These 10U rules & mechanics come from two USA Lacrosse sources:
2024 Youth Rules Comparison Chart
IYLA 10U Games
FORMAT & PRE-GAME:
- Game is 7v7 with 10 minutes running time quarters. There are no timeouts and no overtime. Remind coaches before game starts.
- A maximum of 3 Long Poles on the field for each team.
- Before game starts make sure you get from the coaches who the IN-HOME attack man and Nominated Defender (ND) is from each team.
- Hold coin toss with team captains and winner gets choice of goal or AP (alternating possession)
FACE OFF:
- Face Off players may have a knee on the ground if they choose.
- Both teams must have 2 field players behind GLE at both ends. The 5th field (wing) players have one foot on either side line. Same side or not, their choice.
- All field players are released when whistle blows to start faceoff.
- Goal Keepers are released when the ball is possessed after the face off. So remember to call out and signal possession.
- Remind coaches that on possession after each face off there must be 1 attempt to pass before shooting on goal (does not apply to run of play possession changes) – recommend referee points arm straight out at goal to indicate pass has been attempted & goal may now be scored after face off
- In 2nd half if score differential ≥ 12 then losing coach may choose possession at center instead of face off. If score differential later drops to ≤ 6 then normal face off applies.
GAME PLAY
- Limited stick checking, with only lift checks, poke checks and stick checks starting below an opponent’s shoulders. Two hands on stick and no body or take out checks.
- Offsides is enforced with 7V7. A team is considered offside when a team has more than 4 players in its offensive half of the field (don’t count penalty area players)
- When a “scrum” of 3 or more players cannot pick up loose ball during play in ~ 4 seconds then use Alternating Possession (AP)
- Remind coaches there are no “on the fly” subs during live play. Subs only at dead ball.
- There is the 4 second count for GK possession in the crease. Use arm to make visible count. But NO 10 sec or 20 sec counts for advancement.
PENALTIES:
- All penalty time is non-releasable but team does not play man down while player serves time.
- Whistle play to stop when ball touches ground after a flag is thrown, unless it is a shot. Whistle when shot doesn’t score.
- IN-HOME serves time if Coach gets conduct foul & ND serves time for GK if Goal Keeper fouls.
Have FUN. Smile. Tell the kids what they are doing wrong so they can learn.
