What are the key rules of mixed lacrosse. How does mixed lacrosse differ from men’s and women’s versions. Why is mixed lacrosse gaining popularity as a fast-paced and inclusive sport.
The Basics of Mixed Lacrosse: Understanding the Game
Mixed lacrosse is a unique variant of the traditional sport that combines elements of both men’s and women’s lacrosse. It offers a fast-paced, exciting experience that emphasizes teamwork and skill over physical dominance. But what exactly sets mixed lacrosse apart?
At its core, mixed lacrosse follows rules similar to women’s lacrosse, with some key modifications to accommodate the mixed-gender teams. Each team fields 12 players, including one goalkeeper. The objective remains the same as in other forms of lacrosse: to score goals by getting the ball into the opponent’s net using lacrosse sticks.
Key Differences from Traditional Lacrosse
- Gender balance: Teams must maintain an equal number of male and female players on the field at all times.
- Five-second possession rule: Players can only hold the ball for up to five seconds before passing or shooting.
- Limited contact: The level of physical contact is reduced compared to men’s lacrosse, promoting skill and strategy over strength.
- Equipment differences: Players use women’s lacrosse sticks and minimal protective gear.
The Five-Second Rule: Keeping the Game Moving
One of the most distinctive features of mixed lacrosse is the five-second possession rule. How does this rule impact the game?
The five-second rule requires players to release the ball within five seconds of gaining possession, either by passing to a teammate or attempting a shot on goal. This rule serves several purposes:
- Increasing game speed: It prevents players from holding onto the ball for extended periods, ensuring a fast-paced game.
- Promoting teamwork: The rule encourages quick decision-making and frequent passing between teammates.
- Equalizing physical differences: By limiting possession time, the rule helps balance out potential physical advantages between players.
This unique aspect of mixed lacrosse contributes significantly to its dynamic and engaging nature, setting it apart from other lacrosse variants.
Team Composition and Gender Balance in Mixed Lacrosse
A critical aspect of mixed lacrosse is the requirement for gender balance on the field. How is this balance maintained, and what impact does it have on the game?
In mixed lacrosse, teams must have an equal number of male and female players on the field at all times. Typically, this means six male and six female players per team, including the goalkeeper. This gender balance rule has several implications:
- Inclusive gameplay: It ensures equal participation opportunities for all players, regardless of gender.
- Diverse skill sets: The mix of players brings a variety of strengths and playing styles to the field.
- Strategic considerations: Coaches must carefully consider player matchups and tactical approaches to maximize team performance.
The gender balance requirement in mixed lacrosse not only promotes inclusivity but also adds an extra layer of strategic depth to the game, as teams must effectively utilize the diverse skills of all their players.
Equipment and Safety Considerations in Mixed Lacrosse
What equipment do players use in mixed lacrosse, and how does it differ from other forms of the sport?
Mixed lacrosse equipment generally aligns more closely with women’s lacrosse than men’s. This choice of equipment influences the style of play and safety considerations:
Sticks and Protective Gear
- Lacrosse sticks: Players use women’s lacrosse sticks, which have shallower pockets than men’s sticks.
- Minimal protective gear: Players typically wear mouth guards and goggles, with goalkeepers using additional protective equipment.
- No helmets or body padding: Unlike in men’s lacrosse, field players do not wear helmets or body pads.
The use of women’s lacrosse sticks and minimal protective gear encourages a style of play that relies more on skill, speed, and strategy rather than physical contact. This equipment choice also contributes to the sport’s accessibility, as it requires less investment in expensive protective gear.
Playing Field and Game Duration
Understanding the playing field and game duration is crucial for grasping the full picture of mixed lacrosse. How is the field set up, and how long do games typically last?
The mixed lacrosse field is similar to a women’s lacrosse field, with some variations:
- Field dimensions: Typically 110 yards long and 60 yards wide.
- Goal circles: 8-meter arc in front of each goal, where only the goalkeeper can remain for extended periods.
