The rules of lacrosse and tactics utilized are much the same as basketball. Unlike hockey, there is no off side and the goaltender may advance to any portion of the floor. In novice and above, a thirty second clock is in effect.

The team with possession of the ball must take a shot on net within the 30 seconds or give up possession. When a team is in possession of the ball, all players are on the attack. When a team is not in possession of the ball, all players are on the defense and trying to get possession from the opposing team.

Listed below is a short summary of the most common infractions:

1.Butt ending, slashing, and high sticking are called similar to hockey.

2. Crosschecking below the waist or in a chopping motion is not allowed. Players are to put the stick on the opponent and push.

3. Checking from behind is a major penalty. If the offensive player turns his back, no infraction is called.

4. Interference If any player impedes another in going for the ball, interference is called and the non offending team gains possession.

5. Handling the ball Not allowed, non offending team gains possession.

6. Crease play No attacking player is allowed in the crease. No defensive player may check an offensive player or the goaltender in the crease. The goaltender or offensive team must move the ball out of the crease within 5 seconds.

7. Fighting Any player who engages in a fight receives a game misconduct plus any additional games deemed necessary by the league commissioner.

If you have any questions about the rules please feel free to send me an e-mail or you can always catch me at the arena during Lacrosse games and practices. I am always willing to try and answer any questions you may have regarding the rules when I can!

Brad Lawryk
2009 WLLA Referee in Chief

1: Helmet and Facemask
All helmets must be CSA approved for ice hockey or NOCSAE approved. The helmet must have a chin strap and cannot be altered from the manufactured form. The facemask cannot allow the head of the stick or the ball to make contact with the face.

2: Lacrosse Stick
May be wood or metal. sticks can be altered as long as they meet stick measurement requirements and not designed to prevent dislodgement of the ball.

3: Shoulder Pads
One piece pad made of flexible, durable material. When fit properly offers protection for upper body and shoulders. Hockey equipment is perfectly fine here.

4: Gloves
Lacrosse gloves offer excellent protection and flexibility. Hockey gloves can be used, but they don't offer the same grip or flexibility.

5: Arm Pads
Lightweight hard plastic that offers protection for the whole arm, while allowing full range of motion of the elbow and arm.

6: Back and Kidney Pads
A one piece light weight plastic pad which offers protection for the back and kidney areas. This is mandatory for Novice and higher.

1: Helmet All helmets must be CSA approved for ice hockey or NOCSAE approved. The helmet must have a chin strap and cannot be altered from the manufactured form. 2: Facemask Alll masks must be CSA approved for ice hockey or NOCSAE approved. Masks must be approved for the helmet model they are mounted on. 3: Upper Body Armour Floating shoulders for full range of motion, protection for shoulders, biceps, and forearms. Hard fibre gaurds for maximum protection. 4: Throat Protector Made of hard plastic, attaches to the goalie face shield, protects throat and neck. 5: Gloves Lacrosse gloves offer excellent protection and flexibility. Hockey gloves can be used, but they don't offer the same grip or flexibility. 6: Goalie Pants Snug fitting with waist, and thigh protection. Very similiar to hockey pants. 7: Goalie Leg Pads/Armour Made of hard plastic, allows for full range of motion. Straps to legs and also covers the ankles and top of the foot. 8: Goal Stick

All markings and lines in Lacrosse are white. In our arena you may see some red and blue painted markings on the floor, however those mean nothing in Lacrosse and are there for other sports sharing the arena.

Both Williams Lake floors have the penalty boxes and players benches on the same side of the floor.

The measurements for length and width of the floor may vary in different rinks, however the line markings and measurements are standard in all Lacrosse floor areas.