Lacrosse is a fast-paced, high-energy sport that has been gaining popularity in recent years. But for those new to the game, one of the most common questions is: how long is a lacrosse game?
The answer is not as straightforward as you might think. In this article, we’ll break down the duration of a lacrosse game, including the number of periods, breaks, and potential fouls that can affect the length of play.
How Long is a Lacrosse Game?
The length of a lacrosse game can vary depending on the level of play and the specific rules of the league or tournament. However, on average, a lacrosse game can last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes.
Number of Periods
A standard lacrosse game is divided into four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes. This is the case for both men’s and women’s lacrosse at the professional and collegiate levels.
However, at the youth level, games may be shortened to two or three periods, each lasting 10 to 12 minutes. This is to accommodate for the shorter attention spans and physical abilities of younger players.
Breaks and Timeouts
In addition to the four quarters, some breaks and timeouts can affect the overall duration of a lacrosse game.
At the end of the first and third quarters, there is a two-minute break. At halftime, there is a 10-minute break. And in the event of a tie at the end of regulation, there is a five-minute sudden-death overtime period.
Each team also has two timeouts per half, each lasting one minute. These timeouts can be used strategically to rest players, discuss game strategy, or stop the clock in a close game.
Potential Fouls
Fouls can also affect the length of a lacrosse game. When a foul is called, the clock stops and play is temporarily halted while the referees assess the situation.
In lacrosse, there are two types of fouls: technical and personal. Technical fouls are minor infractions that result in a change of possession, while personal fouls are more serious and can result in a player being removed from the game.
If a player commits a personal foul, they must sit out for one to three minutes, depending on the severity of the infraction. This can cause a delay in the game and potentially extend the overall duration.
How Many Periods are in Lacrosse?
As mentioned earlier, a standard lacrosse game is divided into four quarters. However, there are variations in the number of periods depending on the level of play and the specific rules of the league or tournament.
Men’s Lacrosse
In men’s lacrosse, there are four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes. However, at the professional level, there is an additional 30-second shot clock that can affect the length of play.
At the collegiate level, there is no shot clock, but there is a 20-second clearing rule. This means that the team in possession of the ball must advance it past the midfield line within 20 seconds, or they will lose possession.
Women’s Lacrosse
In women’s lacrosse, there are also four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes. However, at the collegiate level, there is a 90-second possession clock that can affect the length of play.
This means that once a team gains possession of the ball, they have 90 seconds to take a shot on goal. If they fail to do so, possession is awarded to the other team.
Youth Lacrosse
At the youth level, the number of periods can vary depending on the age group and league rules. Typically, games are shortened to two or three periods, each lasting 10 to 12 minutes.
This is to accommodate for the shorter attention spans and physical abilities of younger players. It also allows for more equal playing time for all players on the team.
How Long is a Lacrosse Game in High School?
High school lacrosse games follow the same rules as collegiate lacrosse, with four quarters lasting 15 minutes each. However, there are some variations in the rules that can affect the length of play.
For example, in high school lacrosse, there is a 20-second clearing rule, similar to the collegiate level. There is also a 10-second count to advance the ball past the midfield line, which is not present in collegiate lacrosse.
What Happens if a Lacrosse Game Ends in a Tie?
In the event of a tie at the end of regulation, there is a five-minute sudden-death overtime period. This means that the first team to score a goal wins the game.
If the game is still tied after the first overtime period, there can be multiple sudden-death periods until a winner is determined. However, the length of these overtime periods may vary depending on the league or tournament rules.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the length of a lacrosse game can vary depending on the level of play and the specific rules of the league or tournament. On average, a lacrosse game can last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes, with four quarters lasting 15 minutes each.
However, breaks, timeouts, and potential fouls can affect the overall duration of the game. Players and coaches need to be aware of these factors and plan accordingly to ensure a successful and timely game.
So, whether you’re a seasoned lacrosse fan or new to the sport, you now have a better understanding of how long a lacrosse game is and what factors can affect its duration. Get out there and enjoy the fast-paced, action-packed game of lacrosse!
