Rules of Lacrosse

2023 BOYS YOUTH RULE CHANGES 1-9 ARE ALSO HIGH SCHOOL CHANGES AND 10 IS YOUTH ONLY CHANGE

1. There is now a requirement to have continuous side and end lines to field markings. Rationale: Clarity for game management

2. The sub box area has been changed to 5 yards from 10 yards on either side of the center line. Rationale: Standardize the box lines with NCAA and NFHS girls and minimize danger to officials with player substitution.

3. Language has been added that the crosse shall have no holes or gaps larger than 1.68 inches in diameter. Rationale: Provide smaller gap criteria to eliminate stringing that could trap the ball, primarily related to the face off.

4. Language was added that the Crosse shall not have protrusion or sharp edges. Rationale: Address recent innovations that could hook or catch on a player’s equipment and cause danger. Align with women’s game specifications on protrusions.

5. Language around shoes has been simplified to state that shoes must be designed for lacrosse and metal spikes are not permitted. Rationale: Clean up outdated language.

6. Clarifications have been made to the exceptions for face-off procedures arising from fouls or player advantage. Rationale: Clarifications

7. Language was added that a goalkeeper when outside the crease, is treated like a field player. Rationale: Clarifying what happens when a goalkeeper is injured when away from crease and outside the scrimmage area.

8. The requirement of a shot being on goal for stalling has been deleted. Rationale: Clarifying when stalling shall be called.

9. During a running time, if there is time remaining on a non-releasable penalty after a goal is scored, the earliest the penalty can now be released after the ensuing face-off has been completed. Rationale: Ease of game management for officials while conducting face-off and monitoring penalty time expirations.

10. Youth ONLY Change: Penalty administration is no longer releasable. All fouls must be served for their full penalty time. Rationale: Increases the impact of penalties called ensuring commitment to safe and legal play.