*Update*
Women's Lacrosse Rule Changes
for 2003
These rules were voted in by the
Board of Governors on September 7, 2002
Rule 10 - Start of the Game -
Center Draw
Each half of the game and overtime period
is started by a draw between two opposing players at the
centerline. After each goal, the game is restarted by a draw from
this same line except as provided in Rule 1-C-2. A maximum 5
players from each team may be between the restraining lines during
the draw. All other players must be below either restraining line.
Players may not enter the circle or cross the restraining lines
until the whistle blows.
Note: When the game restarts with a
free position at the centerline, player positioning for the draw
applies.
Translation: Two
centers in the circle, four from each team around/near the circle,
all others must be below one of the restraining lines. We have
removed the stipulation that three from each team must be below
each line. Over the restraining line or into the circle too soon
will be called a minor foul. Free position will be taken at the
centerline.
Rule 17- Goal Circle Focus -
Goalie Re-entry
Once a team gains possession of the ball in
the goal circle and the ball is cleared, the team must not
intentionally return the ball to their goal circle until another
player has PLAYED the ball. (Goalie/field player can not roll the
ball back into her crease for another 10 seconds until a ball has
been "played". See below for the Definition of
"played".
Rule 21- Definition of
Terms
"PLAYED" refers
to an action whereby the ball leaves the player's crosse and is
touched by another player, or her crosse is checked crosse to
crosse by an opposing player. The ball does not have to be
successfully dislodged from the crosse.
Scenario One: A shot is taken and
missed and the goalie now has possession in her circle. She
chooses to carry the ball out herself. An opponent comes to mark
her and she passes the ball to a teammate. The teammate then
passes the ball back to the goalie who returns the ball to her
circle and follows it in. This is LEGAL- the ball has been
played.
Scenario Two: Shot taken, goalie gains possession in her circle.
All her teammates begin to clear up field. Goalie comes out with
the ball and begins walking up field with it. An opposing player
then moves to cover the goalie who retreats and tosses the ball
into her circle. This is ILLEGAL- the ball has not been
played.
Rule 3- The Playing
Area
(Included as a heads up in the
case of fields being re-done, repainted, remarked)
The restraining line must be clearly
distinguishable as the restraining line. Eg: the only line on the
field, marked in a different color, marked with X's. Cones shall
not be used for this purpose.
(from the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse
Coaches Association
website)
