They're Considering Making Women's Lacrosse Faster, Better

Experimental Rule Will Explore If Pace Of Play Can Be Increased

The NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Rules Committee at its June 2-4 meeting in Indianapolis recommended an experimental rule for the 2014 fall non-traditional season that requires the attacking team to keep the ball below or inside the 30-yard restraining line.

If the attacking team carries or passes the ball outside or above the restraining line, possession will be awarded to the closest defensive player who is below or inside the line. The closest attack player from below or inside the line will be placed 4 meters away to either side at a 45-degree angle.

All rules proposals must be approved by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel, which will meet via conference call July 16.

Currently, attack teams are allowed to carry or pass the ball back over the restraining line.

The Women’s Lacrosse Rules Committee proposed the experimental rule to see if it will increase the pace of play, reduce the area for stalling and create more balance between offense and defense.

“We hope to get some good feedback and data from teams around the country,” said Celine Cunningham, who is the committee chair and women’s lacrosse coach at Stevens Institute of Technology. “It would be a shame not to take advantage of an opportunity to experiment. We want to see if the rule can make a difference. We want to get a look and see if shortening the space where you can maintain possession will have an affect on pace of play.”