Where was lacrosse first played. When did lacrosse become an Olympic sport. How did women’s lacrosse evolve. What were the major rule changes in lacrosse history. Who were the key figures in developing lacrosse.
The Indigenous Roots of Lacrosse
Lacrosse, a sport deeply rooted in Native American culture, has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. The game’s origins can be traced back to indigenous communities in North America, where it held significant cultural and spiritual importance.
In 1636, Jesuit missionary Jean De Brebeuf became the first European to document the game after observing Huron Indians playing lacrosse near Thunder Bay, Ontario. This early account marks a crucial point in the sport’s recorded history, bridging the gap between its ancient origins and its eventual evolution into a modern athletic pursuit.
Early Tribal Matches and Rule Development
A pivotal moment in lacrosse history occurred in 1794 when a friendly match between the Senecas of New York and the Mohawks of Ontario at Grand River led to an injury. This incident prompted discussions among tribal leaders, resulting in the establishment of some of the earliest formal rules for the game. The Council of Chiefs’ involvement in shaping these regulations demonstrates the sport’s significance within indigenous communities.
Transition to Modern Lacrosse
The transformation of lacrosse from a traditional Native American game to a popular modern sport began in the 19th century. This period saw significant developments that would shape the future of lacrosse.
Introduction to Non-Indigenous Players
In 1834, a demonstration by Indians from the village of Caughnawaga in Montreal marked a turning point. This event, reported in newspapers, sparked interest among non-indigenous people, particularly “white men,” in playing the game. This exposure was crucial in expanding lacrosse beyond its original cultural boundaries.
The formation of the Montreal Lacrosse Club in 1856 represents another milestone. As the first organized Canadian team to play under its own rules and with its own sticks, it paved the way for the sport’s formalization and spread.
Codification of Rules
Dr. William George Beers played a pivotal role in standardizing lacrosse. In 1867, as the number of Canadian teams grew, he finalized a uniform code of playing rules. Two years later, Beers published “LaCrosse: The National Game of Canada,” the first book dedicated to the sport, further solidifying its place in Canadian culture.
The Emergence of Collegiate Lacrosse
The late 19th century saw lacrosse gain popularity in academic institutions, marking the beginning of its journey as a collegiate sport in the United States.
- 1877: New York University establishes the first college lacrosse team in the United States.
- 1881: The first intercollegiate tournament is held at the Westchester Polo Grounds in New York, with Harvard defeating Princeton 3-0 in the final.
These developments laid the groundwork for lacrosse’s growth in American colleges and universities, setting the stage for its eventual status as a major collegiate sport.
Formation of Lacrosse Associations
The organization of lacrosse at a national level began to take shape in the late 19th century. In 1879, John R. Flannery, often referred to as the father of American lacrosse, established the United States National Amateur Lacrosse Association. This association included nine club teams from New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, including prestigious institutions like Harvard University and New York University.
The formation of the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse League in 1905 further structured the sport at the collegiate level. A committee comprising Laurie D. Cox, William C. Schmeisser, and Charles Lattig created a code of operations for the sport and divided the colleges into north and south divisions, enhancing competition and organization.
Women’s Lacrosse: A Parallel Evolution
While men’s lacrosse was developing in North America, women’s lacrosse was carving its own path, beginning in the British Isles.
The Birth of Women’s Lacrosse
The first recorded women’s lacrosse game took place in 1890 at St. Leonard’s School in St. Andrew’s, Scotland. This inaugural match featured teams of eight players each, with the game lasting one hour and including a ten-minute intermission. This event marked the beginning of women’s participation in organized lacrosse.
Women’s Lacrosse in the United States
Women’s lacrosse made its way to the United States in 1926, when Rosabelle Sinclair, hailing from the St. Leonard’s School in Scotland, established the first women’s lacrosse program at Bryn Mawr School in Baltimore. This initiative paved the way for the sport’s growth among women in America.
The formation of the United States Women’s Lacrosse Association (USWLA) in 1931 was a significant milestone. Under the leadership of its first president, Joyce Cran Barry, the USWLA became the rule-making body for women’s lacrosse in the country. This organization played a crucial role in standardizing and promoting the sport.
Early Competitions and International Play
The USWLA held its first women’s national tournament in 1933 in Greenwich, Connecticut. In the championship game, Baltimore defeated Philadelphia 5-1, setting the stage for future competitions. That same year, the organization selected its first U.S. Women’s National Team, marking the beginning of international play for American women’s lacrosse.
In 1935, the first U.S. Women’s Touring Team traveled to England, although they didn’t secure any victories during this trip. Despite the initial setback, this international exposure was crucial for the development and global recognition of women’s lacrosse.
Lacrosse in the Olympic Games
Lacrosse’s history in the Olympic Games is marked by brief appearances and exhibition matches, showcasing the sport’s international appeal.
Olympic Appearances
- 1904: Lacrosse debuts as an Olympic sport in St. Louis, with Canada defeating the St. Louis AAA team (representing the USA) for the championship.
- 1908: Lacrosse is featured in the London Olympics, where England loses to Canada. Johns Hopkins University was slated to represent the United States but did not make the trip.
- 1928: Johns Hopkins University represents the United States in exhibition games at the Amsterdam Olympics. The U.S. is declared champion in round-robin play against Canada and England.
- 1932: Lacrosse is played as an exhibition sport in the Los Angeles Olympics. Over 80,000 spectators at the Los Angeles Coliseum witness Johns Hopkins defeat Canada while waiting for the marathon to finish.
Despite these appearances, lacrosse was dropped as an Olympic sport after 1908, with subsequent appearances being exhibition matches rather than medal events.
Evolution of Lacrosse Rules and Equipment
Throughout its history, lacrosse has undergone numerous rule changes and equipment modifications, shaping the modern game we know today.
Key Rule Changes
- 1921: The offsides rule is introduced, requiring each team to keep at least three men in each half of the field, not including the goalkeeper.
- 1933: Men’s game rules are modified to reduce the number of players on a side from 12 to 10, and the distance between goals is reduced to 80 yards. The game is divided into quarters, with teams changing ends after each quarter.
- 1940: Men’s field boundaries are standardized to 80 yards between the goals with 15 yards of clear space behind each goal, establishing the dimensions still used today.
Equipment Innovations
In 1898, two players at Johns Hopkins University, William H. Maddren and Robert T. Abercrombie, revolutionized the game by developing a shorter stick. This innovation introduced the short passing game, significantly altering gameplay strategies. Additionally, Johns Hopkins adopted a primitive form of goal by attaching a tennis net to the goal post, an idea originated by Rossiter Scott of Stevens Tech.
Recognition and Honors in Lacrosse
As lacrosse grew in popularity and competitiveness, systems for recognizing outstanding players and teams began to emerge.
All-American Selection
In 1922, Dr. Laurie Cox introduced the annual selection process for a college All-American lacrosse team. This honor, which continues to this day, has become one of the most prestigious recognitions in collegiate lacrosse, celebrating the sport’s top talents and contributing to its growing prominence in the American athletic landscape.
The establishment of the All-American selection process not only recognized individual excellence but also helped to raise the profile of lacrosse as a serious competitive sport. It provided a benchmark for player performance and encouraged aspiring athletes to strive for excellence in their play.
National Championships and Tournaments
The organization of national tournaments and championships played a crucial role in the sport’s development. For men’s lacrosse, the intercollegiate tournament held at the Westchester Polo Grounds in New York in 1881 was a significant early event. The final match between Harvard and Princeton, which Harvard won 3-0, set the stage for future collegiate competitions.
In women’s lacrosse, the USWLA’s first national tournament in 1933 was a landmark event. The championship game between Baltimore and Philadelphia not only crowned the first national champion but also helped to standardize competition at the highest level of women’s lacrosse in the United States.
International Growth and Modern Developments
The 20th century saw lacrosse expand beyond its North American roots, gaining international recognition and popularity.
Global Spread
While lacrosse originated in North America, it gradually spread to other parts of the world. The sport’s inclusion in the Olympic Games, albeit briefly, helped to introduce it to a global audience. Countries like England, Australia, and Japan began to develop their own lacrosse programs, contributing to the sport’s international growth.
Professional Leagues and Modern Competition
The latter half of the 20th century and the early 21st century have seen the emergence of professional lacrosse leagues, further elevating the sport’s profile. These leagues have provided opportunities for players to compete at the highest level and have helped to increase lacrosse’s visibility in the media and among sports fans.
Technological Advancements
Modern lacrosse has benefited from technological advancements in equipment design and manufacturing. Sticks, protective gear, and even the balls used in the game have evolved, enhancing player performance and safety. These improvements have contributed to faster, more dynamic gameplay, making the sport more exciting for both players and spectators.
Youth Development Programs
The growth of youth lacrosse programs has been crucial in expanding the sport’s base. Organizations like US Lacrosse have implemented initiatives to introduce the game to younger players, ensuring a steady influx of talent and enthusiasm for the sport. These programs often emphasize not just skill development but also the cultural and historical significance of lacrosse, connecting new generations to the sport’s rich heritage.
Continued Rule Refinements
The rules of lacrosse continue to evolve to enhance player safety, improve game flow, and increase spectator appeal. Recent years have seen discussions and implementations of rules regarding stick specifications, face-off procedures, and game tempo, reflecting the sport’s ongoing commitment to improvement and adaptation.
Cultural Preservation and Recognition
As lacrosse has grown into a global sport, there has been an increased emphasis on recognizing and honoring its indigenous roots. Many organizations and teams now work to incorporate elements of Native American culture into their programs and events, ensuring that the sport’s rich cultural heritage is preserved and celebrated alongside its modern developments.
The journey of lacrosse from its origins as a tribal game to its current status as a globally recognized sport is a testament to its enduring appeal and cultural significance. As it continues to evolve and grow, lacrosse remains a unique blend of ancient tradition and modern athleticism, captivating players and fans around the world.
