Girls Lacrosse Points of Emphasis - 2026

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

Identifying and Managing Fouls During Scoring Plays

Increased attention to offensive and defensive fouls during a scoring opportunity is needed because of a high risk of illegal play. Understanding, recognizing and penalizing major fouls is critical for officials to manage a safe game. These fouls include cross-checking, crosse in the sphere, and illegal stick-to-body contact by the defense; as well as forcing through and charging by the ball carrier.

Additionally, identifying cardable fouls – such as dangerous follow-through dangerous propelling, checks to the head, and dangerous contact to a defenseless player – and penalizing these actions is necessary enforcement and improves safety during a scoring play.

Watching for defenders that play legally and with safe and proper contact during a scoring play improves officials’ ability to recognize when attack players are creating dangerous play. Taking swift and stringent actions in these situations will lead to a safer game and a better experience for all participants.

Efficient Draw Administration

The draw plays a crucial role in girls lacrosse. It determines possession and can influence momentum. Players, coaches and officials play a role in improving the efficiency of the draw and decreasing the time between goals and the start of play. Delayed draw administration, due to lack of readiness by a team or lengthy set up of the draw by officials, detracts from the flow of the game. Efficient draw administration requires:

  • Players limit post goal huddles and celebrations and promptly move to draw positioning.

  • Coaches substitute players efficiently. Remember, players subbing into the game after a goal may enter the playing field prior to their teammate leaving the field.

  • Teams quickly exchange sticks before the draw when they choose to do so to avoid delaying the draw when the officials and opponents are ready.

  • Officials gather the ball after the goal and immediately move to the center. Players should never be waiting for the official to get to the draw.

  • Officials set the draw properly without delay. Players that are uncooperative or continue to move after the sticks are set should be penalized for a delay of game.

Consistent and proper administration of the draw promotes fairness, minimizes unnecessary delays and supports game flow.

Delay of Game/Use of the Green Card

Proper use of the green card by officials continues to be a point of emphasis. This is important to discourage and penalize fouls that disrupt the flow of the game. Effective green card management will enforce fair play and minimize repeated violations.

The following are common examples of delay-of-game violations that should be penalized with a green card:

  • Defenders failing to promptly move 4 meters away from a free position.

  • Offenders continuing to run down the field after committing a foul in the midfield, rather than taking action to move 4 meters away from or behind the ball carrier.

  • Players failing to promptly clear the penalty zone.

  • Teams failing to promptly return to the field after the time-out or when the time between quarters has expired.

The penalties for delay of game are:

  • First violation – A green card is issued to the offending team and a change of possession.

  • Second violation – A green/yellow card is issued to the offending player for a major foul. The offending player must leave the field for two minutes. This card is not included in the team or player’s card count.

  • Third and subsequent violations – A yellow card is issued to the offending player or team for misconduct. A player will leave the field for two minutes. The card is included in the team and player’s card count.

Proper use of the green card discourages activities that delay the game, improves the flow of the game and contributes to a more enjoyable game experience.