When does the NLL shot clock reset or pause?
Rule- Canada
- National Lacrosse League
- NLL
- Professional lacrosse
- Box lacrosse
- 2025-26
- Fans
Under Rule 49.3:
- The clock starts when a team is in possession, meaning cradling, holding, passing or shooting the ball in play.
- It resets if the team takes a shot on goal, or the ball is deflected off the goalie while the goalie is in the crease, or off the goal post. It also resets if a runner in the crease deflects it when the goalie has been pulled for an extra attacker.
- It resets on any floor violation or personal penalty.
- If a defensive player touches the ball without gaining possession, the clock keeps running. If a defensive player puts the ball out of bounds, it resets.
- After a time-out or an injury stoppage, the clock stays where it was when play stopped (49.5).
- After a goal, the shot clock counts down from 30 to 5 whenever possible while teams set up for the face-off (11.2). The referee aims for the face-off within 35 seconds, and a team not ready then gives possession to its opponent.
Source: NLL Official Rules 2025-26, Rules 11.2, 49.3 and 49.5.
Added 25 Oct 2026