The rule changes will affect both men and women at all levels of play.
SPARKS, MD. — US Lacrosse announced a new set of standardized rules to govern indoor box lacrosse for both men and women at all levels of play from ages 6U and above. These approved rules, which are effective immediately, are the result of a collaborative effort during which time US Lacrosse gathered input from many other national and international box lacrosse organizations and stakeholders.
US Lacrosse insurance coverage for members now extends to participation in box lacrosse played under rule sets approved by US Lacrosse. Leagues, players, coaches, and officials are covered by this member insurance at no additional charge. Box lacrosse leagues may contact their US Lacrosse regional manager for additional details.
“The development of US Lacrosse rules for domestic box play is a natural extension of our organization’s evolving and increased commitment to the indoor game,” said Steve Stenersen, president and CEO of US Lacrosse. “In recent years, we’ve increased our commitment to our U.S. Indoor Team, advocated for the value of small-sided play through our Lacrosse Athlete Development Model, and forged stronger relationships with a number of regional and national box lacrosse organizations. Delivering a set of rules intended to standardize box play on a national scale, with corresponding member insurance coverage, is a logical expansion of our member value proposition.”
Points of emphasis in the new US Lacrosse Box Rules include:
• Illegal Body Checking and Boarding: Illegal body checking an opponent and/or body checking a player into the boards who is in a vulnerable position are the most are dangerous checks in the game. Body checks that are reckless or attempt to deliberately injure an opponent will result in a match penalty.
• No Fighting: All games played by US Lacrosse rules shall not allow or condone fighting. Players who engage in fights must be removed from the game.
• Play the Ball: When players are pursuing a loose ball, checking of an opponent’s stick and some body contact are allowed. If body contact is more than equal pressure and is a direct attempt to drive the opponent off the ball while making no attempt to play the ball, possession shall be awarded to the non-offending team for interference.
• Safety Equipment: While optional in field lacrosse, both bicep pads and rib pads are required equipment in the US Lacrosse box rules, in addition to the other equipment listed in Section 5. Additionally, NOCSAE certified lacrosse helmets are required.
• Penalties: Under the US Lacrosse rules, penalties can be either minor penalties (2 minutes), major penalties (5 minutes), or match penalties (5 minutes + ejection from the game).
The National Lacrosse League has endorsed the new US Lacrosse Box Rules.
“This is another step in the evolution of the sport of lacrosse. We are encouraged by US Lacrosse’s deepened focus on the game of box, and the importance of youth participation as part of elite player development,” said NLL Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz. “It is a very exciting time to be a part of box lacrosse as we continue to see the game grow across the United States. The NLL’s partnership with US Lacrosse is stronger than ever, and we could not be happier to be working closely with our partners to develop and grow the game at the grass-roots level.”
Regy Thorpe, head coach of the U.S. Men’s Indoor Team, also voiced his support for the new rule set.
“This is a monumental day for all US Lacrosse members and supporters. US Lacrosse’s commitment to being more involved with the box game will have a major effect on the growth of box lacrosse in the United States,” Thorpe said. “US Lacrosse’s involvement in the box game will have a positive, long-term influence on the future of the U.S. Men’s Indoor Team, and has our entire staff and team excited about the future.”
As the national governing body of lacrosse, US Lacrosse is deeply rooted in rules development for all levels of play. US Lacrosse writes the rules for boys’ and girls’ youth lacrosse (ages 14U and below), as well as for high school girls’ lacrosse and collegiate non-varsity (or club) and post-collegiate women’s lacrosse.
US Lacrosse also collaborates with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) on the rules for high school boys’ lacrosse, and with the NCAA on the rules for collegiate varsity men’s and women’s lacrosse.