Lacrosse goal measurements. NCAA Lacrosse Goal Specifications: Dimensions, Measurements, and Regulations

What are the official NCAA specifications for lacrosse goals and nets. How should lacrosse goals be constructed and installed. What are the key measurements and dimensions for regulation lacrosse goals.

Overview of NCAA Lacrosse Goal Requirements

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has established specific regulations for lacrosse goals and nets to ensure fairness and consistency across collegiate lacrosse games. These specifications cover key aspects such as goal dimensions, construction materials, installation methods, and netting requirements.

Understanding and adhering to these NCAA lacrosse goal specifications is crucial for teams, coaches, and facility managers involved in collegiate lacrosse. Proper goal setup not only ensures compliance but also contributes to player safety and the overall integrity of the game.

Lacrosse Goal Dimensions and Construction

The NCAA has precise requirements for the size and construction of lacrosse goals:

• Goal mouth dimensions: 6 feet wide by 6 feet high
• Pipe diameter: 1.5 inches (outer diameter)
• Construction material: Metal pipe
• Color: Orange

The goal consists of two vertical posts connected by a rigid top crossbar. The distance between the posts must be exactly 6 feet, with the crossbar positioned 6 feet above the ground.

Why are lacrosse goals painted orange?

Lacrosse goals are painted orange to enhance visibility for players, officials, and spectators. The bright orange color provides a clear contrast against various playing surfaces and backgrounds, making it easier to determine if a shot has successfully entered the goal.

Installation Methods for Natural and Artificial Surfaces

The NCAA specifies different installation requirements based on the playing surface:

Natural Surface Fields

For grass or natural turf fields, in-ground goals are required:

• Vertical post length: 7.5 feet
• Ground insertion depth: 1.5 feet
• Sleeve requirements: Topped at the bottom, with the top of the sleeve at ground level

Artificial Surface Fields

Two options are available for artificial turf or synthetic surfaces:

1. Flat iron goals:
   • Vertical post length: 6 feet
   • Top piece: Attached at the bottom
   • Flat iron placement: At least 7 feet back from the goal center
   • Maximum flat iron thickness: 0.5 inches
2. Obtuse angle goals:
   • Vertical post length: 6 feet
   • Ground pipe: Placed at the bottom

Lacrosse Goal Line Specifications

The goal line is a crucial element in lacrosse, determining whether a shot has crossed the plane of the goal:

• A clear line must be drawn between the goalposts
• This line represents the plane of the goal
• Officially referred to as the “goal line”

How is the goal line used in lacrosse?

The goal line serves multiple purposes in lacrosse:

1. Scoring: A goal is scored when the ball completely crosses the plane of the goal line
2. Positioning: Defenders and goalkeepers use the line as a reference for positioning
3. Officiating: Referees use the goal line to make accurate calls on shots and saves

NCAA Lacrosse Net Requirements

The lacrosse net is an integral part of the goal structure:

• Shape: Pyramidal
• Material: Cord netting
• Attachment: Securely fastened to the goal frame

The home team is responsible for providing legal goals, including properly installed nets. Officials may grant reasonable extra time to correct any irregularities found in the goal or net setup.

What is the purpose of the pyramidal shape in lacrosse nets?

The pyramidal shape of lacrosse nets serves several functions:

1. Ball retention: The tapered design helps keep the ball within the goal after a successful shot
2. Visibility: The shape allows officials and players to clearly see when a goal has been scored
3. Rebound control: The angled sides help reduce extreme rebounds, keeping play closer to the goal area

Importance of Compliance with NCAA Specifications

Adhering to NCAA lacrosse goal specifications is crucial for several reasons:

• Fairness: Standardized goals ensure a level playing field for all teams
• Safety: Properly constructed and installed goals reduce the risk of player injuries
• Officiating: Consistent goal dimensions aid referees in making accurate calls
• Game integrity: Compliance with regulations maintains the sport’s credibility at the collegiate level

Failure to meet these specifications can result in delays, penalties, or even forfeiture of games. It’s essential for facility managers and team staff to regularly inspect and maintain lacrosse goals to ensure ongoing compliance.

