2017 Boys Lacrosse Rules Changes and Interpretations

 

 

2016 Boys Lacrosse Rules Changes

 

 

1-6-1: ART. 1 … CROSSE DIMENSIONS SECTION 6 CROSSE DIMENSIONS
The crosse shall be an overall fixed length of either 40 to 42 inches (short crosse) or 52 to 72 inches (long crosse), except for the goalkeeper’s crosse, which may be 40 to 72 inches long. The circumference of the crosse handle shall be no more than 3½ inches. The head of the crosse at its widest point shall measure between 6½ and 10 inches, inside measurement, at the top and the bottom of the wall. (See Figure 3) There shall be one crosse 10 to 12 inches, inside measurement at its widest point, at the top and bottom of the wall. This crosse shall be used by the required designated goalkeeper.

 

The walls of any crosse shall not be more than 2 inches high. EXCEPTION: The gut wall.

 

Beginning in 2018, minimum stick specifications shall be as follows:

 

Some description:
The measurements for the crosse shall include:

Measurement from throat (inches)Minimum distance between narrowest point of head (inches)
1.25    3 (all measurements)
3.0    3 (all measurements)
5.0    3.5 to 4 on front; 3.5 on back
Widest point    6 (all measurements)
 

NOTE: From the 1.25-inch measurement to the widest point of the crosse, the distance between the sidewalls of the crosse must be at least 3 inches.

 

Rationale: The committee defined crosse dimensions and specifications at different locations to address issues with the ball being stuck in the crosse. This change in equipment will beginning in 2018 to allow for phased implementation.

1-8: CROSSE PROHIBITIONS
No player shall use a crosse that does not meet the specifications of Sections 6 and 7. Furthermore, crosses in which the pocket has sagged to such a depth that it has become difficult for an opponent to dislodge the ball and crosses in which the construction or stringing at the bottom is designed to withhold the ball from play also are prohibited.

 

Additionally, no player may use a crosse that has stringing that retards the normal and free dislodgment of the ball by an opponent. The pocket shall be deemed to have sagged too deeply if the top surface of a lacrosse ball, when placed therein, is below the bottom edge of the side wall (this prohibition does not apply to the goalkeeper’s crosse).

 

(See Figure 4) A crosse that has been altered in such a way as to give an advantage to an individual is illegal.

Adjustable-length handles are illegal.

Handles that have been altered in any fashion other than taping or adding another covering designed to improve the grip are illegal. 

The use of pull strings to alter the depth of the pocket is illegal.

No more than one sidewall string on each side is allowed.

A broken crosse is considered as no crosse.

 

Rationale: The committee expanded the crosse prohibitions. Specifically, the changes are intended to inhibit the use of pull strings and sidewall strings to lodge the ball in the crosse.

 

4-3-3 (NEW): ART. 3 … FACING OFF
The official conducting the faceoff will start the procedure by holding the ball and bringing the players together.

