2. The game is to be played with emphasis on the proper development of individual stick skills, team play, proper safety and sportsmanship.

3. Some rules have been written by the WPYLA and are to be used on every youth game assigned by the ALOA. Some rules have been written by the WPYLA and are to be used on every youth game assigned by the ALOA. The local rules only take the NFHS rules and extend them to other age groups. The local rules only take the NFHS rules and extend them to other age groups. The slide titles have a (W) for WPYLA specific rules and a (N) for NFHS rules in the title. The slide titles have a (W) for WPYLA specific rules and a (N) for NFHS rules in the title. The Boys’ Youth Rules are printed in (and modify) the 2015 NFHS Boys’ Lacrosse Rulebook. The Boys’ Youth Rules are printed in (and modify) the 2015 NFHS Boys’ Lacrosse Rulebook.

4. All games are played the age level that is listed on ArbiterSports! All games are played the age level that is listed on ArbiterSports! If ArbiterSports says the game is scheduled to be played as a U13 game but a coach wants to play it as a U15 game, it will remain a U13 game. If ArbiterSports says the game is scheduled to be played as a U13 game but a coach wants to play it as a U15 game, it will remain a U13 game. There are to be no exceptions to this. None. There are to be no exceptions to this. None. The rules that are specified by the assigned game level on ArbiterSports will apply. The rules that are specified by the assigned game level on ArbiterSports will apply. Notify Andre Sanders of any issues. Notify Andre Sanders of any issues.

5. U15 A (Under age 15) U15 A (Under age 15) U15 B U15 B U13 A U13 A U13 B U13 B U11 U11 U9 U9____________________________________ U7 U7

6. For ALL levels, slashing will be called for every stick check that does not make contact with the opponents stick or gloved hand. For ALL levels, slashing will be called for every stick check that does not make contact with the opponents stick or gloved hand. Officials will be consistent and make these calls. Officials will be consistent and make these calls. At all age groups for youth lacrosse, ANY one- handed check will be considered a slash, whether or not it makes contact with the opposing player. At all age groups for youth lacrosse, ANY one- handed check will be considered a slash, whether or not it makes contact with the opposing player.

7. Except WPYLA has deemed one-handed checks to be legal at the U15 level. WPYLA has deemed one-handed checks to be legal at the U15 level.

8. Any coach or player using derogatory language should receive a one-minute, non- releasable penalty. Any coach or player using derogatory language should receive a one-minute, non- releasable penalty. Second offenses should result in three- minute, non-releasable, game expulsion foul. Second offenses should result in three- minute, non-releasable, game expulsion foul.

9. A team can play with as few as 7 players on the field as long as both coaches agree. Regulation fields are preferred. A smaller field can be used as long as the officials and both coaches agree. A team can play with as few as 7 players on the field as long as both coaches agree. Regulation fields are preferred. A smaller field can be used as long as the officials and both coaches agree. Officials will check for safety issues that may arise due to field size before agreeing to play. Officials will check for safety issues that may arise due to field size before agreeing to play.

10. All regular mandatory equipment is required during play. All regular mandatory equipment is required during play. Rib pads/flak jackets are encouraged but are not required equipment. Rib pads/flak jackets are encouraged but are not required equipment. In the U11 levels and below, sticks may be as short as 37” and no longer than 42”. In the U11 levels and below, sticks may be as short as 37” and no longer than 42”. If the player in possession of the ball loses any piece of required equipment, the official should stop play immediately regardless of proximity of opposing players. If the player in possession of the ball loses any piece of required equipment, the official should stop play immediately regardless of proximity of opposing players.

11. Long poles are permitted at the U15 and U13 only. Long poles are permitted at the U15 and U13 only. At U13 Level, the pole cannot be taller than the player. At U13 Level, the pole cannot be taller than the player. All other levels do not allow the use of long poles (any stick that is more than 42” in length) during any part of the game. All other levels do not allow the use of long poles (any stick that is more than 42” in length) during any part of the game. If found, the stick will be removed from game. Penalties for this may not be necessary. If found, the stick will be removed from game. Penalties for this may not be necessary.

