Central New Jersey Youth Lacrosse League (CJYLL) Rules
These rules and regulations govern the conduct and operation of the chartered CJYLL teams during CJYLL activities. CJYLL activities are defined as competitions against other League participants, professional development activities promoted by the CJYLL, and fundraising activities done in support of the CJYLL.
Players
Age groups:
Programs may create either single grade teams or group two grades together in the following age groups/divisions:
Senior Division: single grade 7th, single grade 8th, mixed grade 7th/8th
Junior Division: singe grade 5th, single grade 6th, mixed grade 5th/6th
Lightning Division: single grade 3rd, single grade 4th, mixed grade 3rd/4th
Players that play up or down cannot cross from one Division (see above) into another. This provision cannot be waived by the mutual agreement of the coaches.
CLARIFICATION: A 3rd grader can play on a 4th grade team. A 4th grader can play on a 5th grade team. A 6th grader can play on a 7th grade team. A 7th grader can play on an 8th grade team.
CLARIFICATION: An 8th grader can play on a 7th grade team. A 6th grader can play on a 5th grade team. A 4th grader can play on a 3rd grade team. Players cannot play down onto a team in another Division.
Age Guidelines
Any child who has not yet reached their fifteenth birthday by January 1st of the current year is eligible to participate in League activities provided that the player is not yet in High School.
Eligibility Guidelines
The player must live or attend school in the physical boundaries as set by their local program and agreed to by the League. Programs are responsible for submitting their boundaries to the League. Note: A player whose town does not have a team at their grade level can join an adjacent program. We do not want and will not permit poaching of players by out of town League programs. Programs should not promote their own programs to the detriment of programs contiguous to their own.
CLARIFICATION: All programs must submit a roster of their players, organized by team, and include a player’s name, date of birth, jersey number and USL number. This roster will be sent to Mitch Grayson at xmd3dx2d@aol.com. The deadline for submission is April 1, 2010.
Programs that violate any of the rules of eligibility will be subject to disciplinary action by the League.
Player Participation Guidelines
Programs should have a “no cut” policy. Tryouts should not be conducted to eliminate or cut players. Programs are encouraged to add teams at a given age level if demand warrants and/or provide opportunities within the community to give kids the opportunity to learn and play lacrosse.
The League encourages all member programs to adopt rules that ensure each player plays at least one full quarter per game.
Coaches are advised to refrain from shouting at referees from sideline for ANY reason. Any questions/concerns should be expressed in a civilized manner during a time out; this policy should be followed strictly.
Programs with multiple reported sportsmanship/Code of Conduct infractions may jeopardize their participation in the League.
Coaches
All coaches are strongly encouraged to participate in League programs and other events dedicated to improving their effectiveness teaching skills, managing games, and communicating with players, parents, and officials.
It is recommended that all coaches be provided with first aid training, including training in the recognition of concussions.
There shall be no more than 4 coaches on a sideline during the game, and one coach must be designated the head coach. Only the head coach has the right to communicate with the officials and opposing head coach.
Officials
All League games must be officiated by members of the New Jersey Interscholastic Lacrosse Officials Association or US Lacrosse.
Games at the 7th-8th grade level must have 2 officials on the field. It is strongly encouraged but not required that 5th-6th grade level games also have 2 officials. Games at the 3rd-4th grade level only require one scheduled official.
It is the responsibility of the home team and the scheduled officials to confirm game time and location. It is the responsibility of the home team, in concert with their designated assignor, to make any changes prior to play.
In order to better educate participants, officials are encouraged to provide explanation and clarification of the rules when requested to do so by the head coach or penalized player.
Parents
Parents are expected to show positive encouragement to the players, and to refrain from expressing any criticism of players, coaches, or officials. Parents are encouraged to support efforts promoting sportsmanship.
Programs are strongly encouraged to review the USL Code of Conduct with all parents prior to each season.
