NFHS vs Youth Rules - Allegheney Lacrosse Officials Association

The rules governing boys’ lacrosse differ between high school (NFHS) and youth levels to ensure age-appropriate play. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for players, coaches, and officials. Below is a summary highlighting the key differences:

Field Dimensions and Team Composition
- 6U/8U: Games are played on a cross-field setup measuring 60-70 yards in length and 35-45 yards in width, with teams consisting of 4 players per side (1 goalie and 3 field players).
- 10U: Similar field dimensions as 6U/8U, but teams expand to 6v6 or 7v7, including 1 goalie and 5 or 6 field players.
- 12U: Transition to a full field with 7v7 play, comprising 1 goalie, 2 defenders, 2 midfielders, and 2 attackers.
- 14U and High School (NFHS): Standard full-field play with 10v10 teams, aligning with NFHS regulations.
Crosse (Stick) Specifications
- 6U/8U and 10U: Field players use sticks ranging from 37 to 42 inches; long poles are not permitted at 6U/8U and are limited to 47 to 54 inches (maximum of 3 per team) at 10U.
- 12U and 14U: Field players’ sticks measure 40 to 42 inches, with long poles ranging from 52 to 72 inches (maximum of 3 for 7v7 and 4 for 10v10).
- High School (NFHS): Adheres to standard crosse dimensions as specified by NFHS rules.
Game Duration and Timing
- 6U/8U: Two 12-minute running time halves.
- 10U: Four 10-minute running time quarters.
- 12U: Follows 14U timing unless specified otherwise.
- 14U and High School (NFHS): Four 10-minute stop-time quarters, with overtime periods as needed.
Faceoffs and Possession
- 6U/8U: No faceoffs; a coin flip determines initial possession, with teams alternating possession in subsequent halves.
- 10U: Faceoffs involve one midfielder from each team at the center, with other players positioned appropriately; neutral grip is allowed, and being on a knee is acceptable.
- 12U and 14U: Faceoffs follow NFHS guidelines, including the standing neutral grip.
Body Contact and Checking
- 6U/8U and 10U: Emphasis on teaching proper techniques with limited body contact; one-handed checks are not permitted.
- 12U and 14U: Controlled body checking is allowed, adhering to safety guidelines; one-handed checks are permitted.
- High School (NFHS): Full body checking and one-handed checks are allowed within the confines of NFHS rules.
Offside Rules
- 6U/8U: Offside rules are not applied.
- 10U: Teams must maintain proper player distribution; exceeding the allowed number of players on either half results in an offside violation.
- 12U and above: Standard offside rules apply, consistent with NFHS regulations.
For a comprehensive breakdown of these and other differences, refer to the 2025 Boys’ Youth Rules Comparison Chart. Familiarizing oneself with these distinctions ensures the appropriate application of rules across various age groups, promoting fair play and safety.