Boys Lacrosse Comments on the Rules - 2026
1-2-12d — Defining the team and coaches areas have been a priority over the last few years to provide greater separation between the teams, allow for better sightlines for the table staff, and to allow for more exciting transitions form the substitution box. The addition of a cone to mark the area, in situations where lines are not required, assists in keeping players within the designated team area without requiring additional field markings.
1-9-1b(4 & 5) — The overall purpose and function of the tooth and mouth protector is to protect the teeth, the mouth, and lips if it has a lip guard. Items that are added or included on the tooth and mouth protector that do not serve a purpose and function in protecting the teeth or mouth should not be allowed. Also, items that are a part of the tooth and mouth protector that increase risk to the individual player wearing it, should not be allowed.
1-9-1h(3) — Modifying the required minimum height of uniform numbers on the back of the jersey from 12 inches to 8 inches aligns with other NFHS rules for number sizing while maintaining appropriate visibility and not impacting current uniforms.
1-12 — Requiring a working horn be accessible at the sideline table enables table staff to quickly administer a double horn from the field.
3-5-1 & 2 (NEW) — Providing a procedure for interrupted play that aligns with other NFHS sport rules assists host management while allowing state associations to develop modifications to game-ending procedures.
4-3-3e — An official may assess a delay-of-game penalty if a player’s positioning on the faceoff must be repeatedly adjusted allowing an official to maintain the pace of play.
4-8 — A goal is scored when the ball is loose and crosses the plane of the goal line or becomes loose behind the plane of the goal. Clarifying that a goal scored when a goalkeeper has possession of the ball behind the goal line and the ball becomes loose behind the goal line.
4-18-4 PENALTY; 5-6-2 (NEW) — A more severe penalty for illegal equipment by a defensive player not properly equipped attempting to block a shot or act as a goalkeeper minimizes risk by penalizing non goalkeepers from acting as a goalkeeper. Additionally, language was added to clarify that if a player has the required equipment and loses it, play is stopped and there is no penalty (with the exception of a helmet and a tooth and mouth protector which is an illegal procedure penalty), and when a player attempts to enter the game without required equipment, there is a foul.
4-22-1c — Removing the goalkeeper’s time privilege to return to the crease aligns treatment of the goalkeeper as a field player when it comes to injury and equipment issues while outside the crease. This change will discourage goalkeepers from leaving the crease and eliminate the need for an official to judge whether a goalkeeper has left the crease in an attempt to delay the game or for a legitimate purpose.
6-3-2c — The additional descriptors, “hook, lift or pin,” help define holding and create a clearer understanding of illegal actions trending in the game.
6-5-2y — Establishing that the loss of a helmet is an illegal procedure resulting in the ball being awarded to the opponent, with the exception if officials determine that the loss of the helmet is due to a time-serving foul (e.g., contact to the head, unnecessary roughness, etc.), the ball will remain with the offended team. In all cases, the player who loses their helmet must leave the field and not return until after the next dead ball.
7-3 — All restarts when the ball has crossed the end line before or after a penalty have been simplified by administering them at the same restart point – laterally outside the goal area – making it easier for new officials and players learning the game.