NFHS / NCAA Differences 2004-High School vs College Rules

February 22, 2004 - Fans of lacrosse often get to see both high school and college games during the course of the season. The rules of the game, although substantially the same are governed by different organizations.

High school teams in New York State play under the National Federation of High School rules whereas college teams are governed by the NCAA.

Here are the substantial difference between the two sets of rules.

RULE	HIGH SCHOOL	COLLEGE
Field	May vary from 53.3 to 60 yds	60 yards unless otherwise mutually agreed
Goals	Round ground pipes may be used	Round ground pipes are a violation
Helmet Color	Common color is recommended but will be required in 2005	Common color is required
Glove Color	Common color is not required	Common color is required
Football Equipment	Football shoulder pads and helmets are prohibited	Football helmet with lacrosse face mask
Time of quarters	12 minute quarters	15 minute quarters
Forfeited Games	Procedures determined by state or local associations	NCAA authority
Goalkeeper's Penalty	Allowed a one-minute warm-up of the on-field replacement. Not a charged time out	No warm-up is allowed
Spectator Lines	No penalty	May penalize
Goal Differential	When score differential reaches 10 goals or more in the second half - running clock	No rule
Time-Outs	Anywhere on the field	Only on the offensive half of the field
Mouthpiece	May be a clear color	Must be yellow or other highly visible color
Chief Bench Official	Can call time-outs during live ball situations	Time outs on dead ball
Illegal Equipment	Playing without mouthpiece is a one minute non releasable foul	Technical foul