Rules Of Lacrosse: (EXPLAINED!)

Lacrosse is a fast-paced and intense game so before you play, you need to know the rules of lacrosse. There are rules for different ages, positions, and equipment, and you can’t play without them.

With so much to learn and the game moving at such a fast pace, it is helpful to learn and understand the rules of lacrosse before you get started.

You may already know that you want to play and what position you will be, but you need to know the rules first. A lack of understanding of the rules can leave you confused on the field and that will leave you in the dust.

This guide is designed to take you through all the different rules of lacrosse. Everything you need to know about the equipment, positions, and rules of play are here.

With a solid understanding of the rules, you can play your best every time. The rules are essential to your success in lacrosse, so check yourself and respect the crease. Or get left behind on the field.

Basic Lacrosse Rules

Lacrosse has different rules and regulations for different ages and leagues. There are also rules for each type of play you can make such as checking and scoring.

The General Rules of Lacrosse State:

• A lacrosse game is 60 minutes long, divided into four 15 minute quarters.

• Every goal that is made is worth 1 point.

• There are only to be ten players per team on the field (3 Attackers, 3 Midfielders, 3 Defenders, 1 Goalie).

• Equipment (sticks, helmets, visors, goalie equipment) must meet and pass standards set by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment.

• Lacrosse game starts with a faceoff to see which team controls the ball first.

• Play is stopped when ball goes out of bounds. Ball is put back into play where the ball went out of bounds by opposing team.

• There can only be a maximum of 4 long poles on the field per team.

• Only the goalie can touch the lacrosse ball with their hand.

• Opposing players can’t make contact with goalie when in crease area.

• Body checking is not allowed for younger players (U12, U10, U8).

• Penalties vary by age (illegal body checking, illegal equipment, slashing, tripping, pushing). Personal fouls are given penalties for 1 to 3 minutes. Once a player has 5 personal fouls they will be removed from the game. Possession of the ball passes to the other team.

• Technical fouls result in a 30 second penalty (Illegal screen, holding, offsides, warding, goalie interference).

Lacrosse Scoring Rules

The scoring rules for lacrosse are fairly simple. Every goal that is made is worth points. A shot taken into the opponent’s net that is not blocked by the goalie, is a goal scored.

In youth, high school, and college lacrosse each goal is worth one point. In professional leagues, each goal is worth one or two points. There is a two-point line on the field and shots taken beyond this line are worth two points.

Shots taken that are blocked do not result in points. Shots take out of bounds do not count. A shot taken while players are offside will also be void.

There is also a shooting violation designed for safety of the players. When shooting, a defender must be within a stick’s length of the offensive player, or a shooting space violation is called.

Lacrosse Out Of Bounds Rules

The play of the game is stopped any time that a ball goes out of bounds. The end and side lines mark the perimeter of the playing field.

Any step over these lines is out of bounds. The ball can go out of bounds or a player holding the ball can go out of bounds.

If the ball is knocked out of bounds during a shot, then the ball will be awarded to the team that is closest to the spot where the ball went out.

If it goes out of bounds any other time such as a bad pass, then the ball is awarded to the team that did not touch the ball last. The best way to learn rules for out of bounds is by running drills for lacrosse.

Lacrosse Faceoff Rules

Every lacrosse game starts with a faceoff, where players stand with hands and feet on the ground. The players’ sticks need to be laying on the ground in front of each player.

Players’ feet and hands need to be to the left of the head of their stick or it is a false start.

All players must also keep their feet behind the center line and not touch their stick, otherwise it is a false start. False starts result in delay-of-game cards being given to the captain.

Violations during a faceoff can result in losing possession of the ball. Players cannot move until after the whistle blows. You can also get penalized for making noises and distracting your opponent.

You cannot clamp onto an opponent’s stick, preventing them from getting the ball. You also cannot kick an opponent’s stick or touch the ball with your hands.

Violations result in a whistle. 3 whistles during a faceoff within a half and the player will get a technical foul.

Lacrosse Crease Rules

The crease is the section of the field that is reserved for the goalie. It is a circle around the goal, and it provides the goalie with time to make saves or pick up blocked shots.

