Common Rules

Introduction

The following handbook contains a combination of principles, guidelines and rules to provide a common structure from which all member programs and teams can succeed in our common purpose. This handbook will change as necessary, as conditions change in northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe, High Sierra and the surrounding areas' lacrosse environments.

The HSLL board reserves the right to modify the rules and guidelines in this handbook, at any time necessary, to preserve the integrity of the league, uphold its guiding principles, and further its mission and goals.

Order of Precedence and Conflicts

Conflicts or omissions within the rule clauses will be decided using following decision-making structure:

1. Board of Directors Decision
2. League Commissioner Decision
3. HSLL League Specific Rules
4. HSLL Common Rules
5. Relevant National Governing Body Rules (USLacrosse, NFHS, USBOXLA)

Decisions made by league commissioners and board members may be informed by NIAA and Washoe County School District rules as necessary.

League Governance

1. All HSLL leagues are governed by the HSLL Board.
2. The Board will elect an HSLL Director of Lacrosse, who will either be the acting Board President, or another elected member or an individual appointed by the Board.
3. The board may optionally elect a league, program, or team Administrator or Coordinator who reports directly to the HSLL Director of Lacrosse. When an Administrator or Coordinator has not been appointed, the HSLL Director of Lacrosse assumes that role by default.

Member Programs

Member Programs are composed of one or more lacrosse Teams.

Each Program shall designate a single point of contact, to be confirmed on an annual basis, in addition to the head coach of each team, to communicate with the Board regarding respective team business. For school based programs (e.g. all high school teams), this individual must be a full-time employee of the school.

Each Program will file their member program registration annually and update the registration within 24 hours if information changes.

Every Member Program must pay league registration fees directly to the HSLL Treasurer. Member Program fees are non-refundable.

All players, coaches and parents must agree to abide by the appropriate codes of conduct prior to player participation in any HSLL contest.

In addition to any additional requirements outlined in other rule sections, all Member Program players, coaches, and officials must be registered online at highsierralax.org, must have a valid and current US Lacrosse membership, and must have a recent identifiable, high quality, headshot image on file. In addition, all players must have provided a league-approved age verification prior to participation. School aged players must provide proof of school attendance or proof of primary residence as required during the registration process or while participating in a league season.

All programs are required to maintain a site-specific emergency action plan. Please see the HSLL emergency action plan for an example and to use as a template for your own.

Playing Up/Down

Playing down means to play in an age division below the player's current age.

Playing up means to play in an age division above the player's current age.

USLacrosse uses a different age system than USBOXLA. Please be sure to consult their rules and understand them when interpreting the age rules.

Playing Down

The HSLL does not allow any players, girls or boys, to play down in any league at any age.

Playing Up

Playing up is discouraged but is allowable in exceptional circumstances. Playing Up from 8th grade or below to the high school level is not allowed.

Players may play up one age level if approved by the head coach of the team accepting the player at the higher level. Coaches are encouraged to carefully weigh the benefits to the player. Does "moving up" benefit the player more than staying at the current level? Always think about the player and not about what is better for one team or the other or the coaches involved.

Players may never play up more than one level without explicit league permission.

Any time a player "plays up," the league commissioner must be informed in writing and the player must be rostered on the team for which they are playing. Players are not allowed to play on two teams without explicit league permission.

Game Play

Introduction

Governing Rulebooks

Please see Order of Precedence.

Field Lacrosse

HSLL's scorekeeping rules must be followed.

The home team must provide a table and at least two chairs 4 meters behind the sideline marker at midfield. They must also provide a scorebook, clock, air horn and public scoring device (with a "flip score" meeting the minimum requirement) and at least one chair at the table (preferably two) for representatives from the other team.

The home team must have an official scorekeeper at the scorers table. If an assistant scorekeeper from the away team is not present, they lose the right to protest any violations roster-related.

If the home team does not provide a scorer and the visiting team does not agree to provide one on their behalf, the game will be forfeited and the offending team will record a loss. If the game is played, the home team loses all rights to game protest with the league.

At the high school level, at least one goal must be fully available to both teams participating in a game at least 30 minutes prior to game time. They must meet all game-time specifications as required in the official NFHS rules. If the warm-up goals are the same as the game goals and repairs are necessary before the start of a contest, the referees will provide appropriate time before game start.