Comparing NCAA Lacrosse Goals to Other Levels of Play

While NCAA specifications are standard for collegiate play, other levels of lacrosse may have slightly different requirements:

Youth Lacrosse

Some youth leagues use smaller goals to accommodate younger players:

• Common dimensions: 4 feet high by 4 feet wide
• Material: Often made of lightweight, portable materials for easy setup and transportation

Professional Lacrosse

Professional leagues generally follow similar specifications to the NCAA, with some minor variations:

• Goal dimensions: Typically 6 feet by 6 feet (same as NCAA)
• Construction: May have additional reinforcement or professional-grade materials
• Netting: Often features heavier-duty netting to withstand increased shot velocity

International Play

International lacrosse tournaments, such as those governed by World Lacrosse, may have slight differences:

• Metric measurements: Goals are often specified as 1.83 meters by 1.83 meters (equivalent to 6 feet by 6 feet)
• Color variations: Some international rules allow for white goals instead of orange

Maintenance and Care of Lacrosse Goals

Proper maintenance of lacrosse goals is essential to ensure longevity, safety, and continued compliance with NCAA specifications:

Regular Inspections

Conduct routine checks of lacrosse goals:

• Verify goal dimensions and alignment
• Check for any bent or damaged posts or crossbars
• Ensure all connections and fasteners are secure
• Inspect the netting for tears, holes, or loose attachments

Paint and Finish

Maintain the distinctive orange color of NCAA lacrosse goals:

• Touch up any chipped or faded paint
• Use weather-resistant paint suitable for metal surfaces
• Ensure even coverage for optimal visibility

Netting Care

Proper net maintenance is crucial for game play and goal longevity:

• Replace torn or heavily worn netting promptly
• Tighten loose netting attachments
• Consider using UV-resistant netting for outdoor goals to prevent sun damage

Off-Season Storage

For removable goals, proper storage during the off-season can extend their lifespan:

• Clean goals thoroughly before storage
• Store in a dry, covered area to prevent rust and weathering
• Use protective covers if storing outdoors

Technology and Innovation in Lacrosse Goal Design

While adhering to NCAA specifications, manufacturers continue to innovate in lacrosse goal design:

Enhanced Visibility Systems

Some modern lacrosse goals incorporate LED lighting or high-visibility elements:

• LED goal lines that illuminate when the ball crosses the plane
• Reflective paint or materials for improved visibility in various lighting conditions

Improved Portability

For fields that host multiple sports, easily movable goals are beneficial:

• Lightweight yet durable materials that meet NCAA strength requirements
• Quick-release mechanisms for faster setup and breakdown
• Foldable designs for compact storage while maintaining regulation dimensions when deployed

Advanced Materials

New materials are being explored to enhance goal performance and durability:

• Composite materials that offer the strength of metal with reduced weight
• Corrosion-resistant alloys for improved weather resistance
• Impact-absorbing components to reduce wear from shots

As lacrosse continues to grow in popularity, ongoing research and development in goal technology may lead to further innovations while still adhering to the core NCAA specifications.

NCAA Specifications for Lacrosse Goals and Nets

August 15, 2020August 15, 2020

NCAA Specifications for Lacrosse Goals and Nets – Lacrosse has become one of the most popular games among youth in the last few years. It is active gameplay that goes on interesting at every stroke.

Not only playing lacrosse is great fun, but watching it also creates much excitement and refreshes one’s mind.

A large many high schools or colleges are organising different lacrosse leagues every year.

If you are going to buy the right lacrosse goals and nets for your league, you must be well aware of your needs first.

The lacrosse goals and nets often come up in different size variants. So, it gets quite necessary for one to make the final decision very carefully.

NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) has established some rules and regulations for the games.

Moreover, the institute also provides parameters for the gaming tools so that to make each game fair one.

If you are going to get lacrosse goals and net for your league, you must need to aware about the specifications described by NCAA and these are:

Ncaa Specifications for Lacrosse Goals and Goal Lines

• A lacrosse goal needs to have a goal mouth of about 6 feet wide and 6 feet in height.
• The outer diameter of the goals should be 11/2 inch. It needed to be constructed of metal pipe and should be painted of orange colour.
• A goal needed to have two vertical posts perfectly joined by the ridged top crossbar. The distance between the two posts needed to be 6 feet whereas the top crossbar needed to be placed at 6 feet height from the ground.
• For natural surface fields, you needed to have on an in-ground goal.
• The vertical posts of the gaol should be placed at 71/2 feet in length. Insertions should be made about 11/2 feet.
• The vertical sleeves needed to be top at the bottom and make sure that the top of the sleeves is at ground level.
• In case if you are going to fix a goal on an artificial surface, the specifications you need to follow are:
• For flat iron goals, each vertical post should be placed at 6 feet length whereas the top piece should be attached at the bottom. Make sure that the two flat irons are placed at least 7 feet back from the centre of the goal. The maximum thickness of the flat iron is restricted within ½ inch.
• For the Obtuse angle goal, each vertical post needed to be at 6 feet length whereas the ground pipe needed to be placed at the bottom.
• A clear line needs to draw between the goalposts. It indicates the plane of the goal. The line thus created is termed to be the goal

Ncaa Specifications for Lacrosse Net

• Lacrosse Net is the part of the lacrosse goal. Each lacrosse goal is fitted with a pyramidal-shapedcord netting that is often termed as goal net.

