Inner City Lacrosse

LACROSSEHistory Deemed the fastest game on two feet, lacrosse has a history that spans centuries and is the oldest sport native to the North American continent. Rooted in Native American ritual and religion, the game was often played to resolve conflicts, prepare for war, heal the sick and build strength.

Until the mid-1930s, men's and women's lacrosse were played under virtually the same rules, with no protective equipment. At that time, men's lacrosse rules began evolving dramatically, while women's lacrosse continued to remain true to the game's original rules. LACROSSEHistory

Object of both men’s and women’s lacrosse is to score more goals than the opposing team by shooting the ball into the opponent’s netted goal Women's rules allow 12 players on the field, limit stick contact, prohibit body contact and therefore, require little protective equipment Men's lacrosse rules allow 10 players on the field and some degree of stick and body contact but violence is neither condoned nor allowed LACROSSE General Overview

Lacrosse is played primarily in the spring Resembles strategies of basketball and hockey or field hockey on a field similar to a soccer field Players use sticks with aluminum alloy or titanium handles and plastic heads with mesh- or leather-strung pockets to catch, throw, scoop and shoot a solid rubber ball Games involve quick sprints, passes, a motion offense and shots on goal LACROSSE General Overview

Over the past decade, number of men, women and youths playing lacrosse has increased another 8.4% each year to reach the estimated 568,021 people playing today Level __ 2009_ Youth125, , ,271 High School100, , ,624 College 20,293 29,822 31,614 Professional Post-College 7,563 10,071 11,342 Total 253, , ,230 LACROSSEGrowth

Lacrosse is a fully-sponsored NCAA championship sport for both men and women 2009 US Lacrosse Participation Survey (Varsity and Club) Men:……………………………………………………. 18,746 Women:……………………………………………….. 12,868 Total:…………………………………………………… 31,614 No. College Players Annually 2001:……………………………………………………… 20, :……………………………………………………… 23, :……………………………………………………… 24, :……………………………………………………... 23, :……………………………………………………… 24, :……………………………………………………… 26, :……………………………………………………… 28, :……………………………………………………… 29, :……………………………………………………… 31,614 LACROSSE Growth – College Snapshot

2008 US Lacrosse Participation Survey (NFHS & USL Data) Boys:……………………………………………………… 136,710 Girls:……………………………………………………… 90,914 Total:…………………………………………………….. 227,624 Growth Rates of NFHS Sports Boys 10-yr 1.Bowling …………………………………………………… % 2.Lacrosse……………………………………………………….175.0% 3.Indoor Track………………………………………………… % 4.Ice Hockey………………………………………………….. …39.2% 5.Water Polo…………………………………………………………. 38.1% Growth Rates of NFHS Sports Girls 10-yr 1.Lacrosse…………………………………………………… % 2.Bowling……………………………………………………… % 3.Ice Hockey………………………………………………… % 4.Water Polo………………………………………………… % 5.Golf……………………………………………………………. 38.0% LACROSSE Growth – High School Snapshot

Data collected from the US Lacrosse’s 63 regional chapters following the 2009 calendar year indicated more then 297,000 youth players played lacrosse. Number Youth Players Annually 2001:………………………………………………. 125, :………………………………………………. 137, :………………………………………………. 150, :………………………………………………. 186, :………………………………………………. 204, :………………………………………………. 220, :………………………………………………. 241, :………………………………………………. 265, :………………………………………………. 297,271 LACROSSE Growth – Youth Snapshot

Our Mission Through responsive and effective leadership, US Lacrosse strives to provide programs and services to inspire participation while protecting the integrity of the game. Our Vision We envision a future which offers people everywhere the opportunity to discover, learn, participate in, enjoy and ultimately embrace the shared passion of the lacrosse experience. US LACROSSE One for All – and here to help

Largest, all-encompassing resource for lacrosse knowledge Volunteer-based organization - national board of directors and executive committee with equal representation from the men’s, women’s and youth games Staff of more than 50, plus volunteers and interns  501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization relies on membership dues, annual giving grants, endowments, sponsorships to achieve organizational mission and vision  Membership base grown to 297,271 in 2009 US LACROSSE One for All – and here to help

Research shows men’s and women’s lacrosse to be relatively safe compared to other commonly played team sports Most injuries are minor strains, sprains and contusions, but more significant injuries can and do occur Sport Science and Safety Committee of US Lacrosse is sponsoring research to monitor these injuries, better understand their mechanisms and design preventive programs Visit for helpful articles, links and contact information regarding lacrosse science and safetywww.uslacrosse/safety LACROSSE “So How Safe is Lacrosse?”

Lacrosse offers sport option for athletes of all weights, shapes and sizes Lacrosse is a great preparation for other sports that require strength, speed and agility Lacrosse can offer coaches and officials of other sports opportunities in off-seasons from other sports Lacrosse offers opportunity for student-athletes - one that may not be available in other sports - to continue sports participation in college through growing number of divisional and club programs LACROSSE “What about Concerns for a Negative Impact on Our Other Sports?”

New Start Program Free, multi-level developmental assistance program offering industry’s most complete package of start- up materials for first year teams needing guidance on getting started Details and tips on everything from budgeting development to securing and lining fields Get a “To Do” checklist, promo DVD, manual, and CD of helpful documents, plus more LACROSSE “So How Do We Get Started?”

US Lacrosse Regional Chapters Connect one of our 63 regional volunteer- based US Lacrosse boards for assistance, information and even grant assistance specific to your location Most up-to-date contact list at “So How do We Get Started?”

Outfitting boys’ and girls’ lacrosse teams costs less than football or ice hockey team Boys’ lacrosse: Helmets, shoulder pads, rib pads, Arm pads, gloves and mouth guards required (~$250- $400 per player) Girls’ lacrosse: Protective eyewear, mouth guard mandatory, gloves optional; full protective equipment, including a chest and throat protector, required only for goalkeeper (~$125-$175 per player) LACROSSE “What About Equipment?”