12. U15 and U13 levels A & B have four 10- minute, stop time quarters. U15 and U13 levels A & B have four 10- minute, stop time quarters. At the U15 level, in the event of a tie, 4- minute overtime periods will be played until a winner is determined. At the U15 level, in the event of a tie, 4- minute overtime periods will be played until a winner is determined. At the U13 level, a maximum of 2 overtime periods will be played. All overtime periods are sudden victory. At the U13 level, a maximum of 2 overtime periods will be played. All overtime periods are sudden victory.

13. U11 and U9 level games will have either four 8-minute stop time quarters or 12-minute running time quarters. U11 and U9 level games will have either four 8-minute stop time quarters or 12-minute running time quarters. U11 and U9: No OT. U11 and U9: No OT. U7 level games will not have officials assigned. U7 level games will not have officials assigned. Longer quarters than the level allows WILL NOT be played. Longer quarters than the level allows WILL NOT be played. Extra quarters WILL NOT be played. Extra quarters WILL NOT be played.

14. Because of the potential for personal liability on the part of the officials, US Lacrosse nor the ALOA can support extended games. Because of the potential for personal liability on the part of the officials, US Lacrosse nor the ALOA can support extended games. Coaches may request a second game be played, with the score starting at 0-0, and can shorten the game to one quarter. Coaches may request a second game be played, with the score starting at 0-0, and can shorten the game to one quarter. Officials shall be paid a separate game fee for the second game. Officials shall be paid a separate game fee for the second game.

15. Face-offs will occur at the beginning of each period and after a goal has been scored. Face-offs will occur at the beginning of each period and after a goal has been scored. Exception: In a U11 level game or below, if a team is leading by 4 or more goals (7-1, 8-2, etc.) In this case, place the ball at midfield and restart as if it were a free clear. Exception: In a U11 level game or below, if a team is leading by 4 or more goals (7-1, 8-2, etc.) In this case, place the ball at midfield and restart as if it were a free clear. The losing team may waive this privilege. The losing team may waive this privilege.

16. For the U15 and U13 level, the 20-second defensive count will be used and the 10- second offensive count will be used. For the U15 and U13 level, the 20-second defensive count will be used and the 10- second offensive count will be used. For U11 level games and below, no defensive or offensive counts will be used. For U11 level games and below, no defensive or offensive counts will be used. For all levels, the 4-second goalie count will be applied. For all levels, the 4-second goalie count will be applied.

17. The stalling rule may be applied to U15 and U13 levels, if necessary. The stalling rule may be applied to U15 and U13 levels, if necessary. Discretion on the part of the official will be exercised when calling a stall to give ample time for a scoring opportunity. Discretion on the part of the official will be exercised when calling a stall to give ample time for a scoring opportunity. The Final Two Minute stalling rule shall be ENFORCED for U15 and U13 level games but WAIVED for U11 level games and below. The Final Two Minute stalling rule shall be ENFORCED for U15 and U13 level games but WAIVED for U11 level games and below.

18. Checks to the Head/Neck Checks to the Head/Neck Unnecessary Roughness Unnecessary Roughness Cross Check Cross Check Cross Check Hold Cross Check Hold Violent Collisions Sportsmanship Equipment Inspection Lacrosse Helmet Fitting

19. A growing awareness of the potentially harmful long-term effects of concussions and other head injuries, including those caused by repeated blows to the head that may not result in immediate concussions. A growing awareness of the potentially harmful long-term effects of concussions and other head injuries, including those caused by repeated blows to the head that may not result in immediate concussions. Rules have been revised to further discourage such contact, and provide more guidance on when more severe penalties are appropriate. Rules have been revised to further discourage such contact, and provide more guidance on when more severe penalties are appropriate.

20. Officials are encouraged to call such violations strictly, including multiple minute penalties or ejections as warranted. Officials are encouraged to call such violations strictly, including multiple minute penalties or ejections as warranted. Coaches are encouraged to coach players to avoid delivering such checks, and to support the officials when they call such penalties. Coaches are encouraged to coach players to avoid delivering such checks, and to support the officials when they call such penalties.

