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  FAQ
Must I be a member of US Lacrosse?
All players, coaches and game officials must be members of US Lacrosse.

Only members of US Lacrosse may participate in any NCJLA league-wide or club only events.

This is an absolute requirement with no exceptions.

What rules govern NCJLA play?
NCJLA plays under the NFHS Boys Lacrosse Rules (National Federation of State High School Associations). The Rules include Rules for Youth Lacrosse.

You can contact them at www.nfhs.org or (800)776-3462. The Rules Book costs $6.50 at www.uslacrosse.org or 866-877-7550

What are the Proper Field Dimensions
The rules specify one size field for ALL levels.

(Rule 1, Section 2 Art. 1) calls for field dimensions of 110 yards in length and between 53 1/3 & 60 yards wide.

(Youth Council amendments) state that for youth games a "regulation size field is preferred; however the coaches and officials can agree to play on any size field available."

Are there amendments for boy's rules (8th grade & under)?
ALL PLAYERS, COACHES & OFFICIALS MUST BE MEMBERS OF US LACROSSE
Junior Boys, Pups and PeeWees

1. The following are Points of Emphasis and/or variations from the Rules Book:
2. National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Boy’s Lacrosse 2008 Rule Book.
($6.50 at www.uslacrosse.org or 866-877-7550 )
3. No 10-second count to advance the ball (2008 except for Junior 8A); however, enforce the stalling “keep it in” rule in the last two minutes of the game. Goalie 4-seconds is enforced. No 20-second clearing timer (2008 except for Junior 8A), but keep the game moving.
4. Home teams are responsible for contrasting jerseys, pennies are OK with numbers. Officials make final determination if jerseys need to be changed, NOT head coaches. New NFHS jersey rules must be followed except for the new requirement of size of numbers on jerseys.
5. Two time outs per half and one per overtime - sudden victory period. Team time outs may be called on any “dead ball” or “with possession” anywhere on the field.
6. PeeWees can bump and maneuver, just cannot body check, within 5 yards of ball on ground. (Like boxing out in basketball.)
a. We want to promote skill, not violence.
b. Refs should remember unnecessary roughness call is always available.
c. No colored mouth guard = 1 minute non-releasable penalty
7. Coaches should talk with referees before game to understand how they will call the game.
8. Checking rules:
(No Long Sticks for Pee Wees) All Pups Teams will be allowed as by rule up to four long sticks with the approved lengths of 50" to 62" inches.
a. Body Checking – Rule 5 Section 3
Page 51 – 2008 NFHS Rule Book.

Clarification as stated for youth lacrosse by the USLacrosse Youth Committee can also be viewed on page 92 of the 2008 NFHS Rule Book.
Body checking is permitted in Senior (NCJLA Juniors) and Junior (NCJLA Pups) Divisions; however, no take-out checks are permitted by any player. A take out check is defined as any check in which the player lowers his head or shoulder with the force and intent to put the other player on the ground.

NCJLA Pups and juniors play under the NFHS Juniors and Senior rules respectively.

b. Stick lengths: PeeWee 37” – 42,” Pups C Division Teams only 37” – 42”
All Pups teams may use long sticks between 50" - 62" Juniors 40” – 42” and 52” – 72”
9. Stop Time vs. Run Time: (Pre-game line-up is to be held.)
a. Single game: Pups/PeeWees = 12-minute quarters, run time; Juniors = 10-minute quarters, stop time; High School = 12-minute quarters, stop time
b. Overtime - Sudden Victory: HS/Junior/Pups = 4-minute sudden victory, PeeWee = No overtime.
c. Multiple games and Jamborees: Refs may use 12-minute running-time quarters for Junior level to keep the schedule of games on time. At the Junior Level, stop-time is to be employed whenever possible.
d. Officials know to expand the game time as much as possible.
e. Referees must start and stop games on time. If running behind on a given day, adjust timing to make sure we stay on schedule.
f. If a team is late (not dressed, warmed up and ready to play on time), it forfeits. However, play a scrimmage in the remaining time allowed.
10. Face-off begins quarters, or ball to team in possession when penalty running at end of period or by any other stated approved rule.
11.If one official does not show then attending official assumes duties of referee and may assign assistant(s). If no game officials show then representatives from each team meet and choose game officials.
12. The 3-chair rule. If the visiting team wishes to have a representative at the table then they may do so. Thus the need for a third chair. The purpose is to enable the visiting team to make sure that the game information is being recorded accurately.
13. Mercy Rules:
a. 10-Goal Differential = change to run time in 2nd half (if a stop-time game) remains in effect. This is different from the NFHS rule

What happens when a player is ejected from a game?
NCJLA has a long standing rule that any player ejected from a game must sit out the next game. It does not matter if it is a playoff game or not. In addition, the penalty carries into the next season if a player is ejected during the last game of the season.

Any fighting requires an ejection. Any players leaving the bench area and entering the field during a fight are to be ejected. If multiple players are ejected then they all must sit out the next game. If a team is unable to field a team due to multiple ejections then they must forfeit.

What is the Pre-Game Protocol?
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA JUNIOR LACROSSE LEAGUE
PRE-GAME PROTOCOL

The NCJLA works long and hard to make the schedule accurate. Nevertheless, there will be errors and/or changes that will happen without notification to all necessary parties. As such, league policy is for teams to contact each other and the game officials to verify dates, times and locations. We consider this a courtesy that should be afforded each other in order to avoid problems. Naturally, a club may appoint someone other than the head coach to attend to these matters. Communication by phone or e-mail should be confirmed and messages not assumed received.

