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Youth Lacrosse Rules

Colorado Youth Lacrosse Association ( C.Y.L.A. ) sanctioned games follow standard lacrosse rules with the following exceptions:

Grade Body Contact Stick Check Hand Check Poke Check One Hand Check Wrap Check Man Check Body Check Shoulder Lowering Check Game Length (All Running Clock)
2nd No Yes No Yes To Stick Only No No No No No 12-Minute Quarters
3rd No Yes No Yes To Stick Only No No No No No 12-Minute Quarters
4th Yes "1 Step Rule" Yes Yes Yes To Stick Only No No No Yes "1 Step Rule" No 12-Minute Quarters
5th Yes "1 Step Rule" Yes Yes Yes To Stick Only No No No Yes "1 Step Rule" No 12-Minute Quarters
6th Yes Yes Yes Yes To Stick Only Yes No Yes Upright Rule Yes Upright Rule No 12-Minute Quarters
7th Yes Yes Yes Yes To Stick Only Yes Yes Yes Yes Upright Rule Yes 12-Minute Quarters
8th Yes Yes Yes Yes To Stick Only Yes Yes Yes Yes Upright Rule Yes 12-Minute Quarters
  • OFFICIALS: 2nd-3rd Grades (Parents Ref), 4th-8th Grades (Regular Official[s])
  • PRACTICES: 2nd-5th Grades (Two/Week) 6th-8th Grades (Three/Week)
  • GAMES: Saturdays, All Makeup Games TBA

2nd - 3rd Grades

  • Games are four quarters: each quarter consists of a 12 minute running clock.  
  • Players are substituted every 3-4 minutes during the games in order to foster equal playing time for all players; substitutions should be made during loose ball or out-of-bounds situations, i.e., not during possessions.
  • Goalies change at quarters, if desired-encouraged to change at half-time.  
  • No body checks of any kind are allowed
  • Incidental contact only during man/ball situations.
  • Personal foul penalties are enforced by substitution of the player.  
  • Technical fouls require the offending player to start 5 yards behind the opponent who is awarded the ball.  
  • Stick lengths:
    • All sticks 37-42”  
    • Goalie cross is 37-72”
  • One attempted pass is required in the offensive end before shooting
    • Note - A completed clearing pass into the offensive zone from the defensive zone satisfies this rule.
  • Only one coach from each team is allowed on the field and cannot impede play
  • Offensive players to keep ball in the “box” during last two minutes of play
  • Team time-out, injury time-out, & penalty whistles stop game clock including penalty time clock
  • (Official should review with Time Keeper before game)
  • Scores for games shall be kept at the Club level

4th Grade

  • Games are four quarters: each quarter consists of a 12 minute running clock. 
  • Recommend changing goalie at half-time
  • Body checks allowed
  • No take out checks allowed - applies to any player offensive or defensive with or without the ball 
  • Penalties are enforced with man down.
  • Stick lengths: 
    • All sticks 40-42” - No long sticks!!!
    • Goalie cross is 40-72”
  • Substitutions are “on the fly” – No horns will be used at any time. 
  • Shots out on end line considered live-ball.
  • Team time-out, injury time-out, & penalty whistles stop game clock including penalty time clock (Official should review with Time Keeper before game)

5th Grade

  • Sticks 40 inches to 42 inches in length for Midfielders and Attackmen.
  • Sticks  40-42inches for 4th grade defenseman and 52-60 inches for 5th grade defensemen.
  • A maximum of (4) long sticks on the field.
  • Poke checks must get the stick. A poke check to the body is a slash.
  • Penalties are time serving. Penalty time stops when ball is out of bounds.
  • (2) timeouts per half. No overtime.
  • Substitution on the fly. Horn, if ball goes out on sidelines.
  • (4) goal lead, no face-off. Ball awarded to team that is down.
  • No coaches on the field.

6th Grade

  • Body checks allowed, within 5 yards of the ball, upright position, above the waist and below the neck. No take out checks. Play the ball.
  • Substitution on the fly. Horn, if ball goes out on sidelines.
  • (4) goal lead no face-off.
  • (2) timeouts per half.
  • (1) overtime of (4) minutes. (1) timeout for overtime. Sudden death.
  • No coaches on the field.

7th - 8th Grades

  • All rules same as 6th grade.
  • (2) timeouts per half.
  • (2) overtimes of (4) minutes. (1) timeout for each overtime. Sudden death.
  • No coaches on the field.

With lacrosse season right around the corner, we thought you might be interested in a video. The video, Lacrosse Rules! is a basic introduction to the rules of boys youth lacrosse. It's ideal for new players, new coaches, parents of new players, and even sideline spectators who may not be familiar with the sport. Lacrosse Rules! highlights the most common violations and is a must have video for anyone interested in learning more about the basics. This video is available in both DVD and VHS format. You can find sample clips and additional information at Leading Edge Lacrosse.


"Guide to Lacrosse"

Here is a trailer for another video which is a great resource for new players and parents

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