Essential Rules for a Legal Stick in Women’s Lacrosse

In women’s lacrosse, stick rules are essential for ensuring fairness in play, especially regarding the legality of the pocket, shaft length, and shooting strings. Below is a detailed breakdown of the rules governing the legality of a stick in women’s lacrosse:

Pocket Depth

• 12U and Above (including high school and professional levels):

• The pocket depth is critical for legality. When pressure is applied to the ball in the pocket, the top of the ball must remain visible above the sidewall of the stick head, both from the front and the back of the pocket.

• Officials will test this by pressing on the pocket and checking to ensure the ball does not sit too deeply.

• The pocket can be strung using either mesh or traditional (leather) stringing methods, but the depth rule remains consistent.

• 10U (Modified Pocket):

• The rule here is slightly more lenient, as only half of the ball can fall below the bottom of the sidewall. This allows for more leeway but still restricts the pocket from being too deep.

• 8U (No Pocket Restrictions):

• At this level, there are no restrictions on pocket depth, allowing players to use any size pocket, making the game easier for beginners.

Stick Length

• The overall length of the stick, including the head and shaft, must be between 35.5 inches and 43.25 inches. This measurement includes both the shaft and the head.

Head Dimensions

• The head of the stick must measure between 7 and 9 inches wide.

• The pocket depth and placement, along with the overall design of the stick head, must conform to the regulation size to prevent unfair advantages in ball handling.

Shooting Strings

• The shooting strings in a women’s lacrosse stick must be within 4 inches from the top of the head.

• The number of shooting strings is not strictly regulated, but their placement within this boundary is crucial for maintaining legality.

Shaft and Grips

• The shaft should not have protrusions, sharp edges, or any material that could potentially harm other players.

• Certain grips or tape additions are permitted as long as they don’t create an unfair advantage or interfere with stick checks.

Illegal Sticks and Penalties

• If a stick is found to be illegal during a game, it can lead to penalties, including the removal of the player from the game until a legal stick is used.

• Stick checks can happen before the game, during timeouts, or after goals to ensure compliance with all regulations.

Stick Check Procedure

• Officials check stick legality by pressing the ball into the pocket, checking the shooting strings’ placement, and ensuring that the head dimensions and pocket depth are within regulation.

Understanding and adhering to these stick rules is essential for all players, as violations can lead to penalties, and illegal sticks can drastically alter the flow and fairness of the game.