Town Pride Leauge
3rd and 4th Grade - Small Ball Rules
Sportsmanship
Small ball is the TPL’s entry level game play. It should be played with a “sportsmanship first” approach from both players and coaches. As a league, our goal is to provide a safe playing atmosphere, where all kids play fairly and evenly. Small ball should provide increase player touches, advance playmaking, build on-field learning, and teach the basics of lacrosse to all participants. IMPORTANT: We do not support “alpha dog” or “hero” lacrosse play at any time. There are other venues for this type of play, and it will not be tolerated within the TPL.
Field of Play and Game Setup
· Game length is recommended for 2 - 25 minute run time halves, with a half time break
· Field size should be approximately 30-35 yards wide, and 60-65 yards
· Cones or temp creases are required to stake off the goalie area
· Goals can be 4x6 feet, or traditional 6x6 feet, based on availability
· Player configuration will be 2-2-2 plus a goalie
· Goalie plus two players must always stay in defensive end of field. Goalie is not permitted to breach the mid-field line at any time
· No coaches allowed on-field
· (2) AO’s will be assigned to each field, trained, and prepared to referee the game within the rules, and provide a safe play environment
· Face Offs: Players face-off to start the game. Then, after each goal, the goalie commences play by clearing the ball. Teams may not defende or ride until the ball clears half field.
Rules of Play for G3/G4 in 2021
· NFHS rules are in effect, with these exceptions:
· There are no one handed or over the head sticks checks. Even if there is NO contact made a flag WILL be thrown and penalty assessed.
· There is no body checking. All body contact should be “Equal Pressure” only.
· There are no counts, including goalie counts. Referee may legislate goalie crease times if abused.
· If a flag is thrown for a personal foul, it’s a slow whistle play on until a shot, change of possession, or the ball becomes loose. The offending player is subbed out and play restarts 6v6 from spot of foul, unless it occurred in the defensive end of the field. In this case, free clear granted.
· Once a team is down by 5 or more goals, the trailing team receives a free clear to midfield, and play commences at midfield.
· We have completely eliminated the passing rule. However, in the effort to promote sportsmanship, if a lop-sided game unfolds, the winning team is expected to self-impose a 2-3 pass rule on itself.
Town Pride League
5th and 6th Grade – Modified Field of Play Rules
Field of Play and Game Setup
· Game length is recommended for 2 - 25 minute running time halves with a half time break.
· Field size should be approximately 90-40 yards, with coning from restraining lines as sidelines
· Cones or temp creases are required to stake off the goalie area
· Player configuration will be 2-3-2 plus a goalie
· Goalie plus two players must always stay in defensive end of field.
· Defensive players are not allowed to use a long stick of any size. No poles!
· Goalie is not permitted to breach the mid-field line at any time
· (1) EMLOA Referee, and (1) AO will be assigned to each field
· Face Offs: Players face-off to start the game and after each goal. Teams will follow NCAA face off guidelines.
Rules of Play for G5 and G6 in 2021
· NFHS rules are in effect, with these exceptions:
· There are no one handed or over the head sticks checks. Even if there is NO contact made a flag WILL be thrown, and penalty assessed.
· There is no body checking. All body contact should be “Equal Pressure” only.
· There will be 2 counts. 1. A 4 Second Goalie count with possession of the ball and 2. Offensive possession below the restraining line with a 2 goal lead and 2 minutes remaining in the game.
· No zone defenses in G5 and G6.
· Once a team is down by 5 or more goals, the trailing team receives a free clear to midfield, and play commences at midfield.
· If a player is ejected from the game, TPL will follow NFHS guidelines for additional game(s) suspension. TPL commissioner will consult game referees, and decide within 24 hours of incident
Town Pride Leauge
7th and 8th Grade - Large Field Rules
Sportsmanship
Large field lacrosse is the TPL’s advanced level game play. It should be played with a “sportsmanship first” approach from both players and coaches. As a league, our goal is to provide a safe playing atmosphere. IMPORTANT: We do not support “alpha dog” or “hero” lacrosse play at any time. There are other venues for this type of play, and it will not be tolerated within the TPL.
Rules of Play
· Play will consist of 2 - 25 minute run time halves with a 5 minute half time break. Each team will get 1 time out per half.
· All NFHS rules are in effect, with these exceptions:
· Counts: 4 second goalie count, 30 second clearing count and offesnive possession in below the restraining line with a 2 goal lead and 2 minutes left in the game.
· No zone defense allowed at G7-G8
· Face Offs: Players face-off to start the game and after each goal. Teams will follow NCAA face off guidelines.
· If a player is ejected from the game, TPL will follow NFHS guidelines for additional game(s) suspension. TPL commissioner will consult game referees, and decide within 24 hours of incident
Player Eligibility Rules of Play
· No player will be allowed to play in the same grade twice. A player may petition the league for an exception through its TPL town contact.
· No player will be allowed to play more than 4 years on the big field (5th through 8th grades). A player may petition the league through its TPL town contact.
· No player from outside the (14) TPL towns may play in the TPL unless a player petition is field and approved by the TPL commissioner.
