Ensuring a Legal Lacrosse Pocket: A Detailed Guide for Boys’ High School

In boys’ high school lacrosse, a legal pocket is defined by specific rules designed to ensure fair play. Below are the key components that make a pocket legal, as well as when a stick check can take place:

1. Stick Length

• Short Sticks (attackmen/midfielders): 40-42 inches.

• Long Poles (defensemen): 52-72 inches.

• Goalie Sticks: 40-72 inches.

2. Pocket Depth

• The pocket must pass the Ball Visibility Test: The top of the ball must be visible above the sidewall when viewed from the side.

• Roll-Out Test: The ball should roll out of the pocket freely when the stick is tilted forward. If it doesn’t, the pocket is too deep.

3. Stick Head Dimensions

• The head must be between 6-10 inches wide and no more than 12 inches long. The narrowest part of the head must be at least 6 inches wide.

4. Shooting Strings

• Maximum of four shooting strings, all of which must be located within four inches of the top of the head’s scoop.

5. Sidewall Strings

• Sidewall strings should not interfere with pocket depth. They must adhere to the traditional method of stringing without adding extra retention of the ball.

6. Material and Structure

• Only soft or hard mesh pockets are permitted. No significant pocket modifications that trap the ball are allowed.

When Can Stick Checks Occur?

Stick checks can be performed at several points during a game to ensure compliance with these rules:

• Pre-game: Officials may randomly select sticks to check before the start of the game.

• During the game: Stick checks can be requested by coaches at any stoppage in play (after a goal, timeout, or at halftime).

• After a goal: A stick check is often requested after a player scores a goal, to ensure the stick that was just used is legal.

• Random checks: Officials may also perform random checks throughout the game if they suspect illegal equipment.

A failed stick check can lead to penalties, such as a non-releasable penalty (typically 1-3 minutes), and the player may be required to make their stick legal before returning to the game.