Sofcrosse

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Sofcrosse (also Softcrosse and Soft lacrosse) is considered a modified version of lacrosse with slightly different equipment and rules. The game is also marketed as McWhipit by one equipment manufacturer. In the UK, sofcrosse is known as Pop Lacrosse.

The sofcrosse stick is different from a normal lacrosse stick in that the head or "crosse" is made completely of plastic, where in lacrosse the head has a flexible string or mesh pocket in which the ball is carried. The ball is larger, softer and hollow. Generally teams consist of five players per side, and the field size is roughly 20m wide and 40 long. Goals are smaller than in standard lacrosse, being 4' in height and width (1220 mm x 1220 mm). The sport can be played outdoors or indoors. Unlike normal lacrosse there exists a strict "no contact" rule which makes it a popular alternative for physical education. As there is no contact allowed in the game, a time limit is set for possession of the ball, usually four or five seconds. In some local cases, other rules are added or modified so as to encourage all players to participate; for example the ball must be passed twice before taking a shot on goal.

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