USA Lacrosse is committed to fostering a national lacrosse community that encourages understanding, appreciation and acceptance of all. We believe that broad representation and participation, through accessibility and availability to everyone, add significant value to the lacrosse experience of each of us..

Diversity is a fundamental value for any lacrosse organization. Bringing together varied life experiences and perspectives strengthens inclusion and shows every player, parent, and volunteer that they belong. Program leaders and coaches set the tone: making diversity a stated priority for your team and organization is a good starting point, and it shows your administration and program you're serious about these goals.

Everyone should have the opportunity to play lacrosse and feel included, accepted, and valued regardless of their ability or disability. Welcome to Adaptive Lacrosse — a modified version of the game that is designed specifically for the inclusion, safety, and enjoyment of players with disabilities. Make your organization more inclusive and accessible with Adaptive Lacrosse!
 

Respect. Honor. Peace. Unity.

These are just a few of the values that are ingrained within the culture of lacrosse, a sport with deep spiritual roots that originated with Native Americans. Gifted to them by the Creator, lacrosse is more than just a game for Native peoples. It runs so much deeper.

Lacrosse is one of the oldest team sports in North America, with documented roots that date back to the early 17th century. Native American lacrosse was played throughout modern Canada, but was most popular around the Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic seaboard, and American South. 

Traditional lacrosse games were sometimes semi-major events that could last several days, with as many as 100 to 1,000 men from opposing villages or tribes participating. Some games were played to settle inter-tribal disputes, while other times lacrosse was played to toughen young warriors for combat, or for recreation, or as part of festivals, or for religious reasons. Ultimately, it was always for the pleasure of the Creator. Modern day lacrosse descends from and resembles the stickball games played by these various Native American communities.

That legacy lives on today through USA Lacrosse's Native American Advisory Council, which helps us honor the roots of the game while supporting lacrosse's growth in Native communities.

Native American Advisory Council