OFFICIATING UPDATES


NEW RULES FOR 2025/26 SEASON

The World Lacrosse rulebooks for the Men’s and Women’s Field games have been adopted for use ahead of the 2025/26 season. Following consultation with our Officiating Advisory Groups and the game, there are some exceptions and amendments that have been agreed tailored to suit the English game

The changes from last season and any exceptions to the WL rulebook are set out in the documents below. Some additional amendments have been made to the Women’s Field rules played at schools, again detailed below.

Women’s Field Rule Changes - HERE

Men’s Field Rule Changes - HERE

School & Junior Girls Lacrosse Changes - HERE


ANNUAL RULES TEST

The 2025/26 Annual Rules Test (ART) will once again be published on the EL Learning Platform to be completed ahead of the upcoming season. The ART is a mandatory requirement for all officials to ensure currency of the rules and any rule changes that may have been made.

The ARTs will be live from Friday 15 August - All officials with membership for the previous season will also be sent direct communications on completing the ART once live on the EL Learning Platform. Remember, your qualification will not be valid without completing the new ART and renewing your membership for the 2025/26 season.

The ART can be accessed directly from your membership profile. Login and view your profile, select Access Learning Platform from the sidebar menu and you should then be able to directly access the tests.

In order to be fully compliant, all officials should complete the ART before officiating any fixtures.

  • A guide on how to access the Annual Rules Test and other useful guides can be found HERE

Both Referee and Umpire ARTs will be visible; please select the test relevant to your qualification(s). If you hold both qualifications, please complete both tests.


OFFICIATING CONFERENCE

England Lacrosse will be hosting an officiating conference to kick off the new season on Sunday 21 September at House of Sport Manchester. The conference is an opportunity to connect with fellow officials from across the sport, stay ahead of the latest rule changes and get information on any upcoming officiating opportunities and initiatives for you get involved with in the game.

Whether you’re an experienced, leading official or just starting out in the sport, the conference welcomes everyone across the sport to come together. The conference is also not just open to officials - we are encouraging coaches and players to be a part of the conference as well as we embark on the new season.

Sign up for the conference will open next week with further information shared across our website and socials.