One of the most common questions asked by those new to the sport is “How long is a lacrosse game?” The answer to this question varies depending on several factors, including the level of play and the gender of the players. In general, lacrosse games can range from 40 to 60 minutes, with different leagues and divisions having specific rules and regulations.
This article will explore how long a lacrosse game typically lasts at each level of play, from youth to professional leagues. Whether you are a new fan or a seasoned player, understanding the length of a lacrosse game is an important aspect of enjoying and participating in this exciting sport.
Lacrosse Game Understanding
Lacrosse games are divided into halves and quarters, with timeouts allotted to each team. If the game is tied at the end of regulation, both teams will play an overtime period.
Quarters in Lacrosse
A lacrosse game consists of four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes. After the first and third quarters, there is a 2-minute break, and at halftime, there is a 10-minute break. The clock stops during timeouts, penalties, goals, and other stoppages of play.
Halftime
Halftime is a 10-minute break between the second and third quarters. During halftime, players can rest, hydrate, and regroup with their coaches. The halftime break is also an opportunity for coaches to make adjustments and strategize for the second half of the game.
What is Timeouts?
Each team is allotted two timeouts per half, which can be used to stop the clock and regroup. Either team can call timeouts, but only during a dead-ball situation. A dead ball occurs when the ball goes out of bounds, a goal is scored, or a penalty is called.
Overtime
If the game is tied at the end of regulation, both teams will play an overtime period. The length of the overtime period and the rules for overtime vary depending on the level of play. In college and professional lacrosse, overtime periods are typically 10 minutes long. If the game remains tied after the first overtime period, additional overtime periods are played until a winner is determined.
How Long is a High School Lacrosse Game
A high school lacrosse game typically lasts between 60 to 90 minutes, depending on various factors. The game is divided into four quarters, each lasting 12 minutes, with a 2-minute break between each quarter. There is also a 10-minute halftime break between the second and third quarters.
The game clock stops for certain events, such as goals, penalties, and timeouts, which can add to the length of the game. If the game is tied at the end of regulation, overtime periods are played until a team scores the winning goal.
It’s important to note that the length of high school lacrosse games can vary by state and region. Some states may have different rules or regulations that affect the length of the game. Therefore, it’s essential to check with the local high school athletic association to determine the exact timing rules for high school lacrosse games in your area.
Overall, high school lacrosse games are fast-paced and exciting, with plenty of action and strategy involved. Players must be physically fit and mentally sharp to compete at this level, and the length of the game requires endurance and stamina.
How Long is a College Lacrosse Game?
College lacrosse games are known for their high energy and fast-paced action. They are played between two teams, each consisting of ten players, on a field that measures 110 yards long and 60 yards wide. A college lacrosse game is typically 60 minutes long and is divided into four quarters of 15 minutes each.
During each quarter, the clock stops after every goal, penalty, or timeout. This stoppage of play allows for a rest period and strategic planning by the coaches and players. In addition, there is a 10-minute halftime break between the second and third quarters.
College lacrosse games can be intense and competitive, and often require a high level of endurance and skill from the players. In order to maintain their stamina and focus throughout the game, players must stay hydrated and well-nourished.
It’s important to note that the length of a college lacrosse game may vary depending on the level of play or the specific rules of the league. However, the standard duration of a college lacrosse game is 60 minutes, with four quarters of 15 minutes each.
How Long is a Youth Lacrosse Game
Regarding youth lacrosse games, the length can vary depending on the age group and game format. On average, a game lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, but specific timekeeping rules apply to different age groups.
For example:
- 8U games are 24 minutes long, divided into two 12-minute running halves.
- 10U games are 36 minutes long, divided into two 18-minute running halves.
- 12U games are 40 minutes long, divided into two 20-minute running halves.
- Meanwhile, the regulation time of a youth game is 32 minutes, broken into four 8-minute quarters, with 2-minute intervals and a 10-minute halftime.
It’s important to note that overtime rules can also affect the length of a youth lacrosse game. Sudden death overtime can add another 4 minutes or more to the game if no team scores.
Parents and coaches should know the timekeeping rules for their specific age group and game format to ensure the game is played fairly and efficiently.
How Long is a Lacrosse Game for Professional
A professional lacrosse game typically lasts for 60 minutes, divided into four quarters of 15 minutes each. However, the total game time may be longer due to additional stoppages for goals, penalties, and other game-related stoppages. The rules permit an overtime period to be played if the game is tied at the end of regulation. The length of the overtime period depends on the specific league or tournament rules, but it is typically 15 minutes.
How Long are Premier Lacrosse League Games?
The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) is the professional men’s lacrosse league. PLL games are 48 minutes long, and are divided up into 12 minute quarters. Each quarter is followed by a 2-minute time out, with a 10-minute halftime between the 2nd and 3rd quarters.
The PLL also has a unique rule called the “shot clock,” which requires teams to take a shot within a certain amount of time or risk losing possession of the ball.
Overall, the length of a professional lacrosse game can vary depending on the league and level of play. However, most games are around an hour long and are divided into four quarters with additional stoppages for goals, penalties, and other game-related stoppages.
The PLL has a shorter game duration of 48 minutes and uses a shot clock to keep the game fast-paced and exciting.
How Long is a Girls Lacrosse Game
The length of a girl’s lacrosse game varies depending on the level of play. The game is typically shorter for youth games than for high school or college games.
For youth games, the game is divided into two 12-minute halves, totaling 24 minutes. The entire game will be played within an hour, with halftime and overtime.
High school girls lacrosse games are longer than youth games, with a game time of 50 minutes split into two 25-minute halves. After each half, there is a 10-minute halftime.
Coaches get three timeouts that are three minutes each. Overtime is six minutes divided into three-minute halves with a victory for the team that scores first.
College women’s lacrosse games are played in two 30-minute halves, so the total game time is 60 minutes.
It’s important to note that these times are subject to change based on the rules and regulations of the specific league or organization.
Overall, the length of a girls lacrosse game varies depending on the level of play, ranging from 24 minutes for youth games to 60 minutes for college games.
(You can learn more about Lacrosse Rules and How to play it)