There are specific rules regarding the crease that all players need to adhere to. While inside the crease, players cannot attack or check the goalie if he has the ball, is passing or scooping the ball.

The goalie has 4 seconds to release the ball if it is in his possession in the crease. If the goalie leaves the crease, he can be checked by another player. Goalies cannot re-enter the crease if they have the ball. Defensive players are allowed to cut through the crease. If they get the ball in the crease, they can be checked by attackers.

Offensive players cannot enter the crease but if the ball is loose within the area, they can use their sticks to scoop it up. Crease violations result in the defense team getting the ball.

Lacrosse Checking Rules

Body checking is not allowed for younger players. Teams that are U12, U10, and U8 are not allowed to perform body checks on other players.

To violate this rule can result in being suspended from the game. When body checking is allowed, it can only be against an opponent who currently has the ball or who is within three yards of a loose ball.

Anybody checks must be below above the waist and below the shoulders or they are deemed illegal, and a penalty will be issued.

For a body check to be legal it must also be made from the front or side and both hands of the player doing the check need to be in contact with the cross. Illegal checking is given a personal foul which results in a one-minute penalty.

Lacrosse Penalty Rules

There are a number of penalties in lacrosse as there are with any sport. Some have been mentioned already but the full comprehensive list of possible penalties is below.

Personal fouls are given penalties for 1 to 3 minutes. Possession of the ball passes to the other team.

Once a player has 5 personal fouls they will be removed from the game.

Personal Fouls Include:

• Illegal body checking
• Illegal equipment
• Slashing (hitting with a stick somewhere other than stick or gloves)
• Tripping
• Pushing
• Unnecessary roughness

Technical Fouls Result In A 30-Second Penalty and Includes:

• Illegal screen
• Holding (impeding a player’s movement)
• Interference with the goalie while in the crease
• Offsides
• Warding

A total of 5 fouls gets you ejected from the game. This can include a combination of personal and technical fouls.

	Checking Rules	Penalty Rules
Youth	1. Absolutely No Checking Is Allowed	1. Penalties Given For Personal & Technical Fouls 2. Personal Foul Penalty Is 1-3 Minutes 3. Technical Foul Penalty Is 30 Seconds 4. 5 Penalties Is Expulsion From Game
Women’s	1. Checking Must Be From Front Or Side 2. Any Player Checked Must Have The Ball 3. Contact Must Be Between Waist And Shoulders	1. Green Card Given For A Delay Of Game 2. Yellow Card Is For A First-Time Penalty
Men’s	1. Checking Must Be From Front Or Side 2. Any Player Checked Must Have The Ball 3. Contact Must Be Between Waist And Shoulders	1. Personal Foul Penalty Is 1-3 Minutes 2. Technical Foul Penalty Is 30 Seconds 3. 5 Penalties Is Expulsion From Game
High School	1. Checking Must Be From Front Or Side 2. Any Player Checked Must Have The Ball 3. Contact Must Be Between Waist And Shoulders	1. Personal Foul Penalty Is 1-3 Minutes 2. Technical Foul Penalty Is 30 Seconds 3. 5 Penalties Is Expulsion From Game
NCAA Women’s	1. Checking Must Be From Front Or Side 2. Any Player Checked Must Have The Ball 3. Contact Must Be Between Waist And Shoulders	1. Personal Foul Penalty Is 1-3 Minutes 2. Technical Foul Penalty Is 30 Seconds 3. 5 Penalties Is Expulsion From Game
NCAA Men’s	1. Checking Must Be From Front Or Side 2. Any Player Checked Must Have The Ball 3. Contact Must Be Between Waist And Shoulders	1. Personal Foul Penalty Is 1-3 Minutes 2. Technical Foul Penalty Is 30 Seconds 3. 5 Penalties Is Expulsion From Game
Indoor (Box)	1. Checking Must Be From Front Or Side 2. Any Player Checked Must Have The Ball 3. Contact Must Be Between Waist And Shoulders	1. 2 Minute Removal For Minor Penalties 2. 10 Minute Removal For Major Penalties 3. 5 Penalties Total Means Expulsion From Game
Professional	1. Checking Must Be From Front Or Side 2. Any Player Checked Must Have The Ball 3. Contact Must Be Between Waist And Shoulders	1. Personal Foul Penalty Is 1-3 Minutes 2. Technical Foul Penalty Is 30 Seconds 3. 5 Penalties Is Expulsion From Game

Lacrosse Overtime Rules

A lacrosse game is 60 minutes, divided into four quarters. If there is a tied score at the end of the regulation playtime, the game goes into overtime.

