2008 NFHS Boys Lacrosse Major Rules Revisions

1-6-1 - Change the 4^th sentence in this article to read as follows: There shall be one crosse, 10 to 12 inches inside measurement at its widest point at the bottom and top of the wall and this crosse shall be used by the required designated goalkeeper.

Rationale: Clarifies that the designated goalkeeper's crosse must be used by the goalkeeper and that a properly equipped goalkeeper must be on the field at all times.

1-6-2 - A ball stop is not required. The length of the head shall be a minimum of 10 inches from the outside edge of the head to the beginning of the throat of the crosse, regardless of whether a ball stop is used. The goalkeeper's crosse shall have a maximum head length of 16½ inches, measured in the same way.

Rationale: Ball stops are often irrelevant with today's sticks. Playing without one offers no advantage.

1-9-1g - The jersey shall completely cover the shoulder pads.

Rationale: Making sure that the pads are completely covered will make it easier for the officials to call the game and minimize risk.

1-9-1h - Uniform shorts: all players on the same team shall wear uniform shorts of the same dominant color.

Rationale: Previously the rules did not address color for uniform shorts even though color was addressed for compression shorts. This revision simply adds a requirement for all team members to wear the same color shorts.

2-1-1 - A team shall begin the game with at least 10 players or it forfeits the game.

Rationale: Minimize risk for participants and to bring the boys lacrosse rules in line with other NFHS rules codes. It also clarifies Rule 2-1 Article 3

4-6-3c - In determining which player is nearest on a shot, the ball is considered out of bounds when the ball crosses the plane of the endline or sideline.

Rationale: The previous wording on a ball declared out of bounds was that it had to hit something out of bounds. This revision brings the rule in line with the official interpretation of determining possession after a shot.

4-6-3c - When a loose ball goes out of bounds as a result of a shot or deflected shot at the goal, it shall be awarded to the team that had an inbounds player's body nearest to the ball when it became an out-of-bounds ball, at the point where it was declared out of bounds.

Note: For the purpose of this rule, the stick is not considered a part of a player's body.

Rationale: This clarifies whether the stick has any bearing when determining who is nearest to the ball.

6-5-3 - All players shall be properly attired in legal uniforms prior to the beginning of the contest. Violation of the uniform requirements (e.g., jerseys, compression shorts, etc.) is considered illegal procedure. If a team/player cannot correct uniform violation(s) prior to the start of the contest, a technical foul is assessed and the ball is awarded to the opposing team in its offensive half of the field at the center faceoff X at the start of the game.

Note: Once the game begins, uniform violations will not be penalized.

Rationale: Specifies that uniform violations are different than illegal equipment violations. Also stipulates that illegal uniforms must be determined and dealt with by the officials prior to the beginning of the contest.

6-10-2a - The offensive stalling warning (not in the last two minutes) remains in effect until a goal is scored or a defensive team possession.

Rationale: This revision eliminates confusion regarding whether a stall warning remains after a time-out or a penalty.