1636 | After seeing the Huron Indians play lacrosse as a medicinal rite near Thunder Bay, Ontario, Jean De Brebuef, a Jesuit missionary, is the first to document the game. |
1794 | During a friendly match between the Senecas of New York and the Mohawks of Ontario at Grand River, a Mohawk player strikes and injures as Seneca player with his stick. This match begins to shape the rules for lacrosse. After a meeting of the Council of Chiefs, the Senecas and Mohawks agree to a rematch to be played three years later. |
1834 | Indians from the village of Caughnawaga demonstrate their sport for some Montreal gentlemen. The game is reported by the newspapers and for the first time “white men” are interested in playing the game. |
1856 | Montreal Lacrosse Club is the first organized Canadian team to play under its own rules and with its own sticks. |
1867 | As the number of Canadian teams increases, Dr. William George Beers, finalizes a uniform code of playing rules. Two years later in 1869, he publishes the first book about the sport of lacrosse, entitled “LaCrosse: The National Game of Canada.” |
1877 | New York University is the first college in the United States to establish a lacrosse team. |
1879 | John R. Flannery, the father of American lacrosse, establishes the United States national Amateur Lacrosse Association. Nine club teams from New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, including Harvard University and New York University, are part of the association. |
1881 | The first intercollegiate tournament is held at the Westchester Polo Grounds in New York. In the final, Harvard beats Princeton, 3-0. |
1890 | The first women’s lacrosse game is played by students at St. Leonard’s School in St. Andrew’s, Scotland. Each team has eight players, and the match lasts for one hour with a ten-minute intermission. |
1898 | Two players at Johns Hopkins University, William H. Maddren and Robert T. Abercrombie, introduce the short passing game by developing a shorter stick. Hopkins also adopts a primitive form of goal by attaching a tennis net to the goal post, an idea originated by Rossiter Scott of Stevens Tech. |
1904 | Lacrosse is first played as an Olympic sport. Canada defeats the St. Louis AAA team, representing the USA, for the championship. |
1905 | The United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse League is formed. A committee of Laurie D. Cox, William C. Schmeisser, and Charles Lattig create a code of operations for the sport and divide the colleges into north and south divisions. |
1908 | Lacrosse is played in the London Olympics, and England loses to Canada. Johns Hopkins Univ. was to represent the United States, but does not make the trip. Lacrosse was dropped as an Olympic sport after 1908. |
1921 | The offsides rule is instituted, requiring each team to keep at least three men in each half of the field, not including the goalkeeper. |
1922 | Dr. Laurie Cox introduces the annual selection process for a college All-American lacrosse team, an honor which continues today. |
1926 | Rosabelle Sinclair from the St. Leonard’s School in Scotland establishes the first women’s lacrosse program in the United States at Bryn Mawr School in Baltimore. |
1928 | Johns Hopkins Univ represents the United States in exhibition games at the Amsterdam Olympics. The U.S. is declared champion in round robin play against Canada and England. |
1931 | The United States Women’s Lacrosse Association (USWLA) is formed as the rule making body for women’s lacrosse. Joyce Cran Barry becomes the first president of the organization. |
1932 | Lacrosse is played as an exhibition sport in the Los Angeles Olympics. More than 80,000 people at the Los Angeles Coliseum, who are waiting for the marathon to finish, also watch Johns Hopkins defeat Canada. |
1933 | Men’s game rule changes reduce the number of players on a side from 12 to 10, and reduced the distance between the goals to 80 yards. Playing time remained at sixty minutes, but was divided into quarters, with teams changing ends after each quarter. |
1933 | The USWLA holds its first women’s national tournament in Greenwich, Conn. Baltimore defeats Philadelphia, 5-1, in the championship game. The organization also chooses its first U.S. Women’s National Team. |
1935 | The first U.S. Women’s Touring Team travels to England. During this trip the U.S. Team doesn’t win a game. |
1940 | Men’s field boundaries are changed to present day standards – 80 yards between the goals with 15 yards of clear space behind each goal. |
1959 | The Lacrosse Foundation is incorporated as the sport’s national development center and archives. The key leaders are Claxton “Okey” O’Connor, William “Dinty” Moore, Caleb Kelly, and Gaylord “Peck” Auer. |
1966 | The Lacrosse Foundation establishes its first national office at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. |
1971 | Men’s college lacrosse allies itself with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and Cornell University becomes the first NCAA men’s champion, defeating the Univ of Maryland, 12-6, in the championship game. |
1972 | The International Federation of Women’s Lacrosse Associations (IFWLA) is founded. The first formal meeting is held in London, England; seven countries attend. |
1974 | As a result of the success of the 1967 international tournament in Canada, the International Lacrosse Federation (ILF) is founded and hosts its first official Men’s World Championship in Melbourne, Australia. |
1978 | Lacrosse Magazine is first published by the Lacrosse Foundation and becomes the sport’s first magazine showcasing men’s and women’s lacrosse. |
1982 | The United States defeats Australia, 10-7, to capture the first International Federation of Women’s Lacrosse Association World Cup in Nottingham, England. |
1982 | The first NCAA women’s championship is played. The University of Massachusetts defeats Trenton State, 9-6. |
1987 | Men’s professional indoor lacrosse returns with the launch of the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League. The league becomes the Major Indoor Lacrosse League in 1988 and the National Lacrosse League in 1997. |
1988 | The first International Lacrosse Federation U19 World Championship is held and the United States men defeat Canada to win gold in Adelaide, Australia. |
1990 | The Iroquois Nationals compete for the first time in the International Lacrosse Federation Men’s World Championship, placing fifth. |
1995 | Australia wins the inaugural International Federation of Women’s Lacrosse Associations U19 World Championship, defeating the host United States in Haverford, Pa. |
1998 | US Lacrosse is founded by the merger of eight national organizations, becoming the unified national governing body for lacrosse. |
2000 | Major League Lacrosse, a men’s professional outdoor league, launches with a Summer Showcase and begins regular play the following year. |
2003 | The first World Indoor Lacrosse Championship is held and host Canada defeats the Iroquois Nationals to win gold in Ontario. |
2008 | The International Lacrosse Federation and the International Federation of Women’s Lacrosse Associations merge to form the Federation of International Lacrosse. |
2016 | US Lacrosse moves to a new headquarters in Sparks, Md. The 12-acre complex includes a three-story administrative center, the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame and Museum, and Tierney Field, which serves as the training center for the U.S. national team program. |
2016 | The United Women’s Lacrosse League (UWLX), the first women’s professional lacrosse league, begins play. Future opportunities follow with the Women’s Professional Lacrosse League in 2018 and Athletes Unlimited in 2021. |
2017 | Lacrosse is included in The World Games, the multi-sport, Olympic-style event of the International World Games Association, for the first time. The United States women beat Canada in Poland to claim the championship. |
2019 | The Federation of International Lacrosse adopts World Lacrosse as its new name. The May announcement comes less than six months after the organization received provisional recognition from the International Olympic Committee. |
2019 | A new men’s professional league, the Premier Lacrosse League, begins play with a tour-based model and merges with the MLL for the 2021 season. |
2021 | US Lacrosse rebrands itself as USA Lacrosse, bringing alignment to the organization’s efforts at the grassroots level and the elite national team program. |
Atlas of Popular Culture in the Northeastern US
Atlas of Popular Culture in the Northeastern US – Lacrosse
Lacrosse
This page is part of the Atlas of Popular Culture
in the Northeastern United States by John E.
Harmon
Lacrosse is really three games – men’s, women’s and box or indoor. The outdoor games
are played with 10 positions on a side; the object is to place a 5 oz. rubber ball into
your opponent’s net with a long-handled stick with a triangular pocket at the end while
keeping your opponent from doing the same thing. The men’s game is the oldest and, though
there has been one claim that the game was a modification of soule, played in the
Ardennes region of France and brought to Canada by French colonists (Culin 1907, 563), all
other historians of the game accept that it was originally an Indian game of North
America.
MEN’S LACROSSE
Origins and Diffusion
The Indian Ball Game
There is dispute about exactly where within the mix of native cultures the men’s game
orginated. It was known by the majority of tribes east of the Mississippi, several tribes
in the Missouri drainage and as far west as the Pomo area of California and into western
Canada (McCluney 1974).
McCluney (1974) makes a strong case for an origin within the Southeast culture area and
migration up the Mississippi to the Northeast Woodlands area. The game originally
described in the Southeast was played with two small sticks, one in each hand, and the
sticks became larger and the game moved to a single stick as it shifted North. Although
some historical descriptions (Anon. no date; Wulff 1977) say that Jesuit missionaries
first saw the game in the 17th century in the north, McCluney (1974) claims the first
European description of the game came in 1540 and in 1562 Rene Laudonniere described
lacrosse in a tribe of the Muskogee of Georgia. Others think that the game came out of the
Iroquois Confederacy and there are several tribes that claim to be the originators.
Currently among native Americans the game is strongest in the tribes of the Six Nation
Iroquois confederacy, most of whom live on reservations in up-state New York and
southeastern Canada (Lipsyte 1987).
Whether it was originally a northeastern or southeastern game, there were significant
differences. The Southeastern version was more influenced by religious observances than
the spectator-oriented, competitive game in the Northeast and southern fields tended to be
fixed while the northern were less formal. (McCluney 1974). But wherever it originated,
lacrosse is stronger now in the Northern region and is an important element of sport and
culture still for Native Americans there.
There is no confusion about the origin of the name – the early French observers were
struck by the similarities between the sticks and a bishop’s crozier often called a crosse.
The French actually used the name la crosse for all games in France played with a
curved stick and a ball so the extension to the Indian ball game is obvious (Weyand and
Roberts 1965).
The Modern Game
Europeans regarded the Indian games with amusement more than interest and it was not
until 1834 that people from Montreal arranged a demonstration at the St. Pierre race
course which was covered very favorably by the Montreal Gazette. The game grew in
popularity in Montreal over the next 30 years with the formation of several lacrosse clubs
in the region. There was very rapid growth in 1867 during the year of Canadian Federation
when the number of clubs grew from six to eighty, the first college team played lacrosse,
there was a boom in Toronto, a uniform code of playing rules was adopted and the Canadian
National Lacrosse Association was formed. The year was capped when lacrosse was made the
national game of Canada in July. (Weyand and Roberts 1965).
Although one source wrote of the game’s being played at Yale, Harvard, Princeton and
Dartmouth during colonial times (McCluney 1974), these were probably pickup games with
local Indians. The first mention of the game in a United States newspaper was an 1867
demonstration during the racing season at Saratoga Springs, NY and another in Troy, NY in
October. Buoyed by the post-Civil War national interest in sports and games, lacrosse had
a few years of popularity but went into eclipse after a bad loss by a Brooklyn team to a
Montreal team in 1872. During this five year period clubs formed in New York state (Troy,
Buffalo, Ogdensburg, Brooklyn and Manhattan).
A revival in the late 1870s has been attributed partially to the reduction of the field
from 200 to 125 yards but principally to the success of a tour of southern England by the
Montreal Club and a team from the Caughnawaga Indian Reservation. They played a match
before Queen Victoria who was quite complementary and due in part to the acceptance of the
game by British royalty, the Westchester Polo Club invited the teams in 1877 to a
demonstration at Newport, RI, at the peak of the social season where up to 8,000 people
witnessed two matches. The special sports and games of the Northeast are principally games
of the elite and the ties with games of the English elite are very clear. It may seem a
little ironic that the only one of these games which is demonstrably native American in
origin actually owes its popularity in the region to the favorable opinion of Queen
Victoria and the trend-setters in Newport. Prior to these matches, Harper’s Weekly
had written of the game in 1871 ,”It encountered violent opposition. It was
considered too laborious, too exciting for our more nervous and delicate Americans.
Physicians described the dangers of such fast and continued running, and anxious parents
tried to smother the game in its infancy.” After the success of the English tour and
the Newport re-introduction in 1877, the New York Herald wrote, “the immense
popular success of the game caused lacrosse to be the talk of Newport. The universal
verdict is that lacrosse is the most remarkable, versatile, and exciting of all games of
ball.” (Weyand and Roberts 1965, 29, 33). Often it is not the qualities of a game
that make it popular but who plays it and who watches it.
The Westchester Polo Club exhibition matches were also responsible for the introduction
of lacrosse to Baltimore, arguably the current center of men’s lacrosse in the United
States. Members of a Baltimore-based track and field team returned to Maryland with
equipment. By the late 1870s the modern game was widely played in New York state,
particularly in Manhattan and Brooklyn and in cities along the Canadian border. The only
other places it was being played was where there were significant pockets of Canadian
ex-patriates.
Lacrosse boomed in Canada in the 1880s but by the onset of World War I the sport was
dying there perhaps due to a belated acceptance by eastern Canadians of the American game
of baseball. Another reason put forward was that the game is more a players’ than a
spectators’ game and could not attract the mass audiences professional sports require.
During the 1880s in the Northeast the game experienced significant growth both within
private athletic clubs and among a small group of universities (New York University,
Harvard, Princeton, Columbia and Yale). Students from Johns Hopkins University picked up
the game from a local club in 1882. Private clubs in the midwest (Louisville, Chicago,
Calumet,IL, Minneapolis, St. Louis) also competed. The club sport descended into bickering
and confusion over rules, professionalism and violence in the 1890s and most of the larger
universities abandoned lacrosse when it began to tap the source of players for the older
spring sports. By the end of the decade the clubs were in disarray and only four
universities (Hopkins, Cornell, Lehigh and Stevens) were playing the sport.
Regions
By the end of World War I it
was clear that the Northeastern United States was the growing center of power. The
university and club teams competed together on many occasions and the university teams
gradually dominated. This pattern of sports development in the games played by the elite
in the Northeast is fairly common – the sport begins in the athletic clubs of
post-university men, moves into the universities they graduated from, the university teams
become stronger and the clubs revert to the places where older players continue to play
after their university days. In most of these sports there are none or very limited
professional outlets for male players after college. By the late 1920s the distribution of
the sport was clearly Northeastern.
