Old Guy Rules are designed to maximize fun and safety. Understanding that our group is 90% first time players and old dudes.... we wanted to implement modifications to the NFHS, FCYLA, and US Lacrosse Associations Rules where and when they make sense in keeping with the spirit of what we are all about. Having fun and fellowship with friends, other youth coaches, and dads. This is not meant to be an all-out super competitive aggressive league. If you want that please go somewhere else. If you want to have a good time, laugh a lot, support the rules and honor the game then you have come to the right place!

The PURPOSE OF THIS LEAGUE IS TO GROW THE SPORT IN NORTH GEORGIA, BUILD BETTER COACHES AND PARENTS THROUGH THE EXPERIENCE OF PLAYING THE GAME.

Point Number One: THIS IS A USER FRIENDLY-LEAGUE

PREGAME HUDDLE

-EACH GAME MUST START WITH THE TWO TEAMS COMING TOGETHER TO QUICKLY GO OVER THE RULES AND INTENT OF THE GAME. GAMES WILL NOT START UNTIL THIS HAS TAKEN PLACE.

-MANDATORY THAT ALL PLAYERS FROM BOTH TEAMS BE IN THAT HUDDLE.
-OFFICIALS MUST BE IN THE HUDDLE.

-IF A LEAGUE OFFICIAL IS NOT PRESENT TO CONDUCT THE PRE GAME HUDDLE THE TWO TEAM MANAGERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING SURE THE HUDDLE TAKES PLACE.

-PURPOSE OF THE HUDDLE:
Set the tone for the game, remind everyone what we are doing, why we are doing it and what's at stake if things get out of control. 
-NOTE: We will delay the start of games to make sure the pre-game huddle happens. It's that important.

Sportsmanship:
This goes without saying please be on your best behavior, be in control of your emotions, this is for FUN....none of us are going pro, none of us are experts and these games are not worth loosing friendships and or making enemies. Play Smart, Play Hard, Be Respectful, Be Happy you have a place to play, if it were not for the other guys you wouldn't have a game, honor the game. Be a role model to the kids watching from the sidelines. Act like the hero you are. Stand up for what's right and show folks how the game should be played. Compete for the sake of competition and do your best at all times. The eyes of the world are upon you dad, coach, friend, son. What do you want the world to see?

Old Guy Lacrosse Rules and Guidelines

1. Equipment:

All players must be properly equip to take the field.  Goalie: Helmet, Throat Guard, Chest Protector, Gloves.  Players: Helmet, Shoulder pads, Gloves, Arm (Pads or Guards).  Cups and Mouth guards are optional.

 

2. Games times:

12 minute running clock quarters, 2 minute between 1-2 & 3-4 quarters, 5 minute half

Time stops for injury or timeout only (one 30 sec timeout per half per team).

 

3. Overtime:

In case of a tie game in regulation there will be a continuance of play until one team scores, Sudden Death Overtime.  The overtime period will start with a standard faceoff.  Overtime is limited to one 4 minute period, after which a tie game is called.

 

4. Age:

All players must be 32 or over to play in Division I and 42 and over to play in Division II.  Exceptions can be made based on review by the Executive Board.

 

5. Teams:

Each team will decide on the number of players they are willing to roster.  The average is 20-25 in order to provide playing time for all players.  Players may only be rostered and play for ONE team.  If a player plays for another team other than their rostered team, that team will forfeit the game.  The only exception to this are Goalies.  Due to the shortage of Goalies they are allowed to play for multiple teams.

 

6. Sportsmanship:

Team managers are required to inforce the rules concerning the use of foul language, arguing with other players or officials.  If a player is repeatedly (2) called for unsportsman like conduct he will be ejected from the current game and suspended for next game.  If this occurs more than twice during the season the player will be removed from the team until the next season.

 

7. Ejections and Suspension:

If a player or coach is ejected from a game:

Single offense automatic: 1 GAME SUSPENSION.

Repeat offense”: SUSPENSION FROM THE LEAGUE.  NO REFUND. MUST REAPPLY TO PLAY AGAIN AND MEET WITH THE BRAIN TRUST TO BE REINSTATED.

Fighting:

If a player or coach gets in a fight, pushing, shoving, punching, kicking, biting, slapping, wrestling, MMA, Karate, Guns, Knives, prison shanks, spitting etc..... ZERO Tolerance. Congratulations you are an idiot and you are Banned for Life. Don't Come Back and we are keeping your money.

We cannot stress enough the need to self-police each other and the teams.....IF YOU SEE IT GETTING OUT OF CONTROL....DO SOMETHING TO STOP IT.... THE OUTCOME OF LETTING GET IT OUT OF CONTROL ARE NOT WORTH IT....SO STEP UP....GET IN THE MIDDLE...CALM THINGS DOWN....AND PLAY ON.  IF YOU DON'T..... I KNOW WE WILL ALL REGRET IT LATER.  IF YOU LOVE THIS SPORT AND LIKE THIS LEAGUE......PROTECT IT.

 

8. Game Management:

US Lacrosse Grand Master Rules will be in effect with the following exceptions and notes.

A. One hand “Rap” checks are allowed provided they are done under control and without contact to the off stick arm.  (Stick Check Only).

