USA Lacrosse today announced a new set of standardized rules to govern wheelchair lacrosse for both men and women at all levels of play. These approved rules, effective immediately, are the result of a collaborative effort between USA Lacrosse and Wheelchair Lacrosse USA (WLUSA), the governing body of wheelchair lacrosse in the United States.
USA Lacrosse insurance coverage for members now extends to participation in wheelchair lacrosse played under this approved rule set. Leagues, players, coaches, and officials are covered by this member insurance at no additional charge.
• Download the Wheelchair Lacrosse Rules here (PDF)
“This joint venture for the development of approved rules is another step in our organization's increasing commitment to all disciplines of lacrosse in the United States,” said Rick Lake, men’s game director at USA Lacrosse. “Just as we did in this case with WLUSA, we’re pleased to collaborate with all lacrosse entities to help establish unique rule sets.”
Approved rule sets bring greater safety to all versions of lacrosse and serve as a key cornerstone in the growth of the game.
“Having a set of wheelchair lacrosse rules approved and published by USA Lacrosse is an important step for ensuring safety and consistency in the wheelchair game and will help us introduce more disabled athletes to the lacrosse community,” said Brian Galloway, president of Wheelchair Lacrosse USA. “We appreciate having the opportunity to collaborate with USA Lacrosse on the rules for our game and to support each other as we continue to grow the sport of wheelchair lacrosse.”
Wheelchair lacrosse is usually played on a roller hockey rink or box lacrosse pad, using a no-bounce ball and the same sport wheelchairs that are typically used for wheelchair basketball. Players use their lacrosse sticks to scoop, catch, carry, pass, and shoot the ball into the other team’s goal. Gameplay is 8v8 (including a goalie) and players can change positions on the fly, similar to sled hockey.
WLUSA will utilize the newly approved rules at its annual National Invitational Tournament on August 27-28 in San Diego. More details and registration info are available online. Active USA Lacrosse membership is required to participate.
As the governing body of lacrosse in the United States, USA Lacrosse is deeply rooted in rules development for all levels of play. USA Lacrosse writes the rules for boys' and girls' youth lacrosse (ages 14U and below) and box lacrosse, and collaborates with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) on the rules for high school boys’ and girls’ lacrosse, and with the NCAA on the rules for collegiate varsity men’s and women’s lacrosse.
“We always want to make sure lacrosse is accessible to anyone who wants to play the sport. By endorsing this rule set and continuing to support Wheelchair Lacrosse USA, we will make strides in ensuring lacrosse will be inclusive for players of all ability levels,” said Eboni Preston-Laurent, director of diversity, equity & inclusion at USA Lacrosse.
Questions about the new wheelchair rules can be directed to Rick Lake at USA Lacrosse.