Lacrosse is currently played
nationally and internationally. but it is still more intensely played in the Northeastern
United States than other regions. The map at the left shows the locations of the
approximately 180 colleges and universities where the men’s game was played as an NCAA
sport in 1997. The schools outside the Northeast, for example, in Ohio and the upper
South, are mostly private schools founded on the New England model. Additionally, there
are men’s lacrosse teams at several schools in Colorado and one Division III team in
California (Whittier). As a club sport men’s lacrosse has an even wider distribution.
WOMEN’S LACROSSE
Origins and Diffusion
Among the Iroquois, women and children would occasionally play informally but the
division of activities between the genders reserved the ball game for men. Among
non-Indian players this was also the case for quite a while in lacrosse.
The women’s game may appear the same as the men’s game but is played very differently.
Originally the sticks had to be wooden and did not allow a continuously molded head as the
men’s game did. In the men’s game there is no maximum length or weight for the stick; the
individual players get to determine the amount of stick they wish to carry while the rules
limit women to a four foot stick. Body contact and pads are also not allowed in the
women’s game but the goalie may wear pads. When the ball is inside the “bubble”
of the face (they wear only mouthguards, no helmets) no checking is allowed. This creates
a style of carrying the ball cradled close to the face; only when the player extends the
stick to pass can the opponent hit at the stick. As a result of the rules differences, the
women’s game is less violent and more fluid. While the games are different they have been
converging over the last few decades.
The first known women’s lacrosse game was played at St. Leonard’s School, Fife,
Scotland, in 1890. It became popular in women’s private schools in England in the 1890s
and was brought to the United States by graduates of these schools. Although there were
attempts earlier (1914) the first time it took root in this country was at the Bryn Mawr
School – Baltimore (not to be confused with Bryn Mawr College in Philadelphia) in 1926.
Other clubs were formed in Baltimore and it spread to Philadelphia and New York. A United
States Women’s Lacrosse Association was formed in 1931 with local associations in Boston,
New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore, and the first national championship was held in
1933. The women’s sport in its early years experienced a rivalry with British teams that
was quite similar to the US-Canadian rivalry of the men’s game during its formative years.
Teams went back and forth, demonstrations were held, British coaches came over and
gradually the US teams improved. Lacrosse in Great Britain is still regarded largely as a
women’s game in the south and a men’s game in the north.
There was a period of rapid growth in women’s lacrosse in the Philadelphia area in the
early 1960s. One account (Kurz 1978) talks of great growth from 1964 to 1975 and another
(NAGWS 1981) said that the game had spread nationally by the late 1970s.
Regions
BOX LACROSSE
Box lacrosse is the indoor version of the game and originated in Montreal in 1930 as a
way to use empty hockey rinks during the off season. Occasionally you will see a claim
that the game originated with Johns Hopkins graduates in Australia who did not have enough
people for a team but that story is not true (Wyand and Robert 1965, 154). Box lacrosse
(sometimes called boxla) was, and still is, very popular in Canada where it has replaced
field lacrosse as the major version of the game. It is also widely played in Australia.
There have been several attempts to popularize the game in the United States (1930s,
southern California – 1938, Baltimore-1949/50 and 1962/63). The most recent attempt (1987)
is the Major Indoor Lacrosse League with teams currently ( Spring 1997) in Boston,
Baltimore, Buffalo, Philadelphia, New York and Rochester but teams drop in and out of the
league with some frequency.
A July press release announced the formation of new box professional league to replace
Major Indoor Lacrosse,the National Lacrosse League to begin play in January, 1998. The new
league will have teams in Baltimore/Washington, D.C., Buffalo, Hamilton (Ontario), New
England, New York (Long Island), Philadelphia, Rochester, Syracuse, with an additional two
to four markets expected.
Sources:
Anon. No date. ” La Crosse” – America’s oldest game.http://www.uea.ac.uk/~c197/laX/history.htm
Converse, M.C. 1908. Myths and legends of the New York state Iroquois. New York
State Museum Bulletin 125. Albany: 146.
Culin, S. 1907. Games of the North American indian. In Twenty-Fourth Annual Report
of the Bureau of American Ethnology. Washington: Bureau of American Ethnology.
Keefe, R.J. 1975. Intercollegiate athletics in the Roaring Twenties. Paper presented at
the Annual Convention of the North American Society for Sport History. Boston.
Kurz,A.B. 1978. What is lacrosse? In “Field Hockey/Lacrosse” in NAGWS
Guide.Washington D.C.: American Alliance for Health, Physical Education and Recreation
– National Association for Girls and Women in Sport. 171-174.
Lipsyte, R. 1987. Lacrosse: All-American game.Winds of Change: A Magazine for
American Indians in Science and Technology.2(4):4-6,8.
McCluney, E.B. 1974. Lacrosse: the combat of spirits. Southwestern American Indian
Society. 1:34-42.
National Association for Girls and Women in Sport. 1981. Lacrosse. In NAGWS Guide
January 1979-1981. Washington, D.C. American Alliance for Health, Physical Education
and Recreation.
Weyand, A.M. and M.R. Roberts. 1965. The Lacrosse Story.Baltimore: H&A
Herman.
Wulff, R.L. 1977. Lacrosse among the Seneca. The Indian Historian.10: 16-22.
Links
Major Indoor Lacrosse League (Box)
College Lacrosse USA
Access to some team/program pages
Last Modified on August 6, 1997
Lacrosse | The Canadian Encyclopedia
Men from Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk Nation) at Kahnawà:ke who were the Canadian lacrosse champions in 1869. Image courtesy of Library and Archives Canada/C-001959.
Beers promoted lacrosse in Canada by claiming that it “knocks timidity and nervousness out of a young man, training him to temperance, confidence and pluck” (courtesy Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame).
Through the 1880s, lacrosse enjoyed sustained growth, spreading from coast to coast, and by 1900 it was likely Canada’s favourite sport, though never, as is often said, the “national sport” (courtesy Library and Archives Canada).
In 1904 the Winnipeg Shamrocks won the Olympic gold medal in one of only two times lacrosse was an Olympic event (1904 and 1908). Just three teams competed that year, the Shamrocks, a Mohawk team from Ontario and an American team. The Americans received
the silver and the Mohawks the bronze. Images: Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame & Museum.
Canada’s lacrosse team, gold medallists at the 1908 London Olympics. The team defeated Great Britain to win Canada”s second-ever gold in the sport. It would be the last time lacrosse was offered as a medal sport at the Olympics (courtesy Canadian
Press Archives).
If lacrosse was not by law Canada’s national game, in the late 19th century its popularity was such that it was in fact the national game (courtesy Notman Archives/29,210-i)
Lacrosse is a team sport in which players pass, catch, and carry a rubber ball, using sticks with a netted pouch at one end. The object of lacrosse is to accumulate points
by shooting the ball into the opposing team’s goal. The early versions of the game involved large teams of Indigenous warriors playing over a field that could be over a kilometre in length. Since that time, lacrosse has changed significantly, and there
are now four distinct games in Canada: men’s field lacrosse, women’s field lacrosse, box lacrosse, and inter-crosse.
History of Lacrosse
The history of lacrosse is difficult to trace, for fact often meshes with fiction, and many aspects of the sport’s history have been passed on as folklore. One of the most famous legends involving lacrosse dates from Pontiac’s
Rebellion of 1763, in which the Odawa chief reportedly staged a game in order to distract British soldiers and gain entry to Fort Michilimackinac in what is now Michigan. First Nations warriors had played similar ball games for centuries before this early exhibition game.
Indigenous Origins
Members of the various Algonquian language groups referred to early ball games as baggataway. Strong similarities among the war club, lacrosse stick, and even the drumstick,
shown in photos of early Ojibwa implements, support the connection between these early ball games and the later development of lacrosse. There is also a strong link between lacrosse
and the Mohawk ball game known as tewaarathon. As with other early Indigenous ball games, tewaarathon served a number of functions; as the game was played by a large number of warriors on fields that could be over a kilometre long, it kept young
men fit and strong for both war and hunting. It could also be played to strengthen diplomatic alliances, support social conformity and economic equality, and honour the gods. In general, Aboriginal women were excluded from these games, although in some
First Nations women did play ball games on their own, or with men.
Early European Accounts
One of the first written Canadian references to the activity of lacrosse appears in the 1637 journals of Jesuit missionary Jean de Brébeuf. In his journal, Brébeuf records
entire villages playing each other in games of “crosse.” While some authors allege that Brébeuf gave the sport its name because the stick resembled a bishop’s crosier, Brébeuf’s own writings mention nothing of the similarity; moreover, he does not provide
a clear enough description of the activity to determine whether these ball games were the same as the game of lacrosse.
Historian Douglas Fisher argues that the origins of modern lacrosse lie in the Mohawk game of tewaarathon. After the American Revolution, many Haudenosaunee relocated along the St. Lawrence River and the Grand River. The Haudenosaunee had allied with
the British government during the war, and were forced to leave their traditional lands when the young Republic gained its independence. The Mohawk at Saint Regis, a Jesuit mission close to Montréal, played ball games so frequently that the missionary complained it interfered with attendance at church.
In the 1830s, visiting anglophones from Montréal noticed the games and learned to play from their Mohawk neighbours, adopting the French term lacrosse for their new pastime. The first recorded match between anglophones and Mohawk took place
on 29 August 1844. In 1856, lacrosse enthusiasts formed the Montreal Lacrosse Club, followed soon by the Hochelaga and Beaver Clubs. When the Prince of Wales visited Montréal in August 1860, the locals staged a “Grand Display of Indian Games,” including
a match between two Indigenous teams, and another between an Indigenous and an Anglo-Canadian team.
Evolution of the Modern Sport
In September 1860, one month after the Prince’s visit, a young dentist named William George Beers wrote a pamphlet that set out some rules and instructions for the game, which until then had had no written regulations. Beers, a strong nationalist, not only designed a set of rules for the game, but also replaced the deerskin ball with one of hard rubber. He became known as the father of modern lacrosse.
In 1867, the sport made its first appearance overseas, when Captain W.B. Johnson organized a tour to England; the group included 16 paid players from Kahnawake as well as amateur players from the Montreal Lacrosse Club. In 1876, two squads (one from Kahnawake
and the other from Montréal) toured Britain, playing in front of Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle. A third successful tour followed in 1883.
The National Sport of Canada?
Mythology surrounding lacrosse still abounds, particularly with respect to its status as the National Sport of Canada. Beers was so enthralled with the sport that he felt it should be the national game, even though, at the time of Confederation, cricket was the most popular summer sport in the land. In 1867, the Dominion’s first national sport governing body, the National Lacrosse Association of Canada, was formed, adopting as its motto: “Our Country and Our Game.” Beers campaigned for lacrosse to be named the country’s national game, and claimed that Parliament had made it official in 1867. However, even though many Canadians believed Beers, there is no evidence that Parliament officially proclaimed lacrosse as the national sport at that time.
While there may not have been any official parliamentary record of lacrosse being proclaimed the national sport of Canada in 1867, it was arguably the de facto national sport for many decades. In 1994, however, a zealous hockey fan and Member of Parliament, Nelson Riis, introduced a private member’s bill that declared hockey the national sport of Canada. After much debate, the bill was amended to make hockey the official winter sport and lacrosse the official summer sport. The National Sports of Canada Act received royal assent in May of that year.
To many lacrosse fans, however, lacrosse has always been the only national sport — and always will be. Visitors to the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame in New Westminster, British Columbia, will notice that the bronze plaques listing the Hall of Famers continue to be embossed with, “Canada’s National Game.”
Lacrosse in Canada Today
There are four distinct versions of lacrosse played in Canada today: men’s field lacrosse, women’s field lacrosse, box lacrosse, and inter-crosse.
Men’s Field Lacrosse
Men’s field lacrosse is played by two teams of 10 on an outdoor field. The most noticeable difference between field lacrosse and other forms is the use of much longer sticks by the three defencemen on each team. Canada has a rich history in field lacrosse,
and from 2009 to 2013 one Canadian team — the Hamilton Nationals (formerly Toronto Nationals) — competed in Major League Lacrosse, a professional field lacrosse league in North America.
The Canadian national team is one of the top field lacrosse teams in the world, and competes in the World Lacrosse Championships, which take place every four years. In 2006, Canada won its first championship in nearly three decades when it defeated the United States of America 15–10. At the 2010 Championships in Manchester, England, Canada was narrowly defeated by the US team in the championship final.
