Girls Lacrosse Points of Emphasis - 2027

Leading By Example

Coaches and officials are among the most visible and influential leaders in high school athletics. Their actions set the standard for student-athletes and shape the tone of every contest.

Coaches lead by example when they:

• Communicate respectfully.

• Maintain composure on the sideline.

• Demonstrate good sportsmanship.

• Teach through positive reinforcement.

• Accept officials’ decisions and help players focus on the next play.

• Address poor conduct by team members.

• Win and lose with respect.

Officials lead by example when they:

• Present themselves professionally.

• Treat all participants with respect.

• Communicate clearly and confidently.

• Apply the rules fairly and consistently.

• Use proper mechanics.

• Respond to challenging situations calmly and with composure.

• Address unsafe play and misconduct promptly, including issuing cards when appropriate.

The game of girls lacrosse reflects the leadership of its coaches and officials. When coaches and officials demonstrate professionalism, integrity and respect, they create an environment in which student-athletes learn to compete fairly, respect their opponents and exhibit good sportsmanship – values that extend far beyond the final whistle.

Repeated Midfield Fouls

The midfield is where transitions occur, possession is contested, and the tempo of the game is established. It is also an area where repeated fouls, if left unaddressed, can disrupt game flow, compromise safety and undermine fair competition.

When a player or team repeatedly commits major fouls in the midfield, officials should address the behavior promptly, particularly when those fouls involve unsafe or overly physical play. Early intervention, including the issuance of a misconduct yellow card for repeated fouls, penalizes unsafe behavior, discourages continued violations, and sets an appropriate standard for the game.

Officials should consider a misconduct yellow card when they observe a pattern such as:

• Persistent major fouls by the same player.

• Persistent major fouls by the same team.

• Repeated intentional fouls.

• Fouls that become increasingly rough, physical or dangerous.

A misconduct yellow card for repeated fouls is more than a penalty against an individual player — it sends a clear message that persistent illegal play will not be tolerated. By recognizing patterns of repeated fouls early and responding with the authority the rules provide, officials minimize risk to players, preserve game flow, and help ensure that contests are decided by skill rather than persistent illegal play.

Efficient Draw Administration

The NFHS Girls Lacrosse Rules Committee continues to emphasize the importance of efficient draw administration. Players, coaches and officials all play a role in speeding up the draw and reducing the time between a goal and restarting play. Doing so improves game flow and enhances the experience of participants and spectators.

Officials contribute to efficient draw administration by:

• Using a proper and systematic routine for setting up the draw.

• Retrieving the ball after a goal and moving immediately to the center.

• Directing centers to the circle promptly if they do not move there on their own.

• Confirming that both centers are properly positioned.

• Setting the sticks correctly after the ball is placed between them.

• Positioning themselves properly to administer the draw.

• Checking the setup before stepping back.

• Issuing a card for delay of game when a player continues to be uncooperative or to move

after the sticks have been set.

Proper, efficient and orderly draw administration reduces dead time, keeps the game moving and demonstrates the officiating crew’s professionalism and command of the contest.

Identification of the NFHS Authenticating Mark on Game Balls

The NFHS Authenticating Mark ensures easy identification of inflated and non-inflated balls used in interscholastic competition for which the NFHS writes playing rules. All such balls are required to display the NFHS Authenticating Mark.

The use of conforming equipment is essential to the integrity of contests played under the NFHS rules. This mark helps to promote a level playing field by ensuring consistency in the equipment being used. The mark allows for the development of more sophisticated standards in balls and clearly communicates to administrators, coaches and officials that these standards are being met.

Non-compliance with these requirements will be reported to the state association for potential penalties following the contest. Administrators and coaches play a pivotal role in making sure all inflated and non-inflated balls meet these specifications. They must instill the importance of proper equipment use through consistent reinforcement during the pre-competition certification meeting and throughout the season. Game officials must also remain vigilant and report any non-compliant balls to the state association office.