What is box lacrosse and how does it differ from field lacrosse. How did box lacrosse originate and evolve over time. Why is box lacrosse especially popular in Canada. What are the key rules and strategies in box lacrosse. How does box lacrosse develop players’ skills.
The Origins and Evolution of Box Lacrosse
Box lacrosse emerged in Canada in the 1930s as an indoor version of field lacrosse. It was developed to give lacrosse players something to do during the harsh Canadian winters and to make use of empty hockey arenas in the summer months. The confined playing area led to a faster-paced, higher-scoring game compared to traditional field lacrosse.
The sport quickly gained popularity, particularly in Canada where it became the country’s official national summer sport in 1994. Today, box lacrosse remains extremely popular in Canada at both the amateur and professional levels. It’s played professionally in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) and is a key part of many youth and amateur lacrosse programs across North America.
Key Milestones in Box Lacrosse History
- 1931 – First professional box lacrosse league formed in Canada
- 1932 – First international box lacrosse game played between Canada and the United States
- 1968 – National Lacrosse Association (precursor to NLL) founded
- 1987 – Current iteration of National Lacrosse League established
- 1994 – Box lacrosse officially declared Canada’s national summer sport
Box Lacrosse vs. Field Lacrosse: Key Differences
While box and field lacrosse share common roots, they have evolved into distinct sports with significant differences. Understanding these variations is crucial for players transitioning between the two formats and for spectators trying to follow the action.
Playing Environment
The most obvious difference is the playing surface. Field lacrosse is played on a large outdoor field, while box lacrosse takes place in an indoor arena, typically on the same surface used for ice hockey with the ice removed. This enclosed space leads to a much faster, more physical game.
Number of Players
Field lacrosse teams have 10 players on the field at a time, while box lacrosse teams have just 6 players per side. This reduced number of players in a smaller space contributes to the increased pace and scoring in box lacrosse.
Equipment and Protective Gear
Box lacrosse players wear significantly more protective equipment due to the increased physical contact in the sport. This includes hockey-style helmets with full face masks, heavily padded gloves, and often rib and shoulder pads.
Rules and Gameplay
Box lacrosse features a 30-second shot clock, encouraging rapid play and frequent scoring attempts. The sport also allows for more physical contact, including cross-checking, which is illegal in field lacrosse. These rule differences lead to distinct strategies and skill sets between the two variants.
The Unique Skills Developed Through Box Lacrosse
Box lacrosse is renowned for developing a specific set of skills that can benefit players in all forms of the sport. The confined space and fast pace of the game force players to think and act quickly, leading to improved stick skills, spatial awareness, and decision-making abilities.
Enhanced Stick Skills
The tight quarters of box lacrosse require players to handle the ball in traffic and make quick, accurate passes. This constant pressure helps develop superior stick handling skills that translate well to the open field.
Improved Shooting Accuracy
With smaller goals and highly skilled goaltenders, box lacrosse players must develop pinpoint shooting accuracy to score. This precision often gives box-trained players an edge when they transition to field lacrosse.
Tactical Awareness
The fast-paced nature of box lacrosse, combined with the shot clock, forces players to think and react quickly. This develops a high level of tactical awareness and the ability to read the game effectively.
Physical Toughness
The more physical nature of box lacrosse, including legal cross-checking, helps players develop mental and physical toughness that serves them well in all variants of the sport.
Box Lacrosse Rules and Gameplay
Understanding the unique rules and gameplay of box lacrosse is essential for players, coaches, and fans alike. While sharing some similarities with field lacrosse, box lacrosse has its own distinct set of regulations that shape the way the game is played.
Basic Rules
- Games are typically 60 minutes long, divided into four 15-minute quarters
- Each team has 6 players on the floor: 5 runners and 1 goalie
- Teams must attempt a shot on goal within 30 seconds of gaining possession
- Players can be substituted “on the fly,” similar to ice hockey
- Body checking and stick checking are allowed, but must be done safely and legally
Penalties and Power Plays
Penalties in box lacrosse result in power play situations, similar to ice hockey. Minor penalties last for 2 minutes, during which the penalized player’s team plays shorthanded. Major penalties last for 5 minutes. This aspect of the game adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement.
Scoring
Goals in box lacrosse are worth one point each. The smaller playing area and goal size compared to field lacrosse often result in higher-scoring games, with professional matches frequently seeing 20 or more total goals scored.
The Role of Box Lacrosse in Player Development
Box lacrosse plays a crucial role in developing well-rounded lacrosse players. Many top field lacrosse players, particularly those from Canada, credit their box lacrosse experience as a key factor in their success. The sport’s unique characteristics foster skills that translate well to all forms of lacrosse.
Offensive Skills
The tight spaces and constant pressure in box lacrosse force players to develop quick hands and creative finishing abilities. This translates to improved close-quarters play and shooting accuracy in field lacrosse.
Defensive Techniques
Box lacrosse’s more physical nature and allowance of cross-checking develop strong, aggressive defensive skills. Players learn to use their body effectively to defend, a valuable skill in all forms of lacrosse.
Goaltending
Box lacrosse goalies face a high volume of shots from close range, developing exceptional reaction times and positioning skills. Many top field lacrosse goalies have a background in box lacrosse.
Transition Play
The fast pace of box lacrosse and the need for players to quickly transition between offense and defense develops overall lacrosse IQ and adaptability.
Professional Box Lacrosse: The National Lacrosse League
The pinnacle of professional box lacrosse is the National Lacrosse League (NLL). Founded in its current form in 1987, the NLL has grown to become the premier professional box lacrosse league in the world, featuring top players from North America and beyond.
League Structure
The NLL currently consists of 15 teams spread across the United States and Canada. The league operates on a winter-spring schedule, typically running from December to June, including playoffs and the championship series.
Player Demographics
While the majority of NLL players come from Canada, where box lacrosse is extremely popular, the league also features many American players and a growing number of international athletes. Many players compete in field lacrosse leagues during the NLL off-season.
Growing Popularity
The NLL has seen significant growth in recent years, with expanding television coverage, increasing attendance figures, and new franchise additions. This growth reflects the rising popularity of box lacrosse and its potential for further expansion.
Box Lacrosse in International Competition
While field lacrosse dominates many international lacrosse competitions, box lacrosse has its own place on the global stage. The sport features prominently in several international tournaments, showcasing the world’s top box lacrosse talent.
World Indoor Lacrosse Championship
The premier international box lacrosse competition is the World Indoor Lacrosse Championship, held every four years. This tournament, sanctioned by World Lacrosse, brings together national teams from around the globe to compete for the world title.
North American Indigenous Games
Box lacrosse is a key sport in the North American Indigenous Games, reflecting the game’s roots in Indigenous culture. These games provide a platform for Indigenous athletes to showcase their skills in this traditional sport.
Olympic Aspirations
As lacrosse pushes for inclusion in the Olympic Games, there’s ongoing debate about which format – field or box – would be most suitable. Some argue that the fast-paced, high-scoring nature of box lacrosse makes it more TV-friendly and therefore a stronger candidate for Olympic inclusion.
Box lacrosse continues to grow in popularity both as a standalone sport and as a valuable training ground for lacrosse players of all disciplines. Its fast pace, physical nature, and emphasis on stick skills make it an exciting sport to play and watch. As more players recognize the benefits of box lacrosse experience, and as professional leagues like the NLL continue to expand, the future looks bright for this indoor version of Canada’s national summer sport.
Roots Youth Box Lacrosse League
ROOTS BOX YOUTH LACROSSE LEAGUE
Roots Youth Box Lacrosse League powered by the Rochester Knighthawks and US Box Lacrosse is back for a third year! Rochester’s top box program will focus on teaching the fundamentals of the box games as well as gaining game experience. The league features the best box lacrosse coaches in Rochester with current and former NLL players, as well as other box experts. The USBOXLA certified referees promote a safe box environment, that way the skills of the sport are on full display.
Why Play Box?
