Boys Rules

2025 Victory Event Series Boys Tournament Rules & Guidelines

*Not Applicable for Liberty National Elite Classic*

All games will follow NFHS & USA Lacrosse Rules with the following modifications and clarifications

Roster & Eligibility

  • All players must have a completed online waiver signed by a parent/guardian prior to participation.
  • Players may only participate on one team for the duration of the event.
    • A violation results in a 3-minute non-releasable penalty to be served by the in-home player. All players involved in the violation will be removed from the bench. The penalty remains 3 minutes regardless of the number of players involved.
  • No player may compete below their graduation year.

Game Format

  • Duration: 2 halves of 22-minute running time.
  • Halftime: 2 minutes (running clock).
  • Timeouts: Each team is allowed one (1) 30-second timeout per game. Timeouts may only be called when the ball is below the restraining line and are not permitted during the final 4 minutes of the game.
  • Clock: Maintained by tournament director; referee may pause for serious injury in the final 2 minutes.
  • Sideline Staff: Maximum of 3 coaches permitted per team.

Penalties & Officiating

  • Penalty Time: Time-and-a-half served; managed by the field coordinator.
  • Timeouts pause penalty time.
    Body Checking:

    • Limited checking at youth levels. Excessive contact = 1-minute unnecessary roughness.
    • Officials will penalize any big hit, regardless of ball proximity.
  • Scorekeeping: Maintained by table staff. Coaches from both teams are responsible for verifying and signing the score at the end of each game
  • Disciplinary Policy:
    • Leaving the bench during an altercation = immediate ejection from the tournament.
    • Antagonistic behavior (fighting, verbal abuse) = game removal or full suspension.
    • Officials and Tournament Directors have final authority on all rulings.

Division-Specific Rules

2026–2032

  • Once a team gains possession in its defensive area, they have 20 seconds to clear the ball across the midfield line. The Over-and-Back rule is in effect once the 20 second count expires.

2029/2030 (14U)

  • Full stick checks permitted (no one-handed checks).
  • Legal body checking (no “take-out” hits).

2031/2032 (12U)

  • Full length Long poles allowed.
  • Man-up/man-down scenarios played.
  • Body checking is not permitted.

2033/2034 (10U – 10v10)

  • Body checking not allowed.
  • No ball-advancement counts
  • Full-length poles are not permitted; long poles must be between 47″ and 54″ in length.
  • Mercy Rule: Down by 7+ = ball awarded at midfield.

6v6 w/ Goalie & 6v6 w/ Hector (Small-Sided Field)

    • Played under USA Lacrosse 10U 7v7 rules, with the following:
      • The One Pass Rule will NOT be in effect.
      • Positions: 1 goalie or Hector, 2 attack, 2 middies and 2 defenders. 2 players must remain behind midline at all times.
      • Faceoffs: Start of halves and after each goal.
      • No stalling, or advancement counts.
      • No man-up/man-down: Penalized players serve time, but are replaced; teams play even strength.
      • All one-handed stick checks are illegal (even without contact) and treated as slashing.
      • Mercy Rule: Down by 7+ = ball awarded at midfield.
      • Referees may waive off “bowled-in” or lucky long-shot goals.
      • Coaches should discourage double-teaming.
      • Full length or cut-down long poles are not permitted.

Tie Games & Forfeits

Pool Play

  • Ties allowed; each team receives 1 point.
  • No overtime.

Playoffs (Non-Championship)

  • 4-minute sudden-death OT.
  • If still tied, teams play a 3v3 + goalie Braveheart until a goal is scored.
  • No timeouts allowed in OT.

Championship Games

  • 4-minute sudden-death periods continue until a winner is determined. No Braveheart in finals.

Forfeits: Scored as a 7–0 win for the opposing team.

Pool Seeding & Tiebreakers

Tiebreaker Order:

  1. Head-to-Head Result
  2. Goal Differential (Max ±7 per game)
  3. Fewest Goals Allowed
  4. Most Goals Scored
  5. Number of Shutouts

For 3+ team ties, start at step 2. Once one team is selected, return to step 1 for remaining teams.

Sportsmanship & Conduct

  • Only head coaches may address officials respectfully.
  • Any ejection = disqualification from the next game, regardless of bracket. A second violation = removal from tournament and team penalty (3-minute unreleasable).
  • Head coaches are responsible for the behavior of their players, assistant coaches, and parents.
  • The event follows a one-strike policy for misconduct. Staff may remove individuals for unsportsmanlike behavior.
  • Referees will report all incidents to the Field Coordinator and Tournament Director.
  • Coaches removed from the tournament will be evaluated before future event participation is granted.

All questions or concerns must be directed to the Tournament Director by a coach or club representative—not parents.