Game Day Issues
Field Preparation and Pre Game
Parents and spectators must be situated on the opposite side of the field from the players during games.
No spectators can be present on player sideline or behind the goals, and all spectators should be at least 5 yards removed from the sideline.
Field size should be as close to NCAA regulation as possible. If necessary, short fields should have yardage taken from the area behind the goal (as opposed to area between the mid line and restraining line or restraining line to goal). Any change in dimensions and other field characteristics should be brought to the attention of the visiting Head Coach and referees during the mandated pre-game meeting. Play on regulation size fields is preferred, however, coaches and/or officials can agree to play on any size field available as long as it is lined and is “playable”.
All fields must be properly lined and cones appropriately placed. The home team must provide a scorers table with timer, horn, and scoreboard. At a minimum, cones should be placed on the four corners of the field and at midfield on the side opposite the scorers table. A substitution box must be created and visibly indicated with cones and/or lines. The box must extend no more than 5 yards in each direction from the midfield line.
The home team will provide either ball boys or balls at the end line. Ball boys must wear a helmet. The home team is responsible for having contrasting jerseys or pinnies available. The home team will wear pinnies if necessary. The home team will also supply a timekeeper/scorekeeper.
The home team is encouraged to have a parent designated as a “sideline observer” whose role is to reinforce the USL Code of Conduct and report any disruptive behavior to a game official. Each program is also encouraged to provide appropriate instruction to “sideline observers” based on the ideals of USL and the Positive Coaching Alliance.
Pre Game Meeting
A pre-game meeting is required. The head coaches and assigned officials MUST hold a brief pre-game meeting to confirm rules of play, special ground rules, clock management, and to address any other questions pertinent to play.
A pre-game checklist will be provided to each Program by the League for distribution to the coaches.
A brief meeting is also encouraged before the start of the second half.
Coaches are reminded that their Program may schedule games against teams not in our League who may play under rules that differ from the CJYLL rules. A pre-game meeting is still strongly encouraged.
Pre Game Line Up
Prior to each game, the starting players for each team will participate in a pre-game lineup with the game official(s) to hear the officials’ instructions and ask questions to clarify. In round robin and tournament formats, each team will be expected to participate in at least one pregame lineup. However, at no time will only one team participate in a pre-game lineup.
Game Play
Clock Management
Games are divided into (4) 10 minute stopped time periods at the 7th & 8th grade levels, (4) 12 minute running time periods at the 5th-6th level, and (4) 10 minute running time periods at the 3rd-4th grade level, unless there is agreement between the coaches to alter prior to the game.
CLARIFICATION: In a stopped time game at the youth level, the clock will be stopped on an out of bounds, after a goal, during an injury, or any time when an official specifically signals a time out. Time will not be stopped for other whistles such as penalty enforcement.
CLARIFICATION: Consistent with high school procedure, stopped time games will go to a running clock when the differential is greater than 8 goals.
On occasions where multiple games are being played consecutively (round robins and tournaments, for example) there may be need to modify these standards to conform to time constraints.
The halftime of each game will be no less than 5 minutes.
Teams will have two timeouts per half.
Referees may call time out as needed for player rest when game conditions are considered extraordinary.
Under running clock situations there can be no time outs called, except by the official, when the clock is at or under two minutes.
In the event of an injury in a running time game, the clock will be stopped until the injury period is over if the game clock is at or under two minutes.
In the last two minutes of games at the 7th & 8th grade level, the 20 and 10 second counts will be enforced, as will the call to “keep it in,” unless there is prior agreement before the game to suspend all or part of the rule. At the lower levels, teams with possession are encouraged to always advance the ball into the offensive scoring area.
Overtime
One three minute overtime period will be played at all grade levels in the event of a tie during regulation. If there is no score in that time, the game will be declared a tie. Overtime will be played in running time. There are no time outs other than for injury. At the 7th-8th grade level, the clock counts will remain in effect.