The home team will provide (a.) clean game balls, (b.) which comply with the requirements of the primary rulebook in use for the game, and are (c.) NOCSAE and NFHS compliant to the officials prior to any contest. 1 ball will be provided to the referee, 1 to the table, and at least 5 per end-line.

All fans must be positioned on the opposite side of the field from the team bench area and away from the end lines. If a field cannot accommodate this arrangement, a variance must be requested from the HSLL. No fans are permitted behind the player benches or the scorers table.

No cameras or recording devices are permitted on the scorers table side of the field without (a.) prior approval from the league and, (b.) mutual agreement of both head coaches.

At no time are spectators allowed to sit or stand behind the end lines. If a volunteer is maintaining end-line ball availability, they may only enter the area on dead balls and never during play. Anyone 18 years of age or younger performs this duty, they must wear a NOCSAE certified helmet.

The home team wears white jerseys. The away team wears any other color.

Field Dimensions

Youth Field Lacrosse (Boys and Girls) Variances, within reason, are approved for play if accepted by both head coaches and referees present. The referee has the final authority even if both coaches agree to play.

High School High School fields which cannot meet all official field dimension requirements as outlined in the most current governing rule book must request a variance from the HSLL prior to play. Otherwise, NFHS rules regarding noncompliant fields are in effect.

Tie Games

At the youth level, tie games are generally discouraged. Ending a game in a tie is at the discretion of the referees, then the youth site coordinator, with the site coordinator having the final say. The only allowable reasons for a youth game to end in a tie are to end for weather or to keep a youth event on time.

High School Varsity games can never end in a tie.

High School Junior Varsity (JV) games cannot end in a tie without the full agreement of both head coaches. The only reasonable reason to end a JV game in a tie would be to keep a follow-up event on schedule.

Playoff games at any level can never end in a tie.

Rules as outlined in the governing rulebook for settling tie games must be followed.

Standings: Tiebreakers

If two teams have the same number of wins and losses at the end of a season (not including designated extra “friendly” games), the seeding for post-season play will be determined by:

1. Record between the teams in head-to-head competition in the current season. (This does not include extra games designated as “friendlies.”)
2. The team with the least Goals Scored Against.
3. A single coin toss.

Scorekeeping

Official Scorebooks

Introduction The following rules and procedures apply to all HSLL games at all age levels.

All players must be registered for the relevant season with the HSLL and assigned to a team, typically through the HSLL website, prior to appearing in a game.

Scorekeepers should not make any commentary to coaches, referees, players, or each other about conduct and should limit communication to that necessary to conduct their duties or answer questions from coaches or referees. The referees control the entire field area when they are present and may ask any person to leave the field, observation area, or both at any time.

Only badged coaches, scorekeepers, players, and league authorized personnel (such as photographers or trainers), are permitted on the team side of the field. Fans must be on the fan side of the field, and the endlines must be clear.

Before the Game

• The home team is required to keep a scorebook with accurate details for both the home and away teams. The home team scorebook is the official scorebook recorded for the game.
• The scorebook must indicate the Head Scorekeeper, Assistant Scorekeeper (optional), and Visiting Team Scorekeeper and must include their names, phone numbers, and email addresses at the top.
• The scorebook must include a complete roster for every player who appears in the game for both the home and away teams with fully legible names and accurate jersey numbers.
• Any jersey numbers which differ from the official HSLL registration for the players must be circled. Please avoid changing numbers if possible.
• 20 mins prior to the game the visiting team must complete the roster portion of the visiting side of the book or must provide a legible roster to the head scorekeeper.
• The referees will not allow a game to begin until the above items are complete.

Following the Game The following individuals must immediately sign and certify the roster and scorebook:

1. Home Head Coach
2. Away Head Coach
3. Lead Official

Within 2 hours the HOME team must

• Send two legible photographs (one for each side of the book) from a cell phone to both scores@highsierralax.org and the visiting scorekeeper's email address. Please include the final score in the body of the email. Please take one photograph for each side of the book for two photos total.
• Retain the original scoresheet for the duration of the season.
• Update HSLL website with final score.

