Boys Lacrosse Comments On The Rules - 2027

1-2-1 — Allowing the use of a contrasting-colored center line improves visibility for game administration. A white center line can be hard to see when large mascots or logos cover the center line. This change aligns with current trends and allows for flexibility in designing school mascot/logo layout on fields.

1-2-1 PENALTY, 6-5-2u — The addition of lines marking the creases, defensive area, wing lines, and goal area to the list of field markings covered by the illegal procedure penalty assessed against the home team ensures the entire field is properly marked before play begins.

1-5 — Adopting the requirement for a fluorescent green or yellow ball, similar to the hex code #CCFF00 game ball beginning January 1, 2029, provides improved visibility for players, officials, coaches, and fans and more consistent play in varying weather, lighting, and field conditions. During the 2027 and 2028 seasons, fluorescent green or yellow, orange or white balls may be used and shall be supplied by the home team and include the NFHS Authenticating Mark.

1-13 (NEW) — Ultimate responsibility is on host administration to ensure the field meets rules requirements and minimizes risk. The head coach will assume this responsibility in the absence of a site administrator. Officials must still perform all pre-game duties required within the rules and report concerns to host administration.

2-3-2, 2-3-3 — The expectations for the head coach versus all coaches were somewhat unclear. This revision does not remove any existing expectations; instead, it clarifies that the requirement to be courteous applies to all coaches, not just the head coach. At the same time, it specifies that the responsibility for interacting with or addressing spectators rests with the head coach.

2-11-2c — Ball retrievers will not be permitted to stand along the end line while the ball is in play. Although they are required to wear helmets, they do not have the chest and body protection worn by players on the field. Therefore, they should only be allowed along the end line during time-outs or between periods, when play has been stopped.

4-1-1 (NEW) — The 10-yard zone (5 yards on each side of the center line) creates a buffer between the teams during pregame warm-ups allowing officials to conduct the coin toss without disrupting warm-ups and decreasing risk of injury to anyone involved in the coin toss.

4-2-1 — Additional time provides a more structured pregame period and gives officials ample time to complete their pregame responsibilities.

4-4-3b — The clarification of faceoff administration requires players to enter the faceoff position together and remain in the proper stance until instructed by the officials. Players are not permitted to place a knee on the ground at any point before the faceoff begins.

4-7, 6-12-2, 6-12-3 — A ball that becomes caught or stuck in a field player’s uniform, crosse or equipment is withholding the ball from play, which is a technical foul and results in a change of possession. This does not apply to the goalkeeper in the crease. This change simplifies and aligns the penalty by defining all these actions as withholding the ball from play.

4-9-2g — A goal is disallowed if the scorer’s crosse head comes off, the crosse breaks, or any part of the crosse is lost or becomes uncontrolled during a successful shot. The ball is then awarded to the defensive team. An uncontrolled crosse could distract the goalkeeper.

4-9-2p (NEW), 4-22-1 — It is a violation of the substitution procedure if a player has left the field due to an injury or dislodged helmet and returns before the next dead ball. If this occurs with a player from the attacking team and a goal is scored, the goal will be disallowed, even if the violation is identified after play stops, consistent with similar violations such as offsides and early penalty release.

4-13, 2-10 (NEW) — State associations may choose to adopt the 70-second shot clock which creates a faster pace, reduces stalling, and encourages more offensive action. A shot clock also removes subjectivity by game officials when determining stalling, creating a clear and consistent rule that applies equally to all teams.

4-14, 4-15, 6-5-2r & s — Upon gaining live-ball possession anywhere on the field, a team has 20 seconds to advance the ball into their offensive half. When the 20-second timer expires, the ball must be across the center line (either loose or in a player's possession). Failure to advance the ball is an illegal procedure violation resulting in a turnover, with the opposing team gaining possession at the spot of the infraction. Once the 20 seconds have elapsed, over-and-back occurs when a team fails to keep the ball in its offensive half of the field except after a shot or when the ball is last touched by the opponent.

4-25-8 — A helmet is considered lost when the chin strap is no longer secured under the player’s chin. Once the chin strap is no longer secured under the chin, the helmet is no longer providing the intended level of protection. When this occurs during a live or dead ball, an official’s time-out is called. To promote player safety, every effort should be made to ensure that helmets remain properly worn and positioned to provide full protection.

6-5-2z — Establishes within the rules that when there is illegal contact by an opposing player prior to the loss of helmet there is no illegal procedure penalty for loss of helmet. This change aligns with the interpretation that any illegal contact by an opponent negates the foul for loss of a helmet.