Box has been coined the fastest game on two feet! When lacrosse is played inside, it becomes a fast, physical and fun brand of the game. Box is played with a 30-second shot clock which keeps the pace of play very quick and everyone involved in the game. Playing inside a tighter space forces you to make quick decisions and play in a much tighter space, increasing stick skills and creativity. Players must play both offense, defense and transition the ball between ends, creating a well rounded lacrosse player.
Why Roots YBLL?
Founded by current NLL Pro Brad Gillies, Roots is the proven and trusted box lacrosse experts in Rochester. Brad has been teaching box lacrosse in Rochester for 6 plus years and with his team of coaches you do not want to look elsewhere for box.
Roots is powered by the Rochester Knighthawks and USBOXLA. These partnerships give access to expert coaches and certified referees. The USBOXLA certified referees promote a safe environment and allow the skills of the sport to be on full display. These referees are trained in box and understand how to keep the kids safe. Players are broken up by age, not grade, ensuring kids are playing age appropriate.
Roots YBLL Coaching Staff
The most important part of any box program is the coaches! Roots staff is full of coaches with a wealth box knowledge and experience, with current and former NLL players, PLL pro’s, Team USA members and other box experts. Ensuring quality coaches is key to ensuring that true box is being played, and not just field in the box!
Jacques Monte
PLL Chrome Coach
13 Year MLL Coach Rochester Rattlers
1992 Major Indoor Lacrosse Champion with Detroit Turbos
Rochester US Lacrosse Hall of Fame
Program Details
ONLY 60 SPOTS PER AGE GROUP (PLUS 4 GOALIES), DON’T MISS OUT! GOALIES ARE FREE!
8 week program – 2 box training sessions and 6 games (each game will have a training session prior to the start of the game) culminating in playoffs and Championship Game
Players are evaluated and placed on 4 even teams to ensure parity between teams, and then compete for a championship!
8 Mondays – Oct 26, Nov 2, Nov 9, Nov 16, Nov 23, Nov 30, Dec 7, Dec 14
Location: Tri-County Sports Complex – 856 Walworth Penfield Rd, Macedon, NY 14502, USA
Roots YBLL divisions are based on birth dates to ensure all players are age appropriate and a safe environment is promoted. Everyone in 3rd-10th grade should fall within the divisions outlined.
COST
$275
**GOALIES ARE FREE – USE THE CODE “goalie2020” – limited leg pads and upper body pads available – please reach out!
DIVISIONS
10U – born after 09/01/2010 (3rd/4th Grade)
12U – born after 09/01/2008 (5th/6th Grade)
14U – born after 09/01/2006 (7th/8th Grade)
16U – born after 01/01/2004 (9th/10th Grade)
TIMES
10U – 5pm-6pm
12U- 6pm-7pm
14U – 7pm-8pm
16 U – 8pm-9pm
PACKAGE
8 one hour sessions
Knighthawks/Roots Practice Jersey
Website with Stats and Standings
USBOXLA certified referees
Championship Team T-Shirts
MVP Prizes
History | Canadian Lacrosse Association
“We believe that in lacrosse and hockey, our two National Games, we have the best moral, physical and mental developers of any games known to the athletic world.”
A.E.H. Coo, President
Canadian Amateur Lacrosse Association
April 12, 1926
Revised January 1995
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Canadian Lacrosse Association would like to thank the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association for its assistance and support in researching this document.
We would also like to extend our appreciation to the Lacrosse Hall of Fame in New Westminster, British Columbia and the Public Archives of Canada in Ottawa for their assistance in preserving our legacy with such care and dedication.
Thanks also to Mike Mitchell, Director of the North American Indian Travelling College for his contribution.
PREFACE
The roots of our country lay in many cultural soils, and Canadian society has grown and benefited from the contributions of people of many cultural backgrounds. The English and French are recognized as the dominant influences in the creation of this country and the foundation of our nation.
Before the English, French and many other immigrants to this continent strove and competed to build Canada, the aboriginal societies and cultures dominated North America. Unfortunately today there is little common knowledge among Canadians of the nature and complexity of the societies of the First Nations. There is even less understanding or appreciation of the rituals and activities of those cultures.
Lacrosse, because of its unique history, exists as a link between these disparate components of Canadian society. It is one of the rare examples of the culture of the First Nations being accepted and embraced by Canadian society. To the religious and social rituals of the first North Americans, the settlers brought the European concepts of structure and rules, and together they produced one of the first symbols of the new Canadian nation, the sport of Lacrosse. “There is a long history of speculation about where the game of Lacrosse originated, but as Natives of North America, this question has little significance. We do not wonder who invented Lacrosse, or when and where; our ancestors have been playing the game for centuries – for the Creator.” Tewaraathon, Akwasasne’s Story of Our Indian National Game: North American Indian Travelling College, 1978
LACROSSE ‘A GIFT FOR PEOPLE OF CANADA’
by Mike Mitchell, Director, North American Indian Travelling College
One of the greatest contributions of our Native people in Canada is that of the game of Lacrosse, which in turn has been shared with the world.
At the time of European settlement in Canada it was discovered that all nations and tribes across the country played Lacrosse in one fashion or another and they all had names for their sport.
The two largest linguistic families in Canada both had names for Lacrosse; the Algonquin referred to it as “Baggataway” and the Iroquois Nation referred to it as “Tewaarathon”.
To the early French settlers, the stick reminded them somewhat of a Bishop’s crozier or staff. The French word for crozier is “crosse” and soon they started calling the game “La Crosse”, which is the name everyone is familiar with now.
Originally, Lacrosse, when played only by the Native people, had a spiritual significance in the Indian’s way of life. Lacrosse was a game to be played for their Creator, for the Native people to show their gratitude to the Great Spirit for living a full life, one that allowed them to live in harmony with nature and at peace with themselves.
Lacrosse was also played for honoured members within the Indian nation, and a game would be played to acknowledge to the Great Spirit that they were grateful that an elder or medicine person with great knowledge of many things existed in their midst.
In early days, contrary to popular belief, a Lacrosse game would be played to settle a dispute between two tribes. In times of differences between Indian nations, the leaders and elders would arrange a Lacrosse game and the winner of that game would be considered the one with the correct viewpoint, sanctioned by the Great Spirit.
Lacrosse was very much a part of the culture of the Indian people, as well as a spiritual link with their Creator. Once settlers began to establish themselves in Canada, they took a great liking to Lacrosse and it wasn’t long before almost every small community in Canada boasted of a Lacrosse team. During that time, rules were established for the number of players on each side and the playing area to be covered.
Today, Lacrosse has evolved from a spiritual game of our Native people to the exciting, thriving sport played in every province in Canada.
It is commonly referred to as the “fastest sport on two feet” and rightfully so. In addition Lacrosse is one of very few sports in this country that can boast of originating from the land proudly called Canada.
HISTORY OF LACROSSE IN CANADA
No one can question the origin of this sport. Jean de Brebeuf recorded observations of a Lacrosse game in 1683 in what is now Southern Ontario, Canada. The legacy of the original North Americans to the European settlers, Lacrosse remains one of the few aspects of Native culture which has survived and prospered under the settlers’ tutelage. Pre-dating recorded history, the sport has roots which are long and deep in North American society in general and the life and culture of the Natives of Ontario and Quebec.
“Many centuries before the white man set foot on the North American continent, our Native people were given the gift of lacrosse from the Creator. Although there was a great variation in the kind of stick used and the kind of game played, the philosophy, the spirit and the relation of lacrosse and the Creator was one; each tribal group held lacrosse in very high esteem.”
Tewaarathon, Akwesasne’s Story of Our Indian National Game, North American Indian Travelling College, 1978It was in the early 1800s that the Montreal townspeople became interested in this activity of the Mohawk tribes. In the 1840s the first games of Lacrosse were played between the townsfolk and the Natives. The action and skill of the game soon won the hearts of the locals, and though it was many years before any significant wins were logged against the Natives, the game of Lacrosse was quickly winning the loyalty and interest of the newest North Americans.
By the late 1850s and early 1860s Lacrosse had its foothold in the sporting society of the time and the first non-native Lacrosse clubs were being formed. This quickly led to the formation of inter-city rivalries and challenges, and the competitive base of the sport of Lacrosse was born.
