What are the rules on head contact, spearing with the head and boarding?

Dangerous contact to the head (Rule 8.15): a match penalty is assessed to a player who with force strikes another player directly in the head and/or neck. The action is deemed reckless. Criteria include (not limited to) no attempt to play the ball, leaving your feet to inflict more force, and an upwards motion rather than a horizontal one.

Spearing with the head (Rule 8.13): leading with the head to make or attempt contact with another player. A player in possession who lowers their shoulder to get past or through an opponent and makes unintentional head contact is not penalized; the official judges intent. Penalty at the official's discretion: a major, or a major plus game misconduct, and a match penalty if the player was reckless or endangered an opponent.

Boarding (Rule 8.12): checking an opponent so that they are thrown violently into the boards. The onus is on the checker not to hit an opponent in a vulnerable position, but also on the other player not to put themselves in a dangerous position, and officials must consider this balance. Penalty: a major, or a major plus game misconduct, and a match penalty if the player was reckless or endangered an opponent.

Source: https://lacrosse.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/WL-26-28-Box-Rule-Book_Feb26.pdf