- Center circle: Used for draw controls at the start of each half and after goals.
Game duration can vary depending on the level of play and specific league rules, but a typical structure might include:
- Two 30-minute halves
- Running clock, with stoppages for timeouts and certain penalties
- Overtime periods in case of a tie (format may vary by league)
The field layout and game duration in mixed lacrosse strike a balance between providing ample space for dynamic play and ensuring a manageable game length for players of varying fitness levels.
Gameplay and Strategies in Mixed Lacrosse
How does the unique nature of mixed lacrosse influence gameplay and team strategies?
Mixed lacrosse’s distinct rules and team composition lead to gameplay that differs significantly from single-gender variants of the sport. Some key aspects of gameplay and strategy include:
Offensive Tactics
- Quick passing: The five-second rule encourages rapid ball movement and creative passing sequences.
- Exploiting mismatches: Teams may try to create favorable matchups based on speed, size, or skill.
- Off-ball movement: Constant player movement is crucial to create passing options and scoring opportunities.
Defensive Strategies
- Zone defense: Teams often employ zone defenses to cover space efficiently and minimize physical mismatches.
- Double-teaming: Coordinated double-teams can force turnovers due to the five-second rule.
- Transition defense: Quick transitions from offense to defense are vital due to the fast-paced nature of the game.
Successful teams in mixed lacrosse often prioritize versatility, with players capable of contributing effectively in multiple roles. The sport’s unique rules create an environment where tactical awareness and teamwork are paramount.
The Growth and Future of Mixed Lacrosse
As mixed lacrosse continues to gain popularity, what does the future hold for this inclusive sport?
Mixed lacrosse has seen significant growth in recent years, particularly at the collegiate and club levels. Several factors contribute to its increasing popularity:
- Inclusivity: The sport provides equal opportunities for male and female athletes to compete together.
- Accessibility: With less emphasis on physical contact, it’s more approachable for newcomers to the sport.
li>Social aspect: The mixed-gender format fosters a unique team dynamic and social environment.
Looking ahead, mixed lacrosse has potential for further growth and development:
Potential Developments
- Standardization of rules: As the sport grows, we may see more unified rulebooks across different leagues and regions.
- International competitions: The possibility of mixed lacrosse being included in multi-sport events or having its own international tournaments.
- Youth programs: Increased focus on introducing mixed lacrosse at younger age levels to build a strong foundation for the sport.
The future of mixed lacrosse looks promising, with its unique blend of inclusivity, skill, and strategy appealing to a growing number of players and spectators alike.
Challenges and Considerations in Mixed Lacrosse
While mixed lacrosse offers many benefits, it also presents unique challenges. What are some of the key considerations for players, coaches, and organizers involved in the sport?
Mixed lacrosse, like any sport, comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. Understanding these can help improve the overall experience for all involved:
Physical Differences
- Strength disparities: Coaches must strategize to account for potential physical mismatches on the field.
- Speed variations: The game may need to strike a balance between accommodating different speed capabilities.
- Injury prevention: Proper training and rules enforcement are crucial to minimize risks associated with physical differences.
Team Dynamics
- Communication: Effective communication between all team members is essential for success.
- Respect and inclusivity: Fostering a respectful team environment that values all players equally is crucial.
- Balancing playing time: Ensuring fair distribution of playing time across genders can be challenging.
Organizational Aspects
- League structure: Developing appropriate league structures that cater to mixed teams can be complex.
- Officiating: Referees need specific training to effectively officiate mixed lacrosse games.
- Facilities: Ensuring access to appropriate changing facilities for mixed teams can be a logistical challenge.
Addressing these challenges thoughtfully can help mixed lacrosse continue to grow and provide a positive experience for all participants. As the sport evolves, new solutions and best practices will likely emerge to tackle these considerations effectively.
