• Field Setup & Boundaries: The field measures roughly 110–120 yards long by 60–70 yards wide, with hard boundaries. A solid restraining line is positioned 30 yards upfield from each goal line.

• Restraining Line Rules: Seven field players from the attacking team may cross into their offensive end, while eight field players (seven defenders plus the goalkeeper) remain back in their defensive end. At least 4 players must stay behind the restraining line at all times.

• Game Format & Timing: High school games consist of four 12-minute quarters (Varsity level) or four 10-minute quarters (JV level) with running time, stopping on official whistles in the critical scoring area and after goals.

• The Draw: Each quarter and every restart after a goal begins with a draw at the center circle. The ball is placed back-to-back between the crosses of two opposing center players, and at the whistle, the ball is flung into the air over their heads. Only three players per team are permitted between the restraining lines during the draw until possession is gained.

• Self-Start Rule: To keep the game fast and continuous, when a foul occurs outside the critical scoring area, the player taking the free position can self-start immediately without waiting for a whistle once placed in position.

Checking, Contact, & Player Safety

• Non-Contact Rules: Girls' lacrosse emphasizes stick handling, speed, and safety. Rough body contact, pushing, or hitting an opponent with the stick or body is strictly prohibited.

• Controlled Checking: A defensive player may attempt a controlled stick-to-stick check to dislodge the ball from an opponent's pocket. However, no check can enter the 7-inch "sphere" around a player's head/face, and players may not reach across an opponent’s body.

• Cradling Safety: Offensive players cannot cradle the ball directly against their face or body (covering) to protect it from a legal check.

Fouls & Free Positions

• Major vs. Minor Fouls: Minor fouls (procedural errors or minor spatial violations) result in a free position with the defender placed 4 meters away in the direction they approached. Major fouls (dangerous play, body contact, or sphere violations) result in a free position with the offending player placed 4 meters behind.

• 8-Meter Arc & 12-Meter Fan: When a major foul occurs inside the 8-meter arc (the critical scoring area in front of the goal), the attacking player receives an 8-meter free position shot on goal. Minor fouls inside the 12-meter fan result in an indirect free position, where the player must pass or be checked before shooting.

• Slow Whistle (Flag): If the defense commits a major foul while the offense has a direct scoring opportunity inside the critical scoring area, the official raises a flag to allow the offense to complete their shot before blowing the whistle.