Lacrosse Rules by Level
Lacrosse rules change as kids move up — and vary between boys' field, girls' field, and box lacrosse. This section covers the key differences.
New to lacrosse? Start with youth rules — they cover the fundamentals that apply everywhere.
🟢 YouthAges 6–12. Smaller fields, modified checking, mandatory play rules. 🟡 Middle SchoolAges 11–14. Full field, body checking introduced (boys), transition rules. 🟠 High SchoolNFHS rules. Full contact (boys), face-offs, and penalty enforcement. 🔵 College (NCAA)NCAA rules. Shot clock, different penalty structure, recruiting implications. 🔴 Professional (PLL/NLL)Premier Lacrosse League and National Lacrosse League — field and box pro rules.
The Universal Basics
The ObjectiveScore more goals than the other team by shooting the ball into the opponent's goal (6×6 feet).
Teams10 players per side in field lacrosse (3 attack, 3 midfield, 3 defense, 1 goalie). 6 per side in box lacrosse.
Face-offsEach quarter and after each goal starts with a face-off at midfield — two players battle for possession.
PenaltiesFouls result in 30-second or 1–3 minute penalties. The penalized team plays man-down.