Rules explained in plain English for parents learning Lacrosse.
1
Rules Vary By Format
Youth lacrosse rules can change by boys, girls, box, field, age group, contact level, equipment rules, and local league.
Parent tip: Ask which exact rule set your child is using before comparing calls to another team or older level.
Example: A girls field league may limit contact differently than a boys field league, and box lacrosse may use different boundaries and substitutions.
Age note: All youth levels; format is local.
2
Goals
A goal usually counts when a legal shot completely crosses the goal line inside the goal frame before a whistle or violation wipes it out.
Parent tip: If everyone celebrates but play stops, look for a no-goal signal, crease issue, or contact call.
Example: A shot enters the net, but an attacker was in the crease, so the official waves it off.
Age note: All youth levels; exact restart after no goal varies.
3
Possession
Possession means a player or team controls the ball or has been awarded the ball for the next restart.
Parent tip: After a whistle, watch the official's direction signal to see which team gets the ball.
Example: The ball goes out after a defender touches it last, and the official awards possession to the attack.
Age note: All youth levels; out-of-bounds rules vary by format.
4
Cradling
Cradling is the legal stick motion players use to keep the ball in the pocket while moving.
Parent tip: Dropped balls are common for beginners and often lead to ground-ball battles.
Example: A midfielder runs upfield while cradling to keep the ball from bouncing out.
Age note: Beginner through advanced.
5
Passing And Catching
Players pass and catch with their sticks to move the ball, change sides, and create safer shots.
Parent tip: A missed catch is not always a violation. It often just makes the ball loose.
Example: An attack player passes across the field, the ball is missed, and both teams chase the ground ball.
Age note: All youth levels.
6
Ground Balls
A ground ball is a loose ball on the field or floor that players try to scoop and control.
Parent tip: Ground balls can look messy, but they are one of the most important youth skills.
Example: Two players race to a dropped pass and one scoops it cleanly to win possession.
Age note: All youth levels.
7
Offsides
Offsides happens when a team has too many players in the offensive or defensive half for that format.
Parent tip: The whistle may happen away from the ball because officials are counting players across the midfield line.
Example: A midfielder crosses too early, leaving too many teammates on the attacking side.
Age note: Player counts and field lines vary by age and format.
8
Crease Rules
The crease is the protected area around the goal with special rules for goalies, attackers, and contact near the goal.
Parent tip: Many surprising no-goal calls involve an attacker stepping into the crease or interfering with the goalie.
Example: An attacker lands in the crease after shooting and the official rules no goal under that league's rule.
Age note: Crease details vary by boys, girls, box, field, and age group.
9
Checking Limits
Checking rules control legal stick checks and body contact, and youth limits vary widely.
Parent tip: Do not assume boys and girls lacrosse have identical contact or equipment rules. Ask the coach what checking is allowed.
Example: A younger division may allow only controlled stick checks below a certain height or no checking at all.
Age note: Contact level is local and age-specific.
10
Slashing
Slashing is illegal stick contact that is too forceful, uncontrolled, or aimed at an illegal area.
Parent tip: This often looks like a big swing rather than a controlled attempt to play the stick or ball.
Example: A player swings down across an opponent's arm and the official calls slashing.
Age note: Called at most levels; strictness varies with age and safety rules.
11
Tripping
Tripping is using a stick, body, or leg to cause an opponent to fall illegally.
Parent tip: If a player falls after contact near the feet, watch for a tripping signal or penalty call.
Example: A defender's stick catches an attacker's legs during a dodge.
Age note: All youth levels.
12
Holding And Pushing
Holding and pushing are illegal ways to slow or move an opponent outside the allowed contact rules.
Parent tip: Some shoulder-to-shoulder contact may be legal in some formats, but extended hands, grabs, and pushes are often called.
Example: A defender extends both hands into a ball carrier's back and the official calls pushing.
Age note: Contact rules vary by format and age.
13
Warding
Warding is using the free hand or arm to push away, block, or control a defender while carrying the ball.
Parent tip: Parents often see the ball carrier's off arm extend into the defender before the whistle.
Example: A player cradles with one hand and uses the other arm to shove a defender's stick away.
Age note: Called when the local rule set includes warding enforcement.
14
Penalties
Penalties can award possession, create a timed player advantage, or stop play for safety and fairness.
Parent tip: Listen for whether the call is simply a turnover or whether a player must leave for penalty time.
Example: A slash sends the player off for a timed penalty while the other team plays with an advantage.
Age note: Penalty types and time served vary by league.
15
Restarts And Substitutions
After whistles, play restarts from an official spot, and substitutions happen through league-approved procedures.
Parent tip: Quick restarts and rolling substitutions can make the game feel fast even after a whistle.
Example: The official points direction, defenders give space, and the player with the ball restarts play.
Age note: Restart distance and substitution rules vary by format.