Girls Lacrosse Comments on the Rules - 2026

2-4-5 — Stick checks may be requested during quarter and halftime breaks, team timeouts, immediately following goals, or prior to the start of a draw. This eliminates the option for checks during general clock stoppages, helping to maintain game flow, discouraging potential gamesmanship and allowing officials to focus on administration of the game.

2-8-3 (NEW) & PENALTY — Clarifying and prohibiting the use of audio and video equipment by on-field players, reinforces fair play and ensures that electronic communication is not used during competition. This language aligns with other NFHS sport codes.

4-3-3d — Play will resume from the dot following all team time-outs granted while possession is within the critical scoring area, regardless of goalkeeper possession in the goal circle when time-out was called. This change creates consistency, simplifies administration, and improves the flow of the game for all participants.

5-2 PENALTY 1 — After an illegal draw by one player, allowing the free position to be taken by any player on the non-offending team at the spot of the ball, instead of only the non-offending center, improves efficiency and preserves fairness during illegal draw situations. This ensures the non-offending team retains advantage and allows for a quicker restart.

7-3 PENALTIES 1a & 3a — Placing the offending player 4 meters away, rather than behind the player awarded the ball for goal circle fouls, aligns with procedures for other non-major fouls. This adjustment maintains an appropriate penalty while improving restart efficiency.