21. Some body contact is permitted at all levels of boys’ youth lacrosse, with progressively more contact permitted as players grow and learn proper checking techniques. Some body contact is permitted at all levels of boys’ youth lacrosse, with progressively more contact permitted as players grow and learn proper checking techniques. However, there is no justification for deliberate and excessively violent contact by any player at any youth level. However, there is no justification for deliberate and excessively violent contact by any player at any youth level.

22. Failure to properly instruct and enforce appropriate defensive techniques can result in an increased risk of injury to both the attacking and defending youth player. Failure to properly instruct and enforce appropriate defensive techniques can result in an increased risk of injury to both the attacking and defending youth player. Therefore, to further discourage excessively violent contact, any penalty for unnecessary roughness shall be non-releasable. Therefore, to further discourage excessively violent contact, any penalty for unnecessary roughness shall be non-releasable.

23. When a player uses the part of the handle that is between his hands to check an opponent, serious injury may result. When a player uses the part of the handle that is between his hands to check an opponent, serious injury may result.

24. The cross-check hold (NFHS Rule 6-3 Art 2a) is being employed with increasing regularity on the field and clearly gives an unfair advantage to the defender. The cross-check hold (NFHS Rule 6-3 Art 2a) is being employed with increasing regularity on the field and clearly gives an unfair advantage to the defender. This call has not been enforced uniformly This call has not been enforced uniformly Officials have been encouraged to call this penalty and coaches are encouraged to teach their players not to employ this technique. Officials have been encouraged to call this penalty and coaches are encouraged to teach their players not to employ this technique. All fouls under NFHS Rule 6 are 30-second technical fouls. All fouls under NFHS Rule 6 are 30-second technical fouls.

25. There is no justification for deliberate and excessively violent collision by any player at any youth level.There is no justification for deliberate and excessively violent collision by any player at any youth level. This includes intentional player-to-player collisions with defenseless players (so- called “blind side” and “buddy-pass” checks), checks involving the head and/or neck, and excessive body-checks (“take-out checks”).This includes intentional player-to-player collisions with defenseless players (so- called “blind side” and “buddy-pass” checks), checks involving the head and/or neck, and excessive body-checks (“take-out checks”).

26. Tone, intent, and body language can all contribute to unsportsmanlike conduct.Tone, intent, and body language can all contribute to unsportsmanlike conduct. Players, coaches, and spectators should exhibit the highest level of sportsmanship at all times.Players, coaches, and spectators should exhibit the highest level of sportsmanship at all times. US Lacrosse expects officials to enforce the Unsportsmanlike Conduct rules without hesitation, and further expects coaches to promote good sportsmanship among players and anybody associated with the team.US Lacrosse expects officials to enforce the Unsportsmanlike Conduct rules without hesitation, and further expects coaches to promote good sportsmanship among players and anybody associated with the team.

27. NFHS understands the need to minimize risk of injury for all players.NFHS understands the need to minimize risk of injury for all players. NFHS realizes the need to take reasonable actions to reduce the rick of injury for all participants.NFHS realizes the need to take reasonable actions to reduce the rick of injury for all participants. Penalties for excessive hits to the head and neck have been revised in an effort to eliminate this type of contact from the game.Penalties for excessive hits to the head and neck have been revised in an effort to eliminate this type of contact from the game.

28. It is being recommended that officials ensure that they assess the legality of sticks, especially those used for faceoffs.It is being recommended that officials ensure that they assess the legality of sticks, especially those used for faceoffs.

29. Lacrosse helmets shall meet the current NOCSAE standard and be properly fitted and worn.Lacrosse helmets shall meet the current NOCSAE standard and be properly fitted and worn. Padding of the helmet shall give firm and uniform pressure about the head.Padding of the helmet shall give firm and uniform pressure about the head. The skin of the forehead should move as the helmet is moved from left to right and from front to back.The skin of the forehead should move as the helmet is moved from left to right and from front to back. There must be a four-point chinstrap, and it should be tightened so that there is no slack.There must be a four-point chinstrap, and it should be tightened so that there is no slack.

