New to Lacrosse

Common Girls Lacrosse Terms

8-METER ARC: An arc marked in front of the goal used for the administration of major fouls. A defender may not remain in this area for more than three seconds unless closely marking her opponent.

12-METER FAN: A semi-circle area in front of each goal circle bounded by an arc 12 meters from the goal circles.

CHECKING: Using stick-to-stick contact to try and dislodge the ball.

FREE POSITION: An opportunity awarded to one player when a major or minor foul is committed by a player from the other team. All players must move 4 meters away from the player with the ball. When the whistle sounds to resume play, the ball carrier may run, pass or shoot.

GOAL CIRCLE: The circle around the goal to protect the goalkeeper. No player’s stick or body may “break” the plane of the goal circle.

SHOOTING SPACE: A player may not use any part of her body to guard the goal in a manner that denies the attacker the opportunity to shoot safely and encourages shooting at a player.

THREE SECONDS: While defending within the 8-meter arc, a player may not remain in that area more than 3 seconds unless she is marking an opponent within a stick's length.

RESTRAINING LINE: There are two restraining lines on the lacrosse field. Generally, around the 30 yard line on a football field. Each team must keep 4 plays behind the restraining line at all times; meaning there are 7 offensive players and 7 defenders in the play.