If you’re a fan of lacrosse or considering playing, you may be wondering how long a typical lacrosse game lasts. The answer is that it depends on the level of play and the specific rules of the league or organization. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of lacrosse game length, duration of lacrosse game, and lacrosse time periods.
What is the typical length of a lacrosse game?
The typical length of a lacrosse game varies depending on the level of play. At the high school level, games are typically 48 minutes long, with four quarters lasting 12 minutes each. In college and professional lacrosse, games are typically 60 minutes long, with four quarters lasting 15 minutes each. However, these rules can vary based on the specific league or organization.
It’s important to note that the actual time a game takes to complete can be longer than the 48 or 60 minutes due to stoppages in play, such as penalties, injuries, or timeouts. In addition, overtime periods may need to be played if the game is tied at the end of regulation.
Does the length of a lacrosse game vary by level of play?
Yes, the length of a lacrosse game varies by level of play. In addition to the differences in game length mentioned above, youth lacrosse games are typically shorter than high school or college games. For example, games for players under 9 years old are typically 32 minutes long, with four quarters lasting 8 minutes each. As players get older, the game length and quarter length increases.
It’s also worth noting that the shot clock rules may vary by level of play. In high school lacrosse, the shot clock is not used, which can lead to longer possessions and slower gameplay. In college and professional lacrosse, the shot clock is typically 60 seconds, which can speed up the pace of play and create more scoring opportunities.
How long are lacrosse quarters?
The length of lacrosse quarters varies by level of play, as mentioned previously. At the high school level, quarters are typically 12 minutes long, while college and professional quarters are typically 15 minutes long. However, these times can vary based on the specific league or organization.
It’s important to note that lacrosse games are broken up into four quarters, rather than two halves like in other sports such as soccer or football. This allows for breaks between the quarters, during which coaches can give their players instructions and players can catch their breath before starting the next quarter.
References
- US Lacrosse. (2021). US Lacrosse Boys’ Youth Rules. Retrieved from www.uslacrosse.org/sites/default/files/public/documents/rules/2021-boys-youth-rules.pdf
- NCAA. (2021). 2021 Division I Men’s Lacrosse Championship Official Bracket. Retrieved from www.ncaa.com/system/files/media/2021-DI-MLAX-Bracket.pdf