Get to Know Our Game - Rules for U7 and U9 Men's Field Lacrosse

Sanctioned club lacrosse play in Canada is based on the World Lacrosse rules for both men's and women's field lacrosse.  For younger players, in keeping with Canada's Long Term Athlete Development Pathway (LTAD), the World Lacrosse rules are modified.  To support player development and safety, the following rules are used for gameplay in the men's field lacrosse U7 and U9 divisions:

This document reflects the approved game format per the Alberta Field Lacrosse Association’s Regulations (Regulation 2.02).  Click here to view the rules for all divisions of play. 

Over-Arching Objectives - Fun

• Teach basic skills (catching, throwing, scooping the ball)
• Introduce rules and the concepts of fair play and good sportsmanship, and
• Physical activity.

Playing Time:

• To support player development, all players must receive equal playing time.

Equipment and Apparel:

• All players including goalkeepers are required to wear mouthguards that are easily visible to the officials (not clear or white).
• Required equipment for runners includes:
  • Hockey or field lacrosse helmet with face mask
  • Shoulder pads
  • Arm and elbow guards
  • Kidney/back pads
  • Lacrosse stick
  • Athletic protector
• Required equipment for goalies includes:
  • Approved helmet
  • Chest protector
  • Arm and elbow guards
  • Goalie pants
  • Goalie stick
  • Athletic protector

Bench Personnel

• Each team must have 1 head coach and may have up to 3 assistants in the team bench area and must remain in the ‘coaches walk’.
• Only bench personnel shown on the game sheet and AFLA representatives may be in the time/scorekeeper tent.
• The game sheet is kept for insurance purposes only. Teams must provide player information (including jersey numbers).   
• Parents and spectators must be seated on the opposite side of the field from the player's benches.

Game Format:

• 5 on 5 play (4 on 4 with a goalie)
• 4 x 4 net with regulation crease and softball
• Play will be non-contact with no offsides and no faceoffs after goals
• Field of Play - Crossfield. (width will be restraining line to end line, length of field will be sideline to sideline) 35 x 60 in ends
• Coaches act as officials and manage the game, no penalties
• No score will be displayed or reported to the players.
• Players will conclude the game with a handshake. Coaches must emphasize good conduct and sportsmanship in the handshake line. 

Length of Game:

• 10-minute warm-up
• 2 x 15-minute halves run time
• 5 min break between halves

Help us help our players grow to love lacrosse!  Praise effort, not results; be positive; praise the performance of both teams; do not yell instructions and have fun!