REEDY RIVER BOX LACROSSE LEAGUE

Official League Rules & Playing Guidelines

The Reedy River Box Lacrosse League is committed to providing a safe, competitive, structured, and enjoyable box lacrosse environment for players of all ages and skill levels.

Our youth playing rules are designed to closely follow the principles and structure of the US Box Lacrosse Association (USBOXLA) Rule & Situational Book, allowing our players to develop within a rules environment that is consistent with box lacrosse competition throughout the United States.
The League may modify certain rules for local league play based on facility limitations, age, player development, scheduling, or safety.

When participating in a USBOXLA-sanctioned tournament, the tournament's official USBOXLA rules and regulations will supersede any Reedy River Box Lacrosse League rule that differs from the tournament rules.

1. Sportsmanship & Conduct
All players, coaches, team officials, and participants are expected to demonstrate respect toward:

• Teammates

• Opposing players

• Coaches and team staff

• Referees and game officials

• League administrators

• Facility staff

• Spectators

Unsportsmanlike conduct, abusive language, intentional dangerous play, harassment, intimidation, or behavior that threatens the safety of another participant may result in penalties, removal from a game, or additional league discipline.
Players and coaches are expected to compete aggressively while maintaining respect and control.
Competitive play is encouraged. Unsportsmanlike behavior is not.

2. Fighting — Zero Tolerance
Fighting is prohibited in all Reedy River Box Lacrosse League divisions.
The League is committed to maintaining a safe and competitive environment and does not consider fighting to be an acceptable part of league play.
Youth Divisions — U18
Fighting will result in an immediate game ejection.
Additional league discipline may be imposed when deemed necessary based on the circumstances of the incident.
For players under 18, the League may also notify the player's parent or legal guardian and/or team representative.
Men's Senior Division — 18+
A player who participates in a fight will receive a:
5-Minute Major Penalty
The player will serve the applicable 5-minute major penalty.
No additional disciplinary action will be issued for the fighting incident unless the League determines that further action is necessary due to the circumstances or severity of the incident.
Women's Senior Division — 18+
Fighting is prohibited. Players involved in fighting may be subject to immediate game ejection and additional league discipline when deemed necessary.
Leaving the Bench or Penalty Box
Any player who leaves the bench or penalty box for the purpose of participating in a fight may be subject to additional penalties or disciplinary action at the discretion of the game officials and League.

3. Youth Age Divisions
The Reedy River Box Lacrosse League offers the following youth divisions:

• Junior "C" — U10–U12

• Junior "B" — U14–U16

• Junior "A" — U18

The League will make every reasonable effort to maintain appropriate age divisions.
When registration numbers are insufficient to operate separate divisions, the League may combine age groups within reason to ensure players have the opportunity to compete and the league can continue operating.
Age combinations will consider:

• Player age

• Player safety

• Skill level

• Physical development

• Roster numbers

• Competitive balance

For USBOXLA-sanctioned tournament play, however, teams must follow the tournament's applicable age requirements. Current USBOXLA event rules generally permit players to play up but not down, and sanctioned events do not allow overage players.

4. USBOXLA Membership & Tournament Eligibility
Players participating in USBOXLA-sanctioned events must maintain an active USBOXLA membership as required by the event.
USBOXLA states that participants in sanctioned play must have active membership, and players who do not meet the membership requirement may be removed from the playing surface.
The Reedy River Box Lacrosse League may require players representing the League at USBOXLA tournaments to provide proof of:

• USBOXLA membership

• Age eligibility

• Team roster status

• Required waivers

• Required equipment

• Any tournament-specific documentation

Tournament-specific eligibility rules will always take precedence over local league age-placement policies.

5. Equipment Requirements
Players are required to wear appropriate protective equipment for box lacrosse.
At minimum, players should be properly equipped with:

• Approved helmet with appropriate face protection

• Mouthguard

• Gloves

• Shoulder/chest protection

• Elbow protection

• Protective athletic equipment

• Approved lacrosse stick

• Appropriate footwear

• Any additional protective equipment required by the League or tournament

All equipment must be properly fitted and maintained.
Sticks
For youth competition intended to follow USBOXLA standards, wooden player or goalie sticks are not permitted.
USBOXLA also specifies equipment requirements for goalkeepers, including required chest/arm and shin protection categories based on age/grade.
Players attending USBOXLA tournaments are responsible for meeting the equipment requirements of the specific tournament.

