ABSTRACT

Broadly known across Native American tribes as the creator’s game for its spiritual and religious significance, lacrosse helped tribes put their lives into perspective and teach life as well as spiritual lessons. Sport enthusiasts are reminded of field lacrosse’s contentious history as the game continues to look less like the traditional game it once was. Box (or indoor) lacrosse in Canada has overtaken field lacrosse in terms of popularity in Canada is continuing to grow at the professional levels in North America. Meanwhile women’s lacrosse is increasingly on the rise and in no way has it yet reached its potential. Overall the three separate versions of lacrosse make up what has been recognized as the fastest growing sport in the world. This vast participation growth as well as the 2008 merger between the men’s and women’s international governing bodies into the Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) will help make a strong case for full acceptance into the Olympic Games.