GAME OVERVIEW

NORTH SOUND YOUTH LACROSSE (NSYL) RULES

EQUIPMENT

SAFETY INFORMATION

Timing & Scoring Resources

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXhkg0wE

Basic Lacrosse Rules

1. There are 10 players allowed on the field – 3 attack, 3 middies, 3 defenders and 1 goalie.
2. For each goal in boys lacrosse, the scoring team is awarded one point.
3. In boys lacrosse, there is not a 2 point shot (unlike the MLL which has a 2 point scoring arc).
4. There can be a maximum of 4 long poles on the field per team.
5. A lacrosse ball may not be touched by a player’s hand except by the goalie.
6. To avoid an offsides penalty, there must be four players behind the defensive-area line (when not in a man-down situation).
7. No opposing player can make contact with the goalie or the goalie’s stick when the goalie is in the goal crease area.
8. Play is stopped immediately when the ball goes out of bounds. When a shot on goal goes out of bounds, the possession is awarded to the team of the player closest to location of the ball when it went out. When the ball goes out of bounds, for any other reason other than a shot (i.e. an errant pass), the possession is awarded to the team that did not touch the ball last.
9. Body checking is only allowed for older boys. At the 12U, 10U, and 8U levels, a player may not deliver a body check to an opponent.
10. Lacrosse penalties vary by age. Please check the rule books below for the penalties by age. Some potential lacrosse penalties include cross checks, holding, illegal body checks, illegal screens, illegal sticks, etc. For additional penalties, please the wiki’s section on Lacrosse Penalties.

North Sound Youth Lacrosse games are played by the current season US Lacrosse Boys Game rules. 

The NSYL handbook makes some league modifications to these rules, and can be found under "Documents"

Some select rules are noted below:

Game times 
K/2               12 min running clock quarters
3/4                8 min stop clock quarters
5/6               10 min stop clock quarters
7/8               10 min stop clock quarters

No one-handed checks at any age group

Fouling out (3/4, 5/6 and 7/8) - 3 personal fouls or 5 min of personal foul time.  Fouling out is not the same as an ejection.

Honor the Game ceremonies will take place after each regular season game. Each team supplies its own stickers.

3/4 - Checking - Absolutely NO checking at 3/4.  Pushing using gloves is ok as long as the player doesn't come off their feet

Checking - A body check that targets a player in a defenseless position is illegal, may not check a player if their head is down, from the "Blindside", if a player is reaching up for a ball, or catching a ball on the run.

FaceOff  - New faceoff rules went into effect in 2016; refer to NFHS/USL

Goalie Gear - It is required that all goalies wear a goalie chest protector, throat guard and other standard lacrosse gear. There are exceptions to the arm guard protectors per coach/athlete discretion.

2023 NSYL Rules and Handbook 
https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.leagueathletics.com/Text/Documents/15011/105191.pdf

2023 Table Quick Reference Sheet - Rules
https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.leagueathletics.com/Text/Documents/15011/105241.pdf

Report game score
https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.leagueathletics.com/Text/Documents/15011/97638.pdf  

B OYS ’  F I E L D  P L AY E R  EQ U I P M E N T

Required Equipment
1. HELMET » Statement/seal indicating it meets NOCSAE lacrosse standard performance specification and SEI certified

2. FIELD PLAYERS CROSSE (Stick) » Short Crosse – 40-42” » Long Crosse – 52-72” » 10U and younger has allowances for shorter stick lengths (please reference the USA Lacrosse Boys’ Youth Rules Book).

3. GLOVES » Hand must be fully inserted in glove

4. SHOES » Athletic cleats or athletic shoes

5. PROTECTIVE CUP » Fitted for comfort & protection » Garments to improve comfort include: supporters, all-in-one briefs & combinations of both

6. ARM PADS » Elbow should be properly & completely covered

7. SHOULDER PADS » Covers top of shoulder, collarbone & sternum » Should fit comfortably; adjust by loosening/tightening straps »
NOTE: NOCSAE ND 200 compliant shoulder pads will be mandatory as of January 1, 2022

8. MOUTHGUARD » Must be visible color other than clear or white » Self-molding (from manufacturers) or custom-molded (from dentist)

Optional Equipment
9. RIB PADS » Covers the ribs and kidneys; adjust by loosening/tightening straps » Should fit comfortably, not restricting breathing

Concussion Information            headsupconcussion.pdf  

                                                                     concussion awareness form.pdf