Box Lacrosse Tournament
The rules governing this intramural sport activity are unique to the UVM Intramural Sports Program. This rules sheet is not meant to be all-inclusive; rather it is a summary of the more common rules, policies, and procedures used by the Intramural Sports Program. All important policy information can be found in the Intramural Sports Handbook. All team managers and players are responsible for reading this document and understanding the rules, policies, and procedures prior to participating in this activity. 

General/Eligibility
See the Intramural Sports Handbook for complete listing of eligibility. 

Club Player Eligibility  - Members of the UVM Club Lacrosse Team are eligible to participate in this event; however, there may not be more than two (2) club players on a roster.
Penalty: Any team that is in violation of the club player participation guidelines will automatically forfeit every game in which the ineligible player(s) participated. During playoffs, use of an ineligible player will result from the team being removed from further competition.

UVM Identification - All players MUST present a UVM Cat Card to the IMS Supervisor prior to participating in the tournament. Players who do not have their Cat Card will be subject to the terms of the Campus Recreation ID Policy.

Team Rosters - The official team roster consists only of those individuals who are eligible and who have signed the official roster/waiver. Individuals must be listed on the official roster by the end of regular season play in order to be eligible to participate in playoffs. Confirming that all players are listed on the official roster is the responsibility of the Team Manager. Players may only play on one team. 



The Game and Field

  1. The game consists of two (2) 10-minute halves. The clock will only be stopped for injuries, timeouts, or at a referee or supervisor’s discretion. If a team is leading by ten (10) goals in the second half, or seven (7) goals in the last 2 minutes of the game will end due to the Mercy Rule.
  2. Each team is allowed one (1) timeout per half. They may only call for a timeout when they have control of the ball.
  3. The playing area will be contained within the walls or glass of the MAC. If the ball leaves the field into the netting or out of play, possession will change and the other team will have a restart from that spot.
  4. The game shall be started and restarted after goals with a jump-ball.  Players will line up at the center dot. The ball will be put in play by the official with a toss.  All other players must be outside the center zone and in their own halves. Any body contact  during the face-off will result in the ball being awarded to the opposing team’s goalie.
  5. A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line, between the posts and under the crossbar; a goal may not be awarded if shot inside the goalie crease.
  6. An offensive shot may only be taken inside the yellow lines of the shooting team’s offensive zone.
  7. Feet may be used to stop the ball or to keep control of the ball (may pass to yourself) but cannot be used to pass to a teammate or score a goal. Hands may be used to stop a ball and then placed directly in front of the player. Hands may not be used to advance the ball or score a goal.
  8. In a 50-50 situation any player who covers the ball with their stick will receive one unimpeded chance (about 2 seconds) to pick up the ball. The ref will clearly state when the ball is covered and when the defender is to back off. If defenders do not back off, a penalty will be assessed for unsportsmanlike conduct (2 mins)
  9. Overtime (Playoff Round Only): A five (5) minute golden goal overtime period will be used. GOLDEN GOAL = First team to score in the overtime period wins and the game ends.

Equipment
  1. All players, including the goalie, will provide their own sticks and protective equipment. All players are required to wear a helmet. If players do not have a helmet, one will be provided by Intramural Sports.
  2. In the interest of personal safety, we will use tennis balls in lieu of lacrosse balls.
  3. Goalies must wear a helmet, chest protector & gloves. Other protective equipment is recommended, but not provided by IMS.

Player Rules
  1. Team consists of six (6) players, one of which must be the goalie. In order for the game to be official, there must be at least four (4) players present per team (teams with less than six (6) players may choose to play without a goalie).
  2. If at any time there are more then six (6) players on the field the offending team's captain will receive a one (1) minute penalty.
  3. Substitutions: Substitutions may be made on the fly within the substitution area; a substitute may only enter the court after another player has left the court. Substitutes must remain in the designated area during play. Failure to comply with the above rules will result in a one (1) minute penalty to the captain of the offending team.
  4. Goalies: The player designated as the goalie, is the only player allowed to use any regulation Goalie Stick. They may use any part of their body to stop the ball but, must distribute the ball using their stick. The goalkeeper may not cross half field and many not score a goal.

Fouls
  1. This is a NON-CONTACT/ NON-CHECKING Tournament. The minimum penalty for checking or intentional contact will be a two (2) minute penalty. Some incidental contact may be allowed at the referee’s discretion.
  2. Crease Violation: no offensive player may enter the crease. If this occurs, the defensive team will receive the ball behind their goal.
  3. Two (2) minute penalties – A player will serve two (2) minute penalty in the penalty box and their team will play short-handed for the following penalties:
    • Checking
    • Illegal substitution (too many players on the court)
    • Slashing
    • Tripping
    • Pushing
    • Holding
    • The opposing team will receive the ball. The player may be released from the penalty box early if a goal is scored against their team.
  4. Unsportsmanlike conduct – A player will serve one (2) minute penalty in the penalty box and their team will play short-handed for the following penalties:
    • Objecting by word of mouth or action to any decision of an official (dissent)
    • All other Unsportsmanlike Conduct as outlined in the Intramural Handbook
    • Reckless Actions
    • The opposing team will receive the ball. A player may be released from the penalty box early if a goal is scored against their team. 
  5. Ejections – Players will be ejected immediately for the following fouls:
    • Cross-checking
    • Receiving three (3), two (2) minute penalties
    • Using insulting, offensive, or abusive language
    • Leaving the bench area to enter the field during
    • Exhibiting violent conduct a fight or altercation
    • Spitting at another person
    • Physically damaging equipment or the facility
    • The opposing team will receive the ball. Upon ejection a player may be replaced after a period of two (2) minutes
  6. If any team receives five (5), two (2) minute penalties the referee will terminate the game.
  7. Advantage – If a foul occurs on a player while on offense the referee will hold up his/her hand signaling a foul. If the team that committed the foul gains possession of the ball, the foul will be enforced. If a goal is scored, the foul will not be enforced.