Associated Rules

• The home team must have a scorers table with a minimum of four chairs for high school and two chairs for youth.
• The visiting team may optionally keep their own unofficial scorebook.
• Any disagreements on calls or statistics should be kept civil and recorded in the margins with the QUARTER and game time. For example, "Q2 3:45: Goal assisted by 22 or no assist?"
• Please try to resolve on the spot and avoid drama over small calls.
• If unable to resolve, the home team simply records the dispute for later review.
• No extended "arguments" over calls in the scorebox. Home team simply says "I saw it differently" and records the dispute.

"Most Valuable Player" and Other Awards

The HSLL no longer records MVPs in the book at any level below High School Varsity level (boys and girls).

Game Protests If a game is protested by a coach, they should indicate the protest in the score book by writing "PROTEST" next to their signature. They should then follow-up by filing their protest in writing to the league administrator.

The league may respond to a protest by taking action or may take no action and simply noting the protest in writing.

Player Eligibility The HSLL may optionally have a designated representative present at any game to certify the scorebook and rosters before or after play.

The HSLL may optionally provide an official league scorekeeper at any game. The league provided scorekeeper becomes the official scorekeeper and the home and away teams may optionally provided assistant scorekeepers or observers.

Any coach or team representative may file one or many SPECIFIC protests regarding individual ineligible players with associated supporting evidence. For the regular season, protests may be filed up until the end of the regular season. Protests during postseason play must be filed within 6 hours following the end of a game and prior to the start of a following game.

If an ineligible player appears in a game without proper disclosure and agreement, the game will be considered a 1-0 forfeit, with the team in violation taking the loss. If both teams are in violation during the regular season, the game will be considered a 0-0 TIE. If both teams are in violation during postseason play, the game will be considered NO CONTEST with both teams taking an automatic loss in the following game.

Players & Roster Verification

Before an individual player may participate in a practice or game, all required forms associated with that player's participation in the HSLL must be complete and submitted to the HSLL.

All players must have a current and valid USLacrosse number.

Use of an ineligible player The use of an ineligible player shall result in forfeiture of all games in which that player took part.

An ineligible player "takes part" in a game when a player steps onto the playing field or sideline in uniform during competition of a contest in which he or she is ineligible. To prevent misunderstandings, coaches are strongly encouraged to keep ineligible players out of uniform and distinctly away from the sideline area of a contest for which they are ineligible. Players serving suspension for ejection from a previous game may not be in uniform or on the team sidelines.

Intentional or willful violations of this policy will be treated as an integrity violation and may result in severe penalties, suspension, or dismissal from the league for the individuals, team or program.

Roster Verification Above all, please remember why we are here: to give our young people a great experience playing a great game. Competition is fun and healthy, and wins and losses are important, but our core values of learning, dedication, teamwork, respect and sportsmanship should trump all, always. All parties should be reasonable.

Rules

1. Pregame roster verification in general is not required; however, if either team wishes to proceed with one, it cannot be refused. The league or lead referee may require a pregame roster verification for any contest.
2. If a coach knows they have off-roster players they should simply disclose this to the opposing coach prior to the game so that it can be discussed. This will streamline and simplify the process. Knowingly withholding the disclosure of off-roster players is considered a sportsmanship violation and may be grounds for suspension from the league.
3. If a team does not follow this roster verification procedure, they lose the right to protest a game result based on roster violations. This procedure is not intend to prevent games from being played or to create conflict, but rather to prevent ongoing disputes.
4. Players must be registered and rostered with High Sierra Lacrosse League and have a valid US Lacrosse number to participate. No exceptions. If any coach or manager knowingly allows an unregistered player to participate, the game will be a forfeit and the coach or manager risks suspension. If you need to register a player, here is the link to give to a guardian to do so: http://highsierralax.org/registration/
5. Roster verification must occur before a game and must be requested at least 5 minutes prior to the start time. Once a game begins, a roster verification cannot be requested. Late player arrivals are an exception. These players may be verified as they arrive or after the game.
6. The scorebook must document all players that appear in a game.
7. Referees will not resolve any disputes or participate other than to allocate and provide the necessary time to perform the verification. A verification should not take more than 5 minutes, see Procedure Section outlined below.
8. If there is a disagreement regarding a player or issue, in general, play should continue and the issue should be noted in the scorebook. Undocumented and un-rostered players may not participate. Following the game, all issues should be well documented and sent to scores@highsierralax.org along with clear pictures of the scorebook. Please take one picture per page of the book.
9. If a team is short players and cannot field a team they may add players from the opposing or another team's roster in order to play the game. This is fine as long as both coaches agree. The game should, however, be recorded as a 1-0 win in favor of the team playing with a legal roster. If both teams have players from a different roster, the game should be recorded as a 1-1 tie. The actual score, along with a description of events, should be sent in the body of an email to scores@highsierralax.org.
10. Permanent roster changes should be sent to scores@highsierralax.org with justifications.

