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Publisher’s Note: The National Federation of State High School Associations is the only source of official high school interpretations. They do not set aside nor modify any rule. They are made and published by the NFHS in response to situations presented.
Dr. Karissa L. Niehoff, Publisher, NFHS Publications © 2025

2025 NFHS/USL Girls Lacrosse Rules Book Corrections: (Underlining shows additions; strikethrough shows deletions.)

Rules Book Corrections
Page 51, 8-1 NOTE: A team playing short due to a suspension or ejection of a player issuance of a card or cards;
Page 56, 9.1 SITUATION A: A minor foul called on the Red Team defender inside the critical scoring area 12-meter fan;
Page 61, 10-1 PENALTIES 6: For a false start by the goalkeeper or the deputy, while in the goal circle, the free position will be taken at the closest dot. The goalkeeper may remain in the goal circle. A defensive player is not placed behind the free position. When a goalkeeper attempts to self-starts from a free position in the goal circle, when a self-start is not an option, the free position is reset and no penalty is assessed. Repeated violation may result in a delay-of-game card.

SITUATION 1: During the pregame crosse inspection, the official notices A1 wearing post earrings with a religious symbol. The official notifies Team A’s head coach that A1’s jewelry must be removed. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: If Team A’s head coach informs the official that the jewelry cannot be removed for religious reasons, the officials shall require A1 to tape over the religious jewelry before entering the game. If an official questions the validity of a religious item, the official shall allow the player to play with the item taped and notify the state association. (2-7-5b, 3-5-3e)

SITUATION 2: During the pregame crosse inspection, the official notices A1 wearing a necklace with a religious symbol. The official notifies A1 that the jewelry must be removed. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: If A1 or Team A’s head coach informs the official that the jewelry cannot be removed for religious reasons, the officials shall require A1 to tuck the necklace under the uniform (if possible) and tape the religious jewelry to the body before entering the game. If an official questions the validity of a religious item, the official shall allow the player to play with the item taped and notify the state association. (2-7-5b, 3-5-3e)

SITUATION 3: During the pregame meeting, the officials notice one of the coaches behaving erratically and slurring their words. The official notifies the game administrator of their concern regarding the potentially impaired coach. RULING: Game administration shall address the situation and make the final decision regarding the coach’s involvement in the contest. COMMENT: It is not the official’s duty to assess whether a person is impaired. Instead, the official should notify the game administrator if there is a belief that someone is impaired. (12 NOTES 1 & 2)