30. NOCSAE has voided the manufacturer’s certification of compliance for all manufacturing dates for these two helmets:NOCSAE has voided the manufacturer’s certification of compliance for all manufacturing dates for these two helmets: Cascade Model RCascade Model R Warrior RegulatorWarrior Regulator

31. The helmet on the left is the Warrior Regulator. It cannot be used at any level. The helmet on the right is the Cascade Model R. Notice the “R” above the cage and to the right of the chinstrap buckle. Please note: the Cascade models CPV-R, CPX-R and CS-R and the Warrior TII are not affected by this decision by NOCSAE.

32. In mid-December, Cascade Lacrosse reached an agreement with (NOCSAE) on a solution for the recently decertified Cascade R helmet. In mid-December, Cascade Lacrosse reached an agreement with (NOCSAE) on a solution for the recently decertified Cascade R helmet. The solution involves a simple modification to the Cascade R helmet currently in the marketplace. The solution involves a simple modification to the Cascade R helmet currently in the marketplace. Once the certified modification has been complete, a tamper- proof sticker will be affixed to the helmet to show that it is NOCSAE certified and to differentiate it from non-certified R models. Once the certified modification has been complete, a tamper- proof sticker will be affixed to the helmet to show that it is NOCSAE certified and to differentiate it from non-certified R models. The modified helmet will be treated as a new model, identified as the Cascade R-M. The modified helmet will be treated as a new model, identified as the Cascade R-M.

33. Cascade will make the modification to existing helmets at its Liverpool, N.Y. facility beginning December 16, 2014. The modification will be free of charge for consumers and retailers, including shipping. Cascade will make the modification to existing helmets at its Liverpool, N.Y. facility beginning December 16, 2014. The modification will be free of charge for consumers and retailers, including shipping. While the certified modification is simple, Cascade Lacrosse is asking consumers to send in their helmets to Cascade to ensure the modification is done professionally and complies with the NOCSAE certification standard. While the certified modification is simple, Cascade Lacrosse is asking consumers to send in their helmets to Cascade to ensure the modification is done professionally and complies with the NOCSAE certification standard. More information is available at:More information is available at:http://r.cascadelacrosse.com

34. When a Cascade R helmet has been returned to the manufacturer for retrofitting, the sticker illustrated above will be applied to the helmet. When a Cascade R helmet has been returned to the manufacturer for retrofitting, the sticker illustrated above will be applied to the helmet. Along the right of the sticker is an RM serial number provided by Cascade, and will be considered the Cascade R-M model. Along the right of the sticker is an RM serial number provided by Cascade, and will be considered the Cascade R-M model. Cascade R models that have not been retrofitted are considered illegal equipment and CANNOT be used in any game or practice. Cascade R models that have not been retrofitted are considered illegal equipment and CANNOT be used in any game or practice.

35. During pregame certification, officials will add the following statement:During pregame certification, officials will add the following statement: “Coach, are you aware that the Cascade Model R, if not recertified, and Warrior Regulator helmet models do not meet the NOCSAE standard for lacrosse at this time and they are not legal for play?”“Coach, are you aware that the Cascade Model R, if not recertified, and Warrior Regulator helmet models do not meet the NOCSAE standard for lacrosse at this time and they are not legal for play?” if an illegal helmet is discovered during the game, live play or random and/or mandatory equipment checks by rule, a penalty should be administered based on the rules of play.if an illegal helmet is discovered during the game, live play or random and/or mandatory equipment checks by rule, a penalty should be administered based on the rules of play.

36. Player Equipment Rule 1, Section 9: Player Equipment Rule 1, Section 9: All goalkeepers are required to wear arm pads.

37. Facing Off Rule 4, Section 3: U9 and U11 only Facing Off Rule 4, Section 3: U9 and U11 only At any point during a game when there is a 4-goal lead, the team that is behind will be given the ball at the midfield line in lieu of a face-off as long as the 4-goal lead is maintained, unless waived by the coach of the trailing team. At any point during a game when there is a 4-goal lead, the team that is behind will be given the ball at the midfield line in lieu of a face-off as long as the 4-goal lead is maintained, unless waived by the coach of the trailing team.