Mixed lacrosse represents a unique and exciting variant of the traditional sport, offering a blend of inclusivity, skill, and strategy. Its distinctive rules, such as the five-second possession limit and gender balance requirement, create a fast-paced and engaging game that appeals to a diverse range of players. While challenges exist, the sport’s growing popularity suggests a bright future ahead. As mixed lacrosse continues to evolve, it has the potential to become a significant part of the broader lacrosse landscape, promoting teamwork, inclusivity, and athletic excellence in a uniquely balanced format.
Niche sport of the week: mixed lacrosse
Varsity investigates the ins and outs of this peculiar sport
The University mixed lacrosse teanNathan Hudson-peacock
by Louis Williams
I doubt that many, if any, of you fresh faced freshers arriving this term have ever played lacrosse in your time at school; – unless you went to boarding school around Guildford, of course. Some of you, mainly Americans, will have encountered burly men’s lacrosse, a mixture between American football and some form of weapon wielding team martial arts with a hockey-like ball thrown into the mix. However, almost none of you will have ever encountered mixed lacrosse.
Mixed lacrosse follows broadly the same rules as female lacrosse with teams of 12 on either side (one being a padded goalie) contesting to deliver the ball into the back of the net. It is a fast-paced and uproarious game. Unlike the men’s game, it is dependent much more on technical ability and speed and less on strength, and it has higher stamina requirements than the women’s game.
The two core differences between the BUCS mixed league and the women’s league are firstly the requirement that half the team is male and half female on the pitch (okay, maybe that was a little obvious), and secondly that each player may only hold onto the ball for up to five seconds at a time. This time limit makes the game quicker and more energy-sapping than either the men’s or women’s games.
The question on many of your minds’ now will be simple: is it for you? The university mixed team, although more casual than the high achieving women’s team, are no minnows in the lacrosse leagues, having steam-rolled the southern league with an unbeaten season and an emphatic varsity win leaving us at the top of the table. The training schedule of three sessions, a match and morning fitness is not an easy ask, but is not as tough a commitment as the women’s game or some other university sports. It is accessible for athletic guys, particularly hockey players, with experienced stick skills and high stamina, as they will adapt to cradling balls far better.
Girls usually require prior experience due to the strong competition for places and anyone considering the sport should perhaps give college level mixed lacrosse a go before trying for university level. Nevertheless, all are welcome to turn up at training to try out for a few sessions.
Many of you reading this will have never played a mixed sport competitively and will be wondering how team dynamics can work. In truth, it’s different, but it’s refreshing, and team matches are not devoid of dirty pints and innuendo-ridden speeches. I urge any budding sportsperson to give it a try.
Mixed lacrosse forces you to really engage with large physical differences within one team with the natural differences in physique between the ladies and men being far greater than, say, those between forwards and backs in rugby.
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Rules | USA Lacrosse
Keeping the Game Fair and Safer
The rules of lacrosse govern games and equipment. USA Lacrosse works collaboratively with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and the NCAA to write the rules for our sport, and the organizations often work together on rule development and player safety efforts.
USA Lacrosse writes and publishes youth guidebooks for ages 14U and below, which align with the principles of the Lacrosse Athlete Development Model (LADM) and feature age-appropriate guidelines. USA Lacrosse collaborates with the NFHS on the rules for high school boys’ and girls’ lacrosse. The NCAA writes the rules for varsity collegiate play, with modifications by USA Lacrosse for use by collegiate non-varsity (or club) and post-collegiate in women’s lacrosse.
USA Lacrosse also publishes rules to govern box lacrosse.
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Rules for mixed feeding – how to maintain lactation, choose a mixture and other issues.
— Polina Aleksandrovna, what is mixed feeding of newborns?
– With mixed feeding, the child receives breast milk and milk formula in different proportions.
— When does the pediatrician recommend mixed feeding?
— The reasons why a pediatrician partially replaces natural nutrition with formula can be divided into three groups.
- Mother’s lack of milk. Low lactation can lead to weight loss in a baby. With a pronounced lack of weight, additional nutrition is necessary.