6. Goaltender Equipment
Goalkeepers must wear properly fitted and approved protective equipment.
USBOXLA maintains specific equipment categories for goaltenders based on age group. These requirements are intended to provide appropriate protection while maintaining the ability to move and play the position effectively.
The League may inspect goalkeeper equipment before or during games.
A player may be prohibited from playing goal if their equipment does not meet required safety standards.

7. Checking & Physical Contact
Box lacrosse is a physical sport; however, the level of permitted physical contact will increase progressively as players become older and more experienced.
U10–U12 — Limited Contact
The youngest divisions will have limited checking and physical contact.
Officials will emphasize:

• Body positioning

• Defensive footwork

• Stick positioning

• Proper technique

• Player awareness

• Safe physical play

The League will prioritize skill development over physical dominance.
U14–U16 — Developing Physical Play
Players will begin to experience a greater level of permitted physical contact.
Controlled defensive contact and appropriate box lacrosse positioning will become a larger part of the game.
U18 — Advanced Youth Physical Play
The U18 division will allow a greater level of physical contact consistent with the applicable box lacrosse rules.
Players should be prepared for physical play similar to what they may encounter when transitioning into adult competition.
Adult Divisions
Adult divisions will generally permit the highest level of physical contact within the League, consistent with applicable box lacrosse rules and the judgment of game officials.
Physicality is part of box lacrosse. Dangerous play is not.

8. Progressive Checking Zones
The League will use a progressive physicality model.
As players advance:
U10–U12 → U14–U16 → U18 → Adult
the amount of permitted physical contact and the areas of the floor where checking is permitted will increase.
Younger players will have more restrictions on where and how physical contact can occur.
Older divisions will progressively move toward the full physical style of box lacrosse.
The League reserves the right to adjust physical-contact standards when necessary to maintain player safety.

9. Illegal & Dangerous Contact
Regardless of division or age, the following types of contact are prohibited:

• Checks to the head or neck

• Dangerous or reckless checks

• Intentional contact with a player who is in a vulnerable position

• Contact after the play intended to injure or intimidate

• Excessive force

• Boarding or dangerous contact with the boards

• Deliberate contact with a goaltender outside of permitted play

• Any contact officials determine to be dangerous or unnecessary

Officials may assess penalties or remove players from a game when contact is deemed dangerous.

10. Minor Penalties
The standard minor penalty is generally two minutes.
The offending player will serve the penalty in the penalty box, unless the applicable rule provides otherwise.
A minor penalty may be assessed for infractions including, but not limited to:

• Holding

• Interference

• Tripping

• Slashing

• Illegal contact

• Too many players

• Delay of game

• Illegal equipment

• Other minor infractions

USBOXLA's rule structure uses two-minute minor penalties, with certain penalties ending early when the opposing team scores.

11. Major Penalties
A major penalty is generally five minutes.
The offending player will be removed from the floor and serve the applicable penalty time.
Major penalties may be assessed for more serious infractions, including dangerous physical play or other serious violations.
USBOXLA's current published rules identify a major penalty as five minutes and provide specific procedures for major penalties and penalty release.

12. Game Ejections
A player, coach, or team official may be removed from the remainder of a game for conduct that warrants a game ejection.
Examples may include:

• Abuse of officials

• Serious misconduct

• Dangerous conduct

• Repeated serious violations

• Other conduct specifically designated as a game-ejection offense

A player who is ejected must leave the playing area as directed by the officials.

13. Checking & Cross-Checking
Players may use legal defensive positioning and physical contact consistent with their division.
A cross-check or other dangerous use of the stick is prohibited.
Players may not use the shaft of the stick in a manner that creates dangerous or excessive contact.
USBOXLA specifically distinguishes legal "place and push" defensive contact from illegal cross-checking.