The overtime quarters are fifteen minutes each until a goal is scored. The rules of play are the same in overtime as regulation play.

If no goal is scored after overtime, the game moves to sudden death overtime.

Lacrosse Substitution Rules

There are rules regarding substitution in a lacrosse game. To avoid penalties, you should always take one player off as you put one back on.

There is a whole 20 yards on the field allocated for subbing on both sides within the box. Players can enter one side as the sub leaves the other side.

You can also sub from the midline which is for controlled substitutions. To do this properly, exchange a player from the defense zone with one that is crossing over.

Four players need to be kept in the defensive zone at all times. Any violation to this results in a technical foul.

Lacrosse Equipment Rules

Lacrosse is recognized by its unique equipment. The helmet is shaped differently to other helmets and the stick with a pocket is very distinct.

This equipment also has special rules and regulations for the game. To be allowed to play on an official team, it is important to follow the equipment rules.

Sizing is essential for proper play and meeting the regulations of the league you are in.

Lacrosse Stick Rules

The stick consists of a wooden stick and a pocket at the top for catching and throwing. The stick length must be 40 to 42 inches with the head of the stick measuring 4 ½ inches to 7 inches at its widest point.

The lacrosse pocket cannot be deeper than a lacrosse ball. Your lacrosse pocket will be deemed illegal if there is any gap between the head of the stick and the ball.

It is also illegal to use pull strings in the pocket. Should a ref see pull strings you can get an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

Lacrosse pockets that sag too deep are also illegal. You are allowed to use multiple color mesh unless it looks as though you are trying to deceive an opponent.

For example, a white circle on black mesh that looks like you have the ball will be illegal. The shaft angle of the stick also has regulations.

When laying on a table, if the highest part of the head is more than 2 ¾ inches off the table, the stick is illegal and cannot be used.

Lacrosse sticks can be made from wood, composite materials, or aluminum. Players can choose what feels best for them, with the exception of women lacrosse players.

Women must play with composite or aluminum shafts on their sticks because of any accidental checks that can occur during play.

Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Lacrosse Head Rules

The lacrosse stick head must be 3 inches wide at the throat and between 6 and 10 inches at the widest part.

The length of the head needs to be 10 inches from the crosse head to the throat at least. The midpoint of the head needs to be at least 3 1/2inches. The sidewall of the stick head cannot exceed 2 inches in width.

It is illegal to have any lacrosse tape touching any part of the stick head. You also do not need to have a ball stop unless you are using a wooden lacrosse head. In this case, the ball stop needs to be below ¼ inch in thickness.

Lacrosse Helmet Rules

The helmet worn for lacrosse has to be a specialized protective helmet designed for lacrosse. It needs to meet and pass all standards set by the NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment).

These regulations state that helmets are to be tested with a compatible faceguard attached and they must comply with safety standards.

The faceguard is tested to meet requirements that vision and ability to play is not impacted by the presence of the faceguard.

Helmets and visors that have passed testing have been rated as safe against impact and extreme temperatures.

Helmets must be worn by all players any time they are on the field. The helmet must have a face mask or visor, chin pad, and a cupped four-point strap for the chin.

Players also need to wear a mouthguard. They must be worn at all times and cannot be removed during play. White and clear mouthguards are not allowed.

Lacrosse Helmet Visor Rules

All players must have eye protection that meets ASTM specifications and standards. There are different standards for each level of play and players must choose accordingly.

Helmets can have a clear, molded eye shield. It cannot be rigid, nor can it be tinted. Players can wear eyeglasses that are tinted but these cannot be worn with a clear helmet visor.

