Rules Information

Rule books and documents

The NFHS Boys Lacrosse Rule Book provides the base rule set for all boys lacrosse games below the collegiate level in Minnesota. These rules can be obtained in book form when you join US Lacrosse or attend your first training class.

If you are an official with an ArbiterSports.com account, you have access to a searchable NFHS Boys Lacrosse Rule Book online through Arbiter provided you have linked your USL and UMLOA accounts. From your Arbiter account, choose “Switch Views” from the top of the screen and select US Lacrosse Central Hub (Group 108525). Then go to “Rules” and select NFHS Boys.

Some rules information, including the US Lacrosse Boys Youth Rules and the US Lacrosse rules interpretation videos are posted on the US Lacrosse website. 

Rule summaries and variations for JV, 9/10, 14U, 12U, 10U, 8U, box lacrosse, and off-season leagues are posted under the rules section of our Documents Page. The Minnesota youth rules (for 14U and lower games) are based on US Lacrosse youth rules. A summary sheet of those rules is also posted on the same page.

College games are played under NCAA rules, which are available for order or for free download at the NCAA publications website. A detailed list of rule differences between NFHS and NCAA lacrosse is posted here.

Conventions

In rule situations, Team A is the offensive or riding team, and Team B is the defensive or clearing team. A1 and A2 are different players on Team A, and Coach A is the head coch of Team A.

Rule Questions

A fantastic resource for asking questions about boys lacrosse rules and mechanics is the Lacrosse Rules and Officiating Forum.

FAQs (for NFHS Rules unless stated otherwise)

Recent Updates
Administration
Youth Rules
Rule 1—Field and Equipment
Rule 2—Game Personnel
Rule 3—Time Factors & Scoring
Rule 4—Play of the Game
Rule 5—Personal Fouls
Rule 6—Technical Fouls
Rule 7—Penalty Enforcement