Girls’ lacrosse—often called “lax”—is a fast-paced, skill-driven field sport played between two teams. Internationally, each team consists of 10 players, while in the U.S., 12 players per team take the field. While it shares historical roots with the men’s game, girls' lacrosse follows its own unique set of rules, strategies, and equipment requirements.

The main objective is simple: score goals. Players use a long-handled stick called a crosse to catch, cradle, pass, and shoot a solid rubber ball into the opposing team’s goal. Cradling is a fundamental skill, where players use a controlled, rhythmic motion to keep the ball secure in the stick’s head.

On defense, the focus is on disrupting the opposing team’s play—using stick checks, body positioning, and quick footwork to regain possession and shut down scoring opportunities.

Equipment requirements differ from the men’s game. Girls are only required to wear eyewear (goggles) and a mouthguard. Sticks must meet specific regulations, including a shallow pocket that makes the ball visible above the sidewall when held at eye level.

Attack

Attackers are the primary goal-scorers. There are four on the field, constantly working to create scoring opportunities—either by cutting toward the goal or drawing defenders away to create space. Great attackers have quick hands, strong stick skills, and the ability to shoot from all angles.

Midfield

Midfielders are the engine of the team, covering both ends of the field. There are three midfielders, including the center, who takes the draw and plays both offense and defense. Midfielders need speed, stamina, and strong ball-handling skills to transition the ball and create plays.

Defense

Four defenders focus on shutting down the opposing attack. Strong defenders can stick check, intercept passes, and use smart footwork to hold their ground. They also help clear the ball out of the defensive zone and support the transition.

Goalie

The goalie is the last line of defense. She protects the net with quick reflexes, smart positioning, and fearless energy. Great goalies also communicate with defenders and have solid stick work for clear passes and quick outlets.

Girls’ youth lacrosse focuses on skill development, safety, and fun, with modified rules that evolve as players grow. Each league and tournament follow different rules. These will be sent out as they are recieved.

AYL league Rules

USA lacrosse Rules

Clear: Any action taken by a goal keeper from within the goal circle to pass or carry the ball out of the goal circle.

Critical Scoring Area: An area 15 meters in front of and to each side of the goal and nine meters behind the goal. An eight-meter arc and 12-meter fan are marked in the area.

Crosse (stick): The equipment used to throw, catch, check and carry the ball.

Crosse Checking: Controlled stick-to-stick contact in an attempt to dislodge the ball from the crosse.

Deputy: A player who enters the goal circle when the goalie is out of the goal circle and her team is in possession of the ball.

Draw: A technique to start or resume play by which a ball is placed in between two sticks held back to back and drawn up and away.

Eight-Meter Arcs: A semi-circular area in front of the goal used for the administration of major fouls. A defender may not remain in this area for more than three seconds unless she is within a stick's length of her opponent.

Free Position: An opportunity awarded to one player when a major or minor foul is committed by a player from the other team. All players must move four meters away from the player with the ball. When the whistle sounds to resume play, the player may run, pass or shoot the ball.

Free Space to Goal: A cone-shaped path extending from each side of the goal circle to the attack player with the ball. A defense player may not, for safety reasons, stand alone in this area without closely marking an opponent.

Goal Circle: The circle around the goal with a radius of 2.6 meters (8.5 feet). No player's stick or body may "break" the cylinder of the goal circle.

Grounded: Refers to any part of the goalkeeper's or deputy's body touching the ground for support outside of the goal circle when she attempts to play the ball from inside the goal circle.

Indirect Free Position: An opportunity awarded to the offense when a minor foul is committed by the defense inside the 12-meter fan. When the whistle sounds to resume play, the player may run or pass, but may not shoot until a defender has checked her crosse or she passes to a teammate.

Marking: Being within a stick's length of an opponent.

Penalty Lane: The path to the goal that is cleared when a free position is awarded to the attacking team inside the critical scoring area.

Scoring Play: A continuous effort by the attacking team to move the ball toward the goal and to complete a shot on goal.

Stand: All players, except the goalkeeper in her goal circle, must remain stationary following the sound of any whistle.

Sphere: An imaginary area, approximately 18 cm (seven inches) which surrounds a player's head. No stick checks toward the head are allowed to break the sphere.

12 Meter Fan: A semi-circle in front of the goal used for the administration of minor fouls.

Warning Cards: A yellow card* presented by an umpire to a player is a warning which indicates that she will next receive a red card and be suspended from further participation if she continues to play dangerously and/or conduct herself in an unsportsmanlike manner. A green card is presented by an umpire to the team captain indicating a team caution for delay of game.

*When a yellow card is given, the player must come off of the field for three minutes of elapsed playing time.

FLVC girls' lacrosse doesn't have a summer camp YET but we are hoping to have one in the future. Below are a bunch of camps in Colorado that are great options.

- X10 Colorado is located at Western Colorado University in Gunnison, CO

- Denver Rising Starts

- Denver Elite

- Nike Girls Lacrosse Camp at University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

- CU Boulder - 2025 Lacrosse Summer Camp

- 10th Mountain Division