The following procedure should be performed once per team. Only one team should have players on the field at a time.

1. The coach requesting a verification, or a person designated by the coach, should go to https://app.highsierralax.org/rosters and select the team they wish to verify. As an alternative, they may print an opposing roster ahead of time from the same location.
2. Players should remove their helmets and gather together into an area off the field of play near their bench area.
3. The person verifying the roster should call each player's name, one-by-one. As players are called, they should walk onto the field and line up shoulder to shoulder, facing the scorers table. The person verifying should check the players number and picture against the roster. This additionally allows the scorekeeper to verify the names and numbers in the scorebook.
4. If unrostered players are found to be on the team being verified, teams must agree to either: a. Remove the unrostered players from the field and proceed with play using legal players only, or; b. allow the unrostered players to participate with the result being be recorded as a 1-0 win in favor of the team playing with a legal roster as outlined in RULE #9.
5. If there is a disagreement, unless there is a safety issue, the game should be played. Coaches should keep any related discussions cordial and simply document the disagreement after the game.
6. The dispute/protest/agreement should be noted in the scorebook. A picture of the scorebook with a description of events should be sent to scores@highsierralax.org.

Youth Rules

High Sierra Youth Lacrosse plays using the rules from the USLacrosse Youth Rulebook without any modification or use of optional or experimental rules.

High School Players (9th Grade and Above) 9th-graders cannot play on a youth lacrosse team during the Spring season even if they are age eligible. They must play for their designated high school program.

Youth Tournament

Governing Rules Games are played and governed using the same USALacrosse and league rules as designated in the HSLL handbook and used during the regular season, unless they are specifically modified below.

Game Count All teams will have a two game minimum in pool or bracket play, depending on division.

Game Time

When a player is serving a penalty, stop-clock timing is used (see penalties section).

The lead referee or a league official may shorten a half or halftime break as necessary to ensure the next game can begin on time.

Penalties

Penalty time uses stop clock timing. It is important that timekeepers stop the clocks on play stoppage as designated by the referees.

The penalty period begins when the referee starts play for the first time following a penalty.

Girls

• Yellow cards are non-releasable 1-minute fouls. Any player receiving (2) yellow cards in one game will be removed from that game.
• A player receiving a red card will serve a 2-minute, non-releasable penalty, and will be removed from that game. The referee may declare "with suspension" which disqualifies the player for the following game in addition to the current game.

Any red card violation that is considered severe may result in disqualification from the following game, or the tournament. This should be indicated in the scorebook by circling the penalty.

Boys

• Personal fouls are 60 seconds.
• Technical fouls are 30 seconds.
• All fouls are released if the man-down team is scored on.

If a boys player has 5 or more personal fouls in a game, they have "fouled out" and are disqualified from any further participation in that game. Note this is not considered an ejection, and the player is eligible to play in the next game.

Overtime Sudden victory overtime will follow the completion of a tied game after a 3-minute break. Sudden victory periods consist of 3 minutes of running time. There are no overtime timeouts.

There is only one overtime period per game unless the game is a championship bracket game.

Delay of Game Teams may be assessed a delay of game penalty if not ready to begin play at the scheduled time; games may be shortened at the discretion of the organizers to keep game times on schedule.

