How Long is a Lacrosse Game? Understanding Game Duration

The duration of a lacrosse game varies depending on factors such as the gender of the players (boys or girls) and the specific league or division involved, which includes youth, high school, college, and professional levels. Since each lacrosse league has its own set of rules, there are slight differences in the length of games. Here is an overview of the average game durations for different levels of lacrosse (both boys and girls):

• Youth: 40 minutes
• High School: 48 minutes
• College: 60 minutes
• Pro: 48 minutes

It’s important to note that these durations provide a general overview, and specific games within each level may have variations based on league regulations and other factors.

How Long Is A Boy’s Youth Lacrosse Game?

The duration of a boy’s youth lacrosse game is influenced by the specific age bracket within which the game is played. Here’s a breakdown of the game lengths based on age groups:

• 8U Games:
  • Duration: 24 minutes
  • Structure: Two halves of 12 minutes each (running clock).
• 10U Games:
  • Duration: 40 minutes
  • Structure: Four quarters of 10 minutes each (running clock).
• 12U Games:
  • Duration: 40 minutes
  • Structure: Four quarters of 10 minutes each (stop-time clock).
  • Note: The clock stops during referee stoppages.
• 14U Games:
  • Duration: 40 minutes
  • Structure: Four quarters of 10 minutes each (stop-time clock).
  • Note: The clock stops during referee stoppages.

In 8U and 10U games, there is a running clock, meaning it continues to run during referee stoppages. However, in 12U and 14U games, a stop-time clock is implemented. This means the clock stops and starts during referee stoppages, such as when a penalty is called. As a result, game lengths at the 12U level and above may extend slightly due to the stop-time format.

How many periods are there in a lacrosse game?

• High School Lacrosse Game:
  • Duration: 48 minutes
  • Structure: Four quarters of 12 minutes each (stop-time format).
• College Lacrosse Game (NCAA Men’s):
  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Structure: Four quarters of 15 minutes each (stop-time format).
• Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) Games:
  • Duration: 48 minutes
  • Structure: Divided into four quarters of 12 minutes each.
• Number of Quarters in Lacrosse Games:
  • All lacrosse games consist of four quarters.
  • The length of each quarter may vary slightly based on whether it’s a high school, college, professional, or youth lacrosse game.

How long is a lacrosse game women’s?

• Girl’s Youth Lacrosse Game:
  • 8U: 24 minutes
    • Structure: Two 12-minute running halves.
  • 10U: 36 minutes
    • Structure: Two 18-minute running halves.
  • 12U: 40 minutes
    • Structure: Two 20-minute running halves.
  • 14U: 50 minutes
    • Structure: Two 25-minute running halves.
• Girl’s High School Lacrosse Game:
  • Duration: 50 minutes
  • Structure: Two 25-minute running halves.
• Women’s College Lacrosse Game (NCAA):
  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Structure: Four quarters of 15 minutes each.
  • Note: Play should be continuous, but officials may allow timeouts for unusual circumstances, such as broken equipment or field interference.

What is the oldest sport in the United States?

Lacrosse holds the esteemed title of being the oldest sport in America, serving as both the earliest team sport and the oldest organized sport in Northern America. Acknowledged by the International World Games Association and officially defined as the oldest sport in North America by the state of Maryland, Lacrosse has a rich history deeply rooted in its cultural significance.

Dating back to 1100 AD, Lacrosse found its origins among the Haudenosaunee, or Iroquois people, in the region that is now Troy, New York, and adjacent areas in Canada. The legacy of the sport has endured through the years, with Native Americans continuing to engage in Lacrosse today, alongside a growing number of enthusiasts. Presently, Lacrosse boasts a participation rate exceeding 830,000 Americans, solidifying its position not only as the oldest sport but also as one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States.