The role of the Montreal athletes and organizers in creating a structured sport which captured the imagination of a young nation cannot be ignored. Those visionaries took the Native game with all its beauty, skill and dedication of spirit and molded it into a competitive sport which won the hearts and minds of the early Canadians.
Lacrosse was first declared the National Game of Canada in 1859. Although the original government records have never been located, hundreds of references cite this event, from renowned encyclopediae, books on Canada’s history, government communications and educational textbooks to newspaper and other media accounts dating back in history.
One such reference occurs in Scribner’s Monthly, Volume 14, May-October 1877. “The game of Lacrosse, which was adopted as the national game of Canada on the 1st of July, 1859, the first Dominion Day…
“The game of Lacrosse was granted this status in the 1800s, not merely because of its popularity or economics, but because it has made significant and lasting contributions to the history and development of this nation, its people, and the sport community. Indeed, Lacrosse is known as Canada’s National Game throughout the world.
SYMBOL OF A NATION
The birth of a nation is soon followed by a need for the populace to establish their identity and proclaim themselves to the rest of the world. Peter Lindsay stated in his paper to the Symposium on the History of Sport in Canada (1972) that nationalism can be seen to manifest itself in predictable characteristic ways such as the attempt to focus attention and promote positive identity. George Beers, a staunch Canadian patriot, embodied this reality in his words and deeds as a leader of sport and science in this country.
Beers clearly understood and accepted the role of sport in integrating the disparate aspects of the new Canadian society, and his love of the new country demanded that the symbolic sport through which this nationalism be channeled would be wholly and uniquely Canadian. He wrote in 1869: “If the Republic of Greece was indebted to the Olympic Games; if England has cause to bless the name of cricket, so may Canada be proud of Lacrosse. It has raised a young manhood throughout the Dominion to active, healthy exercise; it has originated a popular feeling in favour of physical exercise, and has, perhaps, done more than anything else to invoke a sentiment of patriotism among young men in Canada; and if this sentiment is desireable abroad, surely it is at home.”The acceptance of this principle by Beers’ peers in the sporting community was reflected in the motto of the first national sport governing body which proclaimed “OUR COUNTRY – OUR GAME”.
So too did the press of the era willingly accept and promote this principle as they proudly proclaimed for one and all to read that Lacrosse was our “National Game”. Lacrosse is deeply entrenched in Canada’s history, tradition, and culture.
As our nation spread from coast to coast, Lacrosse played an essential role in bringing those far flung regions together. Douglas Fisher, in his article entitled Sport as Culture, looked at the ways in which sport united this country. In 1885 the federal government rushed troops, via the newly completed railway, to put down the Riel rebellion. That same year a Lacrosse team from New Westminster used the very same steel road to travel across the nation to challenge a Toronto team for the National Championship. While political realities tore the country apart, Lacrosse was bringing the regions of the country closer together.
THE NATIONAL LACROSSE ASSOCIATION
As was the nature of their European background, the settlers soon felt that the game needed more structure and stability. This transition occurred through the 1860s, largely as a result of the efforts of Dr. George W. Beers of Montreal. The name of Dr. George Beers remains etched in Canadian sport annals as he was chiefly responsible for setting the tone and direction of the development of sport in this country which continues today. Though well deserved, this recognition is not given often, but as the former Minister of State for Fitness and Amateur Sport Iona Campagnolo stated in her introduction to Sport in Canada: a Historical Perspective: “Lacrosse, on the other hand, originated in this country. The wild, melee-like Indian game of baggataway was transformed into modern lacrosse by a young, energetic Montreal dentist named George Beers.””Beers was our pioneer sport builder.”
In 1867 the Montreal Lacrosse Club, headed by Dr. Beers, organized a conference in Kingston, Ontario in order to create a national body whose purpose would be to govern the sport throughout the newly formed country. This was a highly significant development as the National Lacrosse Association, the predecessor of the CLA, became the first national sport governing body in North America dedicated to the governance of a sport, the standardization of rules and competition, and the running of national championships to promote good fellowship and unity across the country.
The first symbol of the national championship was a set of banners donated by T. J. Claxton of Montreal. The Claxton Flags, as they were known, proudly displayed the motto of the organization, “OUR COUNTRY – OUR GAME”.
RISE TO PROMINENCE
Through the 1880s Lacrosse grew at a phenomenal rate until, by the turn of the century, it was the premier sport in Canada. By the end of 1867 there were about 80 clubs operating across the country. By 1877 there were 11 clubs in Montreal alone and 7 in Toronto. Major clubs also operated out of Ottawa, Hamilton, Quebec City, and there were more than 100 clubs throughout the towns and communities in Ontario and Quebec (Allen Cox, History of Sport in Canada, 1969).
The game, however, was not restricted to just those two provinces. Manitoba joined the ranks of Lacrosse-playing provinces as early as 1871 with clubs operating in Fort Garry and Winnipeg (J.K. Munro in Canadian Magazine, 1902, vol.19). By the spring of 1883 Albertans were playing the game (Edmonton Bulletin, March 31, 1883). Lacrosse spread into the Maritimes by 1889 in New Brunswick (New Brunswick Reporter, April 25, 1889) and Nova Scotia in the following year (Globe and Mail, April 14, 1890). British Columbia, long one of the major forces in Lacrosse, began playing the game in the 1880s and by 1890 the British Columbia Amateur Lacrosse Association was formed. In 1893 the last remaining province, Saskatchewan, had formed its first clubs and was active in the sport (Winnipeg Free Press, April 18, 1893).
In addition to the number of clubs playing the sport, fans and the press became obsessed with Lacrosse. Games in the 1880s were commonly attended by 5,000 fans, and it was not unusual to see as many as 10,000. The press of the time took great care and attention to report not only the most recent games and scores, with full descriptions of the games, but also to report all the activities of meetings and assemblies. A common message that was repeated time and again was the reference to Lacrosse as the “National Sport of Canada”. The Canadian press knew that it was the most important sport to their readers.
Among the many accomplishments of the sport of Lacrosse from that era was innovation in presenting sport to the fans. One of the first night games to be played under the new “Electric Light” was played in August of 1880 at the Shamrock Lacrosse Field in Montreal. In order to help the fans follow what was occurring on the field at night, in a second game the promoters decided to coat the ball with phosphorous. Another major innovation was the concept of presenting other sports as entertainment during the breaks in the game. It was common practice to hold track and field competitions and demonstrations during the half time breaks of Lacrosse games.
THE TURN OF THE CENTURY
The advent of the 20th century saw Lacrosse as the dominant sport in Canada. There were extensive amateur and professional leagues across the country and teams routinely travelled from Quebec and Ontario to B.C. and vice versa to challenge for supremacy in the game. As an example of its popularity, in 1910 a Montreal team travelled to New Westminster to challenge for the Championship of Canada. The game was attended by more than 15,000 fans. The total population of New Westminster at the time was less than 12,000.
In 1901 Lord Minto, the Governor General of Canada, aware of what the game meant to the public of Canada, donated a silver cup to become the symbol of the senior amateur championship of Canada. The Minto Cup, today the symbol of supremacy in the Junior ranks, remains one of the proudest prizes of Lacrosse. The fierce competition for senior supremacy in Canada led to the dominance of professional teams and soon the Minto Cup became the trophy of the professional leagues. In 1910 Sir Donald Mann, chief architect of the Canadian Northern Railway, donated a gold cup to be awarded to the national amateur senior champion. When donated in 1910, the Mann Cup was appraised at $2500.00. Today it is one of the most valuable and beautiful trophies in all of sport, and the championship prize of the best Senior team in Box Lacrosse in Canada. So popular was the sport that such notables as P.D. Ross, owner and editor of the Ottawa Journal, donated trophies for competitions in their areas. The Ross Cup, first donated in 1906 for the championship of the Ottawa area, has been rededicated by the C.L.A. as the championship trophy of Senior Men’s Field Lacrosse.
