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Men’s Lacrosse in the Last Decade

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Men’s lacrosse has experienced a tremendous amount of growth and development over the last decade. From changes in rules and regulations to advancements in technology and player safety, the sport has evolved to become one of the fastest-growing in the United States.

One of the most significant changes in the sport was the introduction of the 30-second shot clock in 2019. This change aimed to increase the pace of play and reduce the number of stall tactics employed by teams. According to the NCAA, the introduction of the shot clock led to an increase in scoring by an average of 2.2 goals per game during the 2019 season.

Another significant change was the introduction of the “dive” rule in 2019. This rule allows offensive players to dive into the crease to score a goal, provided they don’t make contact with the goalkeeper. The rule was met with some controversy, as it was seen by some as potentially dangerous for both offensive and defensive players.

Player safety has become a major concern in men’s lacrosse, leading to the adoption of new equipment and rules. In 2020, the NCAA mandated that all helmets must meet a new safety standard to reduce the risk of concussions. The new standard requires helmets to be tested for rotational acceleration, which is a leading cause of concussions in contact sports.

The sport has also seen an increase in the use of technology, with many teams using analytics to improve their performance. One company, called Hudl, provides teams with video analysis software that allows coaches to break down game films and identify areas for improvement. Other companies, such as ShotTracker, offer real-time tracking of player movement and shot statistics.

In terms of championship success, the last decade has seen the rise of the University of Maryland men’s lacrosse program. The Terrapins won the national championship in 2017 and 2021, while also making appearances in the championship game in 2011, 2012, and 2015. Other notable champions during the last decade include Duke (2010, 2013, 2014), Loyola Maryland (2012), Denver (2015), and Virginia (2019).

Off the field, the sport has seen an increase in diversity and inclusion efforts. In 2021, the NCAA and the National Lacrosse League announced a partnership to promote diversity and inclusion in the sport. The partnership includes a grant program aimed at increasing participation among underserved communities, as well as a commitment to educating coaches, players, and officials on issues of diversity and inclusion.

Significant Events

Here are some of the significant events that happened in the world of men’s lacrosse:

NCAA Rule Changes

The NCAA has made several significant rule changes in the last decade to make the game safer and more exciting. Some of these changes include shot clock implementation, the use of an over-the-head stick check, and face-off procedure modifications.

Expansion of the Sport

Men’s lacrosse has seen an increase in the number of teams and players in the last decade. More colleges and universities have added men’s lacrosse programs, and high schools across the country have also started to offer the sport.

Professional Leagues

The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) and the Major League Lacrosse (MLL) have emerged as two significant professional lacrosse leagues in North America. The PLL, founded in 2018, features a touring model, while the MLL, founded in 2001, has a more traditional franchise model.

International Growth

Lacrosse is becoming increasingly popular globally, with more countries participating in international competitions. In 2018, the International Lacrosse Federation merged with the Federation of International Lacrosse to form World Lacrosse, which oversees international lacrosse events.

Increased Media Coverage

With the growth of lacrosse, there has been an increase in media coverage of the sport. Several major sports networks, including ESPN, have started to cover lacrosse, and there are now several lacrosse-specific media outlets, such as Inside Lacrosse and Lacrosse Magazine.

Notable Achievements

Some of the most notable achievements in men’s lacrosse in the last decade include Duke winning three NCAA championships (2010, 2013, and 2014), the Loyola Greyhounds winning their first NCAA championship in 2012, and the Albany Great Danes setting several offensive records in 2014 with Lyle Thompson winning the Tewaaraton Award as the nation’s best college lacrosse player.

Overall, the last decade has been one of growth and change for men’s lacrosse. With new rules, equipment, and technology, the sport has evolved to become faster, safer, and more inclusive than ever before.

Sources:

  • NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Rules and Interpretations 2021-2022: https://www.ncaa.org/sites/default/files/2021DIMLAX_Rules_Book_FINAL.pdf
  • “NCAA introduces new shot clock rule for men’s lacrosse,” NCAA, August 22, 2018: https://www.ncaa.com/news/lacrosse-men/article/2018-08-22/ncaa-introduces-new-shot-clock-rule-mens-lacrosse
  • “Dive Rule Brings New Controversy to Men’s Lacrosse,” Inside Lacrosse, February 27, 2019: https://www.insidelacrosse.com/article/dive-rule-brings-new-controversy-to-mens-lacrosse/54117
  • “NCAA mandates new helmet safety standard for men’s and women’s lacrosse,” NCAA, July 21, 2020: https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/ncaa-mandates-new-helmet-safety-standard

men's lacrosse, rules changes