All visors or faceguards that have passed NOCSAE testing must be labeled clearly with model and helmet size instructions.

Any helmet and visor that has not passed testing must be clearly labeled with a sticker advising consumers that it has not met the NOCSAE standards for lacrosse.

Lacrosse Goalie Equipment Rules

Goalies need to wear a helmet at all times. It must be NOCSAE approved. Additional protective equipment that goalies must have include a throat protector, mouthpiece, gloves, and chest protector.

There are also pads for the arms, legs, and shoulders to be worn. All padding cannot increase the size of the body excessively or it will not be allowed.

High school players need to have additional equipment including thigh and shin pads. Youth players need even more with pelvic and abdominal protection.

The stick a goalie uses is also different from regular players. The stick must be 10 to 12 inches in width instead of 6 ½ to 10 inches.

Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

	Game Play Rules	Equipment Rules
Youth	1. Game Is 32 Minutes 2. 8-Minute Long Quarters 3. 2-Minute Breaks Between Quarters 4. 10-Minute Halftime	1. Must Wear NOCSAE Approved Helmet 2. Must Wear Protective Eyewear And Mouthguard 3. Standard Lacrosse Stick Measuring 40-42 Inches To Be Used
Women’s	1. Game Is 50 Minutes 2. (2) 35-Minute Halves Are Played 3. 10-Minute Halftime	1. Must Wear Protective Eyewear And Mouthguard 2. Standard Lacrosse Stick Measuring 40-42 Inches To Be Used
Men’s	1. Game Is 60 Minutes 2. 15-Minute Long Quarters	1. Must Wear NOCSAE Approved Helmet 2. Must Wear Protective Eyewear And Mouthguard 3. Standard Lacrosse Stick Measuring 40-42 Inches To Be Used
High School	1. Game Is 48 Minutes 2. 12-Minute Long Quarters 3. 10-Minute Halftime	1. Must Wear NOCSAE Approved Helmet 2. Must Wear Protective Eyewear And Mouthguard 3. Standard Lacrosse Stick Measuring 40-42 Inches To Be Used
NCAA Women’s	1. Game Is 60 Minutes 2. 15-Minute Long Quarters 3. 15-Minute Halftime	1. Must Wear NOCSAE Approved Helmet 2. Must Wear Protective Eyewear And Mouthguard 3. Standard Lacrosse Stick Measuring 40-42 Inches To Be Used
NCAA Men’s	1. Game Is 60 Minutes 2. 15-Minute Long Quarters 3. 15-Minute Halftime	1. Must Wear NOCSAE Approved Helmet 2. Must Wear Protective Eyewear And Mouthguard 3. Standard Lacrosse Stick Measuring 40-42 Inches To Be Used
Indoor (Box)	1. Game Is 60 Minutes 2. Three 20-Minute Periods 3. 2 Minutes Between Quarters 4. 12-Minute Halftime	1. Must Wear NOCSAE Approved Helmet 2. Face Mask, Gloves, And Pads Required 3. Standard Lacrosse Sticks Measuring 40-42 Inches Required
Professional	1. Game Is 60 Minutes 2. 15-Minute Long Quarters 3. 15-Minute Halftime	1. Must Wear NOCSAE Approved Helmet 2. Must Wear Protective Eyewear And Mouthguard 3. Standard Lacrosse Stick Measuring 40-42 Inches To Be Used

Lacrosse Rules

As you can see, there are many rules for the game of lacrosse. Rules for equipment and rules for play. In addition to this the rules can be slightly different for youth players, high school players, college, and professionals.

The rules also vary for men and women. The general rules discussed above apply to all lacrosse games, but within each group there are variations to the rules.

These differences are designed to protect players and to match the level and intensity of play within each group.

Youth Lacrosse Rules

One of the most notable rules in youth lacrosse, is that there is absolutely no checking allowed. Boys and girls have similar rules at this stage.

Youth leagues are allowed to include players under the age of 15 and are divided up according to age.

For example, there will be U12, U10, and U8 leagues. Ten players are allowed on the field, but games can be played with as few as 7 players.