14. Stick Infractions
Players may not use their stick in a dangerous manner.
Infractions may include:

• Slashing

• High sticking

• Spearing

• Butt-ending

• One-handed dangerous checks

• Illegal cross-checking

• Other dangerous stick contact

Officials will determine whether contact constitutes a penalty based on the nature, force, location, and circumstances of the play.
USBOXLA's referee curriculum specifically identifies these as recognized penalty categories.

15. Crease & Goaltender Protection
The goal crease is a protected area.
Players may not intentionally interfere with the goalkeeper or gain an unfair advantage by illegally entering or occupying the crease.
Offensive players must respect the goalkeeper's ability to make saves and move within the crease.
Crease violations and goalkeeper interference will be ruled by the officials.
USBOXLA specifically includes crease play and procedures for restarting play after a crease violation in its official gameplay instruction.

16. Offensive Picks
Legal picks and screens are permitted when performed within the rules.
Players may establish position to create space for teammates but may not illegally hold, trip, charge, or otherwise initiate dangerous contact against a defender.
The League will follow the applicable USBOXLA interpretation of legal picks for youth competition.

17. Faceoffs & Possession
Games will begin with a faceoff as directed by the officials.
Faceoffs and possession restarts will be administered by the officials in accordance with the applicable box lacrosse rules.
Players are expected to maintain proper positioning and follow referee instructions during faceoffs.
USBOXLA's coaching and officiating systems specifically include standardized faceoff mechanics and possession procedures.

18. Shot Clock
Where a functioning shot clock is available and implemented for the division, the League will use the applicable USBOXLA shot-clock standard.
The USBOXLA system uses a 30-second shot clock to keep play moving and encourage offensive pressure.
The League may modify or omit the shot clock for certain youth games when facility or scheduling limitations make its use impractical.
USBOXLA-sanctioned tournament play will follow the tournament's applicable shot-clock requirements.

19. Ball Out of Bounds
When the ball leaves the playing area, possession will be awarded according to the applicable box lacrosse rules and the official's determination.
Players must not intentionally delay the restart of play.

20. Delayed & Restarted Play
Players must promptly return to their appropriate positions when instructed by officials.
Deliberately delaying a restart, refusing to return the ball, or intentionally preventing the opposing team from restarting play may result in a delay-of-game penalty.

21. Too Many Players
Teams must maintain the correct number of players on the playing surface.
Having too many players on the floor may result in a bench or too-many-players penalty.
Players entering or leaving the floor must do so through the appropriate area and in accordance with the rules.

22. Abuse of Officials
Zero tolerance will be given to abuse of referees or League officials.
Players, coaches, parents, spectators, and team officials are expected to respect game officials.
Abuse may include:

• Threats

• Harassment

• Intimidation

• Profanity directed at officials

• Physical contact

• Repeated aggressive arguing

• Attempts to influence or intimidate an official

The League may remove individuals from the facility or impose additional team or individual discipline when necessary.
USBOXLA similarly states that abuse of officials or staff may result in penalties, removal of spectators, or team disqualification in sanctioned events.
23. No Protest of On-Floor Calls
Game officials are responsible for making decisions during play.
On-floor officiating decisions are final.
Teams may not stop or delay a game to protest a referee's judgment call.
USBOXLA-sanctioned events currently state that there is no appeal process for on-floor calls or game outcomes.
Questions concerning league administration or rule interpretation may be brought to the League Director after the game.

24. Timeouts
Timeouts may be granted according to the game format established for the division.
If the League follows the standard USBOXLA tournament format, teams may receive one 30-second timeout per game.
The League may modify timeout rules for local league games based on game length and facility scheduling.

25. Game Timing
Game length and timing may vary depending on division, facility availability, and league scheduling.
Where practical, the League will utilize a format consistent with USBOXLA gameplay.
USBOXLA's published gameplay format uses three periods with running time and a stop-time final minute under its standard tournament format.
The exact game clock format for Reedy River league games will be communicated before the season.

