Try Running in a Skirt
“Girls’ Lacrosse is more of a sport of skill, whereas boys’ [lacrosse] is a sport of strength,” said sophomore junior varsity player Catherine McCarthy.
This season, girls lacrosse has dramatically improved. Winning their last game in their regular season boosted the girls’ confidence and made everyone excited for next year.
Although boys’ lacrosse has the same concept of getting the ball in the net, the two types of lacrosse are essentially two different sports, as their rules dramatically differ.. There is a lot of controversy on why the two genders have such different rules - but there is always an explanation.
Avi Ornstein, Head Coach of the Varsity girls team, said that “ Since girls don’t wear the same amount of protection that boys do, the bulk of the rules are meant to protect the players.” Since boys’ lacrosse is a contact sport, it involves more cushion for checking bodies as well as sticks. Girls’ lacrosse, however, is considered a non-contact sport, has fewer protections for increased moves with the stick, and has a greater ability to run fast. The lack of protection focuses on the girls’ ability to use tactics and quick agility with the stick. However, although girls’ lacrosse is a non-contact sport, it can be very physical.
“In women’s lacrosse, helmets are not part of their designated uniform. Unlike boys lacrosse, [it’s] is a physical sport with metal sticks and hard rubber balls, which is why it is important to increase protection,” said Ornstein.
For uniforms, most people recognize that along with tennis, girls’ lacrosse player participate in the team wearing skirts instead of shorts. “I think it is questionable why we have to wear skirts for this sport. It is just like a different version of soccer, and skirts are not necessary for that game”, says McCarthy.. When asked her opinion on the controversy surrounding skirts, Varsity Kira Becker says, “Wearing skirts for womens lacrosse is a tradition more than anything.” She also mentions that it is very unique to the sport and enjoys wearing them, but that there should be an option to opt for shorts.