Ties If a game remains tied at the end of a game following the overtime period(s), the winner will be determined by:

1. Head to head competition; all tied teams must have played each other for this to apply;
2. Fewest goals allowed; In the event an uneven number of previous games has been played, fewest goals average per game will be used;
3. Average Score Differential; Average goals differential per game will be used. For purposes of calculation, the maximum score differential of any single contest is 12.
4. Coin toss;

Weather Delay If a weather-related evacuation occurs during the 1st half, teams will return to play the 2nd half of the game, weather permitting. If the evacuation occurs during the second half, the game MAY pick-up where it left off (weather permitting), OR the game MAY be terminated, and the score recorded as is. If the score differential is equal to or greater than 6, regardless of time remaining, the game may be terminated.

Alternating Possession In the event of alternate possession, the team with the higher seed in the tournament is given first possession.

Scorekeeping Standard HSLL scorekeeping rules are in effect.

• The lead referee or a league official may require a neutral table for any contest, before or after the start of the game, before play may continue.
• The lead referee and league officials may remove anyone from the player side of the field, and the box area, for any reason, at any time.

Expulsion, Ejection, or Fighting; Profanity; Unsportmanlike Conduct To the discretion of officials and/or tournament directors, any participant (player, coach, team official, or spectator) who is ejected during tournament play, on or off the playing field, may be subject to a one or more game suspension, up to automatic disqualification from the tournament.

Any player or coach called for verbal abuse will serve a one-minute unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Continued abuse will result in ejection from the contest, and potentially the tournament.

No profanity or unsportsmanlike conduct will be tolerated. Offending team(s) may be disqualified.

Coaches, Staff and Volunteers

The Head Coach of each team in the HSLL is ultimately responsible for knowing the rules of the league and ensuring that all those coaching and acting on their team's behalf comply with the rules. The head coach is the "captain of the ship."

Coaching Qualifications

1. The Head Coach of a program shall be at least 18 years old.
2. All Coaches must be current members of US Lacrosse.
3. Beginning 2016, all Head Coaches must be First Aid certified and CPR qualified. It is recommended that there be a certified individual at all practices, scrimmages and games immediately available to respond to an emergency. It is recommended that all members of the coaching staff be First Aid certified and CPR qualified.
4. All members of the coaching staff must undergo an HSLL approved background check prior to any contact with participants. Background checks are provided through US Lacrosse (USL) when coaches establish or renew USL membership as a Coach. HSLL will provide background checks for coaches who have not obtained them through USL.
5. All Coaches shall read and agree to abide by the General Code of Conduct and Code of Conduct for Coaches prior to each season.
6. Head Coaches for field lacrosse are encouraged to complete at a minimum US Lacrosse Level I online and clinic training.
7. Head Coaches for box lacrosse are encouraged to complete, at a minimum, USBOXLA online and clinic training.

Coach and Staff Conduct

1. Coaches, staff and volunteers become role models for others in the HSLL and associated community. These individuals play a critical role maintaining the reputation of HSLL, community confidence and support. It is of the utmost importance that those involved in HSLL activities comply with the letter and intent of all applicable laws and rules of behavior and conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting their positions and responsibilities.
2. Coaches, staff, and volunteers are prohibited from the use of foul, abusive, or profane language or behavior while engaged in HSLL related activities, as outlined in the HSLL Coaches Code of Conduct.
3. Coaches, staff, and volunteers must adhere to the Drug and Alcohol policy as outlined in the HSLL Coaches Code of Conduct.

Mandatory Meeting Appearances

1. Head coaches agree to attend mandatory "HSLL Coaches Meetings" as requested by the Board with reasonable notice. In the event a head coach cannot attend, an Assistant Coach may attend to act as the head coach's proxy and the Program or Team's representative.
2. Head Coaches and at least one Team Governance member will attend "HSLL Governance Meetings" as requested by the Board with reasonable notice. In the event a head coach cannot attend, an Assistant Coach will attend to act as the head coach's proxy.

Rule Violations

Reciprocal Enforcement

• Disciplinary actions taken by another entity within the HSLL, US Lacrosse, or local schools against players, coaches, parents or fans will, in most circumstances, be upheld by the HSLL.
• Rulings are upheld by default and require an appeal to overrule.
• Playing an ineligible player or coach that was ejected or "red carded" in their previous game, regardless of location, or otherwise meeting the HSLL standard for suspension in a match outside of the HSLL, without obtaining a game play variance by appeal prior, will likely result in game forfeits for all games played in violation.

