Boys Lacrosse Points of Emphasis - 2026

BY NFHS ON February 19, 2026 | LACROSSE-BOYS, RULES

Properly Wearing Equipment

It is the job of both coaches and officials to enforce the proper use of protective equipment for players on the field. Coaches have an opportunity every practice to create positive habits for players to properly wear equipment. Appropriately fastening the chin strap on a helmet, securing a tooth and mouth protector in the mouth, and properly covering the elbow with the arm pads are all basic safety measures that should be good habits. When coaches confirm players are properly and legally equipped, coaches are assuming the responsibility for ensuring players are, in fact, properly wearing all required equipment before they step on the field. If and when players are not in compliance, officials must enforce the rules for player safety.

Reminders:

  • All items [tooth and mouth protectors, helmet, gloves, shoulder and arm pads, protective cup or pelvic protector, throat protectors and chest protectors (goalkeepers)] must be worn as manufacturer intended.

  • Helmets, shoulder pads and chest protectors (goalkeepers) must meet NOCSAE standards.

  • Arm pads must be worn so that the elbows are covered.

  • Tooth and mouth protectors must be worn as intended, covering the teeth.

  • Goalkeepers must wear a throat protector and chest protector.

  • The loss of a helmet is now a technical foul for illegal procedure unless it is the result of direct contact to the head by an opponent.

  • A field player who enters the crease with the intent to block a shot is now a personal foul for illegal equipment.

Personal Foul – Contact with the Head/Neck

There is an inherent risk to participating in any sport. One role of the playing rules is to minimize risk while maintaining the sound traditions of the sport. Personal fouls and the penalties associated with them are meant to help regulate fair play and minimize risk. The NFHS rules committee continues to focus on the protection of the head and neck area of all players.

Coaches have an important role in creating safe environments for players by the way they teach players on the offensive and defensive side of the field. Coaches should instruct players to:

  • Avoid all physical contact with an opponent’s head or neck. This includes use of the stick and any part of the body (head, elbow, shoulder, etc.).

  • Control their contact and make legal contact while also not allowing any contact that may slide up towards the head or neck area of an opponent.

  • Not initiate contact with an opponent using their own head or neck (spearing).

  • Not body-check a player in a defenseless position.

  • Not target a player by taking aim at the head or neck of an opponent.

  • Not enter the crease with the intent to block a shot without goalkeeper equipment.

  • Always properly wear helmets, chin straps, and tooth and mouth protectors.

Officials have the responsibility to enforce penalties when any of the above actions are taken that might intentionally or unintentionally put a player at risk of injury. Set the tone early by penalizing contact made to the head or neck area or contact initiated with the helmet. The penalty for these fouls shall be suspension from the game for one to three minutes, depending on the official’s judgment of the severity and perceived intent of the personal foul. Officials should not be hesitant to appropriately penalize any and all contact to the head or neck area and contact initiated with the helmet.

Sportsmanship and Role of Head Coach

Sportsmanship starts with team leadership. Coaches can set the tone for their programs by encouraging respect by players, coaches and spectators toward officials and opponents. Coaches lead by both words and actions. It is important to not just talk about good sportsmanship, but to demonstrate it in every interaction before, during and after the contest.

Reminders:

  • Taunting, baiting and trash talk are not tolerated.

  • Team celebrations should be limited in length, appropriate for an educational setting and positive in nature.

  • Captains are the team’s sole representative(s) on the field during the game and should not be argumentative with or critical of the officials.

Pregame Responsibilities

Pregame preparations by coaches, officials and game personnel are crucial to a successful game.

Coaches and host management: handle field preparation and ensure their team and facilities meet all requirements. This includes:

  • Ensuring the field is marked and set up properly, including lines, pylons and cones.

  • Ensuring players are properly equipped.

  • Submitting a team roster for the scorebook.

  • Confirming team readiness and adherence to game regulations.

Officials: verify safety standards and equipment compliance, and coordinate with game personnel. This includes:

  • Checking the field setup including lines, goals, cones and bench areas.

  • Reviewing game procedures with table personnel.

  • Conducting pregame meetings with coaches and teams to review player equipment and enforce compliance.

Table Personnel: organize game tracking tools and ensure timing and communication systems are fully operational. This includes:

  • Arriving early to set up the table with a scorebook and a working horn.

  • Preparing the official scorebook with rosters from both teams.

  • Confirming clock operation and communication procedures with officials.