School & Junior Clubs New Rules 2025-26
The following new rules will be adopted for the forthcoming season; following on from discussions and feedback some of the new rules proposed have adapted slightly. There will be an opportunity to discuss these at the Schools’ Forum in September and the UAG will run webinars, provide opportunities for further training as required
A link to the full rules book and detail can be found on the World Lacrosse and England websites and can be found by clicking here
Please do not hesitate to contact Head of officials with any queries / questions.
Rule 1.A.7 Field markings Reintroduce the previous version of the 11m MA lines and markings (in addition to the current 15m line)
Rule 16 Alternate Possession
Replaces all throws
Rule 17.A.4 Goal Circle Fouls (new 5 second rule not adopted)
Goalkeeper / defender must move the ball out of the goal circle within 10 seconds. The 10 second count begins as soon as the ball enters the goal circle
The UAG would like to recommend trialling the new 5 second rule with 1st & U15 teams for a further vote at the end of the Michaelmas Term. The 5 second count only begins once the goalkeeper / defender is in ‘possession’ of the ball
Rule 17.A.12 Attack players & the goal circle are not allowed to have their feet grounded in or on the goal circle line but may enter the goal circle once the ball has crossed the goal line. Attacking players MAY tackle defenders in the circle but NOT the goalkeeper
Rule 17.A.14 Goal Circle Fouls: Defending players (when their team has possession) may move through any portion of the goal circle. Any defender in possession of the ball must pass the ball within 10 seconds
Rule 17.A.17 Goal Circle Fouls: Defending players (when their team is without possession) may move through any portion of the goal circle, however, only the defender/s marking the ball carrier (within a stick length) may remain in the goal circle
Rule 19.A.10 Minor Fouls Body Ball eliminated: deliberate stopping of the ball, preventing it from going over a boundary and all other body balls, will be legal but a deliberate 'kicking of the ball' will be considered a minor foul
Rule 19.A.9 Minor Fouls Empty Stick Check: adaptation 'incidental contact' when two players are going for a ball will not be called, however, a deliberate empty stick check will be penalised (where one player deliberately denies another the opportunity to catch / pick up a ball)
Rule19.B Minor Fouls Early Entry: if a player crosses the restraining line or enters the centre circle early, this will only be called if her team gain a clear advantage
Rule 20.B.7 Major Fouls Shooting Space: a reminder that this does not change HOW / WHEN shooting space is called
20.B.7.a Exception If the whistle is blown for a Shooting Space violation, between:
The moment the shot has been released, and a goal is scored the goal will count.
The moment the shot has been released, and the goalkeeper saves the shot while in the Goal-Circle or the shot hits the post, the goalkeeper is given Possession of the ball inside the Goal-Circle and play is re-started on the official’s whistle.
Rule 20.B.8 Major Fouls Three Second marking Area: a defender must have BOTH feet wholly inside the marking area for the count to begin