Collectively our group (ASA, YLS, NCLA, Clayton, St Mikes) of 5th & 6th grade rec teams are run by grade-level as opposed to age as it says in the rule book, When questions arise reference made to the rule book under the Junior Division would apply. All rules are as per the NFHS Rule Book unless otherwise modified.
~ The game is to be played with emphasis on the proper development of stick, team and sportsmanship skills. NO player above the 6th grade is eligible to participate. We should ALL be doing this for the love of the game and the kids that play. If we are hopefully competitive and these kids have fun I certainly could care less about winning. I hope you as a coach share that position. Equal play time or as close to it is required. It doesn't have to be down to the minute but if a kid attends practice and the game he/she should play. All of the rules below are designed to make the game better for this age group. The shouldn't be altered in any way. If you have an idea discuss it with me and I will take it back to the group. TJ
~ Point Spread (to Address Competitive Play, and Player Development): 5-point Rule, Automatic possession for losing team after a goal once down by 5.
Resets to regular play if point spread goes back to 4 or below (Coaches are encouraged to implement a 3-pass policy)
~ 10-point Mercy Rule- Lets make sure this never happens. we should never beat anyone by this score and I would hope it would never happen to us.
~ Game Time: 12 minutes/quarter running time Time Served for Technical and Personal Fouls:
In the event of a tie, two 4-minute sudden-victory overtime periods will be played. If after two overtime periods the score is still tied. If the score is still tied the game will end as a tie.
~ Stalling Rule, Will be applied in the final two minutes of the game. The team with the lead must keep the ball in the goal area during the last two minutes of the game.
~ Advancing the Ball- No Counts will be used. If a game official detects an effort to stall the advancement of the ball in either the defensive clearing area or the offensive zone outside the offensive box, the official will give a verbal command to "advance the ball" followed by a visual 5-second hand count. If the team so warned does not attempt to advance the ball within the 5-second count, a turnover will occur with restart at the point of the stalling infraction.
~ Timeouts, 2 per half for 60 seconds each.
~ Body Checking- Body checking is permitted however, no take-out checks are permitted by any player. A take out check is defined as any check in which the player lowers his head or shoulder with the force and intent to put the other player on the ground. As a guide the officials will not permit a player to advance more than 3 steps to effect the check. Players in the may make contact in an upright position within 3 steps of the ball.
~ Unsportsmanlike Conduct- Personal fouls are to be taken seriously. In addition to the NFHS rules, any player or coach who uses derogatory or profane language (starting with "damn") on the field or bench, whether addressing a player, coach or referee may receive: first offense, 1 to 3-minute non-releasable unsportsmanlike conduct penalty; second offense a 3-minute non-releasable expulsion foul. Any ASA coach receiving an Unsportsmsan Like Conduct is required to contact the ASA Lacrosse Commissioner as soon as possible to discuss the penalty.
~Time Serving Penalties- Time serving penalties are enforced
~ Game Termination- Officials will have authority to terminate a game in response to flagrant acts of unsportsmanlike behavior by coaches, athletes, spectators, or fans. A game termination will be the last resort in insuring the players’ safety and preserving the integrity of the game. If possible, game officials will issue at least one strong warning that the game is in danger of being terminated. However, it is conceivable that games may be terminated on the first instance of a flagrant unsportsmanlike act.