The 10 Key Penalties in Men’s Lacrosse: A Path to Smarter Play

Here are the top 10 most common penalties and infractions in high school men’s lacrosse, along with detailed explanations:

1. Slashing: Striking an opponent with a stick in an uncontrolled manner, typically targeting the body or head. This can result in a 1-3 minute penalty based on severity.

2. Cross-checking: Occurs when a player uses the shaft of the stick to hit an opponent, which is illegal. It involves the stick making contact with the opponent in a horizontal position, usually resulting in a 1-minute penalty.

3. Offsides: Happens when a team fails to keep the proper number of players on each side of the field (typically 4 players in the defensive zone and 3 in the offensive zone, excluding goalies). This results in a turnover or a 30-second penalty.

4. Holding: A player illegally impedes the movement of an opponent using their stick or body. For example, holding an opponent’s stick down or restricting their motion. This leads to a 30-second penalty.

5. Tripping: A player causes an opponent to fall by extending a stick, arm, or leg, making it illegal. Even accidental trips can lead to a 1-minute penalty.

6. Illegal Body Check: A body check is deemed illegal if it targets the head or is on a player without possession of the ball or one more than five yards away. It results in a 1-3 minute penalty depending on the aggressiveness of the check.

7. Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Verbal or physical abuse toward officials or players, taunting, or other disrespectful behavior. This results in a 1-3 minute penalty based on the level of misconduct.

8. Warding: The offensive player uses their free hand or arm to push away a defender. This prevents fair defensive play and results in a turnover.

9. Illegal Equipment: Using equipment that doesn’t meet regulations, such as having an overly deep pocket on the stick or using improper pads. The penalty results in a 1-minute non-releasable penalty, and the illegal equipment must be corrected before play resumes.

10. Delay of Game: Intentionally slowing down play or not restarting play quickly after a stoppage. This results in a 30-second penalty for the offending team.

Understanding the key penalties in men’s lacrosse, such as slashing, cross-checking, and offsides, is crucial because these infractions directly impact game flow and team performance. A penalty can shift momentum, forcing a team to play man-down, which gives the opposing side a significant advantage. Players who understand these penalties can avoid unnecessary fouls, keeping their team in control.

Beyond just avoiding penalties, players must recognize how infractions like illegal body checks and delay-of-game affect the outcome. High school men’s lacrosse emphasizes player safety and fairness, and repeated violations can lead to severe consequences, including game suspensions or team disadvantages. Knowing how to play within the rules also improves the strategic approach to both defense and offense.

In high school men’s lacrosse, penalties like unsportsmanlike conduct and illegal equipment carry long-term implications. Coaches and players need to focus on these critical rules during training to ensure compliance and maintain an advantage on the field. The better players understand these infractions, the more efficiently they can navigate the game while minimizing penalties