For centuries, lacrosse has been a very popular sport, but one mainly for men to partake in. In the past few decades, women have become recognized as viable participants on the lacrosse field. While this event continues to grow for them, it doesn't get the coverage or prestige that comes with the game of lacrosse for men. There are also far fewer women who play lacrosse and spectators for it than with the male counterpart.

The game of lacrosse is slightly altered for women, mainly to reduce the amount of physical contact that takes place among the players while on the field. They are still required to wear eye wear and a mouth guard as injuries can and often do happen. Another significant difference for women's lacrosse is that the pockets of the sticks are more shallow than those used by the men. The result of this is that the ball is more difficult to catch and it can't be shot with as much speed.

Women's lacrosse teams also play with two more players on the field then the men's teams allow. The team features a goalie, three attackers, five mid fielders, and three defenders. Seven of the players assume either the position of the attacker or the defender depending on who has control of the ball at any given point in time. The other four players and the goalie aren't allowed to cross the restraint line or a penalty will be imposed for the team.

The area of play most different between men's and women's lacrosse is in checking. Women's lacrosse does not check like the men do. When checking happens, the ball switches control as called by the umpire.

Interest in lacrosse continues to grow around the globe. Women now play professionally, though some people believe that the difference in rules is the reason for lack of recognition in women's lacrosse. If the rules are not identical, spectators may never look to the women's game as they do men's. Though there is no talk of changing the rules of play at any time in the future.