Most lacrosse programs adhere to U.S. Lacrosse rules, which include standards for men's, women's and youth sticks.
Crosses used by older girls and women must be 35 1/2 inches to 43 1/4 inches long for all players except the goalkeeper. Goalkeepers' sticks can be up to 48 inches. The head of the crosse can 7 to 9 inches wide for all positions except the goalkeeper. Goalkeepers' sticks can have heads up to 12 inches wide.
In the men's and boys version of the game, different positions use different types of sticks. Attackmen (offensive players) and midfielders (who play offense and defense) use sticks 40 to 42 inches long. Defensemen use sticks 52 to 72 inches long. Crosse heads in the men's game are 7 to 10 inches across for all players except the goalie, who can have a head 10 to 12 inches wide.
Youth rules, which are generally only used through the fifth grade, allow the use of shorter sticks. Youth boys rules allow 37- to 40-inch crosses for offensive positions and 37- to 72-inch sticks for defensive positions. Girls can also use youth-sized sticks.
Youth girls rules also allow the use of a modified pocket for players in the fifth grade or younger. The modified pocket allows the ball to sit deeper in the net, making it easier to catch and throw.