The 2010 World Lacrosse Championships were notable for the absence of one of the strongest lacrosse teams in the world, the Iroquois Nationals. The Iroquois Nationals represent the Haudenosaunee on both sides of the Canada–US border; it is the only Indigenous team that has been sanctioned to compete in international sporting competitions. The team was accustomed
to travelling with their Haudenosaunee passports, but British officials refused to allow them entry, stating that the passports were not acceptable forms of identification. The Iroquois Nationals had competed in the world championships since 1998, winning
fourth in 1998, 2002 and 2006. However, as they did not play in 2010, they were automatically demoted to last place in the world standings. After the team launched two appeals, the Federation of International Lacrosse announced in June 2013 that the
Iroquois Nationals would compete in the elite Blue Division in the 2014 Championship.
In 2014, Canada won the men’s world championship, defeating the United States, while the Iroquois Nationals finished third. Two years later, the Canadian team finished second at the men’s under-19 championship, with the Nationals coming third (the US won the title). In 2018, Canada won silver at the men’s world championship, losing 8–9 to th United States in the gold medal game. The Iroquois Nationals again took bronze, defeating Australia 14–12.
Women’s Field Lacrosse
Women’s field lacrosse is a non-contact sport played with 12 players per team. Ball movement and effective stick handling are key elements of the sport, and the shallowness of the stick’s pocket makes catching and maintaining control of the ball more
challenging. The first game of women’s field lacrosse took place in Scotland in 1890, and the first international women’s match was played at Richmond Athletic Ground (near London, England) in 1913 between Scotland and Wales. The game spread from the
British Isles to North America, although there seems to have been more resistance to women’s lacrosse in Canada than the United States (see Hall).
Team Canada has ranked among the top women’s lacrosse teams in the world. At the FIL World Cup in Oshawa, Ontario, in July 2013, the Canadian senior women’s lacrosse team reached the final for the first time in their history, losing to the defending American champions. With their silver medal, the team moved to second in the world standings. The women’s under-19 team won the world championship in 2015. Two years later, the senior women’s team again won silver at the world championships, losing 10–5 to the United States. The Canadian women’s lacrosse team is currently ranked second in the world, while the Iroquois Nationals women’s team is ranked 12th.
Box Lacrosse
Box lacrosse was developed in Canada in the 1930s as a way to take advantage of hockey arenas left vacant during the summer months. It is the most popular form of lacrosse in Canada, and is played by both men and women (indeed, many top field lacrosse
athletes play box lacrosse as well).
Boxla (as it is also known) is sometimes referred to as the fastest sport on two feet. The game is played by teams of six players; rebounds and checks off the boards make the game exciting to watch, and a 30-second shot clock, which requires a team to
either shoot in half a minute or relinquish the ball to their opponent, leads to a high-scoring game. Box lacrosse is usually played on a cement surface. However, professional indoor lacrosse (which is very similar to box lacrosse) is played on a turf
carpet.
A number of Canadian teams compete in the National Lacrosse League, a professional indoor lacrosse league in North America, and several Ontario teams competed in the professional Canadian Lacrosse League from 2012 to 2016 (the league folded in 2016).
Box lacrosse is very strongly represented in Canada, and the national team has won every World Indoor Lacrosse Championship since the competition first began in 2003. The Iroquois Nationals team placed second in all four championships (2003, 2007, 2011,
2015), and was only narrowly defeated in overtime during the 2007 final.
Inter-Crosse
Inter-crosse, the newest form of lacrosse, is a low-risk activity, designed for schools and recreation programs. The easy-to-play indoor game uses molded plastic sticks and a soft, lightweight ball, and teaches participants the fundamentals of lacrosse:
scooping, carrying, passing, and catching the ball.
See also Sports History, Édouard Lalonde, Lacrosse: From Creator’s Game to Modern Sport,
The Iroquois Nationals and the 2010 World Lacrosse Championships, Legends of Lacrosse Exhibit.
How And Where Did The Game Of Lacrosse Originate?
A game of lacrosse.
Lacrosse is a sport that involves two teams who use a long stick that has a handle known as lacrosse or crosse stick and a small rubber ball usually weighing about 0.31ounces. Lacrosse is both played by men and women’s teams.
A loose mesh is fitted at the end of the lacrosse stick designed to catch and hold the ball in place. There are a number of different ways that the mesh is mounted on the stick which is known as stringing the stick.
How Lacrosse Is Played?
The main aim of the game is to shoot the ball into the opposing team’s goal net past the goal keeper. The players use the lacrosse stick to catch, hold, and pass the ball with the objective of scoring. On defense, the opposing team tries to keep the other team from getting the ball past the goalie through the use of the lacrosse stick, positioning, and body contact. Lacrosse comprises of four types: women’s lacrosse, men’s field lacrosse, intercrosse, and box lacrosse.
Positioning Of Lacrosse
Lacrosse consists of four primary positions known as the defence, attack, midfield, and goalie. While on the field, the lacrosse attackmen are played entirely on the offence apart from when the opposing team tries to bring the ball upfield. The lacrosse defenders entirely play on the defence apart from when the ball us being brought up the field. The lacrosse goalie is the last person on the defence line directly defending the goal post and the opposing team from scoring. The midfielders have no particular position on the field as they can play both offence and defence anywhere on the field apart from the higher levels of lacrosse game where the midfielders are specialized in specific roles.
The History Of Lacrosse
The origins of lacrosse date back to the cultural traditions of the Iroquois people from Ontario, Quebec in Canada, Pennsylvania and New York. Due to its roots, lacrosse is a traditional sport to the people of the Northeastern regions of the United States commonly known as the east coast. However, in recent years lacrosse has grown into a popular sport in the Western, South and Midwest parts of the US.
Lacrosse is thought to have been established by 1100 AD among the native people who lived in the continent of North America. In the 17th century, lacrosse was well developed and documented in the present day of the Canadian territory by the Jesuit missionary priests. Since the game was developed, it has evolved and gone through different modifications. The origin of its name comes from Jean de Brébeuf, a Jesuit missionary, who upon seeing the tribesmen of Iroquois play the game in 1637 in present day New York became the first European to write about the sport thus calling it “la crosse”. The name ‘la crosse’ is considered to have originated from the French word meaning field hockey.
The Founding Of The Lacrosse Club
Following the continued successful growth of the sport, the Lacrosse Club was founded by William George Beers in 1855. Beers, who was a Canadian dentist, founded the Montreal Lacrosse Club and later codified the game in 1867 making the duration of each game shorter and reducing the number of players to 12 on each team. During the early 19th century lacrosse was among the sports in the 1904 and 1908 Olympics for medals by the United States, Canada, and Britain. By the 20th century lacrosse had already gained fame in high-schools, colleges, and universities around Canada and the US.
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Lacrosse Origins America’s Oldest Sport – CreaseRoll
In areas where lacrosse isn’t as popular – commonly called “non-traditional” areas – most families’ introduction to lacrosse comes by signing their kids up for the local league. Parents often greet the coach with the same statements. “My daughter is new. I have never seen lacrosse. We know nothing.”
Their sole exposure to (and impression of) lacrosse is usually limited to the quality of the experience within the local lacrosse community. In addition, parents may have preconceived impressions of lacrosse as an “elitist East Coast prep school” game, or – worse – based on bad news headlines; neither of which are fair or appropriate generalizations.
The game of lacrosse has a long and interesting history that often isn’t shared. It is considered America’s Oldest Sport, documented as long ago as the 1600s, and originated with the Native Americans in the region connecting Canada and New York. The Native Americans call lacrosse the “Creator’s Game”. Tribal Nations played for a number of reasons, such as settling conflicts, and a game could continue for days over vast spaces of land and culminate with a feast and celebration. The game is considered “spiritual” and to be played for the “enjoyment of the Creator” rather than one’s own.
Although the game started in North America, the Europeans, specifically the French, adapted the game into a modern team sport format with rules, organized teams, and boundaries. William George Beers is often cited as formalizing the game in 1860 to the version most resembling today’s game.
The first women’s (version) game occurred in Scotland at St. Leonards School for Girls in 1890. The headmistress at St. Leonards, Louisa Lumsden, had seen a game while visiting Quebec. Years later, Rosabelle Sinclair, a former student at St. Leonards, established the first girls team in the United States in 1926 at the Bryn Mawr School for Girls of Baltimore City.
In the early 1900s lacrosse began to spread into the United States’ colleges and universities and ultimately developed into the game we know and play today. Lacrosse was an Olympic sport in 1904 and 1908.
Additional Reading – US Lacrosse https://www.uslacrosse.org/about-the-sport/history
Recommended Watching – America’s First Sport, 2013, Documentary Narrated by Mike Tirico
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The Haudenosaunee Invented Lacrosse and Were Shunned by It
Lacrosse is the oldest organized sports in North America…and was first played by indigenous tribes as early as 1100 A.D. The Haudenosaunee (pronounced Hoad-Nah-Shaw-Nee) people described it as “the animals of the forest gathered for a great ballgame.”
But, LA Times reporter David Wharton writes that the game invented by indigenous people nearly a thousand years ago, is now trying to keep them out.
What You Need To Know
- Lacrosse is one of the oldest organized sports in North America and was first played by indigenous tribes
- The Haudenosaunee are a confederacy of six different nations that are scattered mostly through New York and Canada
- French settlers were the first colonizers to find out about the game
- Ireland’s lacrosse team withdrew from the 2022 World Games, allowing the Iroquois lacrosse team to take its place
The Haudenosaunee are a confederacy of six different nations that are scattered mostly through New York and Canada. A long time ago, they were at war and a prophet called “the peacemaker” brought them together and they formed the Haudenosaunee confederacy and that exists to this day.
The Haudenosaunee are the ones who invented lacrosse with the help of some of their woodland friends.
“They tell the story about this great game that was going to be between the four-legged animals on one side and the birds, eagles, and owls on the other side. Just before the game was about to start a little mouse and squirrel went up to the birds and said ‘they won’t let them play because they were too small.’ And, the birds cut some leather from a ceremonial drum and made little wings for the mouse, and that’s how we got the bat,” said LA Times reporter David Wharton.
“And then they couldn’t find any more leather so thy grabbed the squirrel and stretched the skin from its side, and that’s how we got the flying squirrel. They were allowed to play and lo and behold, at the very end of the game the bird team won.”
French settlers were the first colonizers to find out about the game. It is called lacrosse because it reminds the French settlers of a crozier that the bishops carry. Particularly in the last 20 years, lacrosse has gotten more popular in the U.S. with more college teams, high school teams, and youth clubs playing it now.
The way Wharton would describe lacrosse is by comparing it to soccer.
“Imagine a soccer field with two smaller goals on either end. The players have these sticks that have webbing on the end. They have a hard rubber ball they pass back and forth, and they’re just trying to get down the other end of the field while the other team is guarding them, and get an open shot and score past the goalie,” said Wharton.
“It’s a little bit like hockey. It could be beautiful in some ways but it can also be violent. There’s a lot of hitting and you can jab at other players with your stick but it’s pretty fast-moving—it’s a really fun sport to watch.”
The Haudenosaunee view the game as a gift from their creator and approach it with joyfulness. The “clear mind,” as they call it, seeks to block anger and worry, transforming an often-violent endeavor into something more artful.
Their homegrown squad, the Iroquois Nationals say lacrosse is in their blood.
“When you talk to players from U.S. teams, Canadian teams or Ireland, and Australia —they talk about the fact that these guys do things with a lacrosse stick that nobody else does. And they say it’s because it’s an extension of their body. They’ve had this in their hands since they were toddlers. So, they’re very creative and play a very fluid style game. And, the other players respect them for that,” said Wharton.
The reason why people do not know much about the Iroquois Nationals is because the Haudenosaunee sees themselves as a sovereign nation. They want to play under their name, flag, and they want to carry their own passports.
