Lacrosse is an exciting team sport that mixes physical contact with skillful strategy. Like most team sports, lacrosse is broken down into quarters or periods. But how many quarters are in a typical lacrosse game?
Generally, there are four quarters in a lacrosse game, usually 15 minutes long. On average, a lacrosse game lasts 60 minutes and is broken into four quarters of 15 minutes each. Between quarters, there are 2-minute breaks, except at halftime, which lasts 10 minutes. Timeouts add up to 4 minutes. A lacrosse game should take about 78 minutes.
Are you still wondering how many quarters are in lacrosse? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn everything you need about quarters in lacrosse games.
You might also enjoy reading: Lacrosse Positions Explained: What does each position in lacrosse do?
Overview Of Lacrosse Games
Lacrosse is a fast-paced team sport with its own unique set of rules and regulations, particularly regarding equipment. It can be difficult, particularly for beginner lacrosse players, to track when the quarters start and end or how long each quarter lasts.
- Length of Quarters: In regulation men’s lacrosse, each quarter is 12 minutes long. If a game goes into overtime, each overtime period will also be 12 minutes long. In women’s lacrosse, each quarter is 15 minutes long, and overtime periods are 10 minutes long (Source: National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)). In both men’s and women’s lacrosse, halftime is 10 minutes long.
- I suggest you check the updated NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Rules Changes.
- Number of Quarters: There are four quarters per game in men’s and women’s lacrosse. Each team has one timeout per half that they can use at any point during the game, including during overtime. The clock stops during timeouts but resumes once play starts up again.
- Overtime: If the score is tied at the end of regulation time (four quarters), then the game will go into overtime. Overtime consists of two three-minute periods followed by sudden death if necessary. Sudden death means that whichever team scores first win the game, meaning there is no need for extra frames after sudden death has been declared as a winner has already been determined.
- Halftime: Halftime is the period between the second and third quarters, which typically lasts 10 minutes.
- High school games generally have 12 minutes at halftime.
- Collegiate games have 15-minute quarters and a 15-minute halftime.
- Timeouts: Timeout rules vary depending on the competition type or the league. College lacrosse generally allows players or teams to take two timeouts per half, while the premier lacrosse League players are allowed to take 3 timeouts per game.
- Equipment: Lacrosse’s top piece of equipment is a stick and ball. Headgear, with a faceguard and mouthguard, is required for all players. Shoulder pads, gloves, protective cups, and armguards are also necessary. Goaltenders also wear a chin and chest protector with a special stick. However, wearing arm guards or shoulder pads is not required for goaltenders.
If you are looking for a Lacrosse Stick, I encourage you to check the 5 Best Lacrosse Sticks and discover helpful tips on what to look for when picking a good Lacrosse stick.
How Many Quarters Are In Lacrosse Games?
Generally, youth lacrosse games are played for four eight-minute quarters, with a 15-minute half time break. Depending on the league, some youth games will be played for four six-minute quarters. High school games are usually played for four 12-minute quarters with a 15-minute halftime break. Men’s lacrosse games consist of four 15-minute quarters at the collegiate level, while women’s lacrosse is typically played in two 25-minute halves.
The table below displays the number of quarters in lacrosse games depending on the players’ skill level
| Players Level | Numbers Of Quarters In a Lacrosse Game |
| Professional Lacrosse Players | 4x 12-minute quarters |
| College-Level Lacrosse Players | 4x 15-minute quarters |
| High School Level Lacrosse Players | 4x 12-minute quarters |
| Youth Lacrosse Players | 4x 8-minute quarters |
Also, generally, teams switch goals at every level after each quarter or half, and there is no overtime unless it’s mandated by the league or governing body. There may also be additional stoppage time due to injuries or penalties called during the game.
In any case, it’s important to note that different leagues can have different rules, so always check your specific league for more details about how long each quarter lasts and what other regulations might apply to your particular game or season.
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Wrapping Up
To summarize, the number of quarters in a lacrosse game varies depending on the age and skill level of the players involved. Youth games typically consist of four 8-minute quarters, while high school games typically last four 12-minute periods. Men’s lacrosse consists of four 15-minute quarters at the collegiate level, while women’s lacrosse consists of two 25-minute halves.
I believe that knowledge is key when it comes to understanding quarters in lacrosse. Knowing how many quarters and long they last can help you better plan your strategy for games and tournaments.
Whether you are a seasoned veteran or new to the sport, I suggest you understand everything about quarters in lacrosse before playing your next big game!