The Olympics of 1904 and 1908 saw Lacrosse, very popular in Canada, the United States and Great Britain, chosen as part of the program. The sport, so much a part of the community life, provided one of Canada’s gold medals in 1904, which was the first Olympics to which Canada sent an official delegation. The Olympic program of those early years was determined a great deal by the host country. Therefore when the venues shifted to European sites, Lacrosse, not popular on the continent, was dropped from the program of competition. Though its career in the Olympics was short lived, Lacrosse still remains the only team sport in which Canada has won more gold medals than the rest of the world combined.
The society of the early 1900s was influenced by changing technology and social evolution. The arrival of the automobile as an affordable means of transportation, the desire to leave the growing cities in summer, and the growth of mass participation sports such as baseball and golf created a difficult atmosphere in which a summer sport fought for attention and participation. In addition, it was difficult to promote participation of the young in schools, as the season for competition fell during summer break. However, beyond these circumstantial issues, the single most important problem was the rise of professionalism in the sport.
In the period from 1880 to 1915, Lacrosse, clearly the country’s most popular sport, found itself increasingly in conflict with the social values and mores of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As early as 1880 the intrusion of “professionalism” into the sport became an issue within the organizations and between the organizations and a society which for the most part reviled such activity in favour of the amateur ideal. In May 1880 press articles referred to professionalism as the “evil” and that “its hateful presence has fully declared itself” (Toronto Star, May 25, 1880).
Professionalism had become such a major issue within the sport that in the late 1890s the National Amateur Lacrosse Association, splintered and fractionalized, gave way to the formation of a professional body, the National Lacrosse Union, and an amateur body, the Canadian Lacrosse Association. Though they continued to compete against each other, the battle lines were clearly drawn. A few years later saw the creation of a second professional league, the Dominion Lacrosse Union.
The status of professional athlete was at first not a major concern as remuneration was not significant. As the sport flourished, however, the importance of professional players on all teams increased, and eventually all professional teams created a demand for higher salaries and more benefits. In his 1972 paper on the history of Lacrosse in B.C., David Saveleiff indicated that in 1908 an average player could make as much as $100.00 per season and stars could make $1,000.00 per year. Cyclone Taylor, the famous multi-sport athlete, made almost $2,000.00 that year playing for the New Westminster Salmonbellies. In 1917 Newsy Lalonde made more than $3,000.00 while playing for Vancouver.
The sport of Lacrosse, years ahead of its time in becoming professional, had made a virtue and a standard of a practise which was in direct conflict with the majority view of a society which still reflected the Victorian ideals of amateurism and excellence in sport for its own sake. The nature of this controversy was reflected in the struggle within the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association to resolve the fact that Lacrosse was the only “professional” sport in the organization. It resulted in major conflicts between factions of the organization and by 1920 the Montreal Lacrosse Club, part of the M.A.A.A. and founder of the sport of Lacrosse, had been so severely restricted and penalized by the organization for professionalism that it could no longer compete in any league (M.A.A.A. Minute Books, 1911 – 1920).
THE ADVENT OF BOX LACROSSE
In 1925 the organizers of Lacrosse throughout the country began to realize the need for solidarity and combined effort to revive the game. That year saw the re-creation of the Canadian Amateur Lacrosse Association with all the sport united under one banner. The Mann Cup was awarded to the senior champion of Canada and the Minto Cup was awarded to the junior champion. Unfortunately the war years and the new freedoms provided by technology and the attraction of the countryside took their toll of available athletes and the sport still struggled with participation.
The coming of the 1930s brought innovation once again to the sport. Promoters began to consider alternatives to the game of Field Lacrosse. Hockey popularity was rising and in order to capitalize on the familiar winter venue of indoor rinks, the promoters married the two most popular games, Lacrosse and Hockey, and created indoor Lacrosse, also known as Box Lacrosse or Boxla. The game was built upon speed and action and very quickly won massive support within the organization. By the mid 30s the field game had been completely replaced by Boxla and the box version became the official sport of the Canadian Lacrosse Association. Soon, nowhere in Canada was anyone playing the original version of the game of Lacrosse.
As Canada turned its back on the game of Field Lacrosse, the sport was gaining popular support and growing rapidly south of the border and overseas. Introduced into the United States in the 1870s, Lacrosse had continued to expand and win acceptance along the eastern seaboard. The more hospitable weather conditions helped to make Lacrosse prosper in the institutions of higher learning, especially in the Ivy League schools, as a spring sport. England continued its passion for the Canadian game introduced in the 1870s and following the example of exhibition games played before Queen Victoria, it became a sport of the upper classes and found a welcome home in private schools and universities. Australia was the other hotbed of Lacrosse. Imported from Britain, it took hold and has existed happily and popularly since the 1880s and 90s. Thus outside of Canada, sport enthusiasts had taken to our game with a passion and while they held to the traditional game, back home in Canada Box Lacrosse was the passion.
MODERN LACROSSE
The game of Lacrosse has evoked Canada’s uniqueness and individuality as a nation for well over a century. It has accomplished this function largely because of the willingness of government, historians, writers and the sports community to use it as a symbol of Canada. It has been accepted around the world that it is an integral part of Canadian culture and history.
Participation in Lacrosse has had a roller-coastered history. While the game grew in the late 1800s, participation waned in the 1920s until the introduction of Box Lacrosse. And although the game grew tremendously since then, it has had further ups and downs, but leading into and during the 1990s, participation rates grew exponentially in all forms of the game. Currently more than 100,000 players register with the Canadian Lacrosse Association.
The Canadian Lacrosse Association today recognizes three separate disciplines in the game of Lacrosse: Box, Men’s Field, and Women’s Field. Box Lacrosse, to which we as a nation have uniquely stayed committed, comprises the major part of the Canadian Lacrosse scene. Field Lacrosse, the traditional game, has for all intents and purposes been dominated by the Americans, though it is played in Great Britain, Australia, Japan and other countries.
Women’s Field Lacrosse is a very popular sport in Canada, Great Britain, Japan, Australia and the United States and has remained true to the traditional form of the game. Men’s Field Lacrosse has been modified from the original version of the game so much that the separate disciplines of Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse bear little or no resemblance in the rules of play and strategy. The Men’s game is a contact game in which participants wear protective equipment and players are highly specialized. The Women’s game is non-contact wherein equipment is not worn and is in fact discouraged. The players tend to be required to be versatile and the game stresses ball movement.
The other discipline is Inter-Lacrosse. A recent innovation, this game is a non-contact, skill oriented activity. Its main function is to introduce a wide range of young athletes to the skills of Lacrosse and to provide an education tool to help develop conditioning and coordination in young athletes. The game stresses cooperation and respect for opponents and is extremely flexible in how and where it may be played.
The World Championships of Lacrosse, which are attended every four years, are very significant to this country. The major difficulty in the 1960s and 70s was that while the other countries were playing Field Lacrosse, here in Canada we played only Box Lacrosse. For the first few world championships, the CLA was forced to convert its premier Box players to field players and try our best.
The culmination of this effort came in 1978, when against all odds, the Canadian team pulled off a major upset and defeated the powerful American team in the championship game. This was the only time the Americans have lost the World title since its inception. Having lost badly to the Americans in the round robin by a score of 24-3, the Canadian team stormed back to win the championship in overtime 17-16.
The fallout of that win has been the renewal of interest and participation in the sports of Men’s and Women’s Field Lacrosse in Canada. The resurgence of those games has produced a form of Lacrosse which is unique to Canada. The marriage of the skill, patience and strategy of the pure field game with the speed and reaction of the Box game is what makes Lacrosse in Canada different than anywhere else in the world.
Dozens of countries are now involved in Lacrosse – from the USA, Australia, England, Scotland and Wales to the relative newcomers Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Sweden, etc. The Iroquois Nationals, a Native North American team, participate in the Men’s World Cup as a separate “national team”.
Lacrosse has made a comeback, and there is no sign of any wane in its current level of growth and increased popularity.
CONTRIBUTION TO SPORT IN CANADA
The National Lacrosse Association, formed in 1867, was the first national body dedicated to the governance of sport, the standardization of rules and the holding of National Championships to promote unity and fellowship throughout the nation.
