What are the NLL 8-second count and back-court rules?

8-second count (Rule 47): a team that gains possession in its defensive half must get the ball across the centre line within 8 seconds. The trailing referee counts with a chopping wave of the hand. If either team calls a time-out before the count expires, a new 8-second count starts after the time-out. When the face-off player gains possession and passes the ball back legally, the count starts once the ball crosses the centre line.

Back-court (Rule 48): once a team has moved the ball into its offensive half, it must keep it there. Carrying the ball back over the line with both feet, or a loose ball or the player with possession touching the centre line for any reason other than a shot on goal or the defence touching it last, is a back-court violation. Possession goes to the non-offending team.

Source: NLL Official Rules 2025-26, Rules 47 and 48.