B. Flag down – Slow Whistle.  The play will continue until a change of position occurs, ball goes out of bounds, or injury.  The play will not stop on a ground ball.

C. 5 long poles are allow on the field by a team at the same time

D. Mercy Rule. At any time in a game where there is a five point lead, the team that is behind will be given option to take the ball at midfield in lieu of a face off.  This will continue as long as a five point lead is maintained.

E. Standard 4-30 second time ball movement clock will be in effect.

 

9. Ringer Rule:

If you feel the need to stack you team with top tier talent...to play in our bush league...more power to you....but here is the deal. The majority of the league is a bunch of old guys who are brand new to the sport.  The objective of this league is to grow the sport not your ego. We hope to build better coaches and parents through playing the game. Ringers can do one of two things....

A. They can help the old guys learn and get better, they can be true ambassadors of the sport, they will make others better and help our sport grow....or they can fall into category B.

B. They can be total jerks that spoil things for everyone by running up the score or getting pissed off that everyone else are a bunch of no talent hacks that will never be as good as they are.

Ringers are welcome in the league and if they are in line with “A” we should all benefit from them...however; if they are more in line with “B” then we are headed in the wrong direction.... Running up Scores, flagrant disrespect of the newer players skills or lack thereof will no doubt cause testosterone to flare, egos will get bent, things will get "chippy" then they will get heated and spiral out of control and the entire league will fall apart (and that really goes for everyone no matter if they are a hero or zero) ...ringers...can help control that through their actions..... They can and should be leaders on the field......and be true stewards of the sport and things should be OK....

We don't want to implement a rule that will limit experienced players (ringers)...so play nice and don't ruin it for the new guys.

 

10. General Game and League Rules:

These rules have been modified for use by “Old Guy Lacrosse LLC” hereafter known as OGL.  These are based primarily on the NCAA Lacrosse Rules, except where changed herein. Some of the variations are based on other established rules, including prior NCAA, International, and other rules. For clarity, certain rules are repeated or summarized herein. The US Lacrosse Men’s Game Committee has approved these rules. The age brackets and corresponding rules, including the contact permitted, are designed to allow players to continue to be active and participate in lacrosse, to play competitively with players close to their ages and capabilities, and to enjoy the camaraderie of the lacrosse community.

Defenseless Player: There shall be no body checking at any level on a player in a defenseless position (a “defenseless player”). This includes but is not limited to:

(i) body checking a player from his “blind side”;

(ii) body checking a player who has his head down in an attempt to play a loose ball;

(iii) body checking a player whose head is turned away to receive a pass, even if that player turns toward the contact immediately before the body check.

NOTE: Sports medicine research indicates that the severity of certain injuries may be reduced if a player can anticipate and prepare himself for an oncoming hit. Game officials should be especially alert to blind side checks.

AGE: 35 and Up.

Restricted body checking: all legal pushes and holds are allowed.

1. No body checks on a defenseless player.

2. No Excessive Body Checks (“Takeout Checks”) are permitted.

Excessive Body Checks/“Takeout Checks” include, but are not limited to, contact such as the following:

Any body checks considered more aggressive or more physical than necessary to stop the advancement of the player carrying the ball or to keep or move a player away from a loose ball.

This includes but is not limited to:

(i)  any check in which a player makes contact with sufficient force and perceived intent to knock down the opposing player;

(ii)  any check in which a player makes contact with sufficient force and perceived intent to injure the opposing player; and

(iii) any check made in a reckless or intimidating manner.

Targeting the Head/Neck: US Lacrosse draws special attention to NCAA Rule 5 Section 3 that prohibits targeting the head or neck, quoted below:

A player shall not initiate contact to an opponent’s head or neck with a cross-­‐check, or any part of his body (head, elbow, shoulder, etc.) or stick. Any follow-­‐through that contacts the head or neck shall also be considered a violation of this rule.

PENALTY— One, two, or three minute nonreleasable foul, at the referee’s discretion. Excessive violation of this rule may result in an ejection from the game.

The Ball

The balls shall be in accordance with NCAA Rules, including the requirement that all balls must specify that the ball meets the NOCSAE standard. If the home team does not provide any ball retrievers, that team must supply and maintain during the game an adequate number of balls on the end lines and sidelines to prevent undue delays of play (on the bench sideline, balls should be placed at the scorer’s table).

Crosses

Crosses shall be as in the NCAA Rules (stick head at least 6 inches wide). However the graduated head widths (2010 rules) and the 2015 rule with respect to shooting strings, single sidewall string rule, the restrictions on tape on sticks and the required tape on shaft on sticks used for face-­‐offs is not enforced. Five long crosses may be in the game, not counting the goalie’s crosse.

Personal Equipment

It is desirable, but not required, that the helmets, gloves, shorts, and sweatpants colors be consistent with NCAA Rules. Team Jerseys should have proper numbers on front and back.

Equipment to be worn

Equipment is to be in accordance with NCAA Rules, except as noted.  Arm Pads, Shoulder Pads, Gloves, and NOCSAE Helmets are required. However, Mouth Guards and Protective Cups are recommended, but not required.  Goalies are not required to wear Arm Pads, but must wear all other equipment required for goalies including Throat Protectors and Chest Protectors.