26. Overtime & Shootouts
Regular-season games may use a shootout or other tie-breaking procedure depending on the League's schedule and game format.
For USBOXLA-sanctioned tournament play, the tournament's official overtime and shootout rules will apply.
USBOXLA's published tournament format uses a shootout procedure following regulation, while designated medal games may use a sudden-death overtime period before a shootout.

27. Player Safety
Players are expected to use all required protective equipment and follow League safety requirements.
Players should immediately report injuries, suspected concussions, or other medical concerns to a coach, referee, League Director, or responsible League representative.
A player suspected of suffering a significant injury may be removed from play.
The League emphasizes proper equipment, player education, and safe development of box lacrosse fundamentals.

28. Jerseys & Uniforms
Players must wear the official league/team jersey when required.
Jerseys must display an identifiable player number.
For USBOXLA tournament participation, teams must follow the tournament's uniform requirements. USBOXLA events may require numbered box lacrosse jerseys rather than field uniforms or practice pinnies.

29. Player Numbers
Each player must have an assigned jersey number.
Players should provide their preferred number during registration.
Numbers are subject to availability and may be changed when necessary to prevent duplicate numbers on the same team.

30. Coaches & Bench Personnel
Coaches and team personnel are responsible for maintaining control of their bench and promoting appropriate conduct.
Coaches are expected to:

• Promote player safety

• Respect officials

• Follow League rules

• Ensure players use required equipment

• Avoid encouraging dangerous or unsportsmanlike play

• Assist with maintaining an appropriate team environment
   

31. Team Responsibility
Team managers and designated representatives are responsible for ensuring that their players:

• Are properly registered

• Have submitted required waivers

• Meet applicable age requirements

• Have appropriate equipment

• Understand League rules

• Follow facility policies

• Maintain appropriate conduct
   

32. USBOXLA Tournament Participation
Teams representing the Reedy River Box Lacrosse League at USBOXLA-sanctioned tournaments will be required to comply with the applicable tournament rules.
This may include requirements involving:

• USBOXLA membership

• Age verification

• Birthdate/grade eligibility

• Equipment

• Jerseys

• Rosters

• Game procedures

• Penalties

• Officials

• Shot clocks

• Overtime

• Tournament conduct

USBOXLA currently uses strict age-group requirements for sanctioned events, including no overage players and the ability for eligible players to play up but not down.
Tournament rules supersede local Reedy River rules whenever the two differ.

33. Progressive Player Development
The League's youth rules are intentionally designed to introduce players to the physical and tactical aspects of box lacrosse progressively.
Players will develop through:
U10–U12
→ Fundamental skills, positioning, controlled contact
U14–U16
→ Increased physicality, defensive concepts, picks, transition play
U18
→ Advanced physical play, tactical systems, game awareness
Adult
→ Full competitive box lacrosse environment
The goal is to prepare players for higher levels of box lacrosse while maintaining an age-appropriate and safe environment.

34. League Authority
The Reedy River Box Lacrosse League reserves the right to interpret, modify, or enforce League rules when necessary to maintain:

• Player safety

• Competitive balance

• Sportsmanship

• Proper game flow

• Age-appropriate competition

• Facility requirements

• Tournament preparation

• A positive league environment

The League Director and designated League officials will have final authority regarding league-specific administrative and disciplinary matters.

35. Rule Updates
Box lacrosse rules may change as the sport continues to develop.
The Reedy River Box Lacrosse League may update these rules to remain consistent with:

• USBOXLA rule changes

• Tournament requirements

• Facility requirements

• Player safety standards

• Equipment standards

• League development
   

Players, coaches, and team representatives are responsible for reviewing the most current version of the League rules before participating.

OUR STANDARD
The Reedy River Box Lacrosse League is committed to teaching and playing real box lacrosse while creating an environment where players can compete, develop, and enjoy the sport.
Our youth divisions will emphasize proper fundamentals, progressive physicality, structured gameplay, player safety, and sportsmanship.

Play hard. Play smart. Respect the game. Respect your opponent.
Welcome to Reedy River Box Lacrosse League.