What happens when the ball goes out of bounds, and what is self-start?
Rule- Canada
- Lacrosse Canada
- Women's field lacrosse
- World Lacrosse rules
- All ages
- 2025-26
- Players
Out of bounds: when a player in possession carries or propels the ball out, or is the last to touch it before it goes out, the nearest opponent is awarded the ball 2 m from the boundary. Players may not take an active part in the game while out of bounds, and going out of bounds is a change of possession, not a foul. On a "Shot!" call, the player closest to the ball when it goes out is awarded possession.
Self-start: after a whistle for a major or minor foul outside the Advantage Flag Area (AFA), the player awarded the free position may continue play once both feet are stationary and the ball is in their crosse, without waiting for another whistle. Self-start is not permitted when the game clock is stopped for a time-out, or for offside, an illegal draw, or any foul in the AFA.
Advantage flag: for a major foul by the defence on a scoring play inside the AFA, the official raises a flag and says "Flag!" and play continues until the scoring play ends.
Added 25 Oct 2026