History of Lacrosse

The sport of lacrosse has evolved from the Native American game played centuries ago into two separate forms…the men’s game and the women’s game. The rules that govern this gender sport differ for men and women. Women’s rules limit stick contact and prohibit body contact. However, in men’s lacrosse, there is some degree of body and stick contact although violence is neither condoned nor allowed.

For more on the History of Lacrosse, please visit:   https://worldlacrosse.sport/the-game/origin-history/

Enthusiasm for the sport has exploded in recent years, which is often dubbed the “fastest game on two feet.”

"In 2018, a report from the Sport & Fitness Industry Association found that 1.1 million boys and girls were playing the game at the youth level, and that participation had grown 25% since 2012. By comparison, over that same period, football participation had dropped almost 16% and baseball had grown only 2%."

USA Lacrosse, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is a Recognized Sport Organization of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. As the governing body of men’s and women’s lacrosse in the United States, USA Lacrosse leads the U.S. National Teams Program and establishes universal standards. With more than 400,000 members across the country, USA Lacrosse unites the community of players, coaches, officials, parents, and program leaders. Working together, we inspire participation, enrich the athlete experience, and support the growth of the sport.

Most recently, the International Olympic Committee voted to bring lacrosse back to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.  Read more here:  https://www.usalacrosse.com/news-media-blog/its-official-lacrosse-headed-2028-summer-olympics

Beginning in the spring of 2000, the Southern Maryland public high schools instituted a girls’ varsity program. The following year saw the addition of the junior varsity programs. Since then, opportunities to participate in the sport have opened up doors through summer instructional camps to indoor recreational ball. The idea of St. Mary’s Girls’ Lacrosse League was formed to expand upon these opportunities. With the community’s persistence and passion by our side, we have been able to afford the opportunity for lacrosse exposure to girls at the youth level. The league looks forward to the future growth of women’s lacrosse throughout Southern Maryland.