Canada, because of its nature as a large sparsely populated country, was one of the first nations interested in the growth of the concept of national championships. Lacrosse was the first body able and willing to organize these competitions, thus creating an integral part of modern sport. This provided a non-political venue and a social milieu to bring the regions of Canada together. Likewise, the N.L.A. pioneered the concept of a nationally standardized set of rules and making the maintenance and modification of these rules the function of a governing body.
Very early, the organizers of Lacrosse accepted the principle that sport should be for all participants. This was not restricted to a consideration of merely economic or social status, but encompassed the need for sport to be for both males and females. Dr. George Beers created a set of rules which would allow women, still hampered by the social standards of the times, to play the sport of Lacrosse.
In addition to promoting their own sport, Lacrosse organizers provided a venue for other sports of the time to spread their own popular appeal. Half-time demonstrations of other sports was a common occurrence at Lacrosse matches, and special occasions for competition in other sports were often sponsored by the Lacrosse organization in the community.
Many other innovations, social and technological, came directly from the minds and hearts of the Lacrosse community. The concept of all-star games began in the early 1800s with Ontario challenging Quebec to an annual match. When the city of Memphis, Tennessee was decimated by Yellow Fever, Lacrosse clubs across Ontario and Quebec held benefit games to raise funds to help relieve the suffering there. Early attempts by promoters to utilize the latest in electric technology has been previously mentioned.
The desire and motivation for Lacrosse enthusiasts to create a national governing body extended to other sports. The Montreal Lacrosse Club along with the Montreal Snowshoe Club formed one of this country’s most historically important sporting bodies, the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association. The widespread influence of this organization was recognized by former Minister of State Iona Campagnolo:
“It (the M.A.A.A.) proved to be the major force behind the organization of much of sport in this country. Its members were responsible for the Canadian Wheelmen’s Association, the Canadian Hockey Association and the Canadian Rugby Football Association.”
Sport in Canada, Lindsay P.C., 1977
CANADA’S NATIONAL SPORT
Lacrosse has been known as Canada’s National Game since 1859.
In 1925, A.E.H. Coo, President of the Canadian Amateur Lacrosse Association refers not only to Lacrosse as Canada’s National Summer Game, but also to Canada’s other National Game, hockey!
In 1967, the late Honourable Lester B. Pearson, the Prime Minister of Canada, who was himself an accomplished Lacrosse player, when discussing the confirmation of a National Game in the House of Commons, suggested that Canada should have a National Summer Game (Lacrosse), and a National Winter Game (Hockey). Although either Hockey or Lacrosse has been discussed on several occasions, the debate was not resolved.
In 1976, Canada hosted its first Olympics. With much pomp, Canada proclaimed itself to the rest of the world and used the Games as a showpiece of that which is Canada. The $10.00 Olympic commemorative coin depicted a Lacrosse game being played by Native North Americans. Lacrosse was the only sport not in the Olympic program to be so represented, and it was used because it is a symbol of Canada.
In 1978, though Lacrosse was a demonstration sport at the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, the medal being awarded also proclaimed it as Canada’s National Game.
February 8, 1994, Nelson Riis introduced a private members bill (C-212) in the House of Commons to recognize Hockey as the National Sport. Substantial support for Lacrosse, however, resulted in the introduction of an ammendment to the bill (proposed by the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Canadian Heritage) which was accepted unanimously.
On May 12, 1994, the following Bill C-212 received Royal Assent and became law: “To recognize Hockey as Canada’s National Winter Sport and Lacrosse as Canada’s National Summer Sport.”
This decree is known as Canada’s “National Sport Act”.The recognition of Lacrosse as Canada’s National (Summer) Sport in 1994 is a re-affirmation of the importance of the contributions of the Native North Americans to the development of our society and culture, recognition by the Canadian government of the importance of the sport to this country and confirms our pride in the game that we gave to the world. Canada is the product of an evolution which began with the Natives and was molded by the European settlers. It took the combined efforts of these people to open this country to development. Part of this development led to the invention of Canada’s National Winter Game – Hockey.
Again in 1994, Lacrosse was the Official Demonstration Sport of the Commonwealth Games, once again illustrating its importance to Canada. Canada Post issued a Lacrosse stamp for the Games, along with a statement of the game’s importance to our country.
SUMMARY
The sport of Lacrosse is an intrinsic part of Canadian culture, tradition and heritage. The recognition of Lacrosse as the National Game for Canada in 1859 is a positive statement of the contributions of the sport to this nation’s development. The passing of Bill C-212 by the Government of Canada attests to the enduring nature of the Sport of Lacrosse – Canada’s oldest sport.
And, we owe it all to the people of the First Nations – and the Creator.
How is Box Lacrosse Different from Field Lacrosse?
Many American college lacrosse coaches are looking to Canada for their players because Canadian lacrosse players generally play the sport inside. This has led to much discussion and consideration of the same developmental skills can be honed for players in the US. So what advantages are held by lacrosse players who practice indoors or “inside a box”? Let’s explore!
What are the differences between playing box lacrosse and field lacrosse?
Let’s break it down a little bit. Everything is smaller in box lacrosse: the playing area as a whole, the goals measure 4 x 4 feet instead of 6 x 6 feet, and there are no D-poles on the field. All of these elements mean you need to be tight and precise with your footwork and stick-handling. We’re going to take a look at what this means for the game, what it means for defensive players, offensive players, the goalie, and the team as a whole.
What are the player advantages of Box Lacrosse vs Field Lacrosse?
Playing indoor lacrosse in an enclosed area, or playing box lacrosse results in a player who is quicker with footwork, better with stick skills, and just generally more aware of what is going on in the game. According to many championship college coaches, every aspiring lacrosse player should be playing indoor box lacrosse. It simply results in a better, more proficient player.
Speed
Box lacrosse is FAST! Way faster than field lacrosse (which is also known as outdoor lacrosse). Some have even noted that it makes field lacrosse look like it’s being played in slow motion. This alone implies a better athlete comes out of indoor lacrosse. Read on and you will find that there are even more points that prove that box lacrosse produces a superior lacrosse player.
What makes box lacrosse so fast is not just the smaller playing field but also the confined area. There are way fewer out-of-bounds balls, so the ball stays in play. Box lacrosse is five on five, the 30 second shot clock applies, and the game is very back and forth, so the speed of the game means box players get more reps, and more chances to talk to the coach on the sidelines. This almost instantaneous feedback means players are more aware of what’s going on in the game.
A quicker and more physical lacrosse game also means a quicker mental game. Players have to keep in mind all of the elements that are going on in the game: time, score, shot clock, the position of the other players on the much smaller playing area, as well as being precise in where they aim. This forces the players to make split-second decisions, with little to no time to consider alternate plays.
Additionally, penalties are two minutes long, as opposed to field lacrosse’s 60-second penalty, which means an additional minute of playing short-manned, giving players an even greater opportunity to hone their defensive skills, no matter what position they normally play.
Defense
There are no long poles used when playing box lacrosse. This means that defensive players need to learn to use their bodies and footwork for defensive maneuvers. Not only this, but the ball moves from the defensive to the offensive position quicker, so players learn to transition at a faster pace.
Defensemen must always stay between the ball carrier and the net because the playing field is so small. This creates a smarter, faster, more skilled, and able defenseman. Partly because of this need to constantly stay between the offense and the net, box lacrosse players become better communicators. Off-ball communication is just as important as on-ball communication in lacrosse. Because of the fast pace and tight space, in box lacrosse there is no time to set up big defensive plays, and players must be able to communicate effectively with each other at all times, all the while being aware of what other players are doing. This ties into the spur-of-the-moment decision-making that comes with playing indoor lacrosse.
Offense
Because of the confined, smaller space, an offensive player needs to stay constantly in motion. As with defense, offensive players need to be great spur-of-the-moment communicators. Also, when there is a smaller playing field you will have defensemen draped all over your hands, and players will need to learn how to use their bodies to keep their sticks from being checked. Stick handling skills are also increased when playing box lacrosse. The reduced space and increased speed of the game mean that stick handling becomes both quicker and tighter.
