• Players: 8v8 including a goalie (7 Field and 1 goalkeeper) from each team on the field at a time. If one team is unable to field a goalie both teams must play with a non-goalie format (7v7).

• Field Size: 60-70 yards x 35-45 yards (cross field)

• Field Lines: goal circle, 8M & restraining line (midline)

• Equipment: NOCSAE lacrosse ball; USL specifications for sticks with modified pocket allowed; eyewear required

• Goal Size: 6x6 or 4x4 are preferred.

• Play of Game: Game and beginning of half will start with a draw. At the draw players line up in both offensive and defensive end, traditional line up. Goalie clears after goals. Opposing team must move above the 8M.

• Passes – two completed passes

• Must play 1v1 defense in midfield

• No covering the ball at anytime

• Contested ground ball rule. No more than two players/no kicking the ball

• No checking – 3 sec closely guarded applies

• Game Duration – two 18-minute running clock halves, with a 5-minute halftime

Significant changes introduced at the 10U level include introduction of the goalkeeper and cards for penalty administration. The restraining line (2 field players behind RL), 8m arc are now included and this corresponds with the introduction of 8m rules - shooting space and 3 second defense. As a consequence of these changes, fouls are delineated major, minor and card able. There is the introduction of pocket requirements though a modified pocket is allowed.

NOTABLE RULE CHANGES FOR 2019

1. Introduction of self-start to commence play after a foul or out of bounds.

2. Creation of a cleared area, the penalty zone applicable for 8-meter penalties at the 10U, 12U and 14U levels.

3. Introduction of transitional checking at the 14U level. Three seconds closely guarded does not apply.

Self-start is not an option when:

• The game clock is stopped;

• There is a restraining line violation; (not applicable at 6U)

• The foul is in the critical scoring area, excluding boundary restarts;

• There is an alternating possession;

• There is an inadvertent whistle; or

• A goal is scored.

   

2019 US LACROSSE 2019 Points of Emphasis

• OBSTRUCTION OF FREE SPACE TO GOAL – OPPORTUNITY TO SHOOT - The Free Space to Goal (shooting space) foul continues to be one of the most difficult rules to understand and officiate in girl’s lacrosse. In an effort to clarify the major foul, the 2019 USL Girls Lacrosse Rules Committee is emphasizing the importance of understanding the criteria needed when evaluating the potential foul. The official must first note the location of the ball. The ball must be above the goal line extended and within the critical scoring area. Second, the attacker must be in active pursuit to goal while her hands, stick and feet are in position to shoot safely. If there are players in the lane to goal, a safe shooting opportunity does not exist. This action must be created by the attacker showing engagement to goal, and the call must be made if the defense is in illegal defensive positioning.

• EMPTY STICK CHECK – INTENTIONAL VS. INCIDENTAL CONTACT This point of emphasis is to clarify incidental versus intentional stick contact during the pursuit of a playable ball. When the ball is in the air or on the ground and is playable by both teams, incidental stick contact by players who are actively pursuing possession of the ball is legal. However, when the ball is in a playable situation it is illegal for one player to initiate contact with the opponent’s crosse in an effort to prevent her from gaining possession. The official must be able to evaluate the intent of the player initiating the contact. In addition, an area of particular concern is during the draw. When the ball is in the air, an empty stick check should only be called when a player’s action is to intentionally check her opponent’s stick to prevent her from gaining possession.

Please contact Dorothy Lanthier for more info.