- Functional disorders in a child. For constipation, regurgitation, allergic reactions and other conditions, a therapeutic mixture is prescribed.
- Mom is absent for feeding time. If there is no milk bank and it is impossible to form it, supplementary feeding is given.
— Some mothers refuse to breastfeed because of bad environment. Does the environment really affect the quality of breastfeeding?
— It cannot be said that the environment affects the quantity and quality of women’s milk. Milk is filtered from the mother’s blood. Blood passes through the vessels of the mammary gland and brings useful substances into breast milk, they are no longer taken from anywhere. At the same time, harmful substances from the environment are not allowed to enter the milk.
Due to poor ecology, the mother may be deficient in trace elements, and then the quality of milk will decrease. However, doctors are usually aware of the mother’s deficiency conditions, since she had blood tests during pregnancy, and they correct them with nutrition or drugs.
— Polina Alexandrovna, another fear — mothers are afraid that milk will disappear during mixed feeding.
– This can become a reality if mixed feeding is not rationally approached. True hypogalactia is extremely rare, it is 1-2% in the female population. The body of a woman produces a sufficient amount of milk on the principle of “supply – demand”. If the mother begins to increase the volume of the mixture, then the amount of milk in the breast really decreases. The baby will not suck more milk from the breast when he receives an increasing portion of the mixture.
— Will a mixed-fed baby have stomach ache?
– There is no specific link between infant formula and abdominal pain. Yes, when formula is introduced, stools may change. But this does not mean that there will be discomfort for the child. The stool becomes more dense, acquires a greenish tint (it has a yellowish color when breastfed) – this is the norm, which should not be feared.
Liquid stools with mixed feeding are formed for various reasons:
- infant receives special formula;
- mom went too far with the amount of mixture;
- with intolerance to the components of the milk mixture.
For symptoms that bother the baby and mother, you need to see a doctor.
— How does mixed feeding affect the child’s immunity?
— The immunity of infants develops independently of the type of feeding. But mother’s milk contains antibodies and beneficial substances that enhance the immunity of the baby. With a reduced proportion of breast milk on mixed feeding of these substances, the child will receive less than on breastfeeding. But this does not apply to the formation of immunity, and the child’s immunity will not suffer from mixed feeding.
— Polina Alexandrovna, how to maintain lactation with mixed feeding?
– In order to keep breastfeeding, you do not need to give formula more than necessary. The doctor determines the amount of supplementary feeding, and you should not independently increase its volume.
Try to breastfeed more often, breastfeed first and then formula. With the help of a breast pump, you can express after bottle feeding. The goal is not to express a large amount of milk, but to stimulate the nipple, as if applying to the breast, and send a signal to the brain that the baby needs more milk. More milk will come next time.
Table. Mixed feeding of newborns – pros and cons
— Can I choose my own formula for mixed feeding?
– I do not recommend choosing food for the child on your own. With mixed feeding of an infant, it is important to determine not only the type of mixture, but also the nature of supplementary feeding. How much to supplement, so as not to overfeed or leave the baby hungry, so as not to lose breast milk? Should I supplement each time or alternate between breast and bottle feeding, should I formula feed at night? There are many questions. Therefore, even if the mother has made a choice in favor of a certain mixture, she should consult a doctor about the appropriateness of its use and ask how and how much to give the mixture.
See also
- “How to choose the right infant formula”
How to switch to mixed feeding
– It all depends on the chosen scheme of mixed feeding and the method of supplementary feeding.
— How to calculate the amount of formula for mixed feeding?
– It is necessary to build on how much the child should eat per day. The daily amount of food is divided by the frequency of feedings to determine the amount of food at one time.
- Checkweighing determines how much breastmilk the baby eats and how much the baby is undernourished. He makes up the difference with a mixture.
