The True Post (Web News) Two sports have national status in Canada: ice hockey and lacrosse. Both of these sports were officially declared national sports under the “National Sports of Canada Act”, a law passed by the Canadian Parliament on May 12, 1994.
Ice Hockey (Winter Sport)
Ice hockey is recognized as the national winter sport by law. Ice hockey emerged in the late 19th century in Montreal, Canada, and quickly became part of the national identity. Canada has won several international awards in ice hockey, making it the most popular sport in the country.
Ice Hockey Rules
Ice hockey is played on ice and is a fast-paced and physical game. Each team has 6 players, including a goalkeeper, two defensemen and three forwards. A match consists of three periods, each period lasting twenty minutes. Players try to put a small piece of rubber, called a puck, into the opposing team’s goal. The playing field is called the ice rink, which is marked with specific lines and zones. Fouls such as offside, icing, high-sticking and holding can result in players being sent off for a few minutes, which is called a penalty. If the match is tied, it is decided by overtime and then a shootout.
Lacrosse (summer sport)
Lacrosse, on the other hand, is Canada’s oldest sport, played centuries ago by the First Nations (indigenous tribes). The sport is a symbol of Canada’s cultural heritage, and was formalized as a sport in the 19th century. Interestingly, in 1859, Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. MacDonald, declared lacrosse the “national sport,” although it was not legal at the time. Finally, in 1994, both sports were officially recognized as national sports, reflecting their historical and seasonal significance, further strengthening Canada’s sporting identity.
Lacrosse rules
Lacrosse has its roots in the country’s ancient First Nations. The game is played on a long field with 10 players on each team: three attackers, three midfielders, three defenders, and a goalkeeper. Players try to score a small ball into the opponent’s goal with the help of a special stick (lacrosse stick). The match consists of four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes. Field lacrosse has specific regulations, such as the “offside rule” that only six players can be in the opposing half, while “box lacrosse” has a team of six players on a small field. Players are sent to the penalty box for fouls in the game, such as slashing, holding, or cross-checking.
Both ice hockey and lacrosse not only represent Canadian culture and weather, but also teach young people physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The rules of both sports are highly regulated and globally recognized, and Canada has won many international awards in them.