“The passports are a problem. When they went to the world championships in England in 2010, it was after 9/11 and England said they wanted to have stricter travel regulations and they didn’t let the Nationals in. At the time, Hillary Clinton was Secretary of State and she tried to get in the way to help the Nationals, but it didn’t work and they didn’t play,” said Wharton.
The other problem is regarding the Olympics. They have a rule that to be a nation, you have to be internationally recognized. And, they don’t see the Haudenosaunee confederacy as internationally recognized. Therefore, they don’t get to play sometimes in these big tournaments.
One quick update to this story. In a show of great sportsmanship —Ireland’s lacrosse team withdrew from the 2022 World Games, allowing the Iroquois lacrosse team to take its place.
How Do You Play Lacrosse?
When it comes to sports in the United States, many people immediately think of one of the three most popular professional sports: football, baseball, and basketball. Of course, there are other popular professional sports, such as hockey and soccer, too.
Football is probably the sport most often associated with the U.S., but there’s actually another much older sport that was invented here hundreds of years ago by Native Americans. It involves a large field, a small rubber ball, two nets, and long sticks with baskets on the end. What are we talking about? Lacrosse, of course!
Even though it doesn’t receive the kind of attention some other sports get, lacrosse can boast that it’s a truly American sport. Native Americans have been playing lacrosse since as early as the 15th century.
In addition to being a fun game, Native American tribes used lacrosse to train young warriors for battle. They may have even used the game to settle disputes between tribes. Unlike the 10-man teams of modern lacrosse, Native Americans sometimes enjoyed games involving hundreds of players on a field that could be miles long!
Modern lacrosse fields are large rectangles with a goal at each end. Although the field might remind you of a field hockey or soccer field, there are differences in how lacrosse is played.
Ten-person teams face off as they try to get the small rubber ball into their opponent’s goal. Instead of throwing the ball with their hands or kicking it with their feet, lacrosse players use long sticks with a net-like basket or pocket on the end to pick up, carry, throw, catch, and shoot the ball.
The lacrosse stick — called a crosse — allows the players to whip the ball around the field with incredible speed. Players must cover a lot of ground and game play can get intensely physical, which has earned the sport of lacrosse the nickname of “the fastest game on two feet.” Lacrosse players get a lot of exercise, and the best players develop exceptional speed and stamina.
The 10 players on a lacrosse team are divided into three attackers, three midfielders, three defenders, and a goalkeeper. Game play involves strategy and precise passing. The game shares some similarities with basketball, in the sense that lacrosse games can include fast breaks, picks, and different defensive strategies, such as zone and man-to-man.
A crosse isn’t the only piece of specialized equipment that lacrosse players need. Since the small, hard ball whips around the field at high speeds and contact with other players is frequent, protective gear is a must. A typical lacrosse player will wear a helmet, gloves, mouth guard, and protective pads that cover the ribs, shoulders, and elbows.
Today, lacrosse is a popular sport with both men and women at high schools and colleges across the United States. In 2001, a semi-pro league, called Major League Lacrosse or MLL, began play. There are currently nine teams in the MLL.
90,000 Metalurh is stronger than Dynamo, Vovchenko scores a lacrosse goal. Daily highlights: News: Kontinental Hockey League (KHL)
The game program of the day began in Nur-Sultan, where the hosts, having received three goals from Torpedo, were unable to close the gap and lost. In Magnitogorsk, Metallurg continued to take off, again beating Moscow Dynamo, the hero of the match in Chelyabinsk was the goalkeeper of Traktor Roman Will, and in Ufa his colleague Janis Kalninsh shone, who did not allow Salavat Yulaev’s attack to excel.In Sochi, the hosts managed to outplay Neftekhimik, Ak Bars was stronger at home than Dynamo Minsk, Severstal, due to a masterpiece goal from Daniil Vovchenko, defeated Spartak.
25 Villa saves bring success to Traktor
Tractor
Chelyabinsk
40. Kalinin Sergey 23 ‘
71.Avtsin Alexander 30 ‘
2 – 0
0: 02: 00: 0
11/12/2020
Siberia
Novosibirsk region
Both teams approached the reporting match with a streak of two defeats in a row.This season, the Novosibirsk team beat Anvar Gatiyatulin’s team on home ice 2: 1. For the first time since November 15, goalkeeper Anton Krasotkin got into Sibir’s bid, having recovered from an injury. Czech goalkeeper Roman Will took the place at the hosts’ goal.
In the first period, “Traktor” had a noticeable territorial advantage, but at the same time made only four shots on goal by Harry Sateri. The second period began with a fast puck from Chelyabinsk. Pontus Oberg threw from an acute angle, and Sergei Kalinin watched over the rebound and added the puck into the empty net.In the middle of the match, Alexander Avtsin doubled his team’s power play with an excellent wrist throw.
Position of teams before the game
Place
Club
Points
4
Tractor
44
8
Siberia
34
Position of teams after the game
Place
Club
Points
4 (0)
Tractor
46
8 (0)
Siberia
34
Before game
After game
The teams tried to spend the third period actively, but both goalkeepers performed well.Will played a clean sheet for the third time this season and helped Traktor take revenge for their defeat this season.
Vovchenko’s lacrosse goal becomes victorious for Severstal
4 – 3
1: 11: 12: 1
11/12/2020
Spartak
Moscow
52.Shirokov Sergey 7 ‘
07:31
Most
28. Zubarev Andrey 34 ‘
34:33
In equality
3.Yuse Emil 53 ‘
53:01
In equality
Severstal and Spartak have come to the third meeting with each other in the championship with almost identical statistical indicators. An equal number of points (38 each), the number of victories in regulation time (11 each), in overtime (4), and the first two matches of the Cherepovets and the red-and-white team ended with the same score – 4: 3, exchanging victories, with that only difference that Spartak won in overtime.Both matches were held in Moscow, and now Spartak will have two visits to Cherepovets. The red and whites overcame the protracted decline and won two victories in a row, Severstal had a winning streak of three matches.
Compared to the victorious match against Neftekhimik, Spartak made two changes: Martin Bakos and Roman Lyubimov were replaced by Lukash Radil, who returned to the striking link with Yori Lechter and Sergei Shirokov, and Maksim Mayorov. At Severstal, Nikita Guslistov replaced Yegor Yakovlev in the third link, Dmitry Moiseev appeared in the fourth link.
The first period turned out to be equal, with an abundance of power struggle. “Spartak” twice got the opportunity to play in the majority and realized the second chance. It is interesting that Severstal earned two minutes of the penalty not for a violation on the ice – the head coach of the hosts Andrei Razin received a disciplinary penalty. It took “Spartak” only ten seconds to realize – Sergei Shirokov shot from afar, extending the streak with the points scored to four matches. Before the break, Severstal was able to recoup by organizing a quick two-on-one attack, 18-year-old Guslistov eluded Damir Musin, closed the pass of Yegor Morozov and scored his first point in the KHL.
Position of teams before the game
Place
Club
Points
6
Severstal
38
7
Spartak
38
Position of teams after the game
Place
Club
Points
6 (0)
Severstal
40
8 (-1)
Spartak
38
Before game
After game
In the second period, the tight tough game continued, in the 30th minute the fight between Yakov Rylov and Mikhail Tikhonov led to the fact that Spartak was again in the minority and conceded a second time – Vladislav Kodolu was taken to the final throw.But on the second break, the teams left with a tied score – another long-range shot reached the goal, this time by Andrey Zubarev. In the third period, the hosts first took the lead through the efforts of Denis Vikharev, and in the 50th minute Daniil Vovchenko gave the masterpiece, using lacrosse to put the puck behind Gudachek. The guests were not going to give up, and very soon Emil Yuse made the score 4: 3. As a result, this score was recorded for the third time in the match between today’s opponents.
Rubtsov’s double brings Sochi victory
4 – 2
0: 04: 20: 0
11.12.2020
Neftekhimik
Nizhnekamsk
91.Shafigullin Bulat 22 ‘
22:14
In equality
24.Poryadin Pavel 27 ‘
27:26
In equality
Neftekhimik’s losing streak has already made four matches. At the same time Vyacheslav Butsaev , in comparison with the meeting against Spartak, left the first two links unchanged and again entrusted the place in the goal to Konstantin Barulin.For the first time since September 6, the Sochi coaching staff released goalkeeper Ivan Kulbakov, who played only his second match in the KHL. Forward Daniil Ogirchuk and defender Konstantin Klimontov appeared in the fourth link.
The first and second periods came out to be equal in statistics. The opponents showed similar indicators in shots (11-11 and 9-9) and in attack time. But how different in content and implementation these segments turned out to be. In the starting period, the goalkeepers were the soloists, who did not allow their opponents to excel even once.And after the break, viewers saw six goals at once during the period. The goalless silence was interrupted by Bulat Shafigulin who completed an excellent combination with one-touch passes. It took German Rubtsov less than one minute to enter the zone and shoot Barulin into the near corner.
Position of teams before the game
Place
Club
Points
10
Sochi
24
12
Neftekhimik
20
Position of teams after the game
Place
Club
Points
10 (0)
Sochi
26
12 (0)
Neftekhimik
20
Before game
After game
The next doublet shot happened at 26 and 27 minutes.The teams’ pucks were separated by 46 seconds. First, Maxim Mineev took his team forward for the first time in the match, and then Pavel Poryadin made a 2-in-1 exit. At the equator of the match, Neftekhimik grabbed the first send-off, and Daniil Miromanov realized it. Completed the super-productive period, German Rubtsov, who completed the first double in his career in the KHL.
Having flared up in the second period, in the third period the game moved into a more rational channel. “Sochi” played competently according to the score. The Leopards have achieved their third victory in their last six meetings and are 12 points away from the playoff zone.Neftekhimik suffered a fifth defeat in a row.
Ak Bars defeated Dynamo Minsk
Ak Bars
Kazan
7 – 2
2: 02: 13: 1
11/12/2020
7.Falkovsky Stepan 35 ‘
35:24
In equality
9.Lodnya Ivan 58 ‘
58:05
Most
Minsk “Dynamo” started their four-legged away series.Earlier this season, the teams played an effective game in the capital of Belarus, then the victory remained with the Kazan team with a score of 5: 4. Ak Bars goalkeepers Adam Reideborn and Timur Bilyalov had a dry streak of more than one match. Dmitry Kvartalnov entrusted this meeting to start to Timur Bilyalov.
At the beginning of the match, Artyom Galimov opened the scoring, successfully finishing off the puck after his own shot. For Galimov, this match was the first since October 30, and he only recently recovered from an injury.Even in the first period, Ak Bars doubled its advantage – the host’s captain Danis Zaripov watched over the rebound and sent the puck into an empty net. In the second period, Artyom Lukoyanov scored the third goal, distinguishing himself in the minority.
On the 35th minute of the game, Mikhail Fisenko was sent off until the end of the match for hitting with a stick, but the Minskers were unable to spend all five minutes in the majority. Surprisingly, it was in the “4 by 4” format that the dimensional defender Stepan Falkovsky made an individual solo and stopped Bilyalov’s dry streak.At the end of the period, the Minskers were close to their second goal, but in the end they got a counterattack on their own goal, which was completed by Kirill Petrov.
Position of teams before the game
Place
Club
Points
1
Ak Bars
54
5
Dynamo Mn
41
Position of teams after the game
Place
Club
Points
1 (0)
Ak Bars
56
5 (0)
Dynamo Mn
41
Before game
After game
In the third period Danny Taylor took the place in the Dynamo goal, but he failed to complete his part of the match to zero.At the 49th minute of the meeting, Dmitry Yudin made the score 5: 1 with a long-range shot. At the end, the teams scored three more goals, first Stefan Da Costa scored the sixth goal in a counterattack, Dynamo Minsk responded with Ivan Lodny’s puck, and the final score was set by Nigel Daws – 7: 2.
