Calculator
What is Goals Against Average?
Goals Against Average measures the average number of goals the goalkeeper allows for each regulation game. It is adjusted for the minutes the goalkeeper plays.
A lower GAA is a sign of a goalkeeper that allows few goals during a game. A higher GAA is a sign of a goalkeeper that allows too many goals during a game.
Goals against average is also used in ice hockey, field hockey, water polo, soccer (association football) and other sports with a goalkeeper.
Formula – How to calculate GAA
GAA = (Goals Against ÷ Minutes Played) x Minutes in a game of regulation time
As defined by the Lacrosse Statistics guide by US Lacrosse.
- “Goals Against” are the number of goals recorded while the goalkeeper is on the field. Include all goals against during regulation and overtime play. Do not include goals against during a shootout. Rules for what qualifies as a goal can be found in the rules section of World Lacrosse.
- “Minutes Played” are the total number of minutes played by the goalkeeper. Include overtime play. Do not include the time the goalkeeper is playing during a shootout.
- “Game Length” is the regulation game length in the league the goalkeeper is playing. Most lacrosse games are 60 minutes of regulation time.
Example
A goalkeeper is in net for 954 minutes, allows 180 goals in that time, and regulation time for the league is 60 minutes per game:
180 goals against ÷ 954 minutes = 0.188679.
0.188679 times 60 minutes of regulation time = 11.32.
This goalkeeper’s Goals Against Average (GAA) is 11.32
How do you calculate goals against average in Lacrosse?
Divide “Goals Against” by “Minutes Played” then multiply that number by the number of minutes of regulation time in a game (usually 60 minutes, minor leagues may be less).
What is “GAA” in Lacrosse?
“GAA” in lacrosse stands for “Goals Against Average.” It is the average number of goals that a goalkeeper allows in a regulation game. It is listed to two decimal places.
How long is regulation time in Lacrosse?
Competitive and international leagues are 60 minutes of regulation time. Junior league games are usually shorter.
Sources and more resources
- Wikipedia – Goals Against Average (GAA) and Goalkeeper (Lacrosse) – Wikipedia’s information on GAA and the Goalkeeper position in lacrosse.
- Player statistics from World Lacrosse, National Lacrosse League, and the NCAA Men’s & Women’s leagues.
- Rules of lacrosse from the National Lacrosse League.
- US Lacrosse has a guide for Lacrosse statistics.
- HomeTeam Online has a glossary for Lacrosse terms.