a. The official shall indicate to the players the spot on which the faceoff will take place and instruct the players to prepare for the faceoff by saying “down.” 
b. Once the players are down they are to move into their faceoff position as quickly as possible. Players may kneel or stand as they get into position for the faceoff.
c. The crosses and gloves shall rest on the ground along the center line, parallel to each other up to, but not touching, the center line.
d. The official shall make certain that the reverse surfaces of the crosses match evenly and are perpendicular to the ground. Each player must have both hands wrapped around the handle of his own crosse, touching the ground. The right hand may not touch any part of the head of the crosse. The player’s feet may not touch his crosse. Both hands and feet of each player must be to the left of the throat of his crosse. Each player must be positioned so his entire body is to the left of the throat of his crosse. It is legal to lean over the center line.
e. If the players are not positioned properly, the official may adjust the players’ positioning (including crosses) to ensure the faceoff will be conducted fairly for both players.
f. Once the players are in the proper position, the official shall place the ball on the ground, in between the head of each crosse, paying close attention to placing the ball in the middle of the head of each crosse.
g. Once the official is satisfied with the placement of the ball and the positioning of the players’ crosses, he shall instruct the players to remain motionless by saying “Set.” The official will still have his hand on or near the ball or crosses when the command “Set” is given. For hearing-impaired players, a reasonable accommodation for the "set" command and whistle sound will be provided. 
h. After the “Set” command, the official shall back out and blow the whistle when clear of the scrimmage area. The official does not have to be stationary, and may still be moving backwards, when he blows the whistle to start play. The whistle cadence will vary with every faceoff.
i. A violation will be called if a player picks up and carries the ball on the back of his stick. It is legal to clamp the ball with the back of the stick, but it must be moved, raked or directed immediately. Immediately is defined as within one step.
j. A player may not lie on the ball or trap it with his crosse longer than necessary for him to control the ball and pick it up with one continuous motion, or withhold the ball from play in any other manner.
k. It is illegal to kick, step on, or place any other body part to his crosse or the crosse of the opponent. It is illegal for a faceoff player to use his crosse to hold or pin down a player’s crosse.
l. It is illegal for a player to use his hand or fingers to play the ball. This shall be enforced immediately as an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Inadvertent touching of the ball when the hand is grasping the stick should not be called as an unsportsmanlike conduct foul.
m. It is illegal for a player to grab an opponent’s crosse with the open hand or fingers. This shall be enforced immediately as an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
n. A single-wrap of tape must be applied to the handle of the crosse for any player taking a face-off. The tape is to begin (but not be touching) the plastic at the throat of the crosse and continuing six inches down the handle. Tape must be of contrasting color to the head, gloves, and shaft.

 

Rationale: By deleting ART. 3 through ART. 6 and adding this revised 4-3-3, the committee improved the process of the face off by clarifying the rules to create more consistent and fair play. 

 

4-14-3 (NEW): ART. 3 ... Over and Back

Once the ball has been successfully advanced into the goal area, a team is provided the opportunity to run its offense in its offensive half of the field. If the offensive team carries, passes or propels the ball to its defensive half of the field and the offensive team was last in possession, and last touched the ball (except on shot), the result will be an immediate a turnover or play-on.

 

If the ball does not touch or go over the centerline, no infraction has occurred. Players may legally bat the ball to keep it in the offensive half of the field, but if it is possessed and their feet are in the defensive half, it shall be a turnover.

 

Rationale: The committee added a new “over and back” rule to keep the ball in play in the offensive half of the field once possession has been established in the goal area.

 

2015 New NFHS Rules

On Monday, August 11, 2014 the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) announced a series of rules changes for boys’ lacrosse, which will take effect in the spring 2015 season.

In addition to the favorable change of defensive restarts allowed from inside the restraining box area vs. the older requirement of having to take the ball outside of the restraining box area, the most widely discussed change and the one that may impact HS players the most thus far has been Rule 1-7-3, which relates to stick stringing.

*As of Monday, August 18, 2014 the 2nd part (the blue underlined portion) of the following rule has since been amended and will not be implemented or go into effect until the 2016 season.  From the NFHS release:

In Rule 1-7-3 concerning the crosse, any strings or leathers will be limited to a hanging length of two inches. In addition, any additional strings or laces (e.g., shooting strings, V channels) must be located within four inches of the top of the crosse. No more than one sidewall string on each side is allowed.

 

Kent Summers, NFHS director of performing arts and sports and liaison to the rules committee, described the change as one aimed at player safety.

"This revision will allow the ball to become dislodged more easily, thus reducing the risk of slashes and cross-checks used to dislodge the ball," Summers said. "This rule change will create more active play and improve passing."

Beginning in the 2013 season, the NCAA adopted and implemented the similar change, allowing shooting strings up to but not touching four inches from the top of the crosse. This effectively restricted the use of shooting strings to create a U- or V-shaped pocket.