39 Kalnins’ rescues bring Jokerit the fifth consecutive victory in Ufa
Salavat Yulaev
Ufa
0 – 3
0: 10: 10: 1
11.12.2020
Jokerite
Helsinki
51.Grant Alex 18 ‘
18:41
Most
10.Schroeder Jordan 38 ‘
38:36
In equality
71. Jensen Niklas 58 ‘
58:06
In equality
Jokerit is an extremely inconvenient opponent for Salavat Yulaev, which was confirmed by the recent meeting in Helsinki.It ended in a victory for the hosts with a score of 3: 1. In addition, Salavat Yulaev lost their last four home games to Jokerit. It is also worth adding to this statistics that the Bashkir team lost in three meetings in a row.
Tomi Lyamsa reacted to this by transferring Alexander Alekseev to the second pair in defense, and Evgeny Lisovets to the third. Eduard Gimatov could not take part in this match, having caught the puck on his face in the previous meeting with Metallurg. Lauri Maryamaki continued rotation in the goalkeeper position, Janis Kalnins played in Ufa.Niklas Freeman came out in the second pair of defense.
In the opening of the match, the hosts looked preferable. They spent more time in the opponent’s zone (04:02 – 02:40), more often threw (11-7) and completely dominated the face-offs (14-3). However, “Salavat Yulaev” failed the sending-off at the end of the first period. Alex Grant stitched Juhu Metsola with a mighty click from the blue line.
After the break, a more open game took place, in which the goalkeepers were the main characters. Kalnins pulled out a lethal throw by Dmitry Kugryshev, Sakari Manninen hit the crosspiece.Metsola passed only after finishing off Jordan Schroeder just before the break. A couple of minutes before that, Veli-Matti Savinainen scored, but the referees canceled the goal due to the game with a high stick.
Position of teams before the game
Place
Club
Points
5
Salavat Yulaev
43
8
Jokerite
37
Position of teams after the game
Place
Club
Points
5 (0)
Salavat Yulaev
43
7 (+1)
Jokerite
39
Before game
After game
In the third period, the hosts had several chances to save the match.In the middle of the period, “Jokerit” retired three times in a row, but the special brigade of “Salavat Yulaev” could never realize the majority. Tema Hartikainen had a gorgeous moment, but from close range he could not beat Kalnins. But in the end, the guests scored again: Niklas Jensen completed the 2-in-1 exit. And the main hero of the match was Janis Kalnins, who made 39 rescues.
Double Varone did not help Barys
Barys
Nur-Sultan
26.Varone Filip 30 ‘
26.Varone Philip 37 ‘
2 – 3
0: 12: 20: 0
11.12.2020
Torpedo
Nizhny Novgorod Region
27.Goncharuk Sergey 10 ‘
10:06
In equality
18.Varnakov Mikhail 22 ‘
22:33
In equality
25.Clus Justin 27 ‘
27:01
In equality
Wards Yuri Mikhailis today completed their home streak, where they took maximum points in the previous four matches.The coaches made several changes to the play combinations, but Henrik Karlsson was again selected as the main goalkeeper. Torpedo arrived in Kazakhstan after being defeated by CSKA (1: 2), the team’s bid remained virtually unchanged. Statistics spoke against Nizhny Novgorod: they lost the last seven meetings in Nur-Sultan.
The rivals did not look closely at each other for a long time, immediately starting to create dangerous moments. Karlsson and his counterpart Alexei Melnichuk often had to enter the game, reflecting the throws almost point-blank, but the goalkeepers were invariably luckier.At the 11th minute, the score was opened: after Barys’s mistake in the middle zone, Sergei Goncharuk rushed to the goal and scored with a throw under the crossbar. Dry series of Karlsson was interrupted at around 75 minutes. After the goal Nizhny Novgorod firmly seized the initiative, following the results of the first period, throwing the hosts with a score of 11-6.
The start of the second period also remained with Torpedo, who quickly consolidated their advantage. The author of the abandoned puck was the forward Mikhail Varnakov, who took advantage of the most beautiful pass from Goncharuk.At the 28th minute, the score was already 3: 0 in favor of the Volzhan, striker Justin Klus recorded an accurate shot. “Barys” did not give up and soon closed the gap with the efforts of Philip Varone, who successfully played on the finishing move in the majority. Shortly before the break, Varone scored again with a masterful one-touch shot from an average distance.
Position of teams before the game
Place
Club
Points
9
Barys
33
7
Torpedo NN
36
Position of teams after the game
Place
Club
Points
9 (0)
Barys
33
7 (0)
Torpedo NN
38
Before game
After game
In the third dvadtsatiminutke “Barys” with redoubled energy rushed to compare the score, but Melnichuk and the guests’ defense acted confidently and reliably.”Torpedo” also did not sit out in defense, snapping back with quick counterattacks. In the end, the Nizhny Novgorod team seized the sending-off, presenting the hosts with an excellent chance to complete the comeback. Barça removed the goalkeeper and spent two minutes in the Volzhan zone, but the matter was limited to only a couple of dangerous throws. Torpedo kept the winning score and for the first time since 2017 took away the victory from Kazakhstan – 3: 2.
Metallurg beat Dynamo for the second time in 11 days
Metallurg
Magnitogorsk
44.Yakovlev Egor K. 5 ‘
44. Yakovlev Egor K. 31 ‘
40.Rasmussen Dennis 38 ‘
3 – 1
1: 02: 00: 1
11.12.2020
Dynamo M
Moscow
65. Efremov Vladislav 57 ‘
57:11
In equality
As noted before the start of the game Ilya Vorobyov , Mikhail Pashnin, who was injured in the match with Ak Bars, will return to the ice after a pause for the Eurotrip.Therefore, in the game against Dynamo, Grigory Dronov got a place in the squad. The termination of the contract with Harry Pesonen allowed Yegor Korobkin to return to the roster (albeit as the 13th striker), who has not played since November 19. And despite the fact that in Moscow, Dynamo beat Vasily Koshechkin, this time in Metallurg the last line from the start was entrusted to Juho Olkinuore. As part of the blue and white, Emil Garipov played the first match after moving from Avangard as the main goalkeeper.
But already in the sixth minute it was printed by Yegor Yakovlev – the defender was at the forefront of the attack, received an elegant pass on the free ice from Andrey Chibisov and aimed a shot at the far top corner.Four minutes before the break, Dronov went back to the locker room – Oscar Lidberg committed a brutal offensive foul, met Metallurg’s defender with his knee to the knee and received a large disciplinary penalty.
Dronov returned in the second period, while Dynamo lost their second center. Magnitogorsk were close to a goal, but neither before the break, nor after the majority did not come out. In the second game in a row, the “steelworkers” cannot turn a fireproof penalty into a goal. But the second attempt in the “5 by 4” format was successful: Yakovlev went on the offensive again, played baseball on finishing moves and scored a double.And at the end of the second 20-minute, Dennis Rasmussen asked Garipov from a nickle, having received a magnificent pass from Sergei Plotnikov.
Position of teams before the game
Place
Club
Points
3
Metallurg Mg
46
4
Dynamo M
44
Position of teams after the game
Place
Club
Points
3 (0)
Metallurg Mg
48
4 (0)
Dynamo M
44
Before game
After game
The third period was without sensations.Dynamo did not take advantage of the chance to save themselves, having received almost two minutes of the majority in the “5 on 3” format. “Magnitka” played in a row, several times rescued Olkinuore. Only in the 58th minute Vladislav Efremov successfully substituted a club on a nickle, printing out the same to Olkinuora and reducing the gap. Metallurg is still on fire – this is the sixth victory in the last seven matches and the second over Dynamo Moscow this December.
90,000 Lacrosse in Australia – Lacrosse in Australia
Lacrosse in Australia is a minor sport with a long and proud history dating back to 1876, with a small but dedicated community of participants and volunteers.Established lacrosse centers are located in the major metropolitan areas of Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. These cities host weekend lacrosse competitions for men and women at the senior and junior levels, which take place during the winter months (April to September). In the offseason, there are informal lacrosse and softcross competitions, although most players in Australia are mostly of the lacrosse type on the pitch. Lacrosse is also played in Sydney, Newcastle, Southeast Queensland, Canberra and Hobart and is highly developed.
Lacrosse Australia is now managed by a single governing body, the Australian Lacrosse Association (ALA), following the merger of Lacrosse Australia and Women’s Lacrosse Australia, which until 2008 independently managed the men’s and women’s versions of the games. The move to a single national authority was driven by the withholding of funds by the Australian federal government.
History
Lacrosse for men
Victoria
The pioneer of lacrosse in Victoria (and Australia in general) was Canadian Lambton L.Mount. He came to the Victorian goldfields as a fourteen year old boy with his family in 1853, but it wasn’t until 1875 that he was moved to revive his early childhood memories of lacrosse. After watching the football final between Carlton and Melbourne that year, it occurred to him that lacrosse was an excellent game.
In April 1876, Mount wrote to an Australian newspaper to announce that he was organizing the import of forty lacrosse sticks from Canada and intended to start lacrosse and found the Melbourne Lacrosse Club.He succeeded, and the first training match of this club took place on June 22, 1876 between 15-20 players in Albert Park. The Melbourne Club continued to promote the sport and organized matches between the reds and blues at Albert Park in 1877-78. By 1879, four clubs were formed with approximately 120 players. These four clubs, Melbourne, Fitzroy, South Melbourne and Carlton, formed the Victorian Lacrosse Association in July 1879 to coordinate matches. His Excellency Governor of Victoria The Honorable GAC Phipps was the first patron.
South Australia
University of Adelaide Lacrosse Club, 1896 Prime Minister’s Team
Lacrosse began in South Australia with the formation of the Adelaide Lacrosse Club on Friday 6 April 1883 at the Prince Alfred Hotel. The trainings were conducted by the club in South Parklands. By 1887 in North Adelaide (which still exist today), Noarlunga and Knightsbridge (located in what is now Leabrook) had joined Adelaide to play regular games in the city and the South Australia Lacrosse Association (now Lacrosse SA) was formed in 1888 by the Nobel Prize winning Professor Bragg, founding member of the North Adelaide Club established the university in 1889.
Soon, lacrosse spread throughout the young province, and the game became popular in the small town of Adelaide and in provincial cities where large numbers of people were recorded at the racetrack competitions. Teams were formed at Port Peary, Jamestown, Port Augusta, Port Germein, Gawler, Kapunda, Angaston, Riverton, and Murray Bridge.
Western Australia
The introduction of lacrosse into Western Australia was an indirect consequence of the discovery of gold in the Eastern mines.Perth was the main gateway to the gold mines as well as the commercial center of Western Australia. The city’s population tripled from 8,447 in 1891 to 27,553 ten years later. Sea Atkins, co-owner of a sports store on Barack Street, spearheaded the creation of lacrosse in Perth. On May 15, 1896, The Inquirer and Commercial News reported that a sports store was selling lacrosse clubs, and Atkins contacted two newly arrived lacrosse players from the Eastern states, Fred Parsons and Fred Wingrove.At a meeting held at the United Service Hotel and convened by Atkins, lacrosse pioneers Parsons & Wingrove helped form two clubs, Perth and Fremantle, in 1896. Two more clubs, Mercantile (based on a warehouse) and Cottesloe (later Banks) were formed in 1897. The official competition began in 1898 when Mercantile won the first prime minister’s seat that year.
The first report of a lacrosse game in East Goldfields occurred in May 1898, when teams called Kalgoorlie and Mines (whose home was Boulder) met.In 1899, the Coastal team visited Goldfields, where local devotee Arthur O’Connor practiced the sport — mostly from Coolgardy. This exhibition game became a regular part of the Western Australian sports calendar until 1914, when a downturn in the gold mining industry and the outbreak of World War I marked the end of the Goldfields East Lacrosse Association. After the Great Depression of the early 1930s, the Goldfields Eastern Lacrosse Association was re-established in 1935 and continued for four more years when World War II forced men to join.Later attempts to revive the game after the war have failed.
Queensland State Team vs. New South Wales; Sydney Cricket Ground, c. 1930 g.
Queensland
Brisbane Lacrosse Club was formed following a meeting at the YMCA on Monday 2 May 1887, and following the formation of a club in Ipswich and the imminent formation of one in South Brisbane, the Queensland Lacrosse Union was formed following a meeting at Lennon’s Hotel on Tuesday 14 February 1888. In 1888, the Savage Lacrosse Club held a smoky public and annual meeting.There are photographic records of interstate teams in 1889, 1904, 1905 and 1906. In July and August 1906, two interstate games were played against Victoria, the first game won by Victoria 16–12. In the second game, Queensland defeated Victoria 15–6.
