What Happens If Your Stick Is Illegal After a Goal?

Women’s lacrosse is fast, exciting, and full of energy. But once you start playing or watching, you’ll realize the sport is packed with rules that can surprise even experienced players.

One of the most obscure (and most heartbreaking) rules?

👉 If your stick is illegal after you score a goal, the goal doesn’t count.

That’s right. Even if you scored the most beautiful goal of your life, it can be wiped out in seconds because of how your stick holds the ball.

Here’s everything a beginner needs to know about this strange — but important — part of women’s lacrosse rules.

What Is a Stick Check in Women’s Lacrosse?

A stick check is when a referee inspects a player’s stick to make sure it follows the official rules.

In women’s lacrosse:

• Stick checks happen randomly during the game and automatically after a goal.

• After a goal, the scorer’s stick is immediately checked by the referee.

• If the stick passes the check, the goal stands.

• If the stick fails the check, the goal is taken away and the other team gets possession.

This rule keeps the game fair and prevents players from using illegally deep pockets that make it easier to hold onto the ball.

What Makes a Stick Illegal in Women’s Lacrosse?

Several things can make a stick illegal, but after a goal, the most common issue is a deep pocket.

Here’s what the referees are looking for:

• Pocket depth:
  If the ball sits too deep in the pocket and doesn’t come out easily, the stick is illegal.

• Ball rollout test:
  The referee holds the stick horizontally and turns it sideways.
  → If the ball stays stuck in the pocket instead of falling out naturally, it fails.

• Head and shaft dimensions:
  If the stick head or shaft is bent, broken, or outside legal measurements, it’s illegal.

• Strings:
  Extra long shooting strings or sidewall strings that hang too low can also cause a violation.

Important:
It doesn't matter if the stick was legal at the start of the game — if it’s illegal during the check, it’s a problem.

How the Stick Check Works After a Goal

Here’s exactly what happens right after a goal in women’s lacrosse:

1. Goal scored 🎯

   • Player scores and celebrates briefly.

2. Referee calls for the stick 🏑

   • The official asks the scorer for their stick immediately after the goal.

3. The rollout test 🔄

   • The referee holds the stick horizontally and gently rotates it side to side.

   • The ball should fall out easily and naturally.

4. Pass or fail ✅❌

   • If the ball falls out correctly, the goal stands.

   • If the ball stays stuck or doesn’t roll out easily, the goal is wiped off the scoreboard.

5. Possession awarded 🔄

   • The defending team (the team that got scored on) gets possession.

Why Is This Rule So Important in Women’s Lacrosse?

In women’s lacrosse, stick legality is a huge part of the game because of how the sport is played.

• Unlike men's lacrosse, women’s lacrosse sticks have much shallower pockets.

• Players rely more on skill, cradling, and control rather than just holding the ball tightly.

• A deep pocket gives an unfair advantage by making it much easier to:

  • Cradle without losing the ball.

  • Carry the ball through checks.

  • Shoot harder and more accurately.

Bottom line:
The stick check protects the fairness and skill level of women's lacrosse.

How to Make Sure Your Stick Is Always Legal

Here’s how players can avoid losing a goal because of an illegal stick:

Before the Game

• ✅ Break in your stick properly.
  Make sure your pocket is formed legally — not too deep.

• ✅ Perform self-checks.
  Hold your stick flat and rotate it.
  → The ball should fall out without force.

• ✅ Know the rules.
  Understand how deep your pocket is allowed to be and what the rollout test looks like.

• ✅ Check your strings.
  Make sure no strings hang lower than the bottom of the ball when held upright.

During the Game

• 🏑 Don’t let rain or weather alter your pocket.
  Wet weather can stretch mesh and make pockets deeper. Check it at halftime if needed.

• 🏑 Avoid fiddling with your stick mid-game.
  Tightening or loosening strings on the sideline could change the legality.

• 🏑 Carry a backup stick.
  Many players keep a second legal stick ready just in case something happens to their game stick.

Common Reasons Goals Are Wiped Out

Here are the most frequent causes of failed stick checks in women’s lacrosse:

CauseWhat HappensPocket too deepBall won’t roll out easily — goal is wiped outWet or stretched meshPocket deepens during rain — goal is wiped outIllegal stringingLoose shooting strings sag too low — goal is wiped outHead bent or warpedStick outside legal dimensions — goal is wiped out

Quick Tip for Coaches and Beginners

🗣️ "Always check your pocket before every half. Rotate your stick. If the ball doesn’t fall out right away, fix it before the ref does."

This quick reminder can save players from losing important goals in big games.

Fun Fact: College and Pro Women's Lacrosse Have Tight Stick Checks

In college women’s lacrosse (NCAA) and professional leagues like the Athletes Unlimited Lacrosse, stick checks are even stricter.

• Every goal scorer’s stick gets checked immediately.

• Referees also randomly check sticks during games.

• Illegal sticks can lead not only to wiped-out goals, but sometimes personal penalties too.

Conclusion: Don’t Let a Bad Stick Erase Your Big Moment

The stick check rule after goals might seem harsh at first, but it’s one of the most important rules in women’s lacrosse.

Remember:

• Always make sure your stick is legal.

• The ball should fall out naturally when the stick is turned.

• Be aware that weather, hard checks, or long games can alter your pocket during play.

• Carry a backup stick if you can — it could save your season.

By staying smart about your gear, you’ll keep your goals, help your team, and avoid heartbreaking moments where a great shot disappears off the scoreboard.