Field Lacrosse

Field Lacrosse the traditional game, which the Native People of North America knew under many different names such as Baggataway or Tewaarathon, played a significant role in the community and religious life of tribes across the continent for untold years. Lacrosse remains a notable contribution of the Native culture to modern Canadian society.

The Canadian Lacrosse Association recognizes Men’s Field and Women’s Field Lacrosse.

Men's Field Lacrosse is played outdoors on a 100m x 55m filed. Teams consist of 10 players of a team roster of 20-23 players. The team on the field consists of goaltender, attack, midfielders and defense.

Men's Field is very similar to Box in the fundamental skills of passing and catching, and the physical nature of the play. The games differ in the style of play and strategy. There is no controlling shot clock in Men's Field and the game is more strategic and relies more heavily on possession and control of the ball.

Every four years the International Lacrosse Federation holds a World Championships at the Junior and Senior levels. Canada is traditionally locked in a battle of supremacy with the United States and Australia. Recent years have seen the emergence of Asian participants and the expansion of the game in Europe.

Women's Field Lacrosse is a quick, free-flowing game which is easy to understand and watch. The game is played on a 100m x 55m field with 12 players aside on the field. The full roster of a Women's Field team is 16-20 players.

Unlike Men's Field or Box Lacrosse, Women's Field is a non-contact sport. There is no aggressive checking with either the stick or the body. This results in a game which has added emphasis on a fast-paced, polished game centered on ball movement. It is a sport which requires and develops key athletic abilities including speed, agility and endurance. Excellent physical condition is essential if the game is to be played well.

The International Federation of Women's Lacrosse Associations sanctions international championships at the junior and senior level on a four year cycle. Canada consistently places in the top four positions and performances at the last two championships have clearly shown the promise of great things to come.