In 1903, a club was formed in Rockhampton. In 1907, there were various lacrosse clubs in the Brisbane metropolitan area. Photos from 1907 show club names for Ottawa, Mohican, Delaware, Buffalo, Iroquois, Tumbul and Wallaru.In 1908, an association was formed in Toowoomba and held local competitions for several years.
The Kalinga Park sports grounds were opened in 1910 with the support of local sports clubs, including the Kalinga Lacrosse Club. By the 1920s, lacrosse was being played at Norman Park after the Wilson family rose to fame at the Waratah Foundry.
The Nudgee Lacrosse Club also had a field on the Nudgee Boorah Ring in the 1920s and 1930s.
Despite this early success, lacrosse in Queensland developed into a small group of enthusiasts after World War II.By the 1980s, all existing lacrosse clubs were gone. During the 1990s and 2000s (decade), lacrosse was occasionally played in the Brisbane, Surfers Paradise and Townsville areas. The Queensland Lacrosse Association operated with the support of Victorian expatriates and local enthusiasts.
Recent efforts by the Queensland Lacrosse Association have led to the creation of new lacrosse clubs in Brisbane (2009), Gold Coast (2011), Toowoomba (2011) and Sunshine Coast (2012). In addition, student clubs were formed on the campuses of James Cook University in Cairns (2013).) and Townsville (2014), as well as at the University of Queensland in Brisbane in 2016.
New South Wales
Lacrosse was introduced to New South Wales (NSW) on July 19, 1883, after a meeting of gentlemen at the Cambridge Club Hotel in Rumford led to the formation of the Sydney Lacrosse Club. Manly Daily notes that the local lacrosse club won their season in 1930. Other early lacrosse clubs include Burwood District, Balmain, Camden, Granville, Marrickville, Mohican, Mosman, Newtown, North Sydney, Petersham, Stanmore, St Stephen’s Institute, University, Waverley and Wentworth.In the 1930s, lacrosse was played on the Sydney cricket field; during the same period there was a state command for New South Wales. The sport was strong enough for a Canadian team from Vancouver that toured Sydney in 1934. Gleb also played lacrosse before World War II. The Sydney Lacrosse initially included Division A and Division B, and the Lassetter Cup was held.
In 1909, the Broken Hill Lacrosse Association existed, which included the YMCA lacrosse club.
Lacrosse was revived in New South Wales in the early 1990s by a small, dedicated group of men and women. It was originally a mixed lacrosse game in Neutral Bay. The men’s team successfully competed at the Paradise Lacrosse Tournament on the Gold Coast called “Basically Naked”. The junior lacrosse started out as a pilot in Gordon with the involvement of two development staff, resulting in up to 60 juniors playing modified lacrosse, some of whom went on to play the full game.With the arrival of a development specialist at Lacrosse Australia based in Sydney, it was hoped that the junior and senior games would be a success. Teams / clubs have been established in Pennant Hills, Concord, Woollahra, Mosman and Sutherland. The games were most often held at Centennial Park in Sydney, although initially they were held at Edgecliffe and some demonstration games were held in Concord, Mosman and Sutherland.
Tasmania
Hobart Mercury reported that lacrosse was played in Tasmania in the mid-1880s, and the New Town lacrosse club recruited new members in 1884.In 1906, Victorian teams played lacrosse against the North and South teams. Tasmanian teams. In 1916, the Northern Tasmania Lacrosse Association withdrew from the competition for the title of prime minister due to the recruitment of men to participate in the war. Lacrosse players were among those wounded or killed in the war. In 1932, the Tasmanian team played Victoria as the curtain of a North-South soccer match. Hobart Mercury , April 29, 1940, complained that although lacrosse flourished before the Great War, it is now extinct.
Female lacrosse
Pre-war
The history of women’s lacrosse in Australia began in 1904 when Miss Gwyneth Morris, a gym teacher at Merton Hall, a girls’ gymnasium in Melbourne Church of England, introduced the sport as part of the school’s commitment to team sports.
In 1907, women practiced lacrosse in the Goldfields of Western Australia under the tutelage of men from the Kalgoorlie Lacrosse Club.
The earliest registered women’s lacrosse club, St. George’s Women’s Lacrosse Club, was founded in 1913 in New South Wales, soon followed by a club in Manly.By 1914 there were four clubs and there was competition. Competitions for women in New South Wales were suspended in July 1915, presumably due to the First World War, and no more events were reported after that date.
By 1930, girls ‘lacrosse had directions from Miss Louis Hardy at St. Peter’s Collegiate Girls’ School and Girton House School in South Australia. In 1931, the South Australian Lacrosse Association discussed the introduction of women’s lacrosse into the state.
In 1936, the Victorian Women’s Lacrosse Association was formed.The games were centered around teams from the YWCA and Williamstown. By 1940, under wartime conditions, this sport had fallen into disrepair.
Recovery
It wasn’t until 1962 that women’s lacrosse resumed in Victoria. With the support of Mel Taylor of the Lacrosse Club of Williamstown, 4 teams were formed (Williamstown 2, Footscray and Malvern). Ms Joy Parker (former secretary of the Victorian Amateur Women’s Lacrosse Association) became president of the newly reformed women’s association.The South Australian Women’s Lacrosse Association was also formed around the same time, and the competition began in 1962. As Australia was short of lacrosse clubs, the South Australian Women’s Lacrosse Association sold 12 women’s Victorian association clubs for £ 4.
In 1962, Mel Taylor noticed an advertisement in a newspaper in Adelaide that women could play lacrosse. Mal used this as an opportunity for an interstate match. The Australian Women’s Lacrosse Council (AWLC) was established under the leadership of Ms Joy Parker.Ms. Parker became inaugural President following the first match between Victoria and South Australia with Secretary Ms. Titter and Treasurer Ms. L. Rollie.
In 1965, the men’s lacrosse carnival was held in Perth, Western Australia, and the AWLC were invited to play their annual interstate match between Victoria and South Australia during this carnival. Western Australians were persuaded to form an association and join the AWLC at the same time. (Coincidentally, they also competed in what became the first women’s lacrosse championship.)
Height
In 1975, the Tasmanian Women’s Lacrosse Association was formed in Hobart. In 1978, Tasmania became a full member of the AWLC and made its first official team at the 1978 Perth Championship.
National Championships for Seniors have been held annually since 1978, with South Australia reigning supreme from 1985 to 1996, when Victoria beat them in the final for the first time in 12 years; Victoria’s monumental victory and the end of South Australia’s spectacular 12-year winning streak.
In 1970, the first U16 national championship was held, and in 1982 the first U19 interstate match was played between South Australia and Victoria at the Adelaide Seniors Championships.
Lacrosse in Australia today
Local competition
Currently, major lacrosse centers are located in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, with each city hosting multi-division club competitions in their respective urban areas.Each of these cities hosts national league competitions for both men and women, which attract foreign players (most from the US) who are hosted by local clubs to help strengthen their teams, as well as develop lacrosse programs for juniors. Most of the teams, both senior and junior, competing in lacrosse competitions across Australia are club-based, with small groups of school and university teams competing in club competitions.
Interstate competition
Interstate competitions, inherited from the colonial days of Australia, are a feature of many sports in Australia, and lacrosse is no exception. The competition is usually held as an annual weeklong carnival, with venues varying between states. Nationals are the highlight of the Australian lacrosse calendar, featuring some of the country’s best lacrosse talent and a very high level of games.
Australia’s first ever interstate (then intercolonial) match took place in Brisbane in 1887, when New South Wales beat Queensland 1 goal to zero. In 1888, Victoria defeated South Australia 5-1 at Melbourne Cricket Ground in the first match between the two colonies. In 1910, MCG hosted the first Australian interstate lacrosse carnival.
At senior and under 18 levels, each state sends its own elected team of representatives.At the Under 15 level, there is a national tournament to which Member States send one to three representative teams to level the playing field between the stronger and emerging lacrosse regions. Currently, national carnivals are held at the senior level, under 18 and under 15, for both men and women. Often, several of these events are held simultaneously in one place.
The Australian Lacrosse League was introduced in 2004 to replace the National Carnival’s senior male instead of having state teams play each other twice, with double headers (Saturday and Sunday games) being played over three weekends.Each state posts one double header and travels after the other. The two teams with the best round-robin wins / losses progress to the finals, having played on the weekend after the last round-robin match. Currently, the strongest lacrosse states – Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia – compete in ALL, but the league’s long-term goal is to include a team from all Australian states. However, four years later, due to the lack of support from South Australia and Victoria due to the increasing cost of participation in the ALL-style competition, in 2008 the national championship returned to the traditional carnival format.
The first Australian Club Lacrosse Championship was held in Adelaide on June 7, 2008. The women’s championship was won by the Newport Victoria women’s lacrosse club and the men’s championship was won by the Woodville lacrosse club of South Australia. The success of the first event saw clubbing national championships return in 2009 in an expanded format, featuring premieres from the three major lacrosse-playing states, as well as a wildcard from one of those states to create the final format of the four.Due to the postponement of the national championships for the long weekend of June, the 2013 championship was held on October 5 and 6, 2013. Although it was held after the end of the 2013 season, it featured relevant 2012 season state premieres. Wembley declined an invitation to send in his women’s team, while the Williamstown men’s team withdrew from the men’s tournament at the last minute. The women’s tournament featured two teams and in one championship match, Brighton (South America) became the fourth consecutive Australian Club Championship to win over Newport (Vic).South Africa’s Glenelga Lacrosse Club filled the vacancy left by Williamstown (Vic), competing against local rivals Brighton and Lacrosse Bayswater and Wembley Washington State for the men’s title. Bayswater became the first Western Australian team to win the Australian Club Championship by beating Brighton.
Australia in the international competition
In 1907, Australia’s first international lacrosse match against Canada was played at the MCG in front of 14,000 spectators.
Australia has an important place on the international stage, consistently ranking in the top three men’s world championships, although it has never won a trophy.At the 2014 World Lacrosse Championships, Australia finished out of the top 3 for seniors for the first time, finishing fourth (behind Canada, the United States and the Iroquois). They also finished second in the first three Men’s U19 Lacrosse World Championships.
Australia’s women’s national teams have achieved even greater success. Although Australia has only a small fraction of the playing pool of other countries, Australia won two Senior Women’s World Championships (in 1986 and 2005), as well as the first World Under-19 Championship in 1995.Australia’s main rival in international women’s competition. competition – USA.
The Men’s Lacrosse World Championship was held in Australia three times – in 1974 (Melbourne), 1990 (Perth) and 2002 (Perth), and the Women’s World Lacrosse Championship was held once in Australia in 1989.
See also
Recommendations
External links
90,000 The goal of a hockey player “Severstal” entered the top three of the KHL championship
04.03.21 / 18:28
Evgeniy Starikov
The Kontinental Hockey League, summing up the results of the regular part of the KHL championship, determined the TOP-10 goals of the championship. It is pleasant to note that under the third number in the list is the puck of Severstal Cherepovets forward Daniil Vovchenko, which he scored at home on December 11 against Spartak Moscow in the lacrosse style.
At the 49th minute of the match, with the score 3: 2 in favor of the steelmakers, Vovchenko grabbed the puck in a foreign zone, shifted from the flank to the center and went out the goal. There Daniil “put” the puck on the stick and, having driven out from behind the gate, ricocheted it from the crossbar “by the collar” to the goalkeeper of the “red-white” Julius Gudachek.
This goal was decisive for the steelmakers. They beat Spartak 4: 2.
Lacrosse goals are not common in hockey. This method of delivering the puck into the goal was “put into circulation” in 2011 by Russian Andrey Svechnikov, who played in the NHL championship.After some time, the Swede Philip Forsberg took an example from our striker. In the KHL, the first such trick was performed by Sergey Shumakov from Avangard.