It is only the home team’s responsibility to arrange a legal goal. One can easily ask for reasonable extra time for correcting any irregularity found in the NCAA specifications.

That’s it for NCAA Specifications for Lacrosse Goals and Nets.

By Alfred RuizIn UNLeave a Comment

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Space as a premonition — Russia in global politics

The third decade of the 21st century promises to pass under the sign of a space renaissance. Ambitious public and private programs have been launched, military branches are being created, and new services are being provided. All this leaves an imprint on international security.

The cornerstone of military-political relations at the level of great powers is strategic stability. In a narrow sense, it is based on nuclear deterrence and is understood as the lack of incentives for a first strike – through a guaranteed retaliatory strike that carries an inevitable nuclear retaliation. At the same time, the development of space infrastructure is of concern to a number of countries in terms of undermining a relatively stable state by providing the possibility of a first disarming strike. The purpose of this paper is to describe the current state and prospects of the space infrastructure of the United States and its allies, its potential in the context of a first strike, and also to outline possible ways to prevent undermining strategic stability. The issues of the emergence of space-based strike systems are beyond the scope of this study.

Existing infrastructure

As for the direct American satellites in the area of ​​responsibility of the US National Office of Military Space Intelligence ( NRO ), the most interesting are the Key family spacecraft hole (optical-electronic) and Lacrosse (radar). Now there are four satellites Keyhole of the eleventh generation in orbit, each of which, based on the construction of the orbit, makes up to five passes over the object of interest per day. In this case, the angle for shooting and the distance will be optimal no more than twice a day, including at night [1]. By default, the satellite’s ground track is typically repeated at four-day intervals.

Nothing is known about the quality of shooting at night (in the infrared range) of devices of this type, however, domestic sources mention the possibility of reconnaissance from 20:00 to 02:00 local time [2].

Radar surveillance satellites Lacrosse were originally designed to monitor the missile and naval bases of the USSR and Russia (both stationary and mobile), then tasks on objects in the Middle East were added [3]. Obviously, the shooting is carried out in China. In contrast to the optical spectrum, spacecraft with reconnaissance radars do not depend on the weather, and the current level of radar development makes it possible to achieve comparable detail. For obvious reasons, there is no reliable information about the efficiency of correcting the orbit of these satellites, but such a possibility, no doubt, exists.

In addition to the surveillance satellites already mentioned, U.S. planners probably have information coming from several dozen military satellites of NATO allies (plus Japan, South Korea and Israel), as well as commercial operators capable of providing satellite imagery (optoelectronic and radar) with a resolution not exceeding one meter. Remote sensing satellites of the families SAR-Lup e (Germany), COSMO (Italy), KOMPSAT (South Korea), Ofeq (Israel), commercial WorldView (DigitalGlobe) and Pleiades (СNES) are supposedly inferior in their characteristics to the best American samples [4]. Taking into account the achievements in the field of automated analysis of big data, one can confidently speak about the probability of adjusting the orbits of specific space reconnaissance to ensure constant monitoring of given areas of the earth’s surface for a long (albeit limited) period of time.

Possible development

It is impossible not to mention some projects that remained at the “promising” stage, but opened the way for new developments. In particular, the Starlite program, also known as Discoverer-II , deserves special attention. The main idea was to launch into space equipment similar to that used on the E-8 JSTARS combat control and target designation aircraft with a synthetic aperture radar, for even more complete and prompt coverage of a possible theater of operations and target designation in the interests of strike platforms[5] . In the mid-2000s, including in connection with the contradictions between various branches of the American military organization ( DARPA and NRO in this situation), the project was not implemented, but there are no insurmountable obstacles. And, we emphasize, we are talking about target designation.

Starlite with radar was conceived in the interests of the US Air Force, but other branches of the military are interested in satellite combat support. So, in the interests of the US Army, the project Kestrel Eye was carried out, ideologically close to Starlite , but based on opto-electronic solutions. To ensure situational awareness, it was supposed to withdraw a group of “nanosatellites” and supply units with operational information directly in the theater of operations [6]. This project also stopped at the prototype stage, but three new programs have already been launched on its basis: Gunsmoke, Lonestar and Polaris [7].

Thus, in addition to the already existing serious intelligence and surveillance capabilities, new systems are constantly being developed.