- Although the mixture is usually diluted at a ratio of 1 scoop per 30 ml, supplementation will not necessarily be a multiple of 30. If 40 ml is needed for supplementation, mom prepares 60 ml and only gives 40 ml of them. It is not necessary to give food beyond measure so that lactation does not fade away – when you offer the baby more formula, he asks for less breast milk.
— Is it possible to overfeed a newborn?
– It is always worthwhile to adequately assess lactation and add the amount of formula that the baby really needs. By weighing your baby before and after a feed, you will know how much breast milk he has eaten and how much formula to give him. Given this, the mother will not overfeed the baby.
— Polina Alexandrovna, what dish should I choose for mixed feeding?
– Baby utensils must have the following characteristics:
- material safety – it is confirmed by certificates;
- the possibility of processing high temperatures during sterilization and boiling;
- The right size nipple on the bottle – for the comfort of the baby at each age, a different flow rate of nutrition is needed.
In addition, you should choose a baby dishwashing detergent that rinses off well with water, and use a separate brush for greater hygiene and convenience.
— The rules for mixed feeding are not limited to formula. What role does mother’s nutrition play in this process?
— Scientists have long found out that the mother’s diet does not affect the child one hundred percent. If the mother is not on a strict diet, does not use preservatives, dyes and heavy fried foods, eats varied, then her diet will not adversely affect the baby’s condition. Therefore, the only limitation is a reasonable diet without harmful substances.
– How long does expressed breast milk last?
– Expressed milk can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen. Temperature and shelf life of expressed breast milk:
Expressed milk is stored in the refrigerator before freezing, and after cooling it is sent to the freezer. Frozen milk is thawed in the refrigerator and heated in a water bath to a comfortable temperature. You do not need to boil it in order to cool it down and give it to the child.
Mixed feeding rules
— How to properly feed a child with mixed feeding?
– It is advisable to prepare the bottle in advance or pour water heated to the required temperature into it. After breastfeeding and control weighing, it remains to pour the required number of spoons of the mixture into a bottle of water and dilute it.
It is advisable to breastfeed and formula in one meal – first at the breast and immediately after the bottle. When formula feeding, it is best to hold the baby in your arms to maintain physical and emotional contact and minimize the difference for the baby between feeding breast milk and infant formula.
— Do I need a feeding schedule for mixed feeding?
— Yes, when formula appears in a child’s diet, there is a need for a feeding regimen. The mixture is quite dense and leaves the baby’s stomach 3-4 hours after feeding, so it is recommended to keep breaks between feedings for at least 3 hours on mixed feeding.
— How to feed the baby at night with mixed feeding?
– Everything is individual and depends on the amount of supplementary food. If the mother gives 10-20 ml of the mixture, you can not supplement it at night, at this time of the day the need for nutrition is lower. But if the volume of supplementary feeding is large enough, then it is required to supplement the child with a mixture even at night. The most important thing is to come to the required daily amount of food. In addition, to maintain lactation, it is important to put the baby to the breast from 3 am to 7 am: at this time, the hormone responsible for stimulating lactation is most active.
– Should I give my baby water when mixed feeding?
– It is necessary to focus on the amount of supplementary feeding:
- if you supplement 10-20 ml of the mixture – there is no urgent need for water;
- if supplementary feeding is 50% or more in the meal, you can supplement it. Enough 20-50 ml of water per day, depending on the volume of the mixture in the diet, the age of the child and external factors (such as temperature, dry air).
See also
- “How to give water for up to a year”
— When is goat milk formula recommended for mixed feeding?
— Goat’s milk formula is recommended for supplementary feeding and replenishment of breast milk deficiency or as preventive nutrition for a healthy baby with allergies in relatives. With a proven allergy to cow protein, a therapeutic mixture is prescribed.
Infant formula for mixed feeding is selected by a specialist. In order for lactation not to decrease, the mixture is administered in the amount that the child really needs – not beyond the measure and not less than the norm, which is determined by the doctor. Do not forget to supplement your baby with water if the amount of mixture in the mixed-feeding diet is significant enough.
