Girls’ lacrosse is a non-contact game played by 12 players: a goalkeeper, three attackers, five midfielders, and three defenders. Seven field players may cross the restraining line and four stay behind.
The object of the game is to shoot the ball into the opponent’s goal. The team scoring the most goals wins.
Girls’ lacrosse is a non-contact game played by 12 players. The object of the game is to shoot the ball into the opponent’s goal.
After warm-ups and the pre-game equipment check with the umpires, the game begins with a draw at the center of the field. Only five players from each team are permitted between restraining lines at the time of the draw. Once the signal for the draw occurs, the players behind the lines may cross over.
Only seven attacking players are allowed over the restraining line and only eight defenders are allowed in their defensive end. Players may exchange places during play, but the player must have both feet over the line before a teammate enters. When a whistle blows, all players must stop in place.
Field players may pass, catch or run with the ball in their stick. Rough 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."
For major fouls, the offending player is placed 4 meters behind the player taking the free position. For a minor foul, the offending player is placed 4 meters from where she approached her opponent before committing the foul, and play is resumed.
When a minor foul is committed in the 12-meter fan, the player with the ball has an indirect free position, in which case the player must pass first before the team may shoot. An immediate whistle is blown when a major foul, or obstruction of shooting space occurs, which jeopardizes players’ safety.
If a game is tied at the end of regulation, sudden victory make be played at the older levels. Youth girls lacrosse rules are designed to emphasis the proper development of stick skills, team play, player safety and sportsmanship.
Player Roles
♦ Three attack players use quickness and strong stick skills to score goals and assist others.
♦ Five midfielders play both offensive and defensive sides of the field. Speed and endurance are key to these positions.
♦ Three defenders defend the goal by "marking" (guarding) opponents. Vision, footwork and communication are important.
♦ The goalie protects the goal with quick hands and courage, and leads the defense with strong communication skills, quick hands and feet.