"Fouling out" of a game for excessive penalty minutes is not the equivalent of a suspension. Players that have fouled-out are eligible to enter the next contest.

Rule Violations and Penalties

• Violation of HSLL, policies, rules and regulations may result in, but are not limited to, sanctions placed upon individual players, coaches, program leadership, spectators, officials and/or programs as a whole.
• Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, game suspension, season suspension, forfeiture of games, forfeiture of post-season play (playoffs), fines, probation and expulsion from the League. Each situation is unique and will be handled at the discretion of the Board, the HSLL Commissioner, and league Administrators. Multiple, repeated infractions, those deemed to intentionally defy league policy, those that represent lapses in integrity/ethics, those that place individuals at physical or emotional risk, and those that potentially do significant harm will result in stiffer sanctions. All accused parties will be granted a right to be heard by the board, a right to appeal to the board if sanction was imposed by the HSLL Commissioner or League Administrator, and due process overall.
• Sanctions/Ejections imposed in one season, which have not been fully served by the end of the previous season, shall be carried over into the next season.

Misconduct by Players, Coaches, or Spectators

• All Players, Coaches and Parent/Guardians are required to accept and abide by HSLL's code of conduct.
• Ejection from a game for Unsportsmanlike Conduct or a "red card" carries an automatic one-game suspension as a minimum additional penalty.
• Ejection for Flagrant Misconduct, or a second ejection in a single season, shall carry an automatic two-game suspension with additional review by the Board for further action as deemed necessary.
• A third ejection, or second ejection for Flagrant Misconduct in the same season shall result in suspension for the remainder of the season and review by the Board for additional action deemed necessary.
• Misconduct violations by Coaches or other Program Leadership is, in general, considered more serious than a violation by a player.
• Teams or individuals in gross or continual violation of policies or rules, including multiple ejections, may be suspended permanently from the HSLL.
• Coaches are responsible for informing their parents, players, and fans of the possibility of their team being penalized for their conduct. Coaches will work with game officials to control the players and crowd as necessary to ensure a safe event. Coaches will ask uncooperative spectators to leave the area.

Air Quality Policy

Current AQIs

Real-time air quality information for various locations.

Procedure

Coaches or managers should check the AQI at https://hsll.org/air or https://www.airnow.gov/ before a practice or activity. If the AQI is 151 or greater, the activity should be cancelled or rescheduled.

As a rule of thumb, this determination should be made 60-90 minutes prior to the activity, not sooner. This is not absolute however, because AQI changes can be predicted with varying wind and weather patterns. Use best judgement and avoid making early determinations. When in doubt, use the 60-90 minute rule.

If there are ongoing air quality issues due to fire season or other conditions, parents should be informed of this procedure. This will help keep everyone informed, aligned, and cut down on unnecessary daily messaging churn.

Policy

AQI of 151 or above UNHEATHY: All practices are cancelled or moved inside if a location is available. Games will be rescheduled or cancelled. If the AQI is less than 151 and descending, a game may begin if the referee present believes the AQI will continue to drop and the game can be completed safely.

AQI is 100 - 150 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups:

Practices will proceed, however, coaches should:

• Send notice to their respective teams that the AQI is between 100 and 151, and that players sensitive to a higher AQI should not participate.
• Continue to monitor the AQI and discontinue practice if the AQI reaches 151.
• Monitor athletes for any signs of sensitivity to air pollution or smoke.
• Limit and control running and conditioning
• Increase the number of water and rest breaks
• Limit or excuse those student-athletes that are members of the sensitive group

Check the AQI periodically to stay updated on changing conditions. If AQI reaches 151 practice is cancelled or everyone must go inside.

AQI is less than 100 All activities are OK.

More Information

Drug & Alcohol Policy

Drug and alcohol policies for league activities.

Intellectual Property

Intellectual property policies and guidelines.

Fighting

Fighting policies and consequences.

Incident Reporting

Please use the League’s Incident Reporting Form.

Definitions

Glossary of terms and definitions used in league rules.

Decisions, Appeals & Judgments

Appeal procedures and decision-making processes.