2013 NFHS Boys Lacrosse Rules Revisions
Rule 1-2-6
A point on the center line, equidistant from each side, shall be marked with an “X” or a 4-inch square that is a contrasting color and shall be designated as the center.
Rule 1-5
The ball shall be white, yellow, orange or lime green and meet the current NOCSAE lacrosse ball standard. White balls shall be used unless both coaches agree prior to or during the game to use a yellow, orange or lime green ball. Game balls shall be supplied by the home team. The ball shall include the NFHS Authenticating Mark.
Note: Beginning in 2014, all game balls must include labeling which states “Meets NOCSAE Standard. NFHS”
Rule 1-6-2
A ball stop is not required. If a ball stop is used, only one may be used, and the dimensions shall be a maximum of 2 inches in length, 1 ½ inches in width and ¼ inch in thickness.
Rule 1-8
Any strings or leathers are limited to a hanging length of 2 inches.
Rule 1-9-2e New
e. A protective cup is recommended for all players.
Rules 1-12 and 6-5-2s
1-12 . . . At the beginning of the game, the home team is required to provide a scorebook, a timing device, a table and a working horn (hand-held or as part of the scoreboard) to be used at the table to signify substitutions and the end of periods. Failure to provide any of these items is penalized as illegal procedure.
6-5-2s . . . Failure to provide an acceptable horn a scorebook, timing device, table and working horn.
Rule 2-5-2
The recommended uniform for officials shall include:
(a) a black baseball-style cap with white piping;
(b) a black-and-white 1-inch vertically striped long- or short-sleeved shirt with Byron collar (any undergarments, if visible, should be black);
(c) black or white shorts (minimum 6-inch inseam) or full-length solid black pants;
(d) a black belt (1¼ - 2 inches in width);
(e) black stirrup socks with white over-the-calf crew socks on top or knee length one-piece white with 4-inch black top;
(f) solid black shoes with black laces;
(g) jacket (if worn) black-and-white 1-inch vertically striped;
(h) gloves, if worn, shall be solid black.
The uniform should fit properly and be clean and neat. All officials working the game are to be dressed the same.
Rule 4-3-5
…stating the word “set.” The official shall vary the cadence of sounding the whistle for each faceoff. At the sound of the whistle…
Rules 4-3-6 New and 5-10-1d New
ART 6 . . . It is illegal for a player to deliberately use his hand or fingers to play the ball. This shall be enforced immediately as an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
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.
Note: Inadvertent touching of the ball when the hand is grasping the stick should not be called as an unsportsmanlike conduct foul.
5-10-1d . . . d. Deliberately use his hand or fingers to play the ball or grab an opponent’s crosse with the open hand or fingers.
Note: Inadvertent touching of the ball when the hand is grasping the stick should not be called as an unsportsmanlike conduct foul.
Rule 4-15-2
ART. 2 . . . The requirement for advancing the ball into the goal area is met when the ball touches anything within that area or a player in possession of the ball touches the line or is inside the goal area. A player shall be in contact with the ground in the goal area to satisfy this requirement. An airborne player not in contact with the ground is not interpreted to be in this area.
Rule 5-4
ART. 1 . . . A player shall not initiate contact to an opponent’s head or neck with a cross-check or with any part of his body (head, elbow, shoulder, etc.) or stick. Any follow-through that contacts the head or neck shall also be considered a violation of this rule.
ART. 2 . . . A player shall not initiate an excessive, violent or uncontrolled slash to the head/neck.
ART 3 . . . A player, including an offensive player in possession of the ball, shall not block an opponent with the head or initiate contact with the head (known as spearing).
PENALTY: One-, two- or three-minute non-releasable foul, at the official’s discretion, for violation of Article 1, 2 or 3. If the contact to the head/neck is considered deliberate or reckless, the penalty shall be a minimum two- or three-minute non-releasable foul. An excessively violent violation of this rule may result in an ejection.
Rule 6-5-2v New
v. When no player from the team awarded possession picks up the ball and moves to the position of the restart within five seconds of when the officials are ready to restart play. (Note: This only applies to situations in which Rule 6-5-2f does not apply.)
6-6-3b A coach or player may leave the bench/coaches area while play is suspended and enter the table area for the sole and distinct purpose of seeking information from the timer, score-keeper or chief official and enter the table area only (1) To exchange a crosse with a player on the field in the opposite end of the field from that team’s bench during a live ball or dead ball; or (2) To seek information from the timer or scorekeeper during a dead ball.
Rule 7-3 Exception
Exception: For live ball simultaneous fouls where time is to be served by each team…
Rule 7-13
ART 2 . . . Inadvertent Whistles – …The team with possession or entitled to possession when the whistle was blown…
Rule 2-6-1 Note Editorial
Revise the second sentence of the note as follows:
State associations may intercede in the event of unusual incidents that occur before, during or after the officials’ jurisdiction has ended or in the event that a contest is terminated prior to the conclusion of regulation play.