The following video from Greg Kenneally of East Coast Dyes breaks down the high school rule change and how it impacts players. Kenneally, a respected stick stringing expert and former player at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, calls the revision “a smart change.”

“If you’re going to have the rule at the highest level of play, it definitely makes sense through all levels of play so that it can be consistent,” he said. “Players shouldn’t be playing with [U-strings] all the way through high school and then have to change when they get to college.”

Watch Greg’s video breakdown below...

 

 

Very Important to Note:

***If a player fails to comply with the new rule, it is an illegal crosse and a one-minute non-releasable foul will be enforced. The crosse won’t be used during play and will be kept at the scorer’s table until the conclusion of the game.***

Furthermore, these stick-stringing changes are specific to high school play and are not yet required at the youth level.

 

All 2015 Rules Changes Noted Below:

1-6-2: …With the ball in the crosse, horizontal to the ground at the deepest point of the pocket, tip the crosse forward 90 degrees to ensure that the ball rolls out of top end of the head. 

Rationale: With current stick specifications, a pocket can be strung in such a way that the ball will not easily roll out of the pocket, and could even completely prevent the ball from rolling out of the head. The two current stick field tests will not necessarily catch this. The addition of this procedure will assist officials in making the correct determination.

 

1-7-3: ART. 3 . . . Any strings or leathers are limited to a hanging length of 2 inches.  All hollow crosse handles must have their open end covered with an end cap manufactured for a lacrosse stick.  In both cases, the crosse shall not be considered illegal; however, it shall be removed from the game until corrected.

Any additional strings or laces (e.g., shooting strings, V channels) must be located within 4” of the top of the crosse. No more than one side wall string on each side is allowed.

Rationale: Risk minimization and consistency with other rules codes. This revision will allow the ball to become dislodged more easily, thus lessening the risk of slashes and cross-checks currently used to dislodge the ball. Creates more active play and improved passing. This is consistent with other rule codes.  We are adding a picture to illustrate the detail.

 

2-1-3: ART. 3 . . . If, because of injuries, players out on ejection fouls, penalties or any other reason, a team cannot keep 10 players in the game, that team may continue the game with fewer than 10 ­players, with onside and stalling rules remaining in effect.  However, a game shall not continue if a team has fewer than seven on-field players.  The result of the game shall be determined by the state association or appropriate sponsoring authority. 

Rationale: Risk Minimization

 

2-7-1 & 2: SECTION 7 Chief Bench Official

ART. 1 . . . When assigned by an assigning authority, an official acting as the chief bench official shall have supervision over the timer’s table and complete jurisdiction over the timer, scorer, coaches area and both benches.  The chief bench official (CBO) shall wear the same uniform as the other officials and shall have a whistle, flag and horn.  The horn shall be provided by the home team.

ART. 2 . . . The CBO shall supervise and have complete jurisdiction over the timekeeper, penalty timekeepers, scorers, coaches, substitutes and any other persons within the bench areas, the substitution area and the penalty box.

The assigned chief bench official also shall be empowered to count crosses when requested and call the ­following:

     a. Violations of the coaches-, bench- and table-area rules.

     b. Any unsportsmanlike acts that occur within the coaches, bench and

         table areas.         

     c. Any illegal-crosse exchange.

     d. A player who has been substituted for not leaving the field of play at the table area or bench area.

     e. Offside.

     f. Too many or too few players on the field.

     g. Delayed substitutions.

     h. Time-outs.

     i. Count crosses when requested.

     j. Violations related to substitution.

If the CBO becomes aware of any of the above infringements, he shall, depending on the circumstances, either throw a signal flag or blow his whistle, and apply the appropriate penalty.  Additionally, when the CBO becomes aware of a player committing an act of flagrant misconduct, then, if the act is away from the current area of play and is unlikely to have been seen by the on-field officials, the CBO shall either throw a signal flag or blow his whistle, as appropriate.  When a whistle has stopped the play, the CBO shall inform the referee of what has happened and the CBO shall make the appropriate call.