Daniil Vovchenko was born in Cherepovets in 1996. He is a pupil of the Cherepovets hockey. In 2012 he made his debut for Almaz in the MHL Championship. Five years ago he played for Severstal for the first time in the KHL. As part of the main hockey team of the Vologda Oblast, he played 294 matches, in which he scored 61 goals and made 76 assists. This season the 28th number of the “yellow-blacks” in 57 matches scored 28 (16 + 12) points.
Well, the authors of the most beautiful goals of the regular season were Evgeny Grachev from Dinamo Riga, who distinguished himself in the mast with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, and Artem Galimov, who scored a beautiful puck against Kunlun Beijing.
Video: KHL website.
90,000 Amirov: there are no grievances against Bragin, my fault is that I did not get to the MFM-2020
https://rsport.ria.ru/20210103/amirov-1591476741.html
Amirov: there are no grudges against Bragin, my fault that I did not get to the MFM-2020
Amirov: there are no grievances at Bragin, my fault is that I did not get to the MFM-2020 – Sport RIA Novosti, 03.01.2021
Amirov: there are no resentments against Bragin, my fault is that I did not get to the MFM-2020
Forward of the youth team of Russia and Ufa “Salavat Yulaev” Rodion Amirov in an interview with RIA Novosti correspondent Semyon Galkevich shared his impressions of Sport RIA Novosti .2021
2021-01-03T10: 00
2021-01-03T10: 00
2021-01-03T10: 00
World Youth Hockey Championship
Amirov Rodion
Linus Umark
Salavat Yulaev
interview RIA sport
Igor Larionov
Russian national youth ice hockey team
hockey
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https: // cdn23.img.ria.ru/images/07e4/0c/19/15
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Forward of the youth team of Russia and Ufimirovskiy “Salavat Yulayevich” the team with coach Igor Larionov, remembered what he learned from the former teammate Linus Umark, and expressed his willingness to score a lacrosse goal at the World Championships in Edmonton. – Rodion, how are you in Edmonton? and we live one dream.This is the first place, this is the gold of the youth world championship. – Did the Karjala Cup help you a lot in terms of preparation? – It was an important stage, a great experience. The tournament in Helsinki helped us play together, gave us confidence in our abilities. – And gave you some advantage in terms of teamwork over your rivals? – Maybe, but I don’t think it was significant. All in the same conditions, everyone came to Edmonton to win. – Your three goals in three matches in Helsinki, of course, impressed many. – I already forgot, I don’t remember it at all.Now is the time for the most important thing, we need a team result at the World Championships. – Are you ready to determine this result? Do you feel like a leader? – In this team, all leaders, everyone can take responsibility and decide. For myself, I will say that we need to give all the best, to benefit the team. Of course, at the same time try to score, give away, lead the team. But I repeat, all the leaders are here, we actually have a good team. ”Does the defeat from the Swedes in the final of the junior world championship add motivation to you in Edmonton?” Of course, that defeat from the Swedes was very offensive.We were in the lead, we already had a victory, but something went wrong. A couple of bounces are not in our favor – and we lost in overtime. It was a great tournament, it’s a shame that everything ended like this. – Who in the team do you communicate with the closest? With Shakir Mukhamadullin? – Yes, with everyone. I live in a room with Yarik Askarov, I communicate with Semyon Chistyakov, with Yegor Chinahov. There is no club division or something else, we are all friends. – Living with the goalkeeper can be fun. – (Laughs.) Yes, with Yarik we have our own fun already, just don’t ask me to tell.He’s a good guy, it’s fun with him, you can always laugh, make a joke. – Have you had covid or are you at risk? – I have antibodies. But I didn’t seem to be sick, I probably endured asymptomatic. ”Time magazine recognized 2020 as the worst year in history. Agree? – It’s hard to say, it is clear that the whole world is in tension. But it remains only to accept these conditions, our business is to work regardless of the situation, play hockey, train and have fun. A match with the Canadians on New Year’s Eve would give the tournament excitement – For the first time in many years, the Russian national team did not play on New Year’s Eve…- Yes, we are all used to the Russia-Canada matches on New Year’s Eve. It would add some excitement, of course. But what can you do? What is the schedule, this is. – You first celebrated the New Year without a family? – Yes, the first time. And for the first time – in Canada. – Did you watch the matches of the youth team on New Year’s Eve? – Constantly watched, of course, followed. And not only on New Year’s Eve, all the matches at the World Youth Championship are interesting. – And did you watch last year? There is no resentment left against Valery Bragin? – No grudges left, you what.It was my fault that I didn’t get into the team, I just got angry and started working even harder. And, of course, I watched all the matches, I was in touch with the guys. – Was it nice to score against SKA Bragin in the last match before going to the national team? – It doesn’t matter who I scored. It’s just that the goals in the last matches before the national team gave me even more confidence. If there is a moment, why not score lacrosse in Edmonton? – What are the chances that you will go to Toronto after this season? – While all thoughts are only about the World Cup.Moreover, until the end of the season I have a contract with Salavat. – Your first season in Salavat coincided with the last year in the KHL for Linus Umark. What have you learned from him? What did you spy for yourself? – I followed all his techniques in training! All these deceptive moves … He is a specific person, but cool for me. He’s funny, always positive. For the KHL, this is a big star, it’s a pity that he left, to be honest. – Is this an example for you in terms of your attitude to hockey? – Perhaps, it is worth taking an example from him. He is always positive, it’s true, even if there is some kind of unsuccessful match.But they happen to everyone, you just need to analyze the mistakes and move forward. Yes, I watched him a lot. ” Is the coach Igor Larionov also positive in his work? ” Yes, he is a good psychologist, he knows how to find an approach to everyone, he knows who and where to put. Everything is positive with him, no one will ever say a bad word, no one will yell, even if you are mistaken. There are coaches who can shout for a mistake, put them in the reserve, here there is trust in everyone, they will prompt you, but they will not raise their voice. It is very pleasant for the players, it works better that way.- By the way, have you not “mowed”, by the way, since you and Mukhamadullin sailed somewhere in the Black Sea in Sochi? – (Laughs.) No, no! There were no more flights with us. – In terms of hockey, what can you say about coach Larionov? – We are inoculated with Soviet hockey – everything in a pass, everything through a pass, I gave it away – I opened up. There is no such thing that you threw the puck forward and ran. Everyone likes to play this kind of hockey. And in the training process everything is focused on “give-open”, there are no special races, unnecessary struggle. We are not beaten for creativity in the game.- How unique is this situation for you? Have you played in teams with such a level of freedom? – No, I have nothing to compare this experience with. I have never worked with such a team and with such a great coach. – Should fans expect a lacrosse puck from you in Edmonton? Larionov does not scold for this? – He does not hit the hands! If there is a moment, why not try? I hope it will turn out like it did in Sochi in August. If there is space and time, I will try.
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Semyon Galkevich
Semyon Galkevich
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Semyon Galkevich
World Youth Hockey Championship Linus, Rodion Umark , salavat yulaev, interview with ria sport, igor larionov, russian youth national ice hockey team, ice hockey
Forward of the youth national team of Russia and Ufa “Salavat Yulaev” Rodion Amirov in an interview with RIA Novosti correspondent Semyon Galkevich shared his impressions of his work in the national team Igor Larionov, remembered what he had learned from former teammate Linus Umark, and expressed his willingness to score a lacrosse goal at the World Championships in Edmonton.
– Rodion, how are you in Edmonton?
– Everyone is in tune, everyone is charged, getting ready and living one dream. This is the first place, this is the gold of the youth world championship.
– Did the Karjala Cup help you a lot in terms of preparation?
– It was an important milestone, a great experience. The tournament in Helsinki helped us play together, gave us confidence in our abilities.
– And gave you some advantage in terms of chemistry over your rivals?
– Maybe, but I don’t think it’s significant.All in the same conditions, all came to Edmonton to win.
– Your three goals in three matches in Helsinki, of course, impressed many.
– I have already forgotten, I do not remember it at all. Now is the time for the most important thing, we need a team result at the World Championships.
– Ready to determine this result? Do you feel like a leader?
– In this team, all the leaders, everyone can take responsibility and decide. For myself, I will say that we need to give all the best, to benefit the team.Of course, at the same time try to score, give away, lead the team. But I repeat, all the leaders are here, we actually have a good team.
– Does losing to the Swedes in the junior world championship finals add motivation to you in Edmonton?
– Of course, that defeat by the Swedes was very offensive. We were in the lead, we already had a victory, but something went wrong. A couple of bounces are not in our favor – and we lost in overtime. It was a great tournament, it’s a shame that it ended like this.
– Who in the team do you communicate with the closest? With Shakir Mukhamadullin? – Yes with everyone. I live in a room with Yarik Askarov, I communicate with Semyon Chistyakov, with Yegor Chinahov. There is no club division or something else, we are all friends.
– Living with a goalkeeper can be fun.
– (Laughs.) Yes, with Yarik we have our own jokes already, just don’t ask me to tell you. He’s a good guy, it’s fun to be with him, you can always laugh, joke.
– Have you had covid or are you at risk?
– I have antibodies.But I didn’t seem to be sick, I probably endured it asymptomatically.
– Time magazine ranked 2020 as the worst year in history. Do you agree?
– It is difficult to say, it is clear that the whole world is in tension. But all that remains is to accept these conditions, our business is to work regardless of the situation, play hockey, train and have fun.
A match with the Canadians on New Year’s Eve would give the tournament excitement
– For the first time in many years, the Russian national team did not play on New Year’s Eve…
– Yes, we are all accustomed to the Russia – Canada matches in the New Year. It would add some excitement, of course. But what can you do? What is the schedule, this is.
– Did you celebrate the New Year without your family for the first time?
– Yes, first time. And for the first time in Canada.
– Have you watched the youth team matches on New Year’s Eve?
– Constantly watching, of course, watching. And not only on New Year’s Eve, all the matches at the World Youth Championship are interesting.
– Did you watch last year? Do you have any resentment against Valery Bragin?
– There are no grievances left, you what. It was my fault that I didn’t get into the team, I just got angry and started working even harder. And, of course, I watched all the matches, I was in touch with the guys.
– Was it pleasant to score against SKA Bragin in the last match before going to the national team?
– It doesn’t really matter who I scored. It’s just that the goals in the last matches before the national team gave me even more confidence.
If there is a moment, why not score a lacrosse in Edmonton?
– What are the chances that you will go to Toronto after this season?
– So far, all thoughts are only about the World Cup. Moreover, until the end of the season I have a contract with Salavat.
– Your first season at Salavat coincided with the last year in the KHL for Linus Umark. What have you learned from him? What did you spy for yourself?
– I followed all his techniques in training! All these deceptive moves … He is a specific person, but cool for me.He’s funny, always positive. For the KHL, this is a big star, it’s a pity that he left, to be honest.
– Is this an example for you in terms of your attitude to hockey?
– Perhaps it is worth taking an example from him. He is always positive, it’s true, even if there is some kind of unsuccessful match. But they happen to everyone, you just need to analyze the mistakes and move forward. Yes, I looked after him a lot.
– Coach Igor Larionov is also characterized by positive work?
– Yes, he is a good psychologist, he knows how to find an approach to everyone, knows who and where to put.Everything is positive with him, no one will ever say a bad word, no one will yell, even if you are mistaken. There are coaches who can shout for a mistake, put them in the reserve, here there is trust in everyone, they will prompt you, but they will not raise their voice. It is very pleasant for the players, it works better that way.
– By the way, have you not “mowed” since then, when in Sochi you and Mukhamadullin sailed somewhere in the Black Sea?
– (Laughs) No, no! There were no more flights with us.
– In hockey terms, what can you say about coach Larionov?
– We are inoculated with Soviet hockey – everything in a pass, everything through a pass, I gave it – I opened.There is no such thing that you threw the puck forward and ran. Everyone likes to play this kind of hockey. And in the training process everything is focused on “give-open”, there are no special races, unnecessary struggle. We are not beaten for creativity in the game.
– How unique is this situation for you? Have you played on teams with that level of freedom?
– No, I have nothing to compare this experience with.