Also, the smaller goal (4 x 4 ft net in box lacrosse) means that players need to be precise and accurate with their aim. Offensive players, in addition to becoming physically quicker with tighter stick handling skills, start to play a mentally quicker game. They are always considering the shot clock (which is 30 seconds), communicating with their teammates, the time, the score, and the position of the other players in the rink.
Goalie
Higher-level box lacrosse has an average of 100 shots on goal per game, versus the 40 – 60 shots on goal in field lacrosse. The smaller, confined playing area means that players are constantly going to be around the net, taking shots. This results in a more talented box goalie with quicker, sharper reaction times. At Sport Resource Group, we’ve witnessed this effect first hand due to our visibility into organizations using our equipment. The results have been amazing to watch.
How the Team Benefits from Playing Box Lacrosse
The fact that players are in constant communication and contact with each other results in players who are going to be more intuitive and in tune with their team as a whole. Having quicker, smarter players is a definite benefit to any team.
Using box lacrosse enclosures during spring training, for shinnies, and formal games for younger players results in players who are smarter, quicker, more intuitive, and more injury-free. As six-time NCAA Championship Coach Bill Tierney says:
“If I had my choice, I would have every player under the age of 12 play box lacrosse exclusively or at least a majority of the time. The number of touches of the ball and the ability to develop better stick skills in a game of box lacrosse far surpasses what happens on a field. Learning how to pass and catch in traffic, understanding how to shoot, and developing a sense of physicality are all positive traits developed by the box game.”
Boston Box Lacrosse – TeamLinkt
The Boston Box Lacrosse League is Boston’s home for real box lacrosse. The league plays under National Lacrosse League rules, with slight modifications, and is a member of US Indoor Lacrosse. The league began play in 2011.
Register now for Boston Box Summer 2021!
Tuesday night box lacrosse from June – August in Hingham
The Boston Box Lacrosse League is back from the coronavirus pandemic with its 2021 summer session, starting June 29 and running on Tuesday nights at the South Shore Sports Center in Hingham through August 17.
The BBLL Summer League is typically heavy with regional collegiate players. Players can come in as individual free agents or in small groups placed together on a squad, or can be entered in the league as part of a pre-organized team. The league will feature four teams; games will start at 8 and 9 p.m.
Interested players can register online at bostonboxlax.com and contact should contact [email protected] for more information.
“We’re excited to be able to come back and give the guys a venue to play again,” says Randy Fraser, co-founder of the BBLL. “We hope that this summer brings back not only the college players but everyone who has missed being able to get a game in throughout the pandemic. It’s a fresh start and we’re excited to get back to it.”
The BBLL is a men’s adult league, but allows rising high school seniors in its summer league with parental consent.
Individuals register as free agents or in groups; requests from players who need to ride together or who must be on the same team will be honored if sign-up is completed in advance of league play.
Summer league session costs are $200 per player; the league will be opened to a limited number of players/teams, signed up on a first-come, first-served basis.
BBLL Summer 2021 will start on June 29; players will get their schedule in the days leading up to that first night. After a round-robin regular season, the summer will culminate in a championship game on August 17.
The Box Lacrosse League is New England’s home for real box lacrosse. The league plays under National Lacrosse League rules, with slight modifications, and is a member of US Indoor Lacrosse. The league began play in 2011 located in Revere and held its first summer league in Hingham in 2012. The BBLL’s premiere fall-winter season – also coming back in 2021! — begins in October and runs into February, also at South Shore Sports Center. More information can be found at bostonboxlax.com.
South Shore Sports Center is located at 55 Recreation Park Drive in Hingham; fans and friends can watch games from the arena seating or at the Skybox Lounge, where food and drinks are served. Information is available at southshoresportscenter.com.
O2 Box Lacrosse
Why O2 Box Lacrosse
Our regional approach to box lacrosse will further grow the game in our area. O2 has the most experienced coaches. We have been running successful box lacrosse in the Region for over 5 years and are very excited to introduce more field players to the box game.
O2 Box Lacrosse Regional developmental plan
O2 box lacrosse plans on offering many different developmental and competitive offerings over the Fall and Winter months.
O2 will have regional training leagues offered in the Fall where players can work on all the skills and concepts required to play box lacrosse. These regional training leagues will be led by coaches who have played competitive box lacrosse.
Orangeburg (Rockland County NY)
Glen Rock (Bergen County NJ)
Morris Plains (Morris County NJ)
Warwick (Orange County NY)
Winter competition model
Each region will form teams under the O2 National umbrella and compete with each other. 5/6th, 7/8th, 9/10, 11,12th. This will allow our players the ability to compete but also still develop under our coaches leadership. Every team will have the following:
2 Multi regional combined mini camps
5 regional training sessions
3 winter competition series
All players within our regional winter league will have the opportunity to earn spots on the O2 National Team which will compete in the ECBL.
O2 National Travel Team
O2 National has been competing nationally for the last five years. We have produced some of the best talent in the country. We have won many regional tournaments at multiple age levels. O2 is the reigning H.S. Gold medal winner at the UBBOXLA national championships held in California. All players will have an opportunity to tryout out for a roster spot. The selected players will have the ability to play in three E.C.B.L. weekend tournaments.
Lacrosse – Box vs Field
This page will outline the basic differences between indoor box lacrosse and outdoor field lacrosse.
What is box lacrosse?
· Box lacrosse is a full contact, indoor version of lacrosse, played mostly in North America. The game originated in Canada, where it is the most popular version of the game played in contrast to the traditional field lacrosse game. It is played between two teams of six players each, and is traditionally played on an ice hockey rink once the ice has been removed or covered. The playing area is called a box, in contrast to the open playing field of field lacrosse. The object of the game is to use a long handled racket, known as a lacrosse stick, to catch, carry, and pass the ball in an effort to score by ultimately hurling a solid rubber lacrosse ball into an opponent’s goal.
· While box lacrosse is similar to hockey, it is far more closely related to basketball. The offense involves full team strategy utilizing all 5 runners and there are no defensemen. The offensive players are setup as two creasemen, two shooters or cornermen and one pointman (top). The goalie sits inside his ‘crease’ which offensive players are not allowed to enter. If an offensive player enters the crease, the shot is nullified and possession is rewarded to the opposing team.
· Like basketball, there is no offside or icing, but for novice kids and older, there is a 30 second shot clock. This keeps the pace of the game moving very quickly. Many penalties are similar to hockey, but lacrosse has many ‘possession’ calls instead of penalties, which keeps the play moving quickly.
· Lacrosse is a fast physical game encompassing specific skills, agility, team work, physical conditioning, discipline, trust and respect. Contact is introduced at the earliest levels of play and considering the physical nature of the game and high pace, it remains one of the top sports with the least amount of youth injuries, ranking far behind hockey, football and basketball.
Box Lacrosse
COVID INFORMATION
Click here to fill out the health questionnaire
Please review this information in its entirety as it contains critical information about our mandatory COVID policies and instructions on how to enter the stadium.
STADIUM ENTRANCE
• Prior to arriving at the stadium, all participants are required to complete the NAAA Access Screening Questionnaire (CLICK HERE). No access will be granted if the questionnaire is not on file.
• Participants and their one guardian will arrive at Gate Z on the blue side of the stadium, A stadium map and directions can be found at the end of this document.
• Contactless check-in. A representative of NAAA will confirm receipt of screening questionnaire, and conduct a quick temperature check. Each camper is allowed only one guardian to attend. The guardian will need to enter stadium at the same time as camper and will undergo temperature check/screening. The screening consists of three questions:
1-Have you had contact with anyone with COVID-19 like symptoms in last 14 days?
2-Have you experienced any COVID-19 like symptoms in the last 14 days?
3-Can we take your temperature?
STADIUM OPERATIONS
• All participants, coaches, staff, and guardians must practice social distancing at all times outside the field of competition. Only participants, coaches and staff may be on the field. Guardians must remain socially distanced in the seating areas
• One men’s bathroom and one women’s bathroom will be open and available for use. Every other stall/sink will be secured, entrance/exit designated, and doors propped open for proper air flow.
• Importance of hand hygiene will be promoted. Area on concourse and field will have hand sanitizing stations.
