How Long Do Lacrosse Games Last?

Lacrosse is a fast-paced and exciting sport that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is a game that requires skill, speed, and endurance. One of the most common questions asked by those new to the sport is, “How long do lacrosse games last?” The answer to this question varies depending on the level of play. In this article, we will explore the duration of lacrosse games at different levels and provide some additional information about the game.

College Lacrosse Games

College lacrosse games are the longest and most intense of all levels of play. According to Lax Fury [1], an average college lacrosse game lasts around 60 minutes, which has four quarters of 15 minutes each. After the first and third quarters, there is a two-minute break, and at halftime, there is a ten-minute break. There are also timeouts. So, an average game would last about 75-78 minutes, considering the game was settled and there was no overtime.

High School Lacrosse Games

High school lacrosse games are slightly shorter than college games. According to Sportsxplainer [2], high school games are typically 48 minutes long, which has four quarters of 12 minutes each. After the first and third quarters, there is a two-minute break, and at halftime, there is a ten-minute break. There are also timeouts. So, an average game would last about 60-63 minutes, considering the game was settled and there was no overtime.

Youth Lacrosse Games

Youth lacrosse games are the shortest of all levels of play. According to The Sports Reviewer [3], youth games are typically 30-35 minutes long, which has two halves of 15-20 minutes each. After the first half, there is a five-minute break, and at halftime, there is a ten-minute break. There are also timeouts. So, an average game would last about 45-50 minutes, considering the game was settled and there was no overtime.

Professional Lacrosse Games

Professional lacrosse games are similar in duration to college games. According to Lacrosse Pal [4], depending on what level of professional lacrosse game you are going to, a lacrosse game could last anywhere from 50 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes. On average, a professional lacrosse game has 60 minutes run time into four 15-minute quarters. There will also be a two-minute timeout followed by each quarter with a ten-minute halftime between the second and third quarters.

Additional Information

It is important to note that the duration of lacrosse games can vary depending on several factors. For example, if the game is tied at the end of regulation time, there may be overtime periods added until a winner is determined. Additionally, weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances may cause delays or cancellations that can affect the duration of the game.

Another factor that can affect the duration of lacrosse games is the pace of play. If both teams are playing aggressively and scoring frequently, the game may take longer to complete than if both teams are playing defensively and scoring less often.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the duration of lacrosse games varies depending on the level of play. College games are typically 60 minutes long, high school games are typically 48 minutes long, youth games are typically 30-35 minutes long, and professional games are similar in duration to college games. It is important to note that the duration of lacrosse games can vary depending on several factors, including overtime periods, weather conditions, and the pace of play. Understanding the duration of lacrosse games is essential for players, coaches, and spectators alike.