CBC Archives

Engage in a class discussion about games and the role that rules play in making a game worthwhile. Have them think of any games they know that don't have any rules or that have rules that change, and ask them what it might be like to play a game or sport with non-fixed rules. Ask students if they value rules in games, and why (makes it fair, fewer disagreements, easier to keep score). Point out to students that in organized sports, rules are essential in determining the results of games.

Have students work in small groups to explore Clips #1 through #10, including the Did you Know sections from the topic Lacrosse: A History of Canada's Game on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. Students may need 20 to 30 minutes to review the clips, focusing on the importance given to the rules of the game. Have them record the evolution of the rules of lacrosse on the download sheet Playing by the Rules.

Have students present and discuss their findings, ask and answer questions, and review one another’s charts. Encourage them to reflect on the rules of lacrosse and decide if they agree or disagree with them. They should consider sports they play regularly and decide how they would feel if the rules were changed. Students should consider whether rules become a tradition with a meaning beyond their influence on the game. Ask: Are there existing rules that you think should be changed? Do you think rules can change while a game is being played? Why or why not? Should some rules change to “level the playing field”? Why do some people react so strongly to the idea of changing rules?

Students can review all the current rules of lacrosse as accepted by the National Lacrosse League, and then organize and participate in a game of lacrosse.