PHILOSOPHY OF 8U LACROSSE

8U lacrosse is the age when many young athletes first experience the sport of lacrosse. The children entering at this point often differ greatly in their physical and cognitive development. With respect to the competition at this level, coaches, parents, and officials should emphasize:

FUN | FOLLOWING RULES OF PLAY | GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP

8U GIRLS’ GAME FORMAT SUMMARY AND EQUIPMENT

4v4 (cross field)

» No goalies (Shot Blockers Utilized on Goals)

» Smaller sticks and soft balls may be utilized

» Eyewear is required

» 3’v3’ goals or 4’v4’ goals are recommended

8U GIRLS’ RULES OVERVIEW

» No draw and players line up in their defensive end to start game

» Coaches can be on the field to assist and ‘officiate’

» No score is kept

» Three pass rule

» After a goal, defense is given the ball for a clear

» Must play 1v1 defense

8U LENGTH OF THE GAME

A competition will consist of two (2) twelve-minute running time halves, with a four minute halftime period. Potential modifications could include four (4) x six (6) minute quarters. 

FOULS At this level of play

1) Illegal or dangerous contact as well as

2) Unsportsmanlike conduct would be considered major fouls, where  the player would be taken off the field for a brief time period - no cards are used and the team does NOT play short. Other fouls will result in stoppage of play and change of possession. All restarts will require 4 meters of free space around the ball carrier. In the case of major fouls, the offending player shall be placed 4 meters behind. 

CONTESTED GROUND BALLS

Players may use a kicking motion to move a ball into free space as long as it does not pose danger to other players and it is not a shot on goal. 

COVERING THE BALL

Players are not permitted to cover the ball under any circumstances with their stick or body.

Penalty: Immediate stoppage of play and possession is awarded to the offended team. 

MINIMUM PASS RULE

The minimum pass rule is eliminated at this level of play. However, coaches may agree to add an additional time restriction to encourage ball movement. 

1 V 1 DEFENSE

1 v 1 defense is required in the midfield area at this level of play. More than one player can defend the ball in the critical scoring area. Shooting space and 3 second defense rules are now introduced. 

3 SECONDS CLOSELY GUARDED (OFFENSE)

Player with the ball may not hold the ball for more than three (3) seconds when a) closely guarded b) the defense has both hands on their stick and c) the defense is in a position to legally check if checking were allowed. 

OFFSIDES - not applicable at this age. Players are responsible for not shooting at other players and a safe follow through on all shots. The stick cannot follow through into the goal circle. Penalty: Immediate stoppage of play and possession is awarded to the offended team. 

3 SECONDS IN THE ARC (DEFENSE)

Defenders cannot remain inside the 8-meter arc unless marking an opponent within a stick’s length. More than one player can be marking the ball carrier in the arc. However, more than one defender can mark the ball carrier in the 8 meter as long as they are within a stick’s length. 

SHOOTING SPACE

Defenders cannot obstruct the free space to goal if not marking an opponent or playing the ball carrier within a stick’s length. 

GOAL CIRCLE VIOLATIONS

No player other than the properly equipped goalkeeper may enter the goal circle at any time. Offensive players may not follow through into the goal circle on a shot.

M A J O R O R C A R D A B L E  CONTACT

Legal contact can occur between opponents during the normal process of play. However, contact that occurs that physically forces the opponent off of her position or path is illegal contact. Illegal stick to body contact (in a horizontal position) or any contact deemed dangerous should be called. 

ILLEGAL CHECK No checking allowed. 

SHOOTING FOULS

Players are responsible for not shooting at or into other players and to maintain a safe follow through on all shots. Dangerous Propel and Dangerous Follow Through are mandatory cards.

Dangerous Shot: shoot dangerously or without control at the goalkeeper.

1. A dangerous shot is judged on the basis of the combination of distance, force and placement.

2. A shot should not be directed at the goalkeeper’s body, especially her head or neck.

3. A dangerous shot does not apply if goalkeeper has time to react or moves into the ball. 

8U UNSPORTSMAN LIKE CONDUCT

Participants are expected to uphold the highest levels of sportsmanship at all times. Arguing, threatening, the use of profane language or obscene gestures by players, coaches and spectators shall result in a penalty.

Penalty: Unsportsmanlike Conduct foul is a major foul and will result in an immediate stoppage of play. The player shall be taken off the field and substituted for. The ball is awarded to the offended team. At no time should either team be playing with fewer players than their opponent.