Official's Guide to NFHS High School Lacrosse Grades 9-12 2027

Only if your state association adopts it. New for 2027 (NFHS boys Rule 4-13), state associations may use a 70-second shot clock: the team in possession must attempt a shot on goal within 70 seconds of:

• clearing its defensive half, or
• gaining possession in its offensive half

The rule is meant to eliminate stalling and speed up play.

Adoption varies by state. For example, the Georgia High School Association has said it won't use the shot clock in spring 2027.

The 20-second rule for advancing the ball across the center line applies everywhere, whether or not a shot clock is used.

New for 2027 (NFHS boys Rules 4-14, 4-15 and 6-5-2r and s), the 10-second count is eliminated.

The 20 seconds:

• When play restarts with a team in possession in its defensive half, or a team gains possession during a live ball anywhere on the field, it has 20 seconds to advance the ball (loose or in possession) across the center line.
• The team can play the ball anywhere on the field during those 20 seconds.
• Failing to get it across in time is a violation.

Over-and-back: once the 20 seconds have passed, the team must keep the ball in its offensive half. Exceptions:

• after a shot
• when the ball was last touched by an opponent

2027 NFHS boys lacrosse changes:

• Definition (Rule 4-24-8): a player has lost his helmet when it's dislodged far enough that the chinstrap is no longer on the chin.
• Timing: play is suspended immediately (official's timeout) when a helmet comes off, whether the ball is live or dead.
• Opponent contact (Rule 6-5-2y): if an opponent made illegal contact before the helmet came off, the player is not charged with an illegal procedure for losing it.
• Returning (Rule 4-9-2p): a player who leaves the field because of a dislodged helmet must stay off until the next dead ball. Coming back earlier is a substitution violation. If he's on the attacking team and a goal is scored, the goal is disallowed.

Already in place since 2026 (Rule 6-5-2y): losing a helmet is an illegal procedure, unless it's caused by an opponent's direct contact to the head.

2027 boys points of emphasis:

• player safety
• properly worn equipment
• the second flag down
• the NFHS Authenticating Mark on game balls

2027 NFHS boys lacrosse changes:

• Faceoffs (Rule 4-3-3b): both players must go down together and get into position as quickly as possible. Neither may put a knee on the ground at any time before the whistle.
• Stuck ball (Rules 4-7, 6-12-2 and 6-12-3): any time the ball is stuck in a player's uniform, equipment or stick, it's a technical foul for withholding the ball from play. The exception is the goalkeeper while in the crease.
• Broken stick on a shot (Rule 4-9-2g): if the shooter loses any part of a broken stick on an otherwise successful shot, the goal is disallowed.

2027 NFHS boys lacrosse changes:

• Required lines (Rule 1-2-1 penalty, 6-5-2t): the lines marking the crease, defensive area and goal area are required. If they aren't properly marked, the home team is assessed an illegal procedure.
• Center line (Rule 1-2-1): a contrasting-colored line may mark the center of the field when a white line doesn't contrast with the field, logo or mascot.
• Site responsibility (Rule 1-13, new): the host or site administration is responsible for facilities, fields and game equipment, and for fixing any problems officials identify. Without a site administrator, the head coach takes on that responsibility. Officials still perform every required pregame duty and report problems to host administration.
• Officials' zone (Rule 4-1-1, new): a five-yard zone on each side of the center line is reserved for officials during warm-ups, for example for the coin toss. Teams can't use it.
• Captains' meeting (Rule 4-2-1): held 10-15 minutes before game time.
• Ball retrievers (Rule 2-10-2c): may not stand anywhere along the end line while the ball is in play.
• Coaches (Rule 2-3-2 and 3): all coaches must act courteously and expect the same from players and substitutes. The head coach must control spectators when an official asks.
• Ball color (Rule 1-5): from 2029, game balls must be fluorescent green or yellow. Until then, white, orange, green and yellow are all legal.

2027 NFHS girls lacrosse stick changes:

• Pocket construction (Rule 2-2-4): field stick pockets must meet additional stringing requirements covering:

  • how the pocket attaches to the head
  • shooting strings
  • runners
  • nylon

  All pocket materials must meet the elasticity standards in the Manufacturer's Specification on the USA Lacrosse website.

• Commercial availability (Rule 2-2-5b): every stick must be commercially available to the public and listed by USA Lacrosse.

• Inspection (Rule 2-4-4b and c): during stick inspection, check that the ball moves freely enough to touch both sidewalls with side-to-side movement, both on the front of the pocket and on the back of the upper third of the pocket.

Other 2027 NFHS girls lacrosse changes:

• Possession clock (Rule 3-8, new): state associations may adopt a 90-second possession clock. The team in possession must attempt a shot on goal within 90 seconds of gaining possession.
• Free position after minor fouls (Rule 9-1 penalties): any player on the offended team who is on the field may take the free position.
• Switching sticks (Rule 9-1h): players may not switch sticks with other players on the field during play. Doing so is a minor foul.
• Goals at the horn (Rule 4-8): new guidance on when a goal counts after a shot released before the horn ending a quarter or overtime period. The criteria now match the NFHS boys rules.
• Holding (Rule 10-1m): "tagging" has been removed from the definition.
• Home jerseys (Rule 2-9-4): from January 1, 2031, home teams must wear white jerseys.

2027 points of emphasis:

• leading by example
• repeated midfield fouls
• efficient draw administration
• the NFHS Authenticating Mark on game balls

Concussion (all NFHS sports): a player who shows signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion must be immediately removed from the contest. They can't return to play until cleared by an appropriate health care professional. Officials don't diagnose a concussion: their job is to make sure the player is removed. Who counts as an appropriate health care professional can vary by state.

Girls, new for 2027 (Rule 4-2-3):

• An official can stop the clock to check on a possibly injured player.
• If no health care professional or coach comes onto the field, the player may stay in the game.
• If a health care professional or coach does come on, the injured player must leave the field.

Boys, new for 2027 (Rule 4-9-2p):

• A player who left the field for an injury or a dislodged helmet must stay off until the next dead ball.
• Returning before the next dead ball is a substitution violation.
• If the player who returns early is on the attacking team and a goal is scored, the goal is disallowed.

Under the NFHS guidelines on handling contests during lightning or thunder:

• When thunder is heard or lightning is seen, the storm is close enough to strike. Suspend play and send everyone to a designated safer place immediately.
• Safer places: a substantial building with plumbing and wiring, such as a school or gym. If none is available, a fully enclosed metal vehicle such as a hardtop car or school bus.
• Resume only after at least 30 minutes with no thunder or lightning. Any new thunder or lightning restarts the 30-minute count.
• Hearing thunder or seeing lightning overrides what a lightning-detection app or device says.
• At night, distant flashes low on the horizon with no audible thunder may not be a threat.

Unfinished games (boys): since 2026, a boys game interrupted and not resumed the same day is complete if three quarters have been played. State associations may modify game-ending procedures.