The USA Lacrosse Rules Committee and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) have announced the boys’ high school rule changes and points of emphasis for the 2026 season. USA Lacrosse writes and publishes a stand-alone youth rule book for ages 14U and below, and works in collaboration with the NFHS on the rules for boys' high school lacrosse.
Four primary points of emphasis were identified for the upcoming season.
• Properly Wearing Equipment
• Personal Foul – Contact to Head or Neck
• Sportsmanship and the Role of a Coach
• Pregame Responsibilities
“Player safety and sportsmanship have both been growing concerns in lacrosse, as well as in other sports in recent years, and these points of emphasis have been identified specifically to address those issues,” said Mark Burnett, manager of officials development at USA Lacrosse. “The emphasis on sportsmanship applies both to conduct between the two competing teams as well as from teams toward game officials.”
Additionally, 11 overall rule changes and clarifications were made for 2026, ranging from equipment-related rules to game management. Primary among the changes for 2026 are:
• 1-9-1B (4 & 5) Updates to Mouthguards
There are no longer any color restrictions for mouthguards or a lack of color (white and clear), however, mouth attachments that serve no protective purpose or are purely decorative are prohibited.
• 1-12 Horn Accessibility at the Table Area
At the beginning of the game, the home team is now required to provide a scorebook, a timing device, a table, and a working horn (hand-held or as part of the scoreboard) that can be operated from the table at the sideline.
• 4-3-3e Clarifications for Players Facing Off
If faceoff players are not positioned properly during a faceoff, the official may adjust the players’ positioning or their crosses to ensure a fair faceoff. If players must be repeatedly adjusted, the official may assess a delay-of-game penalty and award the ball to their opponent. This is at the discretion of the officials and should be discussed with faceoff players and the coach before and during the game.
• 4-18-4 and 5-6-2 – Goal Crease Privileges and Updated Player Penalties
In all cases, it is now a personal foul for illegal equipment when a defensive player, other than a properly equipped goalkeeper, enters their own crease with the perceived intent of blocking a shot or acting as a goalkeeper.
• 4-22-1c Elimination of Goalie 5-second Rule on Restarts
Rule 4-22-1c was eliminated, meaning the goalkeeper is no longer allowed up to 5 seconds to re-enter the goal crease to resume their position after leaving for a legitimate purpose. If a goalie leaves the crease, they are a field player. If a goalie leaves the crease and officials notice a goalie equipment issue during a dead ball, then by rule, a properly equipped goalie is needed to resume play.
• 6-5-2y Loss of Helmets Resulting in Technical Foul for Illegal Procedure
Loss of a helmet is an illegal procedure, unless the official determines that the helmet was dislodged due to direct contact with the player's head. In any case, if a player’s helmet comes off as a part of play, that player must leave the field and may return after the next dead ball.
“These rule changes, especially the ones that increase the penalties for players not wearing their protective equipment properly, are intended to minimize the risk of injury to players,” Burnett said. “We want to ensure that players are wearing chin straps properly and that helmets are secure during play.”
The rules of the game are designed to do two things – promote fair play and keep players safe. USA Lacrosse is committed to constantly reviewing and updating the rules of the game to ensure that those goals are always satisfied.
For questions, interpretations or suggestions about the USA Lacrosse rules, please contact boysrules@usalacrosse.com.
