How does the NLL coach's challenge and video review work?

The Head Coach challenges a play by throwing a challenge flag. The 2025-26 rules limit challenges to a set list of plays (Rule 17.81):

• the ball crossing the goal line, or crossing the plane of the goal before the end of a quarter
• certain crease violations (the shooter or a non-shooter in the crease before the ball crosses the goal line)
• the ball crossing the plane of the goal, or hitting the goalie, before the 30-second shot clock expires
• the ball being directed into the goal, and shot origin (stick head behind the goal line extended)
• an attacking player in the crease gaining an advantage
• an inaccurate game clock with 30 seconds or less in the fourth quarter
• a defender's checking-in-the-crease violation on a runner or goalie (Rule 67.13 or 68.1)

How many: the Head Coach may challenge two times per game, with an opportunity up to a maximum of three times, in regulation only. The Head Coach gets one extra challenge in overtime.

Cost of losing: a timeout is charged to the team that loses a challenge. A team with no timeouts left that loses a challenge gets a bench minor penalty.

Timing: the flag must be thrown within 30 seconds of the play. The officials must have conclusive evidence to overturn the call on the floor, and they try to finish the review within two minutes.

Late in the game: with less than two minutes left in the fourth quarter and in overtime, the officials start reviews themselves on close goal or no-goal calls. A coach who throws a flag in that window is still charged a challenge.

Penalties for flags: a flag thrown under two minutes in the fourth quarter or in overtime to disrupt play brings a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. A flag thrown on a non-reviewable play brings a bench minor.

Source: NLL Official Rules 2025-26, Rule 17.8.