England Lacrosse can confirm that, following on from recent discussions with and feedback from the community, the following new rules will be adopted by schools and junior clubs in England for the forthcoming 2025/26 season.
There will be an opportunity to discuss these rules changes at a special Schools’ Forum in September and the Umpiring Advisory Group (UAG) will run webinars and provide opportunities for further training as required.
A link to the full rules book and detail can be found by clicking here and please do not hesitate to contact our officiating lead Wendy Reynolds on [email protected].
2025/26 New Rules
Rule 1.A.7 Field markings
Reintroduce the previous version of the 11m MA lines and markings (in addition to the current 15m line).
Rule 16 Alternate Possession
Replaces all throws.
Rule 17.A.4 Goal Circle Fouls (new 5 second rule not adopted)
Goalkeeper/defender must move the ball out of the goal circle within 10 seconds. The 10 second count begins as soon as the ball enters the goal circle.
The UAG would like to recommend trialling the new 5 second rule with 1st & U15 teams for a further vote at the end of the Michaelmas (Autumn) Term. The 5 second count only begins once the goalkeeper/defender is in ‘possession’ of the ball.
Rule 17.A.12
Attack players & the goal circle are not allowed to have their feet grounded in or on the goal circle line but may enter the goal circle once the ball has crossed the goal line. Attacking players MAY tackle defenders in the circle but NOT the goalkeeper.
Rule 17.A.14 Goal Circle Fouls
Defending players (when their team has possession) may move through any portion of the goal circle. Any defender in possession of the ball must pass the ball within 10 seconds.
Rule 17.A.17 Goal Circle Fouls
Defending players (when their team is without possession) may move through any portion of the goal circle, however, only the defender/s marking the ball carrier (within a stick length) may remain in the goal circle.
Rule 19.A.10 Minor Fouls Body Ball eliminated
Deliberate stopping of the ball, preventing it from going over a boundary and all other body balls, will be legal but a deliberate 'kicking of the ball' will be considered a minor foul.
Rule 19.A.9 Minor Fouls Empty Stick Check
Adaptation 'incidental contact' when two players are going for a ball will not be called. However, a deliberate empty stick check will be penalised (where one player deliberately denies another the opportunity to catch/pick up a ball).
Rule19.B Minor Fouls Early Entry
If a player crosses the restraining line or enters the centre circle early, this will only be called if their team gain a clear advantage.
Rule 20.B.7 Major Fouls Shooting Space
A reminder that this does not change HOW/WHEN shooting space is called.
Rule 20.B.7.a Exception If the whistle is blown for a Shooting Space violation, between:
The moment the shot has been released, and a goal is scored the goal will count.
The moment the shot has been released, and the goalkeeper saves the shot while in the Goal-Circle or the shot hits the post, the goalkeeper is given Possession of the ball inside the Goal-Circle and play is re-started on the official’s whistle.
Rule 20.B.8 Major Fouls Three Second marking Area
A defender must have BOTH feet wholly inside the marking area for the count to begin.