38. Substitution Procedures Rules 4, Section 22, Article 2: U9 and U11 Substitution Procedures Rules 4, Section 22, Article 2: U9 and U11 There will be NO SUBSTITUTION HORNS in WPYLA. There will be NO SUBSTITUTION HORNS in WPYLA. All other rules with respect to substitutions during suspension of play shall apply. All other rules with respect to substitutions during suspension of play shall apply.

39. Team Time Outs Rule 4, Section 26: Team Time Outs Rule 4, Section 26: Two (2) team timeouts - of a maximum duration of two minutes each - are permitted per team per half. Two (2) team timeouts - of a maximum duration of two minutes each - are permitted per team per half.

40. Illegal Body Check Rule 5, Section 3: Illegal Body Check Rule 5, Section 3: For U15 ONLY : Limited Body Checking is permitted Limited Body Checking is permitted Body-checks that might be acceptable in high school play may be excessive in youth lacrosse, and should be penalized accordingly. Body-checks that might be acceptable in high school play may be excessive in youth lacrosse, and should be penalized accordingly.

41. Body Checking is permitted in U15 ONLY. Body Checking is permitted in U15 ONLY. For all other levels, all body checks should be penalized for at least one minute as an illegal body check. For all other levels, all body checks should be penalized for at least one minute as an illegal body check. Multiple offenses may result in ejection. Multiple offenses may result in ejection. No take-out checks are permitted on any level and must be penalized immediately and consistently. No take-out checks are permitted on any level and must be penalized immediately and consistently.

42. All stick checks, body checks (U15 only), legal holds, and legal pushes must be on a player in possession of the ball or within 3 yards of a loose ball or ball in flight. All stick checks, body checks (U15 only), legal holds, and legal pushes must be on a player in possession of the ball or within 3 yards of a loose ball or ball in flight.

43. US Lacrosse calls special attention to a rule added in 2014: Rule 5, Section 3.5, which addresses the concept of a DEFENSELESS PLAYER Rule 5, Section 3.5, which addresses the concept of a DEFENSELESS PLAYER

44. A body-check that targets a player in a defenseless position includes but is not limited to: A body-check that targets a player in a defenseless position includes but is not limited to: (i) body checking a player from his “blind side”; (ii) body checking a player who has his head down in an attempt to play a loose ball; and (iii) body checking a player whose head is turned away to receive a pass, even if that player turns toward the contact immediately before the body check.

45. The penalty for an illegal body check on a defenseless player: The penalty for an illegal body check on a defenseless player: Two- or three-minute non-releasable foul, at the official’s discretion. An excessively violent violation of this rule may result in an ejection. Two- or three-minute non-releasable foul, at the official’s discretion. An excessively violent violation of this rule may result in an ejection.

46. Take-Out Check/Excessive Body- Check Rule 5, Section 3, Article 6: Take-Out Check/Excessive Body- Check Rule 5, Section 3, Article 6: Take-Out Checks/Excessive Body- Checks are prohibited at every age level.

47. A Take-Out Check/Excessive Body- Check is defined as: A Take-Out Check/Excessive Body- Check is defined as: Any body-check in which the player lowers his head or shoulder with the force and intent to put the other player on the ground. Any body-check in which the player lowers his head or shoulder with the force and intent to put the other player on the ground.-OR-

48. Take-out check (cont’d) Any body-check considered more aggressive or more physical than necessary to stop the advancement of the player carrying the ball or to keep or move a player away from a loose ball. Any body-check considered more aggressive or more physical than necessary to stop the advancement of the player carrying the ball or to keep or move a player away from a loose ball.

49. Take-out checks include, but is not limited to:Take-out checks include, but is not limited to: -(i) any check in which a player makes contact with sufficient force and intent to knock down the opposing player; -(ii) any check in which a player makes contact with sufficient force and intent to injure the opposing player; or -(iii) any check made in a reckless or intimidating manner.