Constellation reconfiguration and orbit correction

Even an optimally built spacecraft configuration is not capable of providing continuous observation of individual areas of the earth due to the laws of celestial mechanics. A significant corpus of scientific papers by both domestic and foreign authors is devoted to the solution of the corresponding ballistic problems. There are two basic approaches[8]:

• “chain system”: satellites are distributed in the plane of the orbit, form a continuous service band,
• rule of kinematically correct systems: satellites are located at the vertices of the “crystal lattice”, and their relative motion is repeated at certain intervals.

An interesting study was conducted by Chinese specialists (albeit with an emphasis on the task of “monitoring in an emergency”), who considered several options for building satellite constellations with an emphasis on an increased frequency of review[9]. According to available calculations, it is possible to provide two satellite passes per day over a given object for ten or nineteen days, after which a significant correction of the trajectory will be required.

The task of forming optimal constellations of spacecraft and approaches to adjusting their architecture and its reconfiguration, taking into account certain inputs, was also reflected in the open press[10].

Impact measurement

The mechanism of using space infrastructure for the use of high-precision weapons is described in detail in domestic sources[11]. Of particular importance, in addition to reconnaissance and target designation, is the space communications infrastructure, which ensures the timely transmission of information between various elements. But it is expedient to focus precisely on the forces of nuclear deterrence. Based on the available information on the state of the Russian strategic nuclear forces,[12] only for the “monitoring” of the mobile group of strategic missile forces, it will be necessary to provide a constant overview of twenty-two missile regiments consisting of seven missile divisions over the combat patrol areas. Nearly two hundred launchers of mobile ground-based missile systems (PGRK) should be in the viewing strip, and in addition to their detection, it is necessary to provide support. In China, it is estimated[13] that the total number of launchers (including medium and shorter range missiles) also exceeds 150 units.

By aggregating all the available information from all the relevant spacecraft, a snapshot can be obtained for a short while, but two additional factors must be taken into account. Firstly, missile systems will not wait until enemy missiles reach them, especially since long-range subsonic cruise missiles remain the basic type of high-precision weapons until the advent of mass “tactical” hypersonic systems. Of course, modern missile weapons are quite “smart” and to a certain extent capable of additional reconnaissance of targets (especially given the spread of loitering ammunition), but nevertheless. Secondly, and this is much more important, this threat is recognized and considered not only and not so much in the political dimension. To stop it, both technical and operational developments are underway, which will be discussed later.

It should be noted that there are no official indications of the US desire to “undermine” the possibility of a retaliatory strike by Russian (or Chinese) strategic nuclear forces, including using space infrastructure. However, annoying references to such scenarios periodically appear. In particular, the Lockheed Martin company in a commercial demonstrated the joint work of satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles, stealth aircraft and cruise missiles to defeat a mobile ICBM launcher (confusingly reminiscent of the Yars PGRK), despite layered air defense (confusingly reminiscent of elements of the S-400 air defense system) [14].

The most disturbing signal is the emergence of reconnaissance satellites for strike operations within the “zero tier” of US missile defense in the diagram (Fig. 1) presented in the review of the Agency’s budget request for 2021 fiscal year[15].

Fig.1. Space potential for the operational activities of the missile defense system

Countermeasures

As already mentioned, the vulnerability of PGRK from the point of view of hitting the lenses of spacecraft is studied in detail[16]. Measures are being developed to reduce visibility as such (camouflage, imitation, and others), and approaches to assessing the potential of satellite constellations of a potential enemy. Moreover, there are corresponding software solutions[17].

However, in addition to passive measures, including a further increase in the area of ​​PGRK patrol areas, work is also underway to actively counter possible threats associated with space reconnaissance. Of course, today everyone is familiar with the Peresvet mobile combat laser system, especially since its role in “covering maneuvering actions” of the PGRK has been officially announced [18]. But the technology of this cover was not explained. Perhaps we are talking about the creation of interference by intense laser radiation that enters the optical-electronic systems of spacecraft. According to estimates in the open press, even partial (up to 40%) illumination of the pixels involved in the construction of a recognizable object leads to incorrect recognition of an image area or non-detection of an object as such [19].

Another important area is the development of electronic warfare. In particular, one of the ways to counter “unauthorized surveillance” is to block the receiving on-board equipment of relay satellites used by reconnaissance satellites at the time of passing over the protected object[20]. It is curious that in this case, one of the key elements is to obtain reliable information about the movement of spacecraft. Such an impact on the satellites of a potential enemy, if it is carried out, then probably already in the conditions of an armed conflict. In parallel with relatively “non-destructive” impacts, it is possible to use systems of various bases with anti-satellite potential.

