Test 7

2023 SPRING SEASON
RULES and COACHING ETIQUETTE

The rules committee has prepared the following Coaching Etiquette Guidelines and Rules for all Divisions K -8
th Grade

keeping in mind three important criteria:

SAFETY OF THE PLAYERS
WE ARE AN INSTRUCTIONAL LEAGUE
THE EVOLUTION AND GROWTH OF THE GAME

The rules dictated by US Lacrosse are the basis for our rules and we have modified this standard to meet our objective. We
recommend that all Town Coordinators and Coaches obtain a copy of the US Lacrosse Rules www.uslacrosse.org. All
referees have been given copies of these modified rules; however, it is the responsibility of the “home‟ team to have a
copy at each game in the event they need to be referred to. It is the responsibility of the Town Coordinator to make sure
that all coaches receive a copy of the rules prior to the start of the spring season.
Coaching Etiquette

-The score is not important. Games are played to give the girls field experience and to develop skills they will use later
when playing competitive interscholastic lacrosse. In the event that opponents are unequally matched, we request that the
winning coach consider thoughtful ways to even the playing field (i.e.: moving better players to the defensive side of the
field, having your players work on their non-dominant hand skills, etc.)
-A coach is responsible for more than play on the field. They must keep control over both sides of the field; bench
players as well as spectators. Coaches are responsible for setting a positive example of good sportsmanship by always
displaying respect for the referee and the opposing team. Determination of poor sportsmanship on or off the field is at the
referee’s discretion. The referees have the option to issue “purple cards‟ as a warning to any coach, player, or spectator
who has neglected their responsibilities in accordance with the US Lacrosse Purple Card Program. Continued poor
sportsmanship may lead to the ejection of the coach from the field and/or forfeiture of the game. Referees are instructed
to leave the field in the event they feel it necessary. Coaches must respect the opposing team’s bench area (both team’s
players and coaches shall be on the same side of the field and spectators on the opposite side.) A Grievance form can be
filled out and submitted should a problem arise. If three individual complaints are received, the subject will be taken up
by the Disciplinary Board, resulting in expulsion from the league. It is also the responsibility of the coaches to ensure all
equipment is in good and legal condition. Each team can have a maximum of three (3) coaches on the sideline during a
game and they must stay on their half and off of the field during play.
-The referee is human. They are also trained in the rules of the sport. All referees are NYSPHSAA Section XI qualified.
Referees may occasionally make a bad call or not notice something happening on the field that you see. Many times there
is no important consequence. What is important is the referee’s continued priority remains the same – the safety of the girls
comes first. We have instructed the officials that we prefer a “quick whistle‟ on safety calls. We have also requested that
when play is stopped for a “safety” call, they instruct the players on the field by explaining the reason for the whistle.
-Pre-game requirements: Both team’s coaches and the referee(s) shall meet prior to the game to review the specified
1

rules and finalize payment. The referee will confirm which Grade is about to play.
“General Rules”
APPLICABLE TO ALL GRADES

❖ All players must play a minimum of 1⁄2 of the game.
❖ The Penalty Zone is the area 8 meters away from the Goal Circle above GLE (including the entire 8-meter arc,
and both “pie” areas) and the area created by the extension of the 8m marks (on the GLE) to the dots and between
the dots.

It is the Suffolk County Girls Lacrosse Rules Committee’s objective to progress the younger players up to the
“full” game as quickly as possible while still preserving the instructional atmosphere for all grade levels
Modified US Lacrosse Rules for the 2022 Spring Season Grades K-1 (Clinic)
● First 40 minutes to be a skills clinic coordinated by host town for ALL teams attending
● 1 – Game (15-20 minutes each) with a 5-minute break between games for water and/or switching teams
● One (1) coach from each team may be on the field during games
● 7 field players from each team on the field, NO GOALIE
● 2 passes must be attempted w/o a change in possession before shooting on goal. Passes do not need to be caught.
● K and 1

st Grade ONLY. No older players regardless of skill level.

