Rules of the Game (All Disciplines)

As players progress from youth leagues to high school, college, and beyond, the game of women’s lacrosse evolves in several key ways, with the most important being rules of the game. Differences in field size, number of players on the field, game timing, types of penalties, and how those penalties are administered all reflect the age, skill level, and safety considerations of each group. This site is designed to help players, parents, coaches, and fans navigate these variations and better understand how the game adapts at each stage of development.


College Women's Lacrosse Rules
Governed by the NCAA
Rule Book
Important NCAA Rule FAQ's & Forms
Number of Players on the field: 12v12
Timing: 4x15:00 quarters with stopped clock

*New rule book for the 2026-27 season will be available in January.*


High School Girls Lacrosse Rules
Governed by the NFHS
Rule Book
Number of Players on the field: 12v12
Timing: 4x12:00 quarters with stopped clock

*New rule book for the 2026 season will be available in January.*

Youth Girls Lacrosse Rules
Governed by USA Lacrosse
Rule Book
Number of players on the field: Varies by age 6U-14U
Timing: Varies by age 6U-14U

Professional Women’s Lacrosse League (WLL)
Governed by the Premiere Lacrosse League
Overview of Rules
Number of Players on the field: 10v10
Timing: 4x15:00 quarters with stopped clock

 


International Women’s Field Lacrosse Rules
Governed by the World Lacrosse
Rule Book
Number of players on the field: 10v10
Timing:  4 x 15:00 quarters running clock

International Box Lacrosse Rules (M/W) 
Governed by the World Lacrosse
Rule Book
Number of players on the field: 6v6
Timing:  4 x 15:00 quarters with stopped clock

International/Olympic Sixes Lacrosse Rules (M/W)
Governed by the World Lacrosse
Rule Book
Number of players on the field: 6v6
Timing:  4 x 8:00 quarters running clock