US Lacrosse 2013 Women’s Lacrosse Rules
Annual Publications
USL Policies & Procedures Manual
NYS Section V Modified Rules Summary
NYSPHSAA Modified Rules (p 149-150)
Rules Comparison (USL-NCAA-Youth)
USL Officials Online Course
All officials must complete online training course by mid-season meeting. Plan on 2+ hours to complete depending on your experience level. Click Help for computer requirements necessary for course.
USL Officials Online Course Instructions
Rule Interpretations
POINTS OF EMPHASIS FOR 2013
This section highlights areas of the game that the US Lacrosse Rules Subcommittee believes warrant continued attention by placing a stronger emphasis on existing rules. The committee requests that players, umpires and coaches concentrate on the following areas:
Dangerous Use of the Stick
The illegal and dangerous use of the stick includes, but is not limited to, forcing, pushing, or displacing an attack player with the shaft of the stick; slashing, checking towards the body, dangerous follow-through, checks to the head, and hitting the opponent deliberately.
Illegal play in the sphere must be closely monitored for safety. Defensive players checking towards, through, and into the sphere and offensive players who shoot without regard to the defense are creating a dangerous situation. Officials are instructed to be particularly vigilant in recognizing these actions as a fouls, call them immediately and card appropriately.
Repetitive Fouls
Officials need to recognize and properly penalize individuals or teams committing repetitive violations. In addition to awarding the opponent a free position, employment of game management skills such as warning and/or carding must be considered and used appropriately for the safety and integrity of the game.
Offensive Fouls
A player is entitled to her position on the field. Too often, the defending player is unduly penalized for legally defending her space. Officials are instructed to pay particular attention to attacking players that gain an advantage by forcing their way into an established defender. Additionally, the defense must be allowed to legally check an opponent’s crosse. A foul should be called when the attack player pulls
her crosse in toward her head/body to prevent defender who is in good defensive position from making a legal play on the ball.
SAFETY AND RESPONSIBILITY
Participants in women’s lacrosse must be aware of the Official Rules for Girls & Women’s Lacrosse and are expected to play, coach, officiate and spectate according to the spirit and intent of the women’s game. Emphasis is placed on safety and good sportsmanship. Everyone involved with the women’s game must act with consideration for the safety of others. Players must ensure that their behavior, equipment and uniform conform to all required and allowable standards, as defined by US Lacrosse rules. Coaches must ensure that they are teaching their players to play by the rules of the women’s game and should participate in continuing lacrosse specific education and training that helps them to understand and teach new rules and address safety concerns. Umpires must ensure fair and safe play by consistently enforcing the rules and by participating in continuing lacrosse-specific education and training that helps them to understand and interpret new rules. Spectators must contribute to a safe-play environment by demonstrating positive and sportsmanlike conduct and by understanding and appreciating the unique rules and culture of the women’s game.