- Lacrosse is one of the most popular sports in CANADA today
- It’s a team sport played by hitting a small rubber ball with the lacrosse stick
- It’s a simple game that can be played by any fit person. If you can run, swing the lacrosse stick creatively and pass the lacrosse ball to your teammate, or score into your opponents’ goal then you can play lacrosse.
The benefits of playing lacrosse
- Playing lacrosse requires a lot of exercise. This encourages one to be physically active and therefore maintain his/her general physical wellbeing. The body is kept in a healthy state, free from heart ailments, high blood pressure, unnecessary weight, and other health conditions that can occur when people lead inactive lifestyles.
- Lacrosse sports enable people to relax their minds. It’s a known fact that people who take their time off to involve themselves in some sporting activities have lower depression levels. One can break free from stressful episodes by playing lacrosse.
- Playing lacrosse enables one to develop great personal skills. Lacrosse is a team sport that imparts discipline, teamwork skills, humility, and confidence in individuals.
- Playing lacrosse, just like any other teamwork sports, provides the players with an opportunity to develop social skills. Lacrosse players spend time together in preparation and strategizing for games. This allows them to make friends and share views on different subjects.
Basic equipment/gear needed to play lacrosse
- Face mask- The face mask that is used in lacrosse sports must be approved by (Canadian Sports Association) C.S.A. Given masks are mounted on specific helmets. The use of the mask with a given helmet also undergoes C.S.A approval. There is a modified version that is worn by the goalkeeper.
- Helmet- The helmet worn in lacrosse games must be C.S.A approved. The helmet must have been manufactured with a chin strap that should never be altered or changed. Some helmets are approved for use by goaltenders only. For instance, the Cascade helmet has been approved for use by Ontario goalkeepers only.
- Shoulder pads- The shoulder pad must be a single piece that is manufactured using a flexible long-lasting material. The shoulder pad should be able to fit properly to provide effective protection for the upper part of the body.
- Back and kidney pads- This is worn to protect the back and kidney while playing lacrosse. It’s a single piece in the form of a pad that is made from a lightweight plastic material.
- Gloves- The gloves to be used in lacrosse games should be able to offer maximum protection and be flexible at the same time.
- Arm pads- This is made from a hard light plastic and should be able to provide sufficient protection to the entire arm while allowing the elbow to move fully.
- Throat guard- This is specifically worn by the goalkeeper and is made from hard plastic. It is often attached to the face shield and offers protection to both the throat and neck.
- Upper body protector- This is should be able to provide a complete motion range. Normally, the Upper body protector is worn by the goalkeeper and protects forearms, shoulders, and biceps.
The ideal place to play lacrosse
Two types of lacrosse are played on different platforms. Field lacrosse is played on a normal field with each team fielding ten players. Box lacrosse is often played on a hockey rink by six players per team. The ice must be removed from the rink or an artificial turf fitted for it to be used for lacrosse matches. Lacrosse can be played in all the regions of Canada but has a near-fanatical following in Ontario.
Recreational providers of lacrosse and their email contacts
Alberta Lacrosse Association ([email protected]), Manitoba lacrosse association ([email protected]), Ontario Lacrosse Association ([email protected])
List of helpful websites and resources about lacrosse
- Culin, Stewart (1975). Games of the North American Indians. Courier Dover Publications. pp. 846 pages.
- Fink, Noah; Melissa Gaskill (2006). Lacrosse: A Guide for Parents and Players. Mansion Grove House.
- Fisher, Donald M (2002). Lacrosse: a history of the game. John Hopkins University Press.
- Liss, Howard (1970). Lacrosse. Funk & Wagnalls. pp. 96 pages.
- Pietramala, David G; Neil A. Grauer, Bob Scott (2006). Lacrosse: technique and tradition. Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN 0-8018-8371-7.
- Scott, Bob; Scott, Robert (1978). Lacrosse: Technique and Tradition. JHU Press. ISBN 0-8018-2060-X.
- Tucker, Janine; Maryalice Yakutchik (2008). Women’s lacrosse. Johns Hopkins University Press & U.S. Lacrosse. ISBN 978-0-8018-8846-5.
- Vennum, Thomas (2007). Lacrosse legends of the first Americans. Johns Hopkins University Press.
- Yeager, John M (2006). Our game: the character and culture of Lacrosse. Dude Pub. ISBN 1-887943-99.
The Ontario Lacrosse Association (Ola)
Services offered by the OLA
The OLA is the body that administers lacrosse in the Ontario province. The body governs all forms of lacrosse (field, box, and intermediate) for both junior and senior categories. The OLA plays a significant role in ensuring that the sport is well developed within the Ontario province. The association leads many other smaller organizations in the province but is directly responsible for the provision of technical support, supervision during competitions, particularly provincial championship events. The OLA additionally disseminates information to anyone interested in information regarding lacrosse in Ontario.
Facilities administered by the OLA
Many facilities within the OLA jurisdiction are multi-purpose in the sense that they are used to host many different games including hockey, football, and lacrosse. However, the OLA often takes charge of these facilities, mostly municipal stadiums during lacrosse events. Most favored facilities are located in Toronto. Such facilities include the Iroquois park sports center. The sports center is Canada’s largest sporting facility that hosts more than 2 million visitors every year. The facility hosts most major lacrosse events in Canada.
Target Market
Lacrosse fanatics in Ontario cut across all ages, male and female. The OLA develops and promotes lacrosse in the larger Ontario Province. All members of the society, including those residing outside Ontario, are allowed to buy tickets and watch lacrosse events. Young people (both male and female) are targeted for enrollment into lacrosse training programs.
Prices offered
The association is also responsible for the issuance of tickets during lacrosse events held within Ontario. Different charges are levied depending on the league and level of competition. Normally, the Association charges a fee of between $25 and $32 for adults and $15 to 25$ for youths and seniors per game. Administration fees are charged for all teams, coaches, and players within the jurisdiction. These charges are relatively expensive for many lacrosse lovers.
The uniqueness of the OLA
The OLA has been in existence since 1897 and has successfully managed lacrosse in Ontario to its current number one status in Canada.