The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Boys Lacrosse Rules Committee adopted and refined a number of officiating rules that pertain to boys lacrosse at its meeting in Indianapolis on July 17-19.

The changes to the boys’ lacrosse rules helped to reinforce safety within the game, strengthen the consistency across all age groups and make the game more exciting. Among the changes: A shot will count if it is released prior to the end of a period, nontraditional material will now be permitted in pockets, penalty will result if a player is not properly wearing his mouthpiece and an adoption allowing schools to use a unified field for both boys and girls.

In total, there were 15 adjustments from the previous NFHS boys lacrosse rules and officials signals. 

“The committee believes the sport of boys lacrosse is currently in very good shape,” said James Weaver, NFHS director of performing arts and sports, in a press release. “The committee is excited to continue looking into the health and safety of the sport, while minimizing risk during its growth.”

One of the more notable amendments surrounded the end-of-game shot, which will now count as long as it leaves the stick before the period ends.

“It is an exciting play that should be well received by players, coaches, and fans of the game," said Rick Lake, senior manager of the men’s game for US Lacrosse.  "It will also align with other levels of the sport. If the rules are more closely aligned at all levels, as in this case, it is easier for the new or casual fans to understand the game they are watching. One of the goals of any committee is to make sure the game is exciting and I think this rule was a good move." 

In a rule that could open up offenses for “more possibilities or creativity” according to Lake, the committee will now allow teams to leave the box during a slow whistle situation after a flag is thrown for a penalty. Another change made which differs from last season is when there is a stall warnings, the stall will now end when a shot that hits the goal pipes, shot that hits the goalie or hits his equipment in addition to the other reasons as it did last season.

Citing “economic relief”, the committee adopted Rules 1-2, which will allow for a unified field — conceptualized and supported by US Lacrosse — that can be used by both boys and girls in a field that is 120 yards long.

“If you’re a new and developing area or if you’re an athletic director, you only have to put down one set of lines for the boys and girls game,” Lake said. “It’s something that will be well received by administrators and athletic directors across the country.”

Also amended was Rules 4-3-3d and 4-3-3n, which now state that on faceoffs, sticks must match “evenly,” with the top of one head meeting the throat of the other “perpendicular to the ground.” The sticks must line up in what is referred to as “Top to Stop.” In addition, the committee proposed to add a new option for faceoff players, allowing a bare shaft to be used by a faceoff player as long as the head and the gloves have contrasting colors, so that the shaft is easily identifiable for officials.

In terms of safety and consistency, the committee made an effort to outlaw the “fish hook” mouthpiece technique. The rule reinforces that if a mouthpiece “is not properly worn in a players’ mouth” it will result in a penalty.

“You have to have a mouthpiece and have it wear properly,” Lake said of the rule. “It’s a point of emphasis again this season because they want players to wear their mouth pieces properly and they want officials to make the call.”

The committee also approved Rule 1-7-5, which will allow pockets that have “nontraditional synthetic material” like elastic or silicone. The material will still need to meet previous stick requirements, however it can allow manufactures to introduce new ways to create lacrosse pockets .

Full of full list of changes, visit www.nfhs.org.