• All participants, staff, and guardians are required to wear face coverings at all times. The only exception will be the participants during aerobic activity.
• Participants bags/equipment must be properly socially distanced on the sideline.
• No common coolers. Each person must supply their own water.
• Avoid/Limit – high fives, huddles, spitting
90 000
translations into russian, synonyms, antonyms, pronunciation, example sentences, transcription, meaning, collocations
the grandson of the inventor of basketball told about the creation of the game – RT in Russian
In December 1891, the first ever basketball match took place in the American town of Springfield (Massachusetts). Instead of rings, there were fruit baskets, and the game itself ended a few minutes later with a massive brawl. The new sport was invented by physical education teacher James Naismith. On the occasion of the anniversary of the founding of basketball, RT interviewed the innovator’s grandson, Jim Naismith.He talked about how his grandfather came up with the idea of throwing the ball into the basket and what rule James considered the most important.
Corpus Christi is a small town in southern Texas on the Gulf Coast. The Naismith family lives here today, whose famous ancestor James Naismith invented basketball.
James Naismith’s grandson Jim is an engineer. He is already over 80. Many things in his house indicate that the family is sensitive to the memory of the creator of basketball: old photographs on the shelves, biographical books and literature about this sport.In one of the bedrooms, half of the room is occupied by a massive antique bed made of dark wood – it belonged to James Naismith himself.
Jim Naismith and his wife have already been to Russia. Their daughter Margaret participated in a student exchange program and studied for one semester in Yaroslavl. At the invitation of the Russian family in which she lived all this time, the Naismiths visited their daughter. The trip, they said, made an indelible impression on them, and they maintain friendship with their family from Yaroslavl to this day.
Basketball celebrated its 126th anniversary in December this year. In 1891, the first game took place in Springfield, Massachusetts. RT spoke with spouses Jim and Beverly Naismiths about how their famous ancestor came up with the idea of throwing the ball into the basket, what rule Naismith considered the most important and whether basketball is loved in the family of the creator of this sport.
– Tell us about your grandfather: what was he like when he was young?
Jim: I was only three years old when he died.So I don’t remember him myself, but in recent years I have made a lot of efforts to find out everything about him and understand what kind of person he was. Stories of this kind always start with an origin.
His parents were Scottish, but at some point they immigrated to Canada, where James Naismith was born in 1861 in the small town of Almont, Ontario. His father and mother came from Christian families and undoubtedly passed on spiritual values to their children, of whom they had three. The grandfather also had an older sister and a younger brother.
Unfortunately, when my grandfather was nine years old, his parents contracted typhoid fever and died within two weeks. The fact that at such an early age he lost both his parents could not but leave a very serious imprint on his life. The influence of this event can be traced in his further actions, in his attitude to friendship and other values.
This was a turning point in his life. After the death of his parents, the boy was taken in by his maternal uncle and grandmother.But soon his grandmother passed away, and he was left with only his uncle, Pete Young, a bachelor who never married.
Naturally, it was very difficult for a young boy to grow up in a family of only two people – himself and a single uncle. By the example of his parents and uncle, he understood that a man must provide for his family. And it made itself felt. As soon as he entered high school, he dropped out, explaining that he could not study and help his family at the same time.
He started to work.In the summer he helped his uncle on the farm, and in the winter he worked for a Canadian logging company. The forest was harvested in winter, since it was impossible to transport logs through the mud, but ice and snow were perfect for these purposes. Thanks to such significant physical exertion, the grandfather was very strong. When he entered college, he was 173 cm tall and weighed 75 kg. That is, he was not a large and tall man, but rather very strong and stocky.
- © Photo from the personal archive of the Naismith family
When he dropped out of high school and went to logging, you can imagine that he found himself in a very rude environment and developed habits there.One story can be recalled here. Grandfather sat and drank in the bar. Presumably he was quite drunk. Most likely, it was on payday, while he had money left. At the other end of the bar was a man who asked his grandfather if he was Margaret Young’s son. “Yes,” my grandfather replied. – This is true”. To which the man said: “Seeing you now, she would have turned over in her grave.” I don’t know if this is a true story or not, but I’ve heard about it from different people.
Then something broke in him, and he decided to change his life.This required a very strong impulse, and, in my opinion, what happened in the bar became such. He decided to get back on track and continue his studies in high school.
But at school he was told that since he quit, he would have to start all over again. Some of his entries (in his diary – RT ) indicate that he understood that the next four years of his life were to be devoted to this, but if it is necessary, then it is necessary. However, two years later, he not only graduated from school, but also began to teach there.The teacher was his maternal cousin, and one day he became so ill that he could not continue to work. Then the grandfather was asked if he would like to teach in the class of his relative. That is, in two years, he went from a high school student to a high school teacher, which not only speaks of his determination, but also indicates the recognition of his abilities and strength of character by others.
After graduating from high school, Naismith discussed the possibility of continuing his studies with Uncle Pete. And, apparently, Uncle Pete agreed to help him prepare for admission to theological seminary run by the Church of Scotland in Canada.Grandfather continued his education in Montreal, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree. After that, he entered Presbyterian Theological School adjacent to McGill University, where he received his first college education. He completed a three-year college program that allowed him to receive ordination in the Presbyterian Church. I think this is exactly what his older sister and Uncle Pete wanted for his grandfather.
But at that moment the grandfather probably realized that this, perhaps, would not be the best way to apply his abilities.
In addition, Naismith adored competitive sports, especially, let’s say, “hard”: rugby, Canadian football (close to American football in essence and equipment, but different in terms of rules and is considered a separate sport. – RT ) , hockey, American Indian game – lacrosse. And in Montreal, he was advised to pay attention to the program that the Youth Christian Association (YMCA. – RT ) was running at that time in Canada and the United States.
He followed the advice and visited the branch of the program at Springfield College in Massachusetts, USA.In Springfield, he met the head of this program, and they instantly found a common language: they had similar views on life. Then Naismith applied to study at Springfield College, and eventually became a teacher there. A copy of his application has survived, from which it follows that his full name is James Naismith. In the application, he wrote that he aims to use competitive sports for the benefit of young people.
– How did he come to create basketball?
Jim: The back story is documented in some detail by Naismith himself.He had a class of young people – I think 18 people – who, in bad weather, during the cold Massachusetts winter, had nothing to do with themselves, so they often misbehaved at school. And the head of the program set my grandfather a task: to come up with some kind of game for these guys that can be played in the cold season, indoors, so that they become interested and spend time with benefit instead of bullying. As the grandfather writes (we still have copies of his notes), at first he tried to modify the games he already knew – football, American football and others.But, in his own words, he finally realized that if you take a game that students already love and change something in it, they will never accept these innovations. It became clear to him that he needed to reinvent the game from scratch. And so he did.
Interestingly, the grandfather initially decided that the game should be with the ball, because most games use the ball. I just had to figure out what kind of ball it would be. He decided: let the ball be big enough so that it cannot be hidden, and elastic enough so that it can be thrown to each other and caught.Nowadays, such a ball would simply be called a football: it was round, made of leather.
So, there was a ball – now it was necessary to come up with an analog of the goal, where you can throw the ball and get points for it. But first, Naismith thought about the trajectory of the ball to fly to the target. He understood that the principle used in hockey, where the effectiveness of a shot on goal depends on how hard the player hits the puck, is not applicable in an indoor gym with brick walls, columns and hard surfaces.
- © Photo from the personal archive of the Naismith family
Then he remembered a game he played in Canada as a child – it’s called Duck on the Rock. In it, a smaller cobblestone is placed on a large boulder, and the players must knock it down with a throw of a stone and pick it up from the ground so that the driver does not catch them. In this game, the most successful throw is obtained when you throw a stone not in a straight line, with all your strength, but with a canopy so that it falls on the target from above.This allows you to knock down the top stone, but so that it does not fly too far from the bottom one – then it is easier to pick it up, thereby earning points.
Thus, the trajectory of the throw was already looming in the grandfather’s head. And he thought: the ball must hit something. Initially, he wanted to use a box as a gate: according to his plan, it had to stand on the floor, and the players would stand around and protect it from the opposing team. Then he mentally began to try it on the wall, lifting it higher and higher.And I must say that the gym in which he worked was on the basement floor, and at a height of about three meters the railing of the gallery on the first floor began, from which a view of the gym opened.