* Breast milk is the best food for babies. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a child’s life and continued breastfeeding after complementary foods are introduced until the age of 2 years. Before introducing new products into the baby’s diet, you should consult with a specialist. The material is for informational purposes and cannot replace the advice of a healthcare professional. For feeding children from birth. The product is certified.
Mixed feeding: the basic rules and diet
All about mixed feeding
Contents
- When mothers switch to mixed feeding feeding?
- How to organize mixed feeding?
A lot has been said about the benefits of breast milk, but sometimes a mother has to supplement her baby with artificial formula, which means switching to mixed feeding. It is recommended to make a decision on the transfer of a newborn to mixed feeding together with a pediatrician who will help you choose the right mixture.
When do mothers switch to mixed feeding?
1. Lack of own milk
In some cases, even if the mother puts the baby to the breast on demand, the baby may still remain hungry and gain weight poorly. This is often evidenced by loud crying after eating. In this case, experts speak of hypolactia, when milk production is reduced due to a hormonal disorder.
The “wet diaper” method will help to make sure that the baby really does not get enough milk. Do not put “diapers” on your baby and count the number of his urination in one day. From two weeks of age to six months, the result is evaluated as follows: if you counted 12 or more wet diapers, then you have nothing to worry about, 8–10 wet diapers indicate that lactation has decreased, 6 or less – the child does not have enough milk, and urgent action should be taken.
Tip! Today, there are many ways to increase lactation, but if they do not help, you should consult a pediatrician who will choose the right formula for supplementary feeding.
2. Lack of calories
Some mothers think that their milk is not nutritious enough. Most often, they come to such conclusions by expressing clear milk with a bluish tint. But it cannot be nonnutritive or nutritious. Milk is “rear”, saturated white, thicker and fatter (for a child, this is “food”), and “front”, liquid with a bluish tint (“drink”).
Tip! If the amount of urination is normal, but the baby is not gaining weight, then you need to think about whether your baby is getting “hind” milk. To do this, during 1 feeding, offer him only 1 breast.
3. Coming to work
Some mothers have to reduce the number of feedings after going to work. And their first impulse is to switch to mixed feeding. But you should always remember that the best food for a child is mother’s milk. If you want to go to work, try to prepare for this in advance. Make a “strategic stock” of breast milk in the freezer so your baby always has food, even when you’re not around.
Tip! If you plan to go to work when the baby has started to receive complementary foods, then try to organize meals so that complementary foods are given to him in your absence. So you will have the opportunity to reduce the amount of mixture or defrosted in his diet.
How to organize mixed feeding?
Mixed nutrition has its own characteristics, which are very important for a nursing mother to know.
1. The timing of the introduction of complementary foods depends on the amount of breast milk the baby receives. If it is 50–70%, then it is administered as with breastfeeding (at 6 months). If less than 50% of breast milk is present in the baby’s diet, then complementary foods can be introduced even at the age of 5 months.
2. Always offer the breast first. Only if you see that the baby is not full, and the breasts are empty, then give him a mixture. It also helps increase lactation. The mixture should be introduced gradually. On the first day – 10 ml / 1 time, the second – 10 ml / 3 times, the third – 20 ml / 3 times. Increase the portion, bringing it to the norm.
3. Only the breast should be given at night and formula should be avoided. This is due to the fact that from 3 to 8 am, prolactin is actively produced, which is responsible for lactation.
4. Feed according to the schedule (every 3-4 hours) and breastfeed on demand.
5. Keep the water boiled and the utensils and formula sterile. You need to cook right before eating.
6. Use a spoon instead of a bottle. Then you can avoid breast rejection.
7. Remember that mixed-fed babies should be given water, as dehydration can lead to poor digestion.
Follow these simple rules and try to keep your baby breastfed for as long as possible. Your milk, even though it’s not your baby’s only food, contains invaluable trace minerals that will keep your baby healthy and strong.