The length of lacrosse games depends on the league and age level. Lacrosse is a fast-paced and exciting sport that includes elements of hockey, soccer, and basketball. Played with a small rubber ball and a long-handled stick called a crosse, lacrosse is a popular game with deep historical roots, especially in Native American culture.
Today, we will tell you how long lacrosse games last for each league. To see more options, check out our full selection of lacrosse gear. This game has evolved significantly over the years and is now widely played in North America and internationally. A common question among newcomers is: how long do lacrosse games last? Let’s find out in detail. In this article, we will discuss the following topics:
How Long is a Lacrosse Game?
When you plan to watch or learn how to play or participate in a lacrosse game, it’s important to know how long the event might last. The duration of a lacrosse game can vary significantly depending on the league and level of play.
In high level lacrosse games, a start-stop clock is used, which means the clock stops every time the referee blows the whistle. This can make the game last up to 90 minutes. Youth lacrosse generally uses a running clock, which means the clock doesn’t stop, even for timeouts.
| Quarter | Duration | Break |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 12-15 min | 2 min |
| 2nd | 12-15 min | 10 min (halftime) |
| 3rd | 12-15 min | 2 min |
| 4th | 12-15 min | N/A |
Keep in mind that the times listed are averages and may vary depending on individual league rules and how the game unfolds. Always consult your specific league for the most accurate estimate of lacrosse game durations. Don’t miss out! Check our previously published article on Rugby Game Length.
How Long is a High School Lacrosse Game?
High school lacrosse follows the same rules as college lacrosse. In a high school game, there are four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes, with breaks in between.
How Long is a College Lacrosse Game?
College lacrosse showcases intense action with players delivering hard-hitting physicality. A collegiate game consists of four 15-minute quarters with a start-stop clock.
How Long is a Professional Lacrosse Game?
There are two main lacrosse leagues: the PLL and the NLL. The PLL plays games outdoors and has four quarters that each last 12 minutes with a running clock. On the other hand, the NLL plays indoor games and has four quarters that each last 15 minutes, with breaks in play.
How Long is a Youth Lacrosse Game?
Youth Lacrosse leagues are made for kids to learn and enjoy playing sports. Usually, in these leagues, games are split into two halves of 20 minutes each, or sometimes into four quarters of 15 minutes each. It’s all about having fun while getting better at the game!
How Long is a Women’s Lacrosse Game?
The game lasts for 60 minutes, divided into four 15-minute quarters. After the first and third quarters, there’s a two-minute break. Halftime lasts for ten minutes, unless the coaches decide on a shorter break before the game starts.
Structure of a Lacrosse Game
A standard lacrosse game is typically divided into four quarters, each lasting a specific amount of time. The length of a lacrosse game can vary depending on the level of play, whether it’s a professional league match, college game, or youth tournament. Let’s break down the timing of a lacrosse game.
Quarters in a Lacrosse Game
In professional lacrosse leagues like the National Lacrosse League (NLL) or the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), each quarter typically lasts 15 minutes. Therefore, the total game time without factoring in breaks is 60 minutes (4 quarters x 15 minutes each).
In collegiate men’s lacrosse, the quarters are also 15 minutes each, making the total game time 60 minutes. However, in collegiate women’s lacrosse, the game is divided into two halves instead of quarters, with each half lasting 30 minutes.
For youth lacrosse, game durations can vary based on age groups and league regulations. Typically, youth games have shorter periods to accommodate younger players.
Halftime Break
At halftime, there is a break where teams leave the field to regroup and strategize. The halftime break in lacrosse typically lasts about 10–15 minutes, providing players with a chance to rest and coaches an opportunity to make adjustments.
Stoppage Time and Clock Management
Unlike some other sports, lacrosse uses a running clock during gameplay, meaning the clock continues to run even when the ball is not in play (e.g., after a goal is scored or when the ball goes out of bounds). However, officials may stop the clock for injuries, penalties, or other game delays, adding to the overall duration of the game.
Overtime and Tiebreaker Rules
In the event of a tie at the end of regulation play, lacrosse games may proceed to overtime periods to determine a winner. Overtime rules can vary depending on the league or level of play, but they typically involve sudden-death or timed periods until a winning goal is scored.
| Level of Play | Overtime Period Duration | Break Between Periods |
|---|---|---|
| National Lacrosse League (NLL) | 15 minutes | 2 minutes |
| High School & Collegiate | 4 minutes | 2 minutes (if needed) |
| Professional Field Lacrosse | 12 minutes or 10 minutes | Varies |
Understanding Game Delays and Time Management in lacrosse
Occasionally, lacrosse games may experience delays due to inclement weather, injuries, or other unforeseen circumstances. Officials have the discretion to pause the game clock when necessary and resume play once the situation is resolved.
How Does Overtime Work in Lacrosse?
When a lacrosse game ends in a tie, it goes into overtime. In overtime, the teams play sudden death with 4-minute periods and a 2-minute break between each period. They keep playing until one team scores and wins the game. If you want to know how long is a volleyball game? you can check my previous article.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical duration of a college lacrosse match, including halftime?
In college lacrosse, a match usually runs for 60 minutes, with a halftime break lasting around 10 minutes. So, the entire event generally takes about 70 minutes from start to finish.
Are the lengths of men’s and women’s lacrosse games different?
Yes, there is indeed a difference! In women’s collegiate lacrosse, teams play two 30-minute halves, whereas in men’s games, they play four 15-minute quarters.
How many periods are there in a lacrosse game?
Lacrosse games consist of four quarters. The length of each quarter varies depending on the league, typically ranging from 10 to 15 minutes.
How long are boy’s lacrosse games?
Typically, boys’ games last for about 60 minutes.
During a lacrosse season, how many games are usually played?
College lacrosse teams can play anywhere from 12 to 18 games in a season, depending on the league and tournament schedule.
Is the length of a high school lacrosse game the same as that of collegiate lacrosse?
No, high school lacrosse games typically run shorter. They usually play four 12-minute quarters, adding up to 48 minutes, which is less time than college lacrosse games.
How long is the average lacrosse game?
The average length of lacrosse games is between 45-60 minutes. We’ve provided typical time frames for lacrosse games above, from youth lax to college and the pros.