When is body-checking allowed, and when is it illegal?

Body-checking is permitted when the opponent has the ball, or is within 2.74 m (3 yards) of a loose ball or of a ball in flight. The contact must be from the front or side, not below the hip and below the neck.

It is illegal to body-check an opponent who does not meet those conditions, to make an avoidable body-check after the opponent has thrown the ball, or to make initial contact from the rear, below the hips, or at or above the neck. Arms used in a body-check must stay below the opponent's shoulders with both hands holding the stick. Spearing (blocking with the head) and body-checking a player on the ground or down on one or both knees are also illegal. An illegal body-check is a major foul.

You may check an opponent's stick with your stick under the same ball-possession conditions.

Source: World Lacrosse Men's Field Rules 2025-2027, Rules 41, 42 and 70.