● Only the host team pays for referees and/or assistants
All Other Divisions (2
nd
thru 8th)

A Section XI referee(s) will be assigned to each game and each team will pay their portion of the fee.
Field Dimensions: Preferred size is 50 to 60 meters between goals for 2
nd
-4
th Grade. All others Grades – 90 to 100
meters between goals is acceptable if a smaller field is not available. Fields must be lined with mid-field and restraining
lines and all standard arc and crease lines. Restraining lines must be clearly distinguishable. (Cones shall not be used.)
Visible guidelines to indicate boundaries must be placed on the field. Boundaries must be at least 4m from a change of
surface, fence, or obstacle. End guidelines must be placed parallel with and directly opposite each endpoint of the 12m fan
and no less than 7m behind the goal line. Hard boundaries will be in effect. Large fields can be reduced by narrowing the
width (e.g. Cones) and/or bringing in the cages (e.g. portable crease, cones, etc.) Officials will be advised to work under
these conditions. The team that last touched a ball before going out of bounds will lose possession unless the referee
determines that a shot was attempted. If a shot was attempted then the team closest to the boundary line where the shot
left the playing field will be awarded possession. Cones are required to mark out all field corners.
Equipment: NOCSAE approved yellow “hard‟ rubber ball is to be used. Colored mouthpieces and eye protection are
mandatory for all players. The Player’s sticks shall be no shorter than 32” and the pocket can be deep enough so that 1⁄2 of
the ball is visible below the sidewall of the stick. (Coaches are urged to reduce the pocket depth as soon as the player’s
skills improve.)
All equipment must meet US Lacrosse standards as outlined at https://www.uslacrosse.org/safety/equipment

Players on Field:

2

● 2
nd and 3
rd Grades – 8v8. Two (2) field players from each team must remain behind the restraining line at all
times. Goalies are optional but strongly encouraged.
● 4
th Grade – 10v10. Three (3) field players from each team must remain behind the restraining line at all times.
● 5
th Grade and up – 12v12. Four (4) field players from each team must remain behind the restraining line at all
times.
Duration of Game:
● 2nd – 4th Grade – Four – 12 minute quarters with a 5-minute break at halftime.
● 5th – 6th Grade – Two – 25-minute halves with a 5-minute break at halftime.
● 7th – 8th Grade – Two – 25-minute halves with a 5-minute break at halftime.
Regarding the Draw:
● Only three (3) players from each team are allowed on the draw circle, all other players must remain below the
restraining line until released.
Free Movement: Free movement is allowed for players on the whistle or a stoppage of play. Boundary rules and clearing
of the penalty zone are still in force. For major fouls anywhere on the field, the offending player must move 4 meters
behind the player taking the free position, and stand until the play is restarted with a whistle or self-start. For minor fouls,
the offending player moves 4 meters away in the direction from which she approached.
Scoring: 2

nd Grade and above May “go to goal”. Once a 3-goal lead is established the passing rules listed below are in
place until the lead is below 3. Additionally, the trailing team has the option to take an indirect free possession, or
continue to Draw. Grades 4

th and below MUST take indirect possession.

Passing Rule Once a 3-goal lead has been established:
Passes must terminate in the offensive restraining area. Flip Passes are NOT allowed. The goalie’s clearing pass is not
included whether inside or outside the goal circle. The referee will determine if a pass is to be counted and he/she will
keep track of the number of passes and advise the players when a shot may be taken on goal. If the ball is dropped after
the required passes are made but recovered the team may continue to “go to goal”. No player should score more than (3)
goals per half. The high-scoring player may play but they should be told not to shoot on the net.
● 2 nd Grade – Two attempted passes
● 3 rd – 4th Grade – One Attempted, One Completed (the 2nd must be completed)
● 5th Grade – One COMPLETED pass in the offensive restraining area
● 6th Grade – No Modifications to pass rules
Shooting: The Dangerous Shot foul has been eliminated. Dangerous Propelling is sufficient to address the safety
concerns with the shooting. A shot after time expires will count as a legal shot if the ball was released prior to time
expiring.
Substitutions: Substitutions can be made following a goal, during a timeout (excluding the ball carrier) or “on-the-fly‟ if
both players enter/exit the field within the designated substitution box area of 18 feet at the midfield line in front of the
scorer’s table. The player coming off the field must exit before the player coming on the field enters. (This includes the
goalkeeper.) See USL rule 9 for clarification. There are NO SUBSTITUTIONS on a dead ball.

