Youth Lacrosse Rules which differ from high school
Players:
If both teams start the game with 12 rostered players or more, play 10 on each team. If either team starts the game with less than 12, play 8 on each team (2 attack, 2 defense, 3 midfield). If the referees are ready to start the game, and one team has less than 8 players, that team must forfeit the game. It is recommended that the other team lend players, andplay a refereed scrimmage.
Game Length:
The length of the game shall consist of four quarters of 10 minutes time for the Junior League and 12 minutes for the Senior League. The clock is only stopped for all time-outs and PIG (Penalties, Injuries and Goals). The half-time is five minutes and two minutes between quarters. Teams change sides between halves. Penalty time is to start and stop as in regulation play, it is not running time. Water Time-outs can be taken when a high temperature situation exists, as agreed by the coaches and referees. If at the end of regulation play the score is tied, the game will end in a tie - there is no overtime.
6 Goal Rule:
If a team is losing by six, or more, goals then the face-off will be suspended and the ball awarded to the team that is behind, across the midfield line.
Body Checking:
Body checking is permitted in Senior Division, however, no take-out checks are permitted by any player.
Take-out checks are checks in which the player lowers his head or shoulder with the force and intent to take out (*put on the ground) the other player. Players may make contact in an upright position within five yards of the ball.
Stick Checking:
Stick checking should be controlled behavior on the field regarding stick and body. There is to be "limited contact" and no uncontrolled sticks. A one-handed swinging stick check when raised over shoulders (a windup) by a defensive player would constitute a slash.
No 20-Second Count Out and no 10-Second Count:
There will be no 20 second count out of the defensive half, no 10 second count into the attack area.
Required Equipment:
Colored mouth guard, NOCSAE approved lacrosse helmet, shoulder pads, arm pads & gloves. Goalies also require a throat guard, cup and chest protector. Goalies may wear baseball skin guards. Home team would wear pennies if there are conflicting colors. No hockey helmets.
Rule Difference due to Age:
5/6th Grade
- No body checking
- Two (2) one-minute timeouts per half.
- No "Keep It In" rule last 2 minutes.
US Lacrosse rules for youth lacrosse games (having players of age 15 or younger) can be found in the back of the boys lacrosse high school rules book (pages 88-94).
The rules are written as exceptions to the NFHS 2007 boys lacrosse rules; therefore, 2007 rules not modified are to be considered standard youth game rules for the 2008 season.