In any case, monitoring near-Earth space, including for the purpose of ensuring situational awareness[21], that is, obtaining a reliable picture of the activity of all its “users”, is an extremely important task for timely and reliable threat assessment, as well as organizing countermeasures . It seems that in this way a kind of “transparency enforcement” can be achieved in relation to the targets of certain spacecraft.

Political Dimension

Transparency as such is not something intrinsically valuable. In particular, a number of American authors believe that satellite constellations, protected from malicious influence by appropriate agreements or technical means, can help or even save arms control[22]. American colleagues admit that commercial satellite constellations can be used to monitor the movement of troops and the state of nuclear arsenals “for an unprecedented duration,” and this brings great benefits to the military from the “right countries.”

The concern of Russia and China in connection with the potential threat from such “benefit” is only mentioned and in fact discarded, as well as the “profoundly flawed” Russian-Chinese initiative of the Treaty on the Prevention of the Placement of Weapons in Outer Space.

On the contrary, some new idea is proposed about non-interference in the work of satellites (which is partly already spelled out in relation to national technical means in existing arms control agreements, even if there are very few of them left). Obviously, the initiative is designed for “like-minded people”, and this is a very dangerous precedent – it is very difficult to implement separate rules for certain groups of countries in space, and conceptually this approach does not contribute to the peaceful exploration of outer space, although it has already been reflected in the American “Agreements Artemis” in terms of the development of lunar resources[23].

Conclusion

uperiority” ) and its derivatives . Perhaps this fact is the best way to characterize the attitude of the US military to all areas of armed confrontation – real, virtual or potential.

In such a situation it is very difficult to talk about any kind of cooperation. For both Russia and China, officially listed as threats and adversaries, the simplest response would be to further build up their own anti-satellite capabilities. As a result, at least in the short term, we expect the continued development of kinetic, laser, electronic and other means of combat in space and “with space.” The transformation of the Russian-Chinese draft treaty on the prevention of the placement of weapons in outer space, the use of force or the threat of force against space objects (PPWT) into a real instrument of international law, unfortunately, seems less and less likely.

It would be expedient for the Russian side to publish (following the Fundamentals of State Policy in the Field of Nuclear Deterrence[25]) a publicly available document of a declarative nature regarding aerospace defense. In this way, fantastic theories about Russian intentions in this area could be dispelled, while at the same time demonstrating a readiness to ensure domestic interests in the face of growing confrontation in space.

The development of space monitoring systems, both quantitatively and qualitatively, is a natural process that, in addition to threats, opens up very wide opportunities, including in the field of transparency and arms control (not counting the solution of obvious strictly military tasks)[26]. One of the priority areas should be not so much counteraction to potentially threatening infrastructure, but the creation of our own spacecraft and their constellations, which will effectively perform the relevant tasks in the interests of domestic users.

The study was supported by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation (project no. 18-18-00463).

Fleet of moderate globality

Ilya Kramnik

The key trend in the development of the Navy is the shift of the center of gravity of the development of world sea power to the East, primarily to the Asia-Pacific region.

Read more

Footnotes

[1] Data obtained empirically using the portal https://www.heavens-above.com and blog materials https://sattrackcam.blogspot.com

[2] Marshalov K. “American spacecraft of optoelectronic reconnaissance”. “Foreign military review”, No. 10, 2013, pp. 64-68.

[3] Pykhtunkin A.V., Spirin M.S., Polyanskov A.V. Possibility of using the Lacrosse space radar surveillance system. Military Review, No. 2 (2), 2017. S. 29–32.

[4] The author is grateful to V.V. Gibalov for providing the database of the corresponding spacecraft.

[5] Day Dwayne A. Radar love: the tortured history of American space radar programs. The Space Review, 01/22/2007. URL: https://www.thespacereview.com/article/790/1

[6] Erwin S. Army’s imaging satellite up and running, but its future is TBD. Spacenews, 02/21/2018. URL: https://spacenews. com/armys-imaging-satellite-up-and-running-but-its-future-is-tbd/

[7] Hitchens Theresa, Freedberg Jr. Sydney J. Army Seeks Small Satellites To Support Ground Troops. Breaking Defense, 08/07/2019. URL: https://breakingdefense.com/2019/08/army-seeks-small-satellites-to-support-ground-troops/

[8] Devin N.N., Kovalenko A.Yu., Kovalenko Yu.A., Mosin D.A. Ballistic design of spacecraft systems for continuous service of a given area. Izvestiya RARAN, No. 4 (104), 2018, pp. 55–60.

[9] Taibo Li, Junhua Xiang, Zhaokui Wang, Yulin Zhang. Circular revisit orbits design for responsive mission over a single target. Acta Astronautica, No. 127, 2016. PP. 219-225.

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