Intercrosse

Intercrosse (also called as softcrosse, modcrosse, or pop lacrosse) is a non-contact form of lacrosse with a standardized set of rules using modified lacrosse equipment (although standard equipment is sometimes used). Intercrosse as a competitive sport is popular in many continental European countries (particularly in the Czech Republic), as well as in Quebec, Canada.

An intercrosse stick is different from a normal lacrosse stick: the head is made completely of plastic while the head of a traditional stick is strung with leather or nylon string or with synthetic mesh. The ball is larger, softer and hollow, unlike a lacrosse ball, which is usually solid rubber. Generally teams consist of five players per side, and the field size is 20 m wide and 40 m long. Goals are the same size as box lacrosse, being 4' in height and width (1220 mm x 1220 mm).

The sport can be played outdoors or indoors. Unlike traditional lacrosse there exists a strict "no contact" rule which makes it a popular alternative for physical education classes. As there is no contact allowed in the game, a player is not allowed to carry the ball for more than 5 seconds. Once it has obtained the ball a team must shoot at goal within 30 seconds or lose possession.[1]

Rules often vary from place to place, depending on who is conducting the game or competition, as intercrosse is used mostly for physical education and as a developmental sport for young or novice players for transition to playing standard lacrosse. However, a standard set of rules for intercrosse[1] was developed in the 1980s and these rules are used for international competition. Intercrosse is played mainly in countries not traditionally associated with lacrosse, especially in Europe.

There are two main international competitions in Intercrosse. The World Games are an annual event where players from different countries come to compete. They are divided by a draw of lots into mixed teams to provide a social atmosphere in the tournament. A biennial World Cup also exists now and is more competitive. Here, each country is represented only by their best players.

References

  1. 1 2 Inter-Crosse Rulebook Version 4.0 (2007 07). Fédération Internationale d'Inter-Crosse. 2007


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