News Summary

The National Federation of State High School Associations has approved significant rule changes for boys’ and girls’ high school lacrosse, set to take effect in the 2026 season. Focused on enhancing player safety and game enjoyment, the new rules include adjustments to the crease rule, free position protocols, and new regulations on player equipment. These changes reflect the sport’s growing popularity and aim to create a safer and more exciting experience for athletes, coaches, and fans alike. Stay tuned for further updates from USA Lacrosse!

Exciting Changes Ahead for High School Lacrosse in 2026!

In a thrilling announcement that’s sure to make waves in the lacrosse community, significant rule changes have been approved for both boys’ and girls’ high school lacrosse ahead of the 2026 season. With the recent nod from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), players, coaches, and fans have a lot to look forward to!

Why the Changes?

These new rules surfaced during a series of rules committee meetings held in June, and they are crafted to enhance player safety while also making the game more enjoyable for everyone involved. As part of a collaborative effort with USA Lacrosse, the NFHS has tweaked various rules to improve how the game is played.

What’s New for Boys’ Lacrosse?

For the boys’ game, one of the most significant updates comes with the crease rule. Now, defensive players, except for the *properly equipped goalkeeper*, must stay clear of the team’s crease when trying to block a shot. This change aims at minimizing risks of injury, especially since unprotected players often posed a danger to themselves and others. Violations of this are categorized as a personal foul and are classified as a non-releasable foul.

In additional tweaks, goalkeepers no longer have a maximum of five seconds to re-enter the crease after a stoppage due to injury or equipment issues. They are now treated just like other field players, bringing a whole new dynamic to game strategy! A recent addition in the rules also includes a new procedure for interrupted games to streamline game management, especially when finalizing game modifications.

You’ll also notice a couple of changes at the bench areas! Teams must now have cones set up at the corners of their designated areas and a working horn must be at the scorer’s table for coach stoppages. The clarity around player equipment regulations has also been refined, particularly concerning tooth and mouth protectors, so players can hit the field safely. And let’s not forget the new benchmark for jersey number height—now set at a minimum of 8 inches rather than the previous requirement of 12 inches.

Changes For Girls’ Lacrosse

Now, let’s switch over to girls’ lacrosse! The focus here remains on enhancing the pace and flow of the game. One standout adjustment is that any player can take a free position after an illegal draw, potentially unlocking new strategies for teams. Moreover, the rules now require any offending player to stand at least four meters away from the player taking the free position when it’s related to fouls in the goal circle.

Another fine-tuning is around possession timeouts; play restarts at the closest dot when the goalkeeper has the ball after a possession timeout. Meanwhile, stick check requests have specific times for when they can be made—these can now only be requested during quarter breaks, halftime, or immediately after goals score, making it smoother for referees and players alike.

An intriguing move is the new rule that absolutely prohibits on-field players from using any audio or video devices during games, with the risk of turning such violations into a coach misconduct situation.

The Growing Kingdom of Lacrosse

Given the influx of popularity, it’s worth noting that girls’ lacrosse stands as one of the fastest-growing high school sports, with over 101,000 girls actively participating in the 2023-24 season. The NFHS is firmly committed to refining rules that ensure fair play while also protecting our beloved athletes from undue risks.

That’s not all! Keep your eyes peeled for further updates on youth lacrosse rules from USA Lacrosse in the upcoming weeks.

For a complete roadmap of these exciting high school rule changes for boys’ and girls’ lacrosse, be sure to check out the NFHS website. The future of lacrosse is bright and full of promise!

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