Girls Lacrosse
Girls’ lacrosse is a non-contact game played by 12 players: a goalkeeper, 4
attackers, 3 midfielders, and 4 defenders. Seven field players may cross the
restraining line and four stay behind on either end of the restraining lines
depending on the direction of the ball.
The object of the game is to shoot the ball into the opponent’s goal. The team
scoring the most goals wins. Field players may pass, catch or run with the ball
in their stick. Rough checks, above the shoulder checks, empty stick checks
and contact to the body with the stick or body are not allowed. Fouls are
categorized as major or minor, and the penalty for fouls is a "free position."
The figure shows the girls’ lacrosse field layout, including the restraining lines,
goals (triangles), goal creases, 8 meter arcs, 12 meter fans, and center circle.
A regulation field is approximately 110 x 60 yards.
Play of the Game
Generally, a game is divided into two twenty-five minute halves, with a five
minute break at halftime. Each half begins at the center circle with a “draw”
between two opposing players.

The ball is “dead” when the umpire blows the whistle and no player,
except the goalkeeper within the goal circle, may move unless directed
by the umpire, until the game has been restarted. The umpire directs
any player who moves to return to her original position.

A team must not: (a) have more than 7 players on or over the
restraining line in their offensive end; (b) have more than 8 players on
or over the restraining line in their defensive end. Breaking this rule is
referred to as “off-sides”.

Only one player, either the goalkeeper or the person deputizing for her,
is allowed in the goal circle at any one time. The goalkeeper while
within the goal circle must clear the ball within ten seconds after it has
entered the goal circle.

Each team may substitute an unlimited number of players at any time
during play (including overtime), after every goal and at halftime.

When the ball goes out of bounds, the umpire blows the whistle to stop
play and the players must “stand”. Except in the case of a shot or
deflected shot on goal, when a player in possession of the ball carries or
propels the ball out of bounds or when a player is the last to touch a
loose ball before the ball goes out of bounds, the opponents will be
awarded the ball when play resumes.

Generally, leagues modify rules, including a required minimum number
of passes before a goal may be scored.

If a player commits a foul, the umpire blows the whistle and play stops.
The player fouled wins or retains the ball, while the player who fouled
her is moved several yards behind or to the side of the player she
fouled, resulting in a free position for that player. Fouls can be major or
minor.
Major Fouls
3-Seconds (within 8m Arc): Defense cannot stand within the 8m Arc for
more than 3-seconds without closely guarding an Attack player (within one
stick length). Also any other foul doing so will give the Attacker shot to goal
or pass at the closes hash mark on the 8m Arc were the foul took place. While
all other players must clear the 8m.
Blocking: You must allow the player with the ball enough room to stop or
change direction.
Charging: If a Defender has already establish her position, the player with
the ball cannot push or shoulder through her so there is no body contact.
Dangerous Propelling, Shot, or Follow-Through: You cannot throw the
ball, neither shoot or pass, in a way that is dangerous to another player,
including the goalie.
Illegal Contact: Stick to body or body to stick
Rough or Dangerous Check: Slashing or a check to the head.
Shooting Space: Defense not closely guarding attack cannot stand between
the goal and attack, if attack has the ball and is in position to score and
looking to shoot.
Major Foul Penalties:
The player who committed the foul is placed 4m behind the fouled player. If
the foul is committed within the 8m Arc a Direct Free Position is awarded
Minor Fouls
3-Second Good Defense (Defending the Ball): If on-ball Defender is in
good position (both hands on stick, within one stick length of opponent), the
Attack player has 3-seconds to defend the ball ( by switching the stick from
one side of their body to the other, adjusting position of their body so
Defense is out of position, or passing the ball ). If the attacker does not do so
within the 3 seconds the Defender is awarded the ball possession.
Body Ball: You cannot use your body to change the direction of the ball (no
kicking or picking up the ball with your hands)
Raking & Covering: You cannot use the stick to cover the ball on the
ground. You cannot use the stick to pull the ball to you. You can use the stick
to flick a ground ball to another player.
Warding Off: You cannot guard your stick with your arm.
On Ball Defense: Once a Defender is on an Attacker with ball the Defense
cannot extend arms once bent into the Attacker pushing her back or
sideways.
12m Fan: If a foul occurs within the 12m to any Attacker the ball is place
back to closes hash mark on the 12m where the foul took place giving that
Attacker an In-Direct shot to Goal – meaning once the ref blows the whistle
the attacker cannot shoot but must first pass the ball before a shot can be
taken.
Minor Foul Penalties
The player who committed the foul is placed 4m behind the fouled player. If
the foul is committed within the 12m Fan.
Good Sportsmanship
All Players, Coaches and Parents:
Showing respect to yourself by treating others the way you want to be treated.
Respect not only your teammate, team and parents/fans, but also your opponents.
Respect your coaches and the officials of the game.
Let coaches coach on the side line without parents/fans coaching in from the stands.
Always play fair.
Accept the judgment calls of the coached and the officials without argument.
Offer encouragement to teammates, especially when they make mistakes.
Forgive yourself when you make a mistake and get right back into the game.
Lose without pouting.
Win without gloating or rubbing it in.