• The mostly Canadian game of indoor lacrosse (also called box lacrosse or boxla) shares much in common with its counterpart in the United States, although its hockey influence cannot be denied. Started as a way for arena owners to gain revenue during hockey’s offseason, the game features rules taken from both its parent sports. With smaller play areas, hockey sized teams, smaller nets but larger goalies, the high-scoring and fast-paced box game’s rules promote safe but competitive play.
  
  

Players and Gear

• Like ice hockey, six-man teams (including goalies) play in the rink, or “box,” hence the game’s alternate moniker. The “runners” (players) can be subbed in for the goalie at the coach’s discretion. Otherwise, runners play typical offensive positions that can switched as the situation permits. There are no limits on how many reserve players are on the bench. For gear, rules hold that the total stick length may not exceed 46 inches. Unlike in field lacrosse, the use of the game’s original wooden stick is still permitted (although not in the sport’s pro league, called the National Lacrosse League). Each player must wear the usual approved gloves, helmet (with cage) and body pads.
  
  

Goalies Only

• Goalie upper-body protectors feature large shoulder caps that cannot exceed more than 3 inches upward and 5 inches outward from their shoulders. Leg guards can’t measure more than 27 inches in height, total. Gloves must be the same as worn by field lacrosse goalies. The helmet, usually an ice hockey goalie’s helmet, must be approved by the Canadian Sports Authority (CSA). Goalies can wander freely and unopposed in their 9-foot creases, although they’re treated as regular players if they leave their crease.
  
  

Game Play

• During each of the three 20-minute periods, players are allowed to body check one another in an effort to gain possession of the ball. If a fight occurs, players are assessed 5-minute major penalties (as in hockey) and must sit in the penalty box until the time expires. Fighting subjects the player to game expulsion in most semi-pro and amateur leagues, though. Other infractions require the player to sit in the penalty box, usually for 2 minutes. Penalty shots, where an offense player is awarded an unhampered shot against the goalie, can be given at the referee’s discretion. Infractions that result in 2-minute penalties include throwing the stick, abuse to an official, illegal gear, intentional elbowing and tripping and holding.