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Lacrosse was invented by the Native Americans. They had many versions and in some tribes they used two sticks, one in each hand. Sometimes both men and women played together, but in some areas women had their own form of lacrosse. |
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| Lacrosse was called "the little brother of war" by the Cherokees because it was considered to be excellent military training. Hundreds sometimes thousands of players would be on each team, often a whole tribe or village. The goals were miles apart and the game could last as long as three days. Because most players couldn't get anywhere near the ball they used the stick to injure their opponents. |
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In the 19th century Europeans in Canada began to play the game. Montreal's Olympic Club organized team specifically to compete against Native American teams. In 1848 and 1851 similar games were played. |
| In 1867 George Beers of the MLC rewrote the rules thoroughly. His rules had 12 players pre team: goal, point, cover point, first defense, second defense, third defense, centre, third attack, second attack, first attack, out home, and inhome. Beers, now known as "The Father of Lacrosse", also he replaced the hair stuffed deer skin ball with a solid rubber ball. |
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