News

NFHS / NCAA Differences 2004-High School vs College Rules
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Fans of lacrosse often get to see both high school and college games during the course of the season. The rules of the game, although substantially the same are governed by different organizations.

High school teams in New York State play under the National Federation of High School rules whereas college teams are governed by the NCAA.

Here are the substantial difference between the two sets of rules.
  

    RULE   HIGH SCHOOL     COLLEGE

 
 
 

Field May vary from 53.3 to 60 yds  
 
 
60 yards unless otherwise mutually agreed

 
 
 

Goals Round ground pipes may be used  
 
 
Round ground pipes are a violation
 
 
 
Helmet Color Common color is recommended but will be required in 2005  
 
 
Common color is required
 
 
 
Glove Color Common color is not required  
 
 
Common color is required
 
 
 
Football Equipment Football shoulder pads and helmets are prohibited  
 
 
Football helmet with lacrosse face mask
 
 
 
Time of quarters 12 minute quarters  
 
 
15 minute quarters
 
 
 
Forfeited Games Procedures determined by state or local associations  
 
 
NCAA authority
 
 
 
Goalkeeper's Penalty Allowed a one-minute warm-up of the on-field replacement. Not a charged time out  
 
 
No warm-up is allowed
 
 
 
Spectator Lines No penalty  
 
 
May penalize
 
 
 
Goal Differential When score differential reaches 10 goals or more in the second half - running clock  
 
 
No rule
 
 
 
Time-Outs Anywhere on the field  
 
 
Only on the offensive half of the field
 
 
 
Mouthpiece May be a clear color  
 
 
Must be yellow or other highly visible color
 
 
 
Chief Bench Official Can call time-outs during live ball situations  
 
 
Time outs on dead ball
 
 
 
Illegal Equipment Playing without mouthpiece is a one minute non releasable foul  
 
 
Technical foul