Rationale: More accurate description of the duties and authority of the chief bench official and risk minimization.

 

2-10-1: ART. 1 . . . The home team shall supply an adequate number of balls on each end line.  At the start of each period, a minimum of four balls should be spaced equidistant from each other 5 yards beyond the end lines and four on both sidelines the sideline opposite the benches.  On the bench side, a minimum of four balls should be placed at the scorer’s table.

Rationale: Clarifies that the balls on the bench side are needed only at the table and not along the sideline.

 

3-1-2: ART. 2 . . . After the first half, any time the score differential reaches 12 goals or more, starting with the whistle resuming play, the clock will only be stopped for a team time-out, official’s time-out or an injury time-out.  If the score differential is reduced to fewer than 12 goals, then normal play will resume. All penalties that occur during a score differential situation will be running time.  In this situation, running penalty time begins with the next whistle resuming play.

Rationale: More accurately stipulates when the running clock begins.

 

4-22-1, 2, 3: ART. 1 . . . Once the official has signaled the ball ready for play, the official shall resume play within five seconds.  Play may be resumed immediately after the ball is signaled ready for play if a player of the team awarded the ball is in position (see Articles 2 and 3) outside the goal area and officials are in position to officiate the restart.

ART. 2 . . . Any violation on the defense that occurs while the ball is in the goal area will result in the ball being awarded to the offended offensive team laterally outside the goal area.

ART. 3 . . . Any violation on the offense that occurs while the ball is in the goal area will result in the ball being awarded to the offended defensive team laterally outside the goal area.  The defense may restart play with the ball in the goal area or in the crease.

ART. 4 . . . No restart shall take place with any player within 5 yards of the ball carrier.

ART. 5 . . . The goalkeeper shall be given a maximum of five seconds to re-enter the crease on any restart.

Rationale: Risk Minimization. Allows the defense to restart more quickly and keeps the game moving.

 

5-5: ART. 5 . . .  A player may not use a crosse that does not conform to required specifications.  Use of an illegal crosse carries a one- or three-minute non-releasable penalty.  A crosse found illegal due to a deep pocket will carry a one-minute non-releasable penalty.  A player using a crosse found illegal for not meeting any required specification other than a deep pocket will receive a three-minute non-releasable penalty (exception:  hanging string length and end caps as in Rule 1-7-3).  A player using a crosse found illegal because it was altered to gain an advantage will receive a three-minute non-releasable penalty.  Any crosse ruled illegal and resulting in a three-minute penalty will remain in the table area for the remainder of the game.

Every crosse on a team is subject to inspection, and the crosse need not have been in the game to be inspected.

Rationale: This clarifies that an illegal stick will result in a penalty for not meeting specifications, even if unaltered.

 

6-4: No offensive player shall move into and make contact with a defensive player for the purpose of blocking a defensive player from the man he is playing, nor shall the offensive player hold his crosse rigid or extend his crosse rigid to impede the normal movements of the defensive player.  If contact is made between offensive and defensive players as a result of the offensive player’s setting a screen, the offensive player shall be stationary before the contact occurs, with his feet no wider than shoulder-width apart.

Rationale: This provides consistency with other rule codes.

 

6-5-2e: e. Entering the game from the penalty area before authorized to do so by the timekeeper.  The player shall be returned to the penalty area to serve his remaining time, plus 30 seconds.  If the ball is loose or in possession of the player’s own team, it shall be awarded to the opposing team and the player leaving the penalty area early does not have to serve an additional 30 seconds.  In the event that a goal is scored by the opponent, the unexpired penalty time is nullified, but the player still shall serve 30 seconds for illegal entry into the game and the 30-second penalty is erased.

Rationale: This provides consistency with other rule codes.

 

6-5-2w: w. Take a dive or feign a slash to the head or body in order to deceive the official and draw a penalty.

Rationale: This provides consistency with other rule codes.