Checking: The stick shall not be used to intimidate another player. Waving or “fanning‟ the stick at or near another
player will result in loss of possession.
● 2
nd – 4
th Grade – Stick checking is not allowed under any circumstance.
● 5
th
– 8
th Grade – Modified checking is allowed. Stick-checking is allowed as follows: Only the ball carrier can be
stick checked and the entire stick must be below the shoulder. All stick checks must be away from the body and
in a downward motion. The checking stick must retract (short/choppy motion).
Double/Triple Teaming: Please place an emphasis on 1 on 1 playing, however, double-teaming is allowed.

3

● 2
nd
– 3
rd Grade – Double-teaming is only allowed in the “offensive restraining area”
● 4
th Grade – Double-teaming is allowed anywhere on the field, triple-teaming is not allowed
● 5
th Grade and Above – Double Teaming is allowed anywhere on the field, triple-teaming in the 8-meter arc is
allowed. The referee will warn players outside of the arc.
Penalties: All penalties called by the referee shall result in an “indirect” situation when play resumes unless a defensive
foul occurred within the Penalty Area after the pass requirements have been met. If a defensive foul takes place within the
8-meter arc after the pass requirement a “direct” call shall be made.
● Self-Start (5

th Grade and up) – The Offending Player must be 4m behind the Ball Carrier, who must restart from
a settled stance (both feet stationary, with the ball positioned in the head of the crosse). All other US Lacrosse
guidelines apply to the Self Start. Out of Bounds – The Player must come back to a settled stance once inbound.
● Alternate possession will continue.
● Major and Minor Fouls will be administered under US Lacrosse guidelines.
Goalies:
● Goalies need to learn how to clear the ball
● The Goalkeeper has a 10-second possession allowance within the crease circle. Possession will be awarded to the
opposing team after 10 seconds.
● All goalies must have Helmets with additional throat guards (extended masks are NOT acceptable), Chest
protectors, padded gloves, arm pads, and padded goalie pants with thigh protection. Shin guards are
recommended. Goalies in Grades 7 or 8 may wear field hockey leg padding that is less than 1” thick.
● 2
nd Grade – Goalie’s clearing pass from WITHIN the crease is a “free pass”. After a goalie saves, the referee will
instruct the opposing team to “back-off” defensive players to allow a single clearing pass from the goalie.
● 3rd Grade – Goalie’s clearing pass is a “free pass” below GLE. If Goalie ventures beyond the 12-meter fan and
then loses possession, the opposing team may shoot without making the required passes. If the Goalie loses
possession within the fan area, then the opposing team must meet the pass requirement.
● 4
th Grade and Above – No “free pass”
Timeouts: Each team is allowed one time-out per half.
● Grades 2
nd – 4
th
– Time-outs can only be called after a goal by either team.

● Grades 5
th – 8
th – Time-outs can be called with possession or after a goal.

The Three-Second Rule: If any ball carrier is covered by a defensive player and is in a “checkable” position for a period
of 3 seconds, possession will revert to the defensive player. The offensive player does not have to be standing still for the
count to start. The defensive player must have 2 hands on the stick in order to be considered in a “checking‟ position.
For Grades 2
nd – 4
th
, a “slow” 3-second count will apply.

Yellow Card Penalties:
● Two yellow cards issued to an individual player will result in an ejection from the game
● Offsetting penalties – If a card is issued to one of the teams, alternate possession will not apply.
● Substitution for all grades excluding 6th-8th. Grades 6-8th will be required to play “Girl Down” with a 2-minute
un-releasable penalty. Red Cards will be relayed to the SCGL Board.
Red Card Penalties: Results in an immediate “ejection” from the game. Any player or coach receiving a “Red” card will
be prohibited from participating in the team’s next game as well. Coaches shall notify their coordinators when a player or
coach receives a Red card. The town coordinator will email the SCGL President/Secretary with the following information:
Player Name, Town, Grade, Reason, etc. (the “offsetting penalties” item mentioned above applies here as well)