“HOME” COACH (or agent) PRE-GAME CONFIRMATION

1. Two days before each game, the “home” coach is responsible to “contact” visiting coach(s) (and the host team, if appropriate) to confirm game date, time, location, directions and color of uniform (in order to avoid duplication). Also, give each other a head’s up on weather related field conditions.

2. Two days before each game, home coach is to check on game officials to confirm teams, date, time, location and directions. Look for assignments and contact information on www.thearbiter.net (contact calboone@saber.net for access).

GAME DAY RESPONSIBILITY OF “HOME” CLUB

3. Provide Score Pad and Scorer, with a copy to visitor after the game, and a time keeper
4. Responsible to update game information on www.ncjlax.org

GAME DAY RESPONSIBILITY of “HOST” CLUB

5. Fields lined with seven (7) cones placed according to rules.
6. Goals must be of one color and nets must be of one color
7. Table with 2 or 3 chairs
8. Provide two game clocks (for game time/for penalty time)
9. Provide a substitution Horn (unless not allowed by city ordinance)
10. Provide a “Field Marshall” to monitor activities and provide information
11. Directions to closest Hospital at scorer’s table
12. Provide bathrooms and directions to bathrooms at scorer’s table
13. Water for game officials

GAME DAY RESPONSIBILITY of “EACH” CLUB

14. Provide Scorer with team roster. This to include Position, Jersey Number and Name. Please identify starters and identities of midfield lines.
15. Fans are to be on the opposite side of field from teams wherever possible.
16. No spectators are allowed on the end lines.
17. Winning coach (or agent) to update scores on sPortability within 48 hours of game conclusion.

18. ALL TEAMS MUST ARRIVE IN TIME TO WARM UP AND BE READY TO PLAY AT THE SCHEDULED TIME. (Weekday Traffic Allowance if Needed)

Uniform requirements?
The NCJLA has adopted the NFHS Boys USLacrosse Rules for Girls.

NEW for the 2008 season.
Rule 1-9g specifies the jersey will have:
• 8-inch numerals on the front that shall be centered (Required in 2008)
• 12-inch numerals on the back that shall be centered (Required in 2008)
Youth teams (Juniors and below are allowed 10 - inch numbers.
• At least long enough to reach the belt of the pants. If longer, it shall be tucked in.

• High School = NFHS rule (12 inch numbers on back)
• Juniors = NFHS rule with 10 inch number on back
• Pups = 6-inch numerals on the front that shall be centered
10-inch numerals on the back that shall be centered
• PeeWee = 6-inch numerals on the front that shall be centered
8-inch numerals on the back that shall be centered


The home team will traditionally wear their white jerseys if they have two different colored jerseys. More importantly, it is required of the home coach to confirm the visitors’ jersey color and be prepared to where an alternative color if the game officials deem it necessary. The game head referee has final decision if an alternative jersey is needed, not the head coaches.

Logos or Sponsored advertising may be worn on a uniform but may be no larger then 4 inches in either direction. It can not replace the Club name/mascot name across the front or back of the jersey Logos can be in the form of a patch, tackle-twill or screened.

Sponsored Logo’s can be no larger then 4” x 4”

The Board of directors ultimately has the final say in what is appropriate for any logo or sponsorship showing on the uniform. It is up to the individual Club to maintain a suitable logo design and saying which would appear on a youth player’s uniform.
A bar or saloon sponsorship would NOT be a good example for a youth team.
ie: Joe’s Bar & Grill


To get a rule book see FAQ: What rules govern NCJLA play?

What are the Age Definitions for U15 & U13?
Age Definition for U-15

Under US Lacrosse rules, players may not be 15 years of age before December 31, 2007 to be eligible for 2008 U-15 events. Accordingly, players that turn 15 after December 31, 2007 are eligible. Regardless of age, no player who has competed at the High School level is eligible to participate in 2008 U-15 events. 9th GRADERS are not allowed to participate no matter what the situation.

Age Definition for U-13

Under US Lacrosse rules, players may not be 13 years of age before December 31, 2007 to be eligible for 2008 U-13 events. Accordingly, players that turn 13 after December 31, 2007 are eligible. Regardless of age, no player who has competed at the High School level is eligible to participate in 2008 U-13 events

Can a player play up?
Yes, it is the position of NCJLA that "special players deserve special opportunities." As long as the player, parents, coach and club agree then the league will concur.

However, this should not be taken lightly. The "playing up" player should be in the top third of the team that he or she is moving up to.

If several players all want to move up then it would likely be better to all stay at grade level and enjoy a dominant season.

If a player moves up, he/she is allowed to play up to three (3) games and still be allowed to be moved down to his/her original team.

No player is allowed to play on two different teams within an eight (8) day period. This rule would make it so that a player could not play on the same team within the same weekend and perhaps not play on the 2nd team the following weekend as well depending when the 1st game was played.

The rule is designed to discourage Clubs from floating players from one team to another.

Can a girl play on a boy's team?
Yes, NCJLA has traditionally allowed girls to play on boys teams up until 8th grade. However, there must not be a corresponding girls team in the same club.

The girl(s) involved must clearly want to do this as the mix does not always work to the players advantage.

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