Quarters and game play is shorter for youth players, with each quarter running only 10 minutes.

Personal fouls are taken very seriously at this stage and players can be benched for using derogatory language or having unsportsmanlike conduct.

The first offense is a 1-to-3-minute penalty, and a second offense will be a 3-minute non-releasable foul.

Women’s Lacrosse Rules

There are several different rules for women’s lacrosse as compared to men’s and they are designed to allow less contact.

Because there is less contact, women lacrosse players only need to have eyewear and a mouthguard to play. The pockets on women’s lacrosse sticks are also shallower so the ball is harder to catch.

The number of players on the field is the same for men, but the positioning is different. Women play with 3 attackers, 5 midfielders, 3 defenders and a goalie.

7 players attack and 7 defend. Checking is also different in women’s lacrosse. Women are only allowed to check if it is directed away from the carrier’s head.

Women can only check using the side of their stick. If they use the flat of the stick head to check a player, the ball is passed to the opposing team.

Women’s games are played as two 25-minute halves.

Men’s Lacrosse Rules

The standard rules cited earlier in the article are applicable to men’s lacrosse. It is only for youth, women, level of play that rules are adapted or modified.

The general rules for lacrosse that are generally cited, are those for men. The penalties listed in the beginning section of the article apply to men.

The penalty for a personal foul is 1-to-3-minute suspension from play and possession of the ball goes to the other team.

Once players get 5 personal fouls they are ejected from the game. Technical foul penalties are a 30 second suspension if the player’s team has the ball.

High School Lacrosse Rules

High school lacrosse follows much of the same rules and regulations for men’s lacrosse. There are to be ten players on the field per team and four of them must stay in the defensive zone at all times.

All games begin with a faceoff situation. No player can touch the ball with their hands except for the goalie. The section around the goal known as the crease is for the goalie only.

Players can only reach into this area with their stick. Checking is only allowed if the person checked has the ball in their possession and if the check occurs between the waist and shoulders.

Penalties are the same for men’s lacrosse.

NCAA Lacrosse Rules

Just as with high school there are ten players to a tram. For NCAA women’s lacrosse there are 12 players per team. One difference between college and high school lacrosse is that college games start using shot clocks.

There is 80 seconds allowed after a team gets possession of the ball to take a shot. This speeds the game up and makes it more exciting and challenging.

Games also begin with faceoff situations and there are stops in the game for going out of bounds and offside.

In men’s college lacrosse body checking is allowed, but not in women’s lacrosse. Men are also required to wear more padding as a result of more physical contact.

Women only need to wear a mouthguard, gloves, and goggles. The playing field for women is also a different size.

They play with a smaller dimension field measuring 120 yards long and 70 yards wide, which is smaller than the men’s field measuring 110 yards long and 60 yards wide.

Professional Lacrosse Rules

Once you get to the professional leagues (MLL), the rules change once again. This is the most competitive version of the sport so it makes sense that rules will be stricter.

There is a 60-second shot clock in professional lacrosse to keep the game more exciting. It is set after each goal is scored and if it runs down before a shot is taken, the ball passes to the other team.

There is also a 2-point arc that players must stand behind before they can shoot. In the MLL, teams are allowed to dress up to 19 players for any regular season games played.

Goals can be scored and will count if taken at the end of a quarter. As long as the ball is released before the horn blows, it will be a legal shot.

All quarters and overtime periods must begin with a faceoff, regardless of either team being a man up or man down.

There is one further difference for professional lacrosse. There are 2 television timeouts per quarter. They occur at the first “Dead ball” stoppages.

These include stops for goals, balls out of bounds, and changing possession. To help illustrate this imagine a goal scored with 9:10 left to play.

After the faceoff, play begins and if a goal is scored with 8:50 left, then there will be a television timeout.

