Why Lacrosse Players Take a Knee for Injuries: Origins, Purpose, and Best Practices
In youth and high school lacrosse across North America, it’s a familiar scene: a player goes down with an injury, and everyone else on the field drops to one knee. Play stops, coaches walk onto the field, and for a moment, everything freezes. But where did this tradition come from? Is it actually necessary? And should coaches and teams still be doing it?
In this post, we’ll break down the origins of taking a knee in sports, how it became part of lacrosse culture, and when—and if—it should still be practiced. We’ll also explore whether it’s age-appropriate at all levels, and what coaches need to consider.
Where Did the “Take a Knee” Tradition Start?
The practice of athletes kneeling during a stoppage for an injury likely originated in soccer, long before it became common in American football or lacrosse. In soccer, play is expected to stop immediately when a player is down injured, especially if it seems serious. Out of respect and safety, players would often take a knee or stand still until the player received medical attention.
This visual pause sent a clear message: someone’s hurt, and their health is more important than the game.
Later, the gesture became more visible in American football, where kneeling often took on additional symbolism—prayer, solidarity, or mourning. Over time, it bled into youth sports culture in the United States, including lacrosse, where safety and sportsmanship are central teaching points at the younger levels.
When Did It Become Part of Lacrosse?
While it’s hard to trace the exact moment the gesture entered lacrosse, coaches across youth and high school levels began adopting the habit in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It became standard protocol in many areas, particularly in leagues focused on character development and safety.
Today, if you attend a youth or high school lacrosse game and a player goes down, chances are good that you’ll see both benches—and often both teams on the field—take a knee until the situation is resolved.
Why Do Players Take a Knee? What’s the Purpose?
The reasons are both practical and symbolic:
✅ 1. Safety First
Stopping movement immediately lowers the chance of accidental collisions, confusion, or escalation. When players kneel, it creates a clear signal that play is paused and attention needs to shift.
✅ 2. Respect for the Injured Player
Kneeling shows that we acknowledge the pain or vulnerability of a teammate or opponent. It’s a moment of human decency built into the game—something all players can understand.
✅ 3. Regroup and Refocus
A pause during injury creates space for athletes to reset. In youth sports especially, emotional regulation can be a challenge. A knee-down moment signals, “Let’s take a breath.”
Is It Necessary in Lacrosse?
Technically, no.
There’s no NFHS or USA Lacrosse rule that mandates players take a knee during injury timeouts.
But culturally and developmentally? Yes—especially at younger levels.
It promotes emotional awareness, teaches empathy, and helps instill the idea that the person on the ground isn’t just a teammate or opponent—they’re a human being who deserves space, time, and care.
However, as players get older and games become more competitive and structured, taking a knee may not always be used. In many varsity-level or college games, players stay standing but attentive, unless the injury is clearly serious.
Should Coaches Take a Knee Too?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. But here’s a good rule of thumb:
If the players are taking a knee, the coach should model the same posture—or at least the same focus.
If a coach is walking onto the field to assist, they obviously don’t need to kneel.
But they absolutely should not use the moment to continue coaching, yelling, or diagramming plays.
The “injury knee” moment is not a coaching opportunity. It’s a moment of stillness. Let it stay that way.
Some coaches kneel in solidarity with their team. Others remain standing quietly. Both are fine—as long as the focus is where it should be: on the injured player.
At What Age Is Taking a Knee Appropriate?
Taking a knee makes the most sense in youth and high school lacrosse, especially in age groups where:
Players are still learning sportsmanship
Emotional control is still developing
Safety habits are still forming
🥍 Recommended by Age Group:
U8–U14: Yes. Taking a knee should be expected and modeled by coaches and reinforced by parents. These are the formative years where habits are built.
High School (JV & Varsity): Optional, based on team culture and the nature of the injury. Many teams still kneel out of habit and tradition.
College/Pro: Rare. Players are more experienced and better able to manage space and emotion during injury delays. Standing quietly is more common here.
How to Teach It as a Coach
If your team doesn’t already have a culture of taking a knee, it’s easy to introduce:
Talk About It During Practice
Explain the why. It’s not about looking polite—it’s about stopping and showing respect.Practice It Briefly
When you run a scrimmage or full-field drill, stop for a moment and simulate an “injury timeout.” Show them how to take a knee, remain silent, and wait for instruction to resume play.Model It Yourself
If your players drop to a knee and you’re still pacing and yelling, you’re sending mixed messages. Be the example.Reinforce the Message With Parents
Let them know this is part of your program’s values. That way, they can help reinforce it from the sidelines instead of shouting or reacting emotionally during injury moments.
Final Thought: It's About More Than the Game
In a sport built on speed, toughness, and controlled chaos, taking a knee is one of the rare moments where everything slows down.
It’s a small gesture. But it says something big: We care about more than goals. We care about people.
Whether your team is made up of 8-year-olds just learning the basics or high schoolers chasing college offers, this tradition reminds us that sportsmanship and empathy are as important as X’s and O’s.
So is it necessary? Maybe not by rulebook standards.
But in terms of culture, growth, and character?
Absolutely.
