Intercrosse
Encyclopedia
Intercrosse is a non-contact form of lacrosse
with a standardized set of rules using intercrosse equipment. Intercrosse as a competitive sport is popular in many continental European countries (particularly in the Czech Republic), as well as in Quebec, Canada.
An intercrosse stick is different from a normal lacrosse stick
in that the head or "crosse" is made completely of plastic, where in lacrosse the head has a flexible string or mesh pocket in which the ball is carried. The ball is larger, softer and hollow. Generally teams consist of five players per side, and the field size is roughly 40m wide and 40 long. Goals are the same size as box lacrosse
, being 4' in height and width (1220 mm x 1220 mm). The sport can be played outdoors or indoors. Unlike normal lacrosse there exists a strict "no contact" rule which makes it a popular alternative for physical education
. As there is no contact allowed in the game, a time limit is set for possession of the ball, usually four or five seconds. In some local cases, other rules are added or modified so as to encourage all players to participate; for example the ball must be passed twice before taking a shot on goal.
Rules often vary from place to place, depending on who is conducting the game or competition, as intercrosse is used mostly for physical education and as a developmental sport for young or novice players for transition to playing standard lacrosse. However, a form of lacrosse known as intercrosse was developed in the 1980s and has a standard set of rules used for international competition, and uses intercrosse equipment. Intercrosse is played mainly in countries not traditionally associated with lacrosse, especially in Europe.
There are two main international competitions in Intercrosse. The World Games are an annual event where players from different countries come to compete. They are divided by a draw of lots into mixed teams to provide a social atmosphere in the tournament. A biennial World Cup also exists now and is more competitive. Here, each country is represented only by their best players.
Lacrosse
Lacrosse is a team sport of Native American origin played using a small rubber ball and a long-handled stick called a crosse or lacrosse stick, mainly played in the United States and Canada. It is a contact sport which requires padding. The head of the lacrosse stick is strung with loose mesh...
with a standardized set of rules using intercrosse equipment. Intercrosse as a competitive sport is popular in many continental European countries (particularly in the Czech Republic), as well as in Quebec, Canada.
An intercrosse stick is different from a normal lacrosse stick
Lacrosse stick
A lacrosse stick or crosse is a long-handled racket used to play the sport of lacrosse. Players use the lacrosse stick to handle the ball and to strike at opposing players...
in that the head or "crosse" is made completely of plastic, where in lacrosse the head has a flexible string or mesh pocket in which the ball is carried. The ball is larger, softer and hollow. Generally teams consist of five players per side, and the field size is roughly 40m wide and 40 long. Goals are the same size as box lacrosse
Box lacrosse
Box lacrosse, also known as indoor lacrosse and sometimes shortened to boxla, LAX or simply box, is an indoor version of lacrosse played mostly in North America. The game originated in Canada, where it is the most popular version of the game played in contrast to the traditional field lacrosse game...
, being 4' in height and width (1220 mm x 1220 mm). The sport can be played outdoors or indoors. Unlike normal lacrosse there exists a strict "no contact" rule which makes it a popular alternative for physical education
Physical education
Physical education or gymnastics is a course taken during primary and secondary education that encourages psychomotor learning in a play or movement exploration setting....
. As there is no contact allowed in the game, a time limit is set for possession of the ball, usually four or five seconds. In some local cases, other rules are added or modified so as to encourage all players to participate; for example the ball must be passed twice before taking a shot on goal.
Rules often vary from place to place, depending on who is conducting the game or competition, as intercrosse is used mostly for physical education and as a developmental sport for young or novice players for transition to playing standard lacrosse. However, a form of lacrosse known as intercrosse was developed in the 1980s and has a standard set of rules used for international competition, and uses intercrosse equipment. Intercrosse is played mainly in countries not traditionally associated with lacrosse, especially in Europe.
There are two main international competitions in Intercrosse. The World Games are an annual event where players from different countries come to compete. They are divided by a draw of lots into mixed teams to provide a social atmosphere in the tournament. A biennial World Cup also exists now and is more competitive. Here, each country is represented only by their best players.