In 2019 high school and youth girls’ lacrosse will implement several significant rule changes. One change focused directly on increasing player safety is the creation of a penalty zone.
US Lacrosse has announced the 2019 rule changes and points of emphasis for youth boys’ lacrosse. The rules are to be used for all levels of play 14U and younger.
Self-starts, a cleared defensive zone for 8-meter free positions, and a new checking category for play at the U14/U13 level are among the new US Lacrosse girls’ youth rules approved for the 2019 season.
The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) is warning lacrosse players, coaches and teams to use caution when purchasing lacrosse balls online.
In women’s lacrosse, the sphere is defined as an imaginary area, or bubble, of 7 inches surrounding the player’s head, in all directions. At the high school and youth level, an opponent cannot put their stick in another player’s sphere.
The NFHS has issued a clarification memo for the Warding Off rule. US Lacrosse supports this rule clarification and will adopt the clarification for the 2018 US Lacrosse Boys’ Youth Rules.
The Intercollegiate Men’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IMLCA) has given its endorsement to the US Lacrosse Official Rules for Boys’ Youth Lacrosse. The US Lacrosse youth rules cover competition from the 6U to 14U age groups and have been designed to align with the principles of the Lacrosse Athlete Development Model.
