How Long are High School Lacrosse Games

Intro: 

 One of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., lacrosse is a game with a rich tradition of excitement, strategic depth, and a deep history. As lacrosse grows, especially at the high school level, it continues to captivate countless boys and girls who are molded into student-athletes yearly. If you’re a player, parent, coach, or fan, you might wonder, “How long are high school lacrosse games? The answer isn’t as simple as you’d think, and several factors can affect how much time a game takes.

This guide breaks down everything you want to learn about high school lacrosse game length, from game structure to the rules governing the length of a match and the factors that influence it. Whether you’re a newcomer to the sport or a longtime devotee, here is a guide that might serve as food for thought.

Everything You Need To Know About HS Lacrosse

Before we get into some finer points of game length, it’s worth briefly reviewing the fundamentals of high school lacrosse. That will give you context on why games can be long and what is exciting about the sport.

What Is High School Lacrosse?

High school lacrosse, a team sport played by 9th to 12th-grade students, is overseen by the NFHS . This governing body has established a set of rules to promote fair play and ensure player safety. The sport is divided into separate categories for boys and girls, each with its own unique set of regulations that cater to the specific needs and dynamics of the players.

High School Rules in Lacrosse General Rules

Teams: 10 players (boys) or 12 players (girls) per team on the field.

Format: Due to the different lengths of boys’ and girls’ games — boys play four quarters while girls play two halves.

Scoring: In high school lacrosse, you score by placing the ball in your opponent’s net. It’s a simple yet thrilling process, and each successful goal is worth one point, adding to the excitement of the game.

Face-Offs/Draws: Play starts in boys’ games with a face-off at the start of each quarter and after every goal. A draw starts each half or following a goal in girls’ games.

Penalties: Players breaking the rules are penalized and sent to a box for time-outs.

How Long is a High School Lacrosse Game?

Now, let’s get into the main question: How Long Do High School Lacrosse Games Last? A high school lacrosse game usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. However, how long that takes depends on a variety of factors, which we’ll break down in detail below.

What Makes a Game Last Longer or Shorter?

Level of Play

Varsity games are often more formally timed and structured than junior varsity or freshman games and tend to take a little longer than those junior varsity or freshman games did.

Game Format

Boys’ Lacrosse: Usually four 12-minute quarters, with a 10-minute half.

Girls’ Lacrosse: Typically played in two 25-minute halves, with a 10-minute break at halftime.

Stoppage Time

The final time can also be lengthened by injuries, penalties, and timeouts.

Overtime

If regulation ends with both teams tied, overtime periods can also be added to the game time.

Pace of Play

The speed with which teams change from offense to defense can also affect the length of a game.

And Why High School Lacrosse Games Take So Damn Long.

To get a better sense of how long high school lacrosse games are, let’s take a look at the typical timeline of a game.

Pre-Game Warm Up (20-30 Minutes)

Before the game starts, the two teams warm up. Practicing shooting, passing, etc. This tends to take about 20-30 minutes.

Game Duration

Boys’ Lacrosse: Four 12-minute quarters for a total of 48 minutes of playing time.

Girls’ Lacrosse: Two 25-minute halves for a cumulative 50 minutes of playing time.

Halftime Break (10 Minutes)

There is a 10-minute halftime intermission between the second and third quarters (boys) or the two halves (girls).

Stoppage Time

The stops for recognized casualties, injuries, or timeouts can stretch total game time by 10-20 minutes.

Overtime (If Needed)

Overtime periods may be played if the game is tied at the end of regulation. States have different overtime rules, but generally, they include 4-minute sudden-death periods.

Things to Do After Playing (10-15 Min)

Teams usually shake hands after the game, and there might be a quick awards ceremony or interviews. This should take about 10-15 minutes.

High School Lacrosse vs. Other Levels

To put the length of high school lacrosse games in context, let’s go with some comparison to other levels of the game.

Youth Lacrosse

Game Time: Usually shorter, with quarters of 8 to 10 minutes.

Total Time: 1 to 1.5 hours, approximate.

College Lacrosse

Game Length: Four 15-minute quarters (men) or two 30-minute halves (women).

Total Time: 2 hours | 2 hours 30 minutes

Professional Lacrosse

Length of Game: Four 15-minute quarters.

Time Required: 2 to 2.5 hours at the max, comparable to a college.

How to Enjoy High School Lacrosse Games

Whether you’re attending a game in person or watching from home, here are a few tips to get you ready:

Arrive Early

If you arrive early, you can watch the warm-ups, locate your seat, and settle in before the game starts.

Understand the Rules

Get to know some of the basic rules and how scoring works to get the most out of the game.

Cheer for Your Team

Games are played with a few players and are among the most high-energy sporting events on the high school map. Dare to cheer, clap, and support your team!

Follow Key Players

Familiarize yourself with the standout players on each team, including the attackmen, midfielders, and goalies, and how and what they contribute to their team.

Stay for the Entire Game

Just because the game may seem one-sided, don’t go anywhere. Lacrosse is a game of momentum, and the pendulum can swing suddenly.

Questions commonly asked (FAQ)

Lacrosse High School Game Average Length

High school lacrosse games usually average between 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the level of play and other variables.

Can You Tie in a High School Lacrosse Game?

In a regular-season game, teams can end in a tie unless overtime rules apply. Overtime is often employed in playoffs to name a victor.

What’s the Longest High School Lacrosse Game of All Time?

The longest high school lacrosse game in history lasted more than four hours, sprawled across several extra innings.

How Many Quarters in a High School Lacrosse Game?

Boys’ lacrosse games have four quarters; girls’ lacrosse games have two halves.

Is There Halftime in High School Lacrosse Games?

Yes, there is a 10-minute halftime in boys’ and girls’ lacrosse games.

Conclusion

“So, how long is a high school lacrosse game? The average game typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, but this can vary significantly based on factors such as the level of play and the format of the game. Whether you’re a player, a fan, or a newcomer, grasping the structure and rules of how long are high school lacrosse games is crucial to fully appreciating the game’s variability and excitement.

High school lacrosse is an exciting, fast-paced game with something for all. The frenetic action coupled with the strategic gameplay has catapulted it to popularity, and it’s a trend that’s only getting bigger.