And Naismith thought: what if you take a box and attach it to the base of the railing – that will be the “gate”. And then it turned out like this: the grandfather turned to the man in charge of the household, and asked him for a stepladder and a couple of boxes. And he came back and said: “I can’t find the boxes, but there are a couple of baskets for collecting peaches.Will they fit? ” The baskets fit, so they hung them up.
The description of the very first match was preserved in an interview that my grandfather gave while in New York, at the end of 1939, the year of his death. He had nine people in each team. They played with a leather ball, peach baskets hung on the walls. He explained to the players the meaning of the game: the task is to throw the ball into the opponents’ basket, points are awarded for this. “Then,” he recalled, “I threw the ball to them, blew the whistle, and the first basketball match in history began.”
And all this interview was recorded on tape. I had never heard my grandfather’s voice before, but about a year ago, a researcher at the University of Kansas found an audio recording of this interview in the archives and made copies. For a long time it was not known about her. And there is the voice of James Naismith – rather high, one might say, tenor, and very lively.
Grandfather told me: as soon as the very first basketball match began, a small pile soon formed in the center of the court.The guys dispersed so much that several people ended up with bruises on their faces, one had a dislocated shoulder, and one player lost consciousness altogether. Then the reporter who was interviewing asks his grandfather: “Did you have any rules there?” And he replies to him: “Apparently, they were not enough.”
Then, my grandfather continued, I finished writing the rules a little. The most important of these was rule number three, which was that you can’t run with the ball. I burst out laughing when I heard this. That is, the rigidity of the game did not bother him.It seems to me that he had nothing against playing hard – he only disliked boring games.
This game was the first in his understanding. I always say that I know two things for sure: that my grandfather invented basketball and that he never lied. So this game really was the first, and he apparently played it even before the writing of those thirteen rules (the first set of rules published by Naismith in 1892 – RT ). He made them after the first game. And this is normal, in life it always happens: we go through trial and error, in the process we identify shortcomings, make corrections and try again.And so over and over again, until we are satisfied with the result, in this case – the game. On the tape, I heard him say that after the rules were amended, it still turned out to be a good sports game.
I am so glad that a friend of mine from the University of Kansas found a tape on which I heard my grandfather’s voice for the first time – strong and energetic, even though he was then 79 years old. I am older now (which I am happy about), and this is very important for me.
It turned out to be a long story, but on the other hand it, I hope, gives a clearer idea of what and why my grandfather did and how it fits with his life in general.He had the right to preach, but he often helped those who could not afford to pay for his services. I know he worked with a congregation group outside Lewis, Kansas for a couple of years. I think it was simply because he had the time and desire.
By the way, my grandfather took my dad to Sunday meetings, where he ate so much chicken that he was allergic. Once in the hospital, a doctor asked him: “What are you allergic to?” And the father replied: “On penicillin … ( Laugh. ) Jewish …” (Jewish penicillin is called chicken broth, since the Jews believe that it has healing properties.- RT ). It seems that a good sense of humor in our family is inherited. I know that both my grandfather and my father loved to joke. Like my mom and Aunt Peggy — that’s what I call my older cousin. They all had a splendid sense of humor. It seems to be our common family trait. I think my grandfather had a great sense of humor. Sometimes, of course, you can get in trouble because of jokes, but usually people like it.
– How about yourself – do you like basketball?
Beverly: Yes, we love him.We don’t watch it often, maybe a couple of times a week on TV. But sometimes we go to matches with great pleasure.
Jim: We love watching teams that understand that it is not the individual players that are important, but the overall interaction. The main thing is team spirit and well-coordinated play. At times, hostility can arise between the players, but during the game it fades into the background, and the first question becomes: how to defeat the opponent together?
We, of course, have our favorite clubs, but I won’t tell you which ones.We watch the games of individual teams with stronger team spirit with particular interest. I am already retired and do not go to work, but I have always known that a strong team spirit is the main condition for the success of any enterprise. If he is, everything is on the shoulder, and if not, nothing will work.
Beverly: James Naismith once said, “If your opponent falls, help him up, otherwise you won’t have anyone to play with.”
Jim: No rivals, no game.( Laughs. ) He perfectly understood what he was talking about.
– Do the younger Naismiths honor traditions and play basketball?
Beverly: Our daughter Margaret’s children also played basketball. In the United States, there is a program called Upward Basketball, which is carried out in sports clubs at churches, from the first grade to the seventh grade. This is a great program! Children are taught the principles of mutual respect and athletic behavior. And, of course, how to put the ball into the basket.I remember once I attended five games in one week.
All our grandchildren played basketball. Our granddaughter Natalie played in high school, and our oldest daughter, Anne, did not give up basketball until her second year in college. She apparently loves sports.
– By the way, do your friends, acquaintances and neighbors know that you are the descendants of that very James Naismith? And how do they react to this?
Beverly: Most of our close friends are in the know. But sometimes we come across complete strangers, and they say: “Just look at him! Take a look at this mustache! ” Jim is like two drops of water like his grandfather, I can show you a photo.So many people guess themselves. But sometimes people think we are joking.
Jim: A man somehow got interested in my name and asked if I was a relative of the man who invented basketball. I replied, “Yes, that was my grandfather.” He objected: “It can’t be, you are too young!” ( Laughs. )
The father was born when the grandfather was already 52 years old. We are such long-livers – from me to the inventor of basketball, there are only two generations! People are very surprised when they find out that my grandfather was born in 1861.But this is absolutely true.
A Brief History of Lacrosse in Canada
Known as Canada’s only official national sport from 1859 to 1994, the game of lacrosse has been in the country since the 17th century. By the early 20th century, it was the most dominant sport in the country. Read on to find out more about his history and how it became so popular in Canada.
Beginning of First Nations
The first peoples, the indigenous peoples of Canada, were seen playing lacrosse as early as the 17th century by European settlers.The Algonquin people named him Baggathaway, and the Iroquois nation named him Tevaaraton. The First Nations played a game for their Creator as it was a way to show them their gratitude to the Great Spirit.
The name comes from French settlers who believed the stick looked like a greedy or bishop’s staff. Crozier in French is cross, so they started calling the game “La Crosse,” and the term is clearly stuck. It wasn’t until the 1800s that the people of Montreal became interested in the sport, and they started playing games against the First Nations.
Our country, our game
Patriot William George Pearce is known as the father of modern lacrosse. In the 1860s, he produced a pamphlet detailing the rules and regulations for the sport. He also replaced a deer ball with one made of solid rubber. In 1867, Dr. Pierce’s Montreal Lacrosse Club organized a conference to establish the National Lacrosse Association (now known as the Canadian Lacrosse Association).
It was North America’s first national sports authority.Its goal was to standardize rules, organize national championships, and “encourage good scholarships and unity across the country,” according to the CLA website. The organization’s motto was “Our country, our game”. By the end of 1867, there were 80 lacrosse clubs operating in Canada.
Contemporary lacrosse
At the turn of the 20th century, lacrosse was the most dominant sport in Canada. CLA now recognizes four distinct disciplines: box, male, female, and interlacross.The Box became popular in the 1930s as teams took advantage of vacant ice hockey arenas during the summer. It is still the most popular form of lacrosse in Canada, while Americans dominate the local lacrosse competition.
Inter-lacrosse is a new discipline that is non-contact and skill oriented. “Its main function is to introduce a wide range of young athletes to lacrosse skills and provide an educational tool that will help develop training and coordination in young athletes,” says CLA.
National Sports
Lacrosse was declared Canada’s National Game in 1859. However, in 1994, the Canadian Parliament passed the National Sports Act of Canada, which made lacrosse the national summer sport and national winter ice hockey sport. The Canadian Lacrosse Association was formed the same year Canada became a country, which is why they both celebrate their 150th anniversary in 2017. The three-day festival in June 2017 at McGill University in Montreal, which has a long history of lacquer paint, will celebrate sports,
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