50. ART. 7 Late Hit: An avoidable body-check of an opponent after he has passed or shot the ball is an illegal body check. ART. 7 Late Hit: An avoidable body-check of an opponent after he has passed or shot the ball is an illegal body check. PENALTY: Two- or three-minute non- releasable foul, at the official’s discretion. An excessively violent violation of this rule may result in an ejection. PENALTY: Two- or three-minute non- releasable foul, at the official’s discretion. An excessively violent violation of this rule may result in an ejection.

51. Checks involving the Head/Neck Rule 5, Section 4: Checks involving the Head/Neck Rule 5, Section 4: PENALTY: Two- or three-minute non- releasable foul, at the official's discretion. An excessively violent violation of this rule may result in an ejection. PENALTY: Two- or three-minute non- releasable foul, at the official's discretion. An excessively violent violation of this rule may result in an ejection.

52. U15 and U13: Any player who accumulates U15 and U13: Any player who accumulates 4 personal fouls, or 4 personal fouls, or 5 minutes in personal foul penalty time 5 minutes in personal foul penalty time shall be disqualified from the game. A substitute for that player may enter the game when the disqualified player would have been permitted to reenter had he not fouled out.

53. U11 and U9: Any player who accumulates U11 and U9: Any player who accumulates 3 personal fouls, or 3 personal fouls, or 5 minutes in personal foul penalty time 5 minutes in personal foul penalty time shall be disqualified from the game. For U11, a substitute for that player may enter the game when the disqualified player would have been permitted to re-enter had he not fouled out. For U9, a disqualified player must leave the field, but his team may replace him with a substitute; no man-up situation should occur.

54. U15, U13, U11: Players serve time and teams play down. U15, U13, U11: Players serve time and teams play down. U9 and below: player serves penalty time but team does not play down. ( i.e., No man up situation will result.) U9 and below: player serves penalty time but team does not play down. ( i.e., No man up situation will result.) In all “Running Time” games and situations, penalties will also be running time, and will begin with the next whistle resuming play. The running time penalty clock will stop for all timeouts and at the end of periods. In all “Running Time” games and situations, penalties will also be running time, and will begin with the next whistle resuming play. The running time penalty clock will stop for all timeouts and at the end of periods.

55. Officials have the authority to terminate a youth game in response to flagrant acts of unsportsmanlike behavior by coaches, players, spectators, etc. Officials have the authority to terminate a youth game in response to flagrant acts of unsportsmanlike behavior by coaches, players, spectators, etc. If spectator related, attempts will be made to have the coach remedy the situation. It he is unable to do so and the situation continues, officials may end the game. If spectator related, attempts will be made to have the coach remedy the situation. It he is unable to do so and the situation continues, officials may end the game.

56. All NFHS rules that were not discussed in this presentation still apply. What we’ve discussed here are the merely adaptations and points of emphasis for youth play. All NFHS rules that were not discussed in this presentation still apply. What we’ve discussed here are the merely adaptations and points of emphasis for youth play. If any questions about youth rulings come up during the season email or call John Cica If any questions about youth rulings come up during the season email or call John Cica jtcica.consulting@gmail.com– (412) 901-1153 Consult your rule book and notes before calling or emailing me because I will ask you what rule is in question, and where the situation is addressed in the book. Consult your rule book and notes before calling or emailing me because I will ask you what rule is in question, and where the situation is addressed in the book.

57. I am here to help you understand the youth rules. I am here to help you understand the youth rules. I am here to help with interpreting the youth rules. I am here to help with interpreting the youth rules. I am NOT your youth rules Wikipedia. I am NOT your youth rules Wikipedia. As officials, you are expected to know the rules, just as the coaches are expected to know them. Read the rule book. As officials, you are expected to know the rules, just as the coaches are expected to know them. Read the rule book. RULES CHANGE EVERY YEAR. If you were a player, the rules are not the same as when you played. So, something you are absolutely sure about may have changed. RULES CHANGE EVERY YEAR. If you were a player, the rules are not the same as when you played. So, something you are absolutely sure about may have changed. How will you know? READ THE RULE BOOK. How will you know? READ THE RULE BOOK.