Lacrosse - Box


Background
Lacrosse is a sport rich in Canadian history and tradition.  The initial forms of lacrosse were documented as early as the late 1700s and are best detailed in the history of our First Nations people.  Lacrosse is “Canada’s National Summer Sport” and recognized as the “Fastest Game on two Feet”.

When one thinks of lacrosse in Canada, Lacrosse - Box is the discipline recognized by most people.  It is played in the summer months, indoors in hockey arenas or outdoors in lacrosse boxes. 

Athlete Development
Canadian lacrosse athletes are highly regarded in the world of lacrosse.  Early development of Lacrosse - Box skills, coupled with knowledge of the Lacrosse - Field discipline, make these athletes well-rounded “hybrid athletes” with two skill sets that are characteristic of some of the world’s best players.  The Canadian Men’s National Lacrosse - Box team were crowned World Indoor Lacrosse Champions in 2007.

The BC Lacrosse Association (BCLA) manages youth clubs in lacrosse associations with male and female participants up to 16 years of age.  Senior level lacrosse leagues include Intermediate (17 and 18 years), Junior (19 to 21 years), Senior (22 years and up), and Masters (35 years and up).  More than 16,000 registered athletes participate in lacrosse throughout BC, ranging from ages 4 - 50+ years.

Youth lacrosse players start participating as early as four years old and experience the BC Lacrosse Association’s provincial championships at Pee Wee (11-12), Bantam (13-14), and Midget (15-16) levels before attending the BC Summer Games.  Many of these athletes will develop and be identified for Team BC programs in Pee Wee, Bantam (male), Bantam (female) and Midget age groups, which compete at the Lacrosse - Box national championships annually.

The two highest levels of senior Lacrosse - Box in BC are the Western Lacrosse Association (WLA) and the BC Junior “A” Lacrosse League (BCJALL).  Annually, the BC champions of these leagues vie for National Championships called the Mann Cup and the Minto Cup (respectively).  Many of BC’s elite athletes from the WLA and BCJALL will compete in the NCAA (Lacrosse - Field) and later play in the 11 team professional National Lacrosse League (NLL) indoor loop. 

How to Watch Lacrosse - Box
Lacrosse - Box is mainly played indoors in hockey arenas on a cement or turf surface.  The game is very similar to ice hockey and is played with a goaltender and 5 players aside on the floor at one time.  A full roster is 20 players.   

The object of lacrosse is to outscore your opponent.  A goal is worth one point.  Play can continue freely in all zones of the floor; no off-side rules are present.  Offensive players pass the ball amongst teammates and make plays (i.e. picks, roles, dodges and screens) to maneauver the ball into a scoring position.  The defensive players defend their goal area to prevent the offense a good scoring opportunity.  Body contact is allowed on and off the ball carrier provided it is from the front, below the neck and above the waist.  Each team must work the ball and shoot the ball on goal within a 30-second shot clock.  Penalties of 2, 5 and 10 minutes, are called for rule infractions.

Competition at the Games
Lacrosse - Box features the best Midget (15 and 16 years) lacrosse athletes in all-star teams from all zones.Many lacrosse athletes that compete at the BC Summer Games tend to continue the long-term athlete development process and compete at a high level collegiately, professionally and internationally. 

For more info on Lacrosse - Box, contact the BC Lacrosse Association at www.bclacrosse.com or (604) 421-9755.