2025 NESS GUIDELINES

FORMAT BY DIVISION

2026-2032 Divisions (12v12 Format):

*All US Lacrosse Rules Apply at this event

*Teams Will Play at Least 3 - 40 Minute Games (2-20 minute halves)

*Games that end with an 8M will have the 8M played out at the half and end of game

MERCY RULE (YOUTH ONLY): If a team is ahead by 10 goals, the opposing team MAY REQUEST the mercy rule and receive the ball at the draw circle

*CHECKING

• HS and Youth 2029 Division: FULL CHECKING
• YOUTH 2030: TRANSITIONAL CHECKING
• YOUTH 2031/2032 Divisions: MODIFIED CHECKING (below shoulder)

U10 Division (7v7 Format):

*All US Lacrosse Rules Apply at this event with the exception of the DRAW (We will have a Draw Control after every goal).

*Teams will play with 7 field players (2D,3M,2A) and a goalie (teams with smaller rosters may play with 2M)

*Teams Will Play 3 - 40 Minute games

*NO CHECKING!!

*Teams must make one pass once the ball has passed the midline before they can shoot

*Games that end with an 8M will have the 8M played out

*FREE GOALIE CLEAR: After a save  the opposing team must drop to below the 8M to allow a free clear.

 

MERCY RULE: If a team is ahead by 10 goals, the opposing team MAY REQUEST the mercy rule and receive the ball at the draw circle