Official NHSSC Lacrosse Rules

NHSSC CO-ED LACROSSE RULES

Equipment

·         Eye protection is required. Mouth guards and shin guards are strongly suggested.

·         The overall length of the stick shall be 90cm minimum to 110cm maximum.

·         The goalkeeper must wear a helmet with face mask, a separate throat protector, padded gloves, and a chest protector. Padded protection worn on shins and thighs is also permitted.

 

THE GAME AND FIELD

 

1. The game consists of two (2) TWENTY (20) minute halves. The clock will only be stopped for injuries, timeouts, or at a referee’s or supervisor’s discretion. If a team is leading by ten (10) goals in the second half, or seven (7) goals in the last 2 minutes of the game will end due to the Mercy Rule.

 

2. Each team is allowed one (1) timeout per half. They may only call for a timeout when they have control of the ball.

 

3. The game shall be started with a face-off where the ball will start on the ground; a player from each team will put the head of their sticks next to the ball with the remainder of the stick parallel to the ground. Upon the referee blowing the whistle, the players will try to push the ball into their half of the field. All other players must be outside the center zone and in their own halves. Play will be restarted this way at the beginning of each half and after a goal. Any body contact during the face-off will result in the ball being awarded to the opposing team’s goalie.

 

4. A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line, between the posts and under the crossbar; a goal may not be awarded from with-in the goal area.

 

5. No player may hold the ball for more than ten (10) seconds.

 

6. Feet may be used to stop the ball or to keep control of the ball (may pass to yourself) but cannot be used to pass to a teammate or score a goal. Hands may be used to stop a ball and then placed directly in front of the player. Hands may not be used to advance the ball or score a goal.

 

7. In a 50-50 situation any player to cover the ball with their stick will receive one unimpeded chance (about 2 seconds) to pick up the ball. The ref will clearly state when the ball is covered and when the defender is to back off. If the defense does not allow the player to pick up the ball it will be given to the offensive goalie.

 

8. Games tied during regular season will end in a draw. For playoffs we will use a golden goal, five (5) minute overtime period. GOLDEN GOAL = First team to score in the overtime period wins and the game ends.

 

9. Teams consist of six (6) players, one of which must be the goalie. In order for the game to be official, there must be at least four (4) players present per team, with at least 2 of each gender at all times. If at any time there are more then six (6) players on the field the offending team's captain will receive a one (1) minute penalty.

 

10.  Substitutions may be made on the fly within the substitution area; a substitute may only enter the court after another player has left the court. • Substitutes must remain in the designated area during play. • Failure to comply with the above rules will result in a one (1) minute penalty to the captain of the offending team.

 

11. The player designated as the goalie, is the only player allowed to use any regulation Goalie Stick. They may use any part of their body to stop the ball but, must distribute the ball using their stick. The goalkeeper may not cross half field and many not score a goal.

 

12. This is a NON-CONTACT/ NON-CHECKING league (stick checking is allowed, see below). The minimum penalty for checking or intentional contact will be a one (1) minute penalty. Some incidental contact may be allowed at the referee’s discretion.

 

13.  One (1) minute penalties - A player will serve one (1) minute penalty in the penalty box and their team will play short-handed for the following penalties: • Checking • Illegal substitution (too many players on the court) • Slashing • Tripping • Pushing player • Holding

 

14. Unsportsmanlike conduct -A player will serve one (2) minute penalty in the penalty box and their team will play short-handed for the following penalties: • Objecting by word of mouth or action to any decision of an official (dissent) • All other Unsportsmanlike Conduct  as determined by the referee• Reckless Actions (including dangerous play, dangerous follow-through, dangerous propelling and obstruction of free space)

 

15. Ejections -Players will be ejected immediately for the following fouls: • Cross-checking • Receiving five (5) one minute penalties or • Using insulting, offensive or abusive language two (2) two minute penalties • Leaving the bench area to enter the field during • Exhibiting violent conduct a fight or altercation • Spitting at another person • Physically damaging equipment or the facility

 

16. If any team receives ten (10) one (1) minute penalties or three (3) two (2) minute penalties (an ejection counting as two (2) two (2) minute penalties) then the referee will terminate the game.

 

17. Advantage – If a foul occurs on a player while on offense the referee will hold up his hand signaling a foul. If the team that committed the foul gains possession of the ball, the foul will be enforced. If a goal is scored, the foul will not be enforced.

 

18.  Goal Circle Rules

·         Only one player, either the goalkeeper or the person deputizing for him/her, is allowed in the goal circle at any one time. While shooting, the stick may cross the plane of the goal circle, as may a defenders stick. Neither players feet or body should enter the goal circle.

·         The goalkeeper must clear the ball within ten seconds after it has entered the goal circle.

 

19. Stick checking - stick checking is legal, if the check/stick is moving away from the players head. The defenders stick should not hold down the offending players stick during a check, the defenders stick must make brief contact with the head of the offense stick, and quickly be brought back away from the offensive player. A stick check can only be done on a stick occupied by a ball. Empty stick checks will result in a penalty. Fouls are called if a seven-inch imaginary sphere around the player’s head is breached.  Penalty will result in any violation of these stick checking rules.

 

20.  Out of bounds - except in the case of a shot or deflected shot on goal, when a player in possession of the ball carries or propels the ball out of bounds, or when a player is the last to touch a loose ball before the ball goes out of bounds, the opponents will be awarded the ball when play resumes. Carrying/throwing the ball out of bounds is a simple change of possession, not a foul.