Rules and Regulations

Boys Lacrosse Rules Changes - 2024

By NFHS on November 17, 2023

1-6-2 — Distinguishes the field player crosse from the goalkeeper crosse specifications into a separate article.

1-9-1 — Specifies that certain pieces of equipment shall be worn as the manufacturer intended and shall be specifically designed for lacrosse. Additionally, clarifies that the jersey numbers shall contrast from the body of the uniform and be of a single solid color.

1-9-3 — Deleted, as it is more clearly defined in

4-24-7. 2-2 — Allows for multiple captains to be designated before the start of the contest.

2-7-2 — Deletes language around the responsibilities of the CBO in counting crosses. This also clarifies that the CBO should be counting the number of long crosses on the field without the need for a coach request.

2-8-1 — Deletes language around the CBO responsibilities under Timekeeper.

3-3 — Adds “get it in,” which is used during play but not specified.

4-3-3 — Defines what is considered an illegal body check during the faceoff and eliminates “immediately.”

4-3-2, 4-6-3 — Reduces the number of instances that rely on alternate possession.

4-9-2, 4-9-3 — Appropriately moves language from 4-9-2 into 4-9-3.

4-22-1 — Illegal Procedure is the more appropriate designation.

4-24-11 — Specifies that a player must leave the field if their helmet comes off during play and cannot return until the next dead ball after play continues.

5-4-2 — Gives an additional option in penalizing contact to the head/neck area that is deemed to be indirect.

5-6 — Eliminates unnecessary language around gloves. The altering of gloves in relation to the palms/fingers is not as the manufacturer intended and thus does not need clarifying language.

6-1 — Clarifies language around a penalty against a team that does not have possession of the ball.

6-6-4 — Adds language on conduct fouls to a more appropriate spot in the book.

Points of Emphasis

1. Crosse Prohibitions

2. Eyeshade

3. Properly Worn Mandatory Equipment

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