On May 8, 2012, three members of the USA Lacrosse staff arrived in Phoenix, Arizona for the semi-annual meeting of ASTM, an international standards organization that develops and publishes consensus technical standards for a wide range of products. 

The USA Lacrosse representatives – CEO Steve Stenersen, vice president Ann Carpenetti, and the women’s game director at the time, Melissa Coyne – had been invited to participate in ASTM’s first-ever discussion about headgear for women’s lacrosse.

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. 

When I directed officials for Atlanta Youth Lacrosse, I had a unique opportunity to experiment with several “off the books” rules that would help players improve their skills and maintain a positive field experience for everyone. The most successful rules were the No-Rake Rule, the Uncontrollable Stick Rule, the Circle of Shame Rule, and the 24-Hour Rule. Here is how they work.

The rules in most sports, including lacrosse, primarily serve two purposes – to help keep games fair and safe. Rules help govern the games and the equipment used in the games.

US Lacrosse works collaboratively with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and the NCAA to write the rules for lacrosse, and the organizations often work together on rules development and player safety efforts.

As the 2021 lacrosse season draws ever closer and optimistically, players of all ages return to play, it’s important to note that there are some equipment guidelines that players, parents, coaches and officials should keep in mind. Use of required and certified equipment ensures the highest levels of safety for all participants.

Lacrosse Balls

The use of protective equipment is an important element in many sports, including lacrosse, to ensure the safest possible environment for players and to reduce the risk of injury.  

Some protective lacrosse equipment – helmets and chest protection for men’s and women’s goalies, helmets and chest protection for men’s field players, and eyewear and optional headgear for women - have a required performance standard that must be met in order to be certified for play. Other equipment, such as mouthguards and gloves, have no standard.