Duration of the game Halftime lasts three minutes. Each side is allowed one timeout every game. Timeouts last one minute. In the last three minutes of a game, no timeouts are permitted. If the score is still close at the end of three minutes, another period will begin with both teams using the same ball. The only difference between the first and second halves is that players can drink water during the break. Lacrosse has no set length game. Games can go as long as necessary to determine a winner. There is no limit to how many periods may be played. A game consists of two ten-minute periods, with a five-minute break in between. At the start of each period, the referee blows his whistle and counts down from ten before starting the clock. A loss by the opposing team leads to elimination from that year's tournament. If the score is tied at the end of two periods, another period will begin immediately without stopping play. This continues until one team gains an advantage or reaches maximum time out duration. At this point, the other team will receive a free shot at goal. There is a five-minute break between periods. During this time, players can drink water or use the bathroom if needed.