What changes do the 2026 Lacrosse Canada modifications make to the box rules?

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Accepted Answer

Lacrosse Canada's "2026 LC Modifications 2.0" adjust the World Lacrosse box rules by age group:

U7: no face-offs after goals (face-offs only at the start of each period). The dotted line is a teaching tool, not a defensive boundary or restricted zone (all ages).
U9: no crease cylinder, no crease diving. The crease stays active: defenders may pull back into it, and offensive players may pull back out but cannot swat the ball into the net.
U11 to U13: no cylinder, no crease diving, crease active during loose-ball play, and a 10-second count over half while shorthanded.
U15: no cylinder, crease diving permitted, 10-second count over half while shorthanded.
U17 to U22: no cylinder, crease diving permitted, 5v5 sudden-victory overtime periods, and a 10-second over-half count both while even and while shorthanded.
Junior Women (U22), Junior Men A, B, C, Senior A, B, C and WMSL/Women's Senior: no cylinder, crease diving permitted, 3v3 sudden-victory overtime in non-playdown games and 5v5 overtime in playdowns and playoffs. When a goaltender is hit in the facemask with a ball, it is NOT an automatic whistle and officials use their discretion, with safety a priority. WMSL to Senior A use an 8-second count over half.

Lacrosse Canada also publishes separate Age and Stage Appropriate Modifications 2.0 (implemented for the 2026 calendar year) for the youngest ages.