For the Spring 2026 Metro league lacrosse season:

The following rules and logistical guidelines integrate with official USA Lacrosse 2026 Youth and NFHS 2026 standards.

Game Timing & Structure

• Duration: 
• 5th-6th Four 10-minute running quarters with a 5-minute halftime.
• 7th-8th Four 12-minute running quarters with a 5-minute halftime.
• Timeouts: One 30-second timeout per team, per half. The game clock continues to run 
• No Overtime: Games ending in a tie will remain a tie.
• Game Starts: 5th/6th grade begin at 6:00 PM; 7th/8th grade begin at 7:00 PM.
• Restarts: Play resumes immediately on the official's whistle for all dead ball situations. 

Penalty Enforcement

• Time and a Half: Due to the running clock, penalties are adjusted:
• Technical Foul: 45 seconds (standard 30s x 1.5).
• Personal Foul: 90 seconds (standard 60s x 1.5).
• Personal (unsportsman): 2 min unreleasable. (NO x 1.5)
• Tracking: The score table must use a dedicated penalty clock. Penalty time starts only when play resumes.
• Faceoffs: A faceoff will occur after every goal. Note: Per 2026 rules, if a player must be repeatedly adjusted during a faceoff, a delay-of-game penalty may be assessed. 

Equipment & Uniforms

• Required Gear: Helmet, mouthguard, shoulder pads (NOCSAE ND200 standard), elbow pads, and gloves.
• Mouthguards: 2026 rules have no color restrictions (white and clear are legal), but decorative attachments are prohibited.
• Helmets: If a helmet comes off during play, it is a technical foul (illegal procedure) unless caused by a foul to the head.
• Uniforms: Jerseys must have unique, contrasting numbers. Home teams must wear white or light colors.
• Stick Checks: Performed at the official's discretion. All illegal crosses result in a two-minute non-releasable penalty under 2026 standards. 

Host Team Responsibilities

• Field Setup: Lined field with a score table and visible markings.
• Cones: Required at all four corners, midfield (both sides), and substitution box.
• Equipment: Provide two game goals and endline balls.
• Personnel: One scorekeeper/timer. If only one official is present, the host must provide two people to monitor the end lines at opposite corners for out-of-bounds calls. 

Weather & Conduct

• Weather Policy: Lightning cancels the game immediately. Thunder serves as a warning with potential cancellation.
• Sportsmanship:
• Disrespectful Players/Fans: May be removed from the game or facility.
• Coach Penalty: Deemed unsportsmanlike conduct by a coach results in two non-releasable penalties.
• Fouling Out: A player fouls out after 3 personal fouls or 5 minutes of personal foul time. 

For 3rd and 4th grade boys (typically the 10U level)

Game Length

Official recommendations for 10U games generally follow these timing structures:

• Duration: Typically four 10-minute running time quarters.
• Intervals: A 2-minute break between quarters and a 5-minute halftime.
• Clock Rules: The clock usually runs continuously (running time).
• Timeouts: Most formats allow one timeout per half. 

Pass Possession Rules

• At the 10U level, specific rules are often implemented to encourage teamwork over individual play: 
• One-Pass Rule: There must be at least one attempted pass after a faceoff before a team is legally allowed to shoot on goal. 
• Initial Possession: If a team gains possession directly from a faceoff, they cannot shoot until the pass requirement is met.

Key Game Format Details

• Feature 
• Standard 10U Rule
• Players
• 7v7.

Body Contact

• No "take-out" body checks; only limited legal pushing and "boxing out".
• Stick Checking
• Limited to lift checks, poke checks, and downward checks below the shoulder; no one-handed checks.

Man-Down

• There are typically no man-down penalties; penalized players leave the field for their time, but the team replaces them so play remains even.

For 3rd and 4th grade boys lacrosse (10U), rules prioritize development and safety. While local league variations exist, most follow the USA Lacrosse 10U guidelines. 

Mandatory Equipment

• All players must wear professionally manufactured equipment designed specifically for lacrosse. 
• Helmet: Must meet the NOCSAE ND041 standard with a visible seal.
• Shoulder Pads: Mandatory. As of 2022, they must meet the NOCSAE ND200 standard (indicated by a specific "meets NOCSAE chest protector" logo) to protect against Commotio Cordis.
• Arm Pads: Must fully and properly cover the elbow.
• Gloves: Lacrosse-specific gloves where the hand is fully inserted.
• Mouthguard: Must be a visible color (not clear or white) and properly molded.
• Protective Cup: Required for all field players and goalies.
• Shoes: Athletic cleats (non-metal) or athletic shoes.
• Stick (Crosse): Typically 37–42 inches. "Long poles" (defensive sticks) are usually restricted to a maximum of two per team and limited in length (approx. 47–54 inches), though many leagues prohibit them entirely at this age. 

Goalie Requirements: Must be communicated prior to the game with each opponent before the gameday for preparation. 

Mandatory Goalie Gear:

• Chest Protector: Must meet the NOCSAE ND200 standard (specifically for goalkeepers).
• Throat Guard: A separate piece attached to the helmet.
• Goalie Gloves: Must include additional thumb protection.
• Arm Pads: While optional for adult goalies, many youth leagues require them for 10U players.
• Leg/Shin Protection: Optional but highly recommended (e.g., soccer-style shin guards or padded pants), though bulky hockey-style pads are prohibited. 

Man-Up and Man-Down Rules

At the 3/4th grade level, teams typically do not play man-down. 

Substitution Rule: When a player commits a foul, they must leave the field to serve their penalty time in the penalty area. However, a substitute replaces them immediately, so both teams continue playing at full strength (e.g., 6v6 or 7v7).

Goalie Penalties: If a goalie is the only one present and commits a foul, an "in-home" field player usually serves the time so the goalie can stay in the game, unless the foul is severe.