Lacrosse 101 - Rules & Gameplay

Lacrosse Canada’s official rulebooks ensure consistency, fairness, and safety across all levels of play. 

📖 Box Lacrosse Rules & Regulations: Click Here

Game Overview

The rules and tactics of box lacrosse are much the same as basketball. Unlike hockey, there is no off-side and the goaltender may advance to any portion of the floor. Box lacrosse is a fast-paced and physical sport, with defined rules to ensure fair play and smooth transitions between offensive and defensive play.

In the U11 level and above, a 30-second clock is in effect (known as the "shot clock"). The team with possession of the ball must take a shot on net within the 30 seconds countdown or give up possession of the ball to the other team. This is why the game is called "the fastest game on two feet"!

When a team is in possession of the ball, all players are on the attack. When a team is not in possession of the ball, all players are on the defense and trying to get possession from the opposing team.

📢 Gameplay Basics

• Team Size: Six players per team on the floor: one goalie and five runners.
• Scoring: A goal is scored when the small rubber ball completely crosses the goal line into the net.
• Face-offs: Play starts with a face-off at center, including after every goal.
• Shot Clock: Teams must take a shot within 30 seconds of gaining possession.
• Crease Rule: Offensive players cannot enter the crease unless in control of the ball in a scoring motion.
• Stoppages: The ball is live and may be shot around the boards. Play doesn't stop for out-of-bounds, with the closest player or the goalie collecting the ball and passing it back into play.
• Substitutions: Players on on floor can substitute freely from the players on the bench.

Player Roles & Positions

Unlike field lacrosse, minor box lacrosse in Alberta does not have dedicated offense and defense lines—all runners play both ends of the floor. Players transition between offensive and defensive responsibilities depending on game flow.

🏃 Runners (All Five Non-Goalies on the Floor)

• Offense & Defense: All players must attack and defend, adapting their roles as the play shifts.
• Crease Players: Positioned near the goal, looking for quick passes and inside scoring opportunities.
• Shooter/Top Players: Positioned higher in the offensive zone for perimeter shooting and play setup.
• Transition Players: Responsible for moving the ball up the floor and creating fast-break opportunities.

🥅 Goaltender (Goalie)

• Primary Role: Defends the net and directs defensive positioning.
• Crease Protection: Controls the goal crease and initiates breakouts with outlet passes.
• Special Equipment: Larger pads, gloves, and a custom goalie stick to handle shots.

Game Format

• Periods: Games are typically played in three 15-20 minute periods (dependent on age group), with a few minutes break in-between periods.
• Overtime: If the game is tied, overtime is played until a goal is scored.

Penalties and Violations

Box lacrosse is a physical game, but certain actions result in penalties to maintain fair play and player safety.

🚨 Common Penalties

🚫 Minor penalties (2 minutes): The offending player goes into the "penalty box" for a set duration, giving the other team a "man-up" advantage and the penalized team a "man-down" situation.

🚫 Major Penalties (5 Minutes): Serious infractions, such as boarding or checking from behind, result in a five-minute penalty and possible game misconduct.

Change of Possession Rules

In addition to penalties, teams lose possession for specific rule violations. The referee will immediately award the ball to the other team.

🔃 Common Change of Possession Calls

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