NFHS Boys Lacrosse - Frequently Asked Questions
1.
NFHS Rule 1-7- 3 provides, in part, that: “Any additional strings or laces (e.g., shooting strings, V channels) must be located within 4 inches of the top of the crosse.”
Q. Does this restriction apply to the Goalkeeper’s crosse?
A. No. That part of the rule does not apply to the Goalkeeper’s crosse.
Q. What is the penalty for a violation?
A. Under Rule 5.5 - 3 minute non-releasable penalty and the crosse remains at the table for the remainder of the game.
Q. What if a player buys a new stick and it only measures 6" across the top of the stick?
A. This stick is illegal for the 2016 and 2017 season. Three minute NR penalty, stick remains at the table for the remainder of the game.
2. NFHS Rule 4-3-3i
i. A violation will be called if a player picks up and carries the ball on the back of his stick. It is legal to clamp the ball with the back of the stick, but it must be moved, raked or directed immediately. Immediately is defined as within one step.
Q. Does this rule apply to other areas of the field? Can a player catch a pass in the back of the stick and/or throw a pass off the back of the stick?
A. Outside of the faceoff, a player may play with the ball in the back of his stick provided that it doesn't get stuck, and that he never defies gravity. He can catch a pass in the back of his stick, run with the ball there, and pass or shoot from there. If at any time, the ball defies gravity (i. e. a quick push down on a loose ball with that back of the stick and lifting the ball straight up), there is an instant whistle and a turnover for withholding the ball from play. If the ball doesn't come out of the back of the stick on the first attempt, that's enough evidence that the ball is stuck, and would also be an instant whistle. And as stated in the rules, using the ground, a body part, or another players stick to ensure the ball comes out would also be an instant turnover.
3.NFHS Rule 4-18-1 SITUATION E:
Q. Does the goalkeeper count as one of the two defenders referred to in the situation?
A. No the goalkeeper does not count as one of the two defensemen under this rule.
Q. Is this an immediate whistle?
A. The officials will stop play as soon as they notice the situation. However, if a shot is already in flight when this is noticed, the shot will be allowed to come to its normal conclusion before the whistle blows to stop play.
4.Restarts
Q. Where is the play restarted when there is a technical foul before the faceoff begins or while the faceoff players are down battling in the faceoff position?
A. The offended team is awarded the ball in its offensive side of the field at the center.
Q. If after the face off is started, the ball is directed or moves away from the Center if a player commits a loose ball infraction, e.g. a push or hold, where does the play restart?
A. The play is restarted where at the spot where the ball was when the whistle blew.
5.NFHS Rule 4-3-3n
Q. Can paint be used in place of tape on the crosse?
A. No, tape must be used.
6. NFHS Rule 4-14-3
Note: For all questions below, consider that Team A has cleared the ball and established possession in the box, ending the 10-second clearing count. A pass from A1 to A2 is missed, and the ball bounces toward the centerline without being touched by Team B.
Q. Is the center line treated as a plane so that if a ball crosses the center line it is an immediate violation?
A. No the ball must touch the center line, the ground on the defense half of the field or anything in defensive half.
Q. May a player in the defensive half of the field bat the ball with his cross or kick the ball so that the ball does not cross the centerline?
A. Yes.
Q. May a player in the offensive half of the field reach across the centerline and either catch the ball or bat the ball back over the centerline, so that it never touches the center line, the ground on the defense half of the field or anything in contact with the defensive half?
A. Yes
NFHS Boys Lacrosse FAQs - #2
February 2016
Q: A1, not in possession of the ball, is positioned near the crease. A2 takes a shot
from outside the crease area and the ball rebounds into the air above the crease. A1
jumps into the air toward the crease, catches the ball in his crosse and shoots the
ball while still airborne. The ball enters the goal, and then A1 lands in the crease. Is
the goal allowed?
A: No, because A1 was not grounded before, during and after the shot and landed in
the crease.
Q: A1 has possession of the ball outside of the crease area. A2 runs toward the
crease and jumps or dives into the air toward the crease as A1 feeds the ball to him.
While still airborne, A2 shoots at the goal. The ball enters the goal, and then A2
lands in the crease. Is the goal allowed?
A: No, because A2 (the shooter) was not grounded before, during and after the shot
and landed in the crease.
Q: A1, not in possession of the ball, is positioned near the crease. A2 takes a shot
from outside the crease area and the ball rebounds into the air above the crease. A1
leaps into the air, catches the ball in his crosse and shoots the ball while still
airborne. The ball enters the goal, and then A1 lands outside of the crease. After
landing outside the crease, A1’s momentum carries him into the crease. Is the goal
allowed?
A: Yes. The play is considered to have ended when A1 lands outside the crease after
the ball entered the goal.
NOTE: In each of the above cases, batting the ball into the goal would result in the
same ruling as catching and shooting the ball.
Q: Team A has successfully advanced the ball into the attack goal area. A1 shoots at
the goal and the ball rebounds and as a result crosses the center line. May Team A
pick up the ball, and does a new 20-second count start?
A: Yes, Team A may regain possession and a new 20-second count starts.
Q: Team A has successfully advanced the ball into the attack goal area. A1 attempts
a pass the ball to A2. The pass is deflected by B1 and crosses over the center line
last touched by a defensive player. May Team A pick up the ball, and does a new 20-
second count start?
A: Yes, Team A may regain possession and a new 20-second count starts
