Timing:

-     20-minute running halves

-     5-minute halftime

-     One (1) 2-minute timeout per team (clock will stop)

-     No Overtime - games may end in a tie

-     Play out 8-meter free position if clock expires during administration of penalty

High School: Rules as outlined in the Girls' Lacrosse NFHS Rules Book.

14U: Rules as outlined in the USA Lacrosse Youth Rules Book and NFHS Rules Book.

Note: 14U - transitional checking, HS - no horizontal stick

No pre-game stick check - NO JEWELRY (can't tape). Sticks must still be legal. Goggle/Helmets & Mouthguard required - no clear, white (less than 50% white), or graphics of white teeth.

No coin toss - defend team bench end first half. Light Team gets first alternate possession.

Team Benches: Light Team - LEFT SIDE of table when facing field. Dark Team - RIGHT SIDE of table when facing field.

Fans: Sit opposite the team benches and table - at least 6 feet from the sideline.

Lighting: If lighting should occur, the games will be stopped, players will seek shelter immediately. The officials and trainers will make a decision regarding the game resuming.

Timing:

-      20-minute running time halves

-      5-minute half time. 

-      One time-out per team per game (will stop the clock)

-      Penalties are running time except when suspended for a time out or the half. Technicals are 45 seconds, and personals run in 90-second increments. Penalty time begins when the player is in the box, and the official restarts play.
 

Game procedures:

-  All games are standard 10v10, officiated under age appropriate USA Lacrosse/NFHS rules  

-  Officials will not do a coin flip to determine choice of goal.

-      By bringing a team to the tourney, coaches acknowledge that all players are equipped by rule to play.

-      Officials will do equipment checks upon request of the head coach.

-      Officials will not conduct random equipment checks. Time will run during equipment checks.

-      No equipment check requests will be honored in the last five minutes of a game.

-      14U, 13U, and 12U crosses should conform to Federation high school lengths. 11U&10U offensive sticks can be 37 to 42 inches.

-      Games will start promptly on the hour at the official’s direction. If your team isn't ready, you are burning daylight, not to mention potentially losing the opening face-off.

-      In case of a tie, the game’s outcome is a tie or 1v1 Brave Heart, if both coaches agree (as time permits).  1v1 Brave Heart Rules: if a goalie crosses the midfield line his teammate must stay onside.  IF a foul is committed, the offending player will be placed 5 yards behind  the player with the ball.  

-      Up to four long poles are allowed on the field. A long pole on faceoff is also allowed.

1.3   Mercy rule youth only...At a five-goal differential, officials may award the ball to the trailing team at the midfield line. Teams behind in the score may waive the mercy rule. (NA at HS)

A goal of the tournament is to instill good fundamental play, not to play "last-man-standing.” Per current USA Lacrosse rules one-handed stick checks are ALLOWED at 14U, 13U, and 12U divisions (NEW 2024), as well as at the HS level. However, the check must demonstrate appropriate accuracy and control. Counsel your players to use controlled checks on glove and stick, not on kidney, shoulder, neck, upper arm etc. One-handed checks are STILL PROHIBITED AT THE 10/11U LEVEL. Players may box out and push opponents off the ball, unless the official determines there was excessive force. The official will judge if the player was trying to play the ball or trying to knock his opponent over…the deliberate “take-out” check (illegal body-check).

With that said, a player falling over in a scrum is not necessarily a take-out check. Don't expect a call every time somebody hits the ground. Our refs will take incidental Brownian Motion into account. We are after all dealing with lacrosse-playing bobble-heads who can tip over in a light breeze. Officials will factor in equal vs. unequal pressure, incidental contact, age-appropriate physical abilities, and do their best on intent (ball vs. man).

No ten-second or twenty-second advance-the-ball count for 11U&10U teams and all other divisions will use appropriate counts (will have a 10 & 20 sec count). Normal four-second goalkeeper count applies. Stall warning in effect the last two minutes for the team ahead (If applicable 4 or less goal differential “Keep it in!”) No baiting, taunting or profanity

Fans are to watch from the far sideline. Only coaching personnel and players are allowed on the near side. The tournament will provide table personnel. All participants are always to be respectful of others. Practice space may be at a premium between games and any conflicts should be negotiated amicably. Find a way to share.  Please respect the grounds and facilities.