Women’s Field Lacrosse 2020/21 Rule Changes

World Lacrosse update: February 2021

World Lacrosse Women’s Rules Sub Committee has provided a set of new rule clarifications and interpretations for use with the existing Women’s Field Rule Book.

Following the publishing of the new World Lacrosse (WL) rule book in January 2020, a number of clarifications were sought on some of the new sections of the rule book. These clarifications reflect input from a range of stakeholders and are effective as of this posting.

The rules memorandum can be accessed below, along with the earlier details relating to any major rule changes made in 2020.

National Lacrosse Committee has voted in favour of implementing the World Lacrosse women’s field rule changes within the domestic game for the upcoming 2020/21 season. The domestic game includes; England Lacrosse leagues, regional, school, and university (pending approval from BUCS Rules & Regulations meeting) competitions.

The rule changes include free movement after a whistle, defensive movement through the goal circle, and a simplified fan. This follows on from the adoption of simplified stick specifications approved in January.

Below you will find details about each of the new rules, along with further guidance and practical scenarios to assist officials, players and coaches.

To further aid the understanding and application of the rule changes, England Lacrosse will be running educational webinars hosted by International Umpire, Paul Bibby. These webinars will be free to join, and will provide the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification ready for the return of Lacrosse. 

Sign up for the webinars can be found below, after which you will later be sent a link to access the webinar securely.

For any questions or clarifications regarding the new rules, email Officiating Coordinator, Ryan Griffiths [email protected]

Rule Changes in short:

-       Removal of 15m arc and changes to the 11m fan 

-       Introduction of free movement 

-       Allowance to self start outside the 11m advantage flag area. This includes when the ball goes out of bounds at the side and end lines – the player must stand 2m inside the boundary before the self start

-       Defensive player/s may move through the goal circle

-       Advantage flag area includes the playing area behind the goal that runs 12m deep and 11m to each side of the centre of the goal line (due to removal of 15m arc)

Rule Change full wording: