at once
- 6 v 6 on the attacking side
- Faceoff at the start/after each goal
- Sticks – Field Players
- Must measure between 40-42 inches in length for standard stick; long pole can be 50-72 inches.
- Equipment – Field Players
- Helmet
- Mouthguard
- Gloves
- Shoulder & Elbow pads
- Chest protector
Women
- 12 players on the field at once
- 7 v 7 on the attacking side
- Draw at the start/after each goal
- Sticks – Field Players
- Must measure between 35.5 – 43.5 inches in length
- Equipment – Field Players
- Mouthguard
- Goggles or helmet
Despite these differences, both men’s and women’s lacrosse has gained exponential growth in recent years, propelled by an increase in media coverage, sponsorships, and overall popularity. The youth club opportunities in the Lehigh Valley too have grown and expanded in the last 10 years. More importantly, the rise of women’s lacrosse games that are televised has grown exponentially in the more recent years as there is more and more awareness about the game and strong players that are making a name for themselves and the sport as a whole. Additionally, the expansion of professional leagues, such as Premier League Lacrosse (PLL) for men and the Athletes Unlimited Pro Lacrosse League for women, has provided aspiring athletes with pathways to pursue their passion at the highest level.
Lacrosse’s rise from its indigenous roots to a global sporting phenomenon epitomizes its enduring appeal and adaptability. As it continues to evolve, embracing new audiences and avenues for participation, there is no doubt that this is just the beginning for what is to come. With each passing year, lacrosse cements its status as more than just a game whether on youth “rec fields” or in the professional leagues, it stands as a testament to the power of sport and the impact it has on people.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Astound Broadband or any other agency, organization, employer or company