	Scoring Rules	Player Rules
Youth	1. One Point Scoring Only	1. 10 Players Per Team For Boys 2. 12 Layers Per Team For Girls
Women’s	1. One Point For Each Goal 2. Score Does Not Count If Defensive Players Are Offside	1. 12 Players Per Team 2. 3 Attackers, 5 Midfielders, 3 Defenders And A Goalie
Men’s	1. One Point For Each Goal 2. Score Does Not Count If Defensive Players Are Offside	1. 10 Players Per Team 2. Three Attackers, Three Midfielders, Three Defenders, And One Goalie
High School	1. One Point For Each Goal 2. Score Does Not Count If Defensive Players Are Offside	1. 10 Players Per Team 2. Three Attackers, Three Midfielders, Three Defenders, And One Goalie
NCAA Women’s	1. One Point For Each Goal 2. Score Does Not Count If Defensive Players Are Offside	1. 12 Players Per Team 2. 3 Attackers, 5 Midfielders, 3 Defenders And A Goalie
NCAA Men’s	1. One Point For Each Goal 2. Score Does Not Count If Defensive Players Are Offside	1. 10 Players Per Team 2. Three Attackers, Three Midfielders, Three Defenders, And One Goalie
Indoor (Box)	1. One Point For Each Goal	1. 6 Players Per Team
Professional	1. One Point For Each Goal 2. Score Does Not Count If Defensive Players Are Offside 3. 2 Point Arc Shooting Results In 2 Points Scored	1. Can Dress Up To 19 Players For Season Games 2. 12 Players Per Team On The Field At A Time 3. 3 Attackers, 5 Midfielders, 3 Defenders And A Goalie

Box Lacrosse Rules

Box lacrosse is also called indoor lacrosse. There are different rules and regulations for this version of the game as seen in the video below.

With this game, the playing field is called a box and it is surrounded by netting or wires. There are six players per team, five runners and a goalie.

Lacrosse sticks must be 40 to 46 inches in length and goalies use the wider mouth stick that is standard for lacrosse.

Players have protective equipment that must be worn at all times including helmet with facemask, arm and shoulder pads, and lacrosse gloves.

The game is 60 minutes and is broken down into three 20-minute periods of play. Every period starts with a faceoff as is every new play after a goal has been scored.

Any out of bounds plays result in the team that touched the ball last losing possession.

Box lacrosse has a 30-second shot clock for players to take shots within after they gain possession. Players also have to advance from their defensive end towards the goal within ten seconds of gaining possession.

Checking is legal in box lacrosse so long as the check is between the waist and shoulders. Any check made outside this area, when an opponent is on the ground, or when the non-ball player is outside the dotted line is called illegal.

There are no offside penalties to this game and tied games have sudden death rounds to determine a winner. Penalties can be given for charging, tripping, high sticking, holding the ball with your hands, and checking from behind.

These result in 2-minute removal from the game. Major penalties for butt-ending, cross-checking, stick and face masking, result in 10-minute removal from the game.

Any player that collects five penalties (minor or major) is expelled from the match.

Helpful Tips To Understand The Rules Of Lacrosse

The game of lacrosse is fun but intense. Not only is the action intense and fast, but the rules are intense too. There are a lot of rules to remember, and they change often depending on who is playing.

To help you better navigate through the rules of lacrosse, there are some helpful tips to keep in mind.

• Age of Play: The rules change for different ages, so find out the rules for your age group before you play

• Read Before You Buy: Make sure you read all the rules and regulations before buying equipment to make sure you get the right gear.

• Penalty Knowledge: There are numerous ways to get penalties, so learning these is the best way to stay in the game.

• Learn As You Go: As you move up in leagues through school, learn how the rules change before you get there. Being prepared for the new way of play will make it easier to get on the field and get playing.

• Equipment Care: The rules for lacrosse gear are important to follow as is maintenance. Knowing how to wash and clean lacrosse gear is important to playing your best too.

Final Thoughts

Lacrosse is intense and so are the rules, or at least they can seem that way. The key to understanding lacrosse rules is to stick with your game.

The rules for your game, age, and league are all that matter. This guide is designed to help you get a handle on the rules of lacrosse so you can be ready for any game you play.

Even if you are just a spectator, it helps to know what is going on and why a whistle is blowing. The rules of lacrosse are your ticket to following one of the fastest games played. And this guide is your ticket to mastering those rules.