Around each lacrosse goal, the plainly marked circle is called the crease. In field lacrosse, it surrounds the goal and measures 18 feet in diameter, giving the goalkeeper protected space to work.
The crease is not simply decorative field paint. An attacking player generally may not step into it while shooting, and entering it can result in a crease violation and a turnover. Defenders and the goalie use the area to protect the net and organize play.
Lacrosse goals are 6 feet wide and 6 feet high, and field lacrosse allows players to run behind the goal. That makes the crease especially important: it defines the immediate protected area while still allowing attackers to maneuver around the back of the cage.
Rules vary among field, box and women's lacrosse, so crease dimensions and contact rules can differ. The standard field-lacrosse term, however, is crease—not goal box or goalie circle.