Lacrosse has been a popular sport in North America for several centuries, and a sport generally played by men. Since the 1970's, women have gained more esteem and press as participants of the game of lacrosse. Women's lacrosse is the fastest growing segment of the sport and yet it still does not receive the same coverage as men's lacrosse. Fewer women play the game than do men and as with most women's sports, there are fewer spectators for women's lacrosse games.



The rules of lacrosse differ for men and women. Men wear padding and are allowed physical contact while women's lacrosse does not. Women wear safety gear like mouth guards and eye protection. Some women wear nose shields as well. The women's field is larger which helps limit physical contact. Women's lacrosse sticks have a more shallow pocket than the men's stick. This results in a greater degree of difficulty catching the ball which also can not be passed with much speed.

Women's lacrosse teams also play with two more players on the field then the men's teams allow. The team features a goalie, three attackers, five mid fielders, and three defenders. Seven of the players assume either the position of the attacker or the defender depending on who has control of the ball at any given point in time. The other four players and the goalie aren't allowed to cross the restraint line or a penalty will be imposed for the team.

Checking is probably the area of the game that differs the most between women's and men's lacrosse. Women are not allowed to check as the men are allowed to do. If a check occurs, the ball will be transferred to the opposing team by the umpire.

Interest in lacrosse continues to grow around the globe. Women now play professionally, though some people believe that the difference in rules is the reason for lack of recognition in women's lacrosse. If the rules are not identical, spectators may never look to the women's game as they do men's. Though there is no talk of changing the rules of play at any time in the future.