Rules and Regulations

Boys Lacrosse Rules Changes - 2025  By NFHS on November 07, 2024

1-9-1a — Clarified chin strap is to be worn on the chin, not under.

4-3-1 — Returned to previous language to ensure clarity.

4-16 — Rewritten for clarity.

4-22-4 — Clarified that on every restart near the substitution area, the ball must be moved into the field of play 5 yards.

4-24-7 — Clarifies that a whistle shall be blown on the loss of any mandatory equipment in the scrimmage area.

5-4-5 — Distinguishes intentional versus unintentional checks involving the head or neck.

5-4-7 — Provided an editorial change to the situation changing fight to flight.

5-5-h — Rewritten for clarity and understanding.

7-8-3 — A slow whistle will be implemented on a personal foul during a pass or shot.

7-13-3 — Clarifies how a restart will take place in the event of an inadvertent whistle before a faceoff has ended. Conforms to other situations as to why a reface will take place.

2025 Boys Lacrosse Points of Emphasis

1. Eyeshade

2. Properly Worn Mandatory Equipment

3. Scrimmage Area

4. New Field Diagram

5. Unintentional vs. Intentional Checks Involving the Head/Neck

Printable Version - Please print and place in your rules book for future reference.

April 2024

QUESTION:  At the start of a cold weather game a couple of players on one of the teams has a different color under shirt (or leggings) of the rest of team, are they required to remove the undergarment or sit out during the game... or is the other team awarded a free position for a minor foul at the beginning of the game and those players are allowed to play with the non-compliant garments?

ANSWER:  The scenario you presented is CORRECTABLE.  Therefore it must be corrected or the athlete doesn't play in the game.  An athlete cannot wear an illegal uniform (which is correctable) and just choose to take the penalty.

February 2024

QUESTION:  Players often wear sweatshirts, or long sleeve shirts under their uniform to stay warm.  The rule book stipulates that all players must wear the same color.  When Lacrosse was a club sport this rule was not enforced.  Will it be enforced now that it is a WIAA sport?

ANSWER:  Yes.  All NFHS Rules will be enforced. 

Girls Lacrosse (Rule 2-9-5):

...All visible undergarments worn under the kilts/shorts/jerseys must be of one solid color, and must be white, gray, black or one of that team's uniform colors.  All team members who choose to wear visible undergarments must wear the same color.  This does not apply to medical sleeves or compression shirts that meet the NOCSAE ND200 lacrosse standard at the time of manufacture.  Visible long or short-sleeved undergarments must correspond to the team's predominant jersey color or be light with light jersey and dark with a dark jersey.

Boys Lacrosse (Rule 1-9-2):

OPTIONAL ITEMS

a.  Under-jerseys, if visible, shall:

1.  Be a solid color which is white, gray or one of the team's official colors

2.  Be the same color for those who choose to wear them

3.  Be tucked into the pants if longer than belt length.

QUESTION:  There are two REGIONAL playoff dates (May 23/24 and May 28).  Will we need to have games on the 24th with the small number of teams we have this season?

ANSWER:   Some teams will play the first round of Regionals.  This will be determined after the seeding meetings are completed (May 12)

• BOYS Sectional 1 (19 teams):  Seeds 14 - 19 will play the first round (May 24)
• BOYS Sectional 2 (20 teams):  Seeds 13-20 will play the first round (May 24)
• GIRLS Sectional 1 and 2 (18 teams):  Seeds 15-18 will play the first round (May 23)

QUESTION:  Has there been a change to the Girls Lacrosse game format?

ANSWER:   Yes.  Games will now be played in FOUR 12-minute quarters (NFHS Rule 4-1-1)

NFHS Boys Lacrosse Rules Website