Injury
A stoppage in play due to injury requires substitution of player(s) injured except for the goalie who may remain in the game if they so choose, with the exception of an injury to the head.
Mercy Rule
At any point in the game where one team leads by four or more goals the ball will be given to the trailing team at midfield in lieu of a face off. The head coach of the trailing team has the option to choose a face off instead of receiving the ball.
All periods begin with a faceoff regardless of the score unless a penalty is being enforced at the time.
Blow outs
Large winning margins of 10 goals or more are strongly discouraged. Coaches are encouraged to manage blowout situations creatively, and instruct their players how to treat opponents with sportsmanship and respect.
Penalty Clarifications
Technical and personal fouls are to be enforced consistent with NFHS rules.
Under tournament conditions, penalty time factors may be adjusted with the understanding of coaches and officials.
Body Checking
Body checking is not permitted at the 3rd/4th grade level. Body checks are permitted at 5/6th and above as long as players make contact in an upright position within five yards of the ball. No “take out” checks are permitted at any level. Take out checks are defined as body checks in which a player lowers his head and shoulders with the force and intent to put the opposing player on the ground, or “lines up” an opponent with similar intent.
At the 3rd-4th grade level, when ground balls are being contested in a “man-ball” situation, the player playing the “man” may legally interfere with the opponent, but may not body check. Please refer to the NFHS rule below for guidance.
NFHS Rule on Interference
Rule 6, Section 7
A player shall not interfere in any manner with the free movement of an opponent, except when that opponent has possession of the ball, the ball is in flight and within 5 yards of the players, or both players are within 5 yards of a loose ball.
Slashing is a serious concern and the League encourages officials to vigorously enforce the NFHS rules.
The so-called “one handed wrap” check is permitted at the 7th-8th grade level only.
The “ice pick” and “tomahawk” checks are NOT permitted at any grade level.
NFHS Rule on slashing
Rule 5, section 6, article 1 Swinging a crosse at an opponent’s crosse or body with deliberate viciousness or reckless abandon, regardless of whether the opponent’s crosse or body is struck.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Unsportsmanlike conduct and fighting are not to be tolerated. NFHS rules on unsportsmanlike conduct are very clear on the subject.
NFHS Rule 5, section 9, article 1
No player, substitute, nonplaying member of a squad, coach, or anyone officially connected with a competing team shall:
a. enter into an argument with an official as to any decision that has been made or in any way attempt to influence the decision of an official.
b. use threatening, profane, or obscene language or gestures at any time during the game
c. bait or call undue attention to oneself, or any other act considered unsportsmanlike by the officials
CLARIFICATION: Article 1, part a is not intended to eliminate dialogue between a coach and official but a demand to moderate or temper the tone of the conversation.
The league considers all family members and fans to be “officially connected” with a competing team.
The US Lacrosse Code of Conduct is to be adhered to by all players, coaches, parents and spectators. Any player or coach using derogatory language, trash talk, and the like (on the field or bench area), whether addressing a player, coach referee or spectator will receive a one (1) minute non-releasable penalty on the first offense. A second offense draws a (3) minute non-releasable penalty, game ejection and subsequent one game suspension. All ejections and suspensions must be reported to the League.
Head Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players and assistant coaches. Each program is responsible for the conduct of their parents and spectators. Under no circumstances shall a parent or spectator confront a referee before, during or after a game.
Fouling Out
NFHS Rule 5, section 10
Any player who accumulates 5 personal fouls, regardless of the penalty time accrued, shall be disqualified from the game.
Ejection
NFHS Rule 5, section 11, article 1
…A player, substitute, coach, non-playing member of a team or anyone officially connected with the team shall be ejected for:
c. Second, non-releasable unsportsmanlike foul
d. Any action deemed by the officials to be flagrant misconduct
Coaches Challenges/ Correction of Errors
NFHS Rule 7, section 1, article 1
When a head coach believes an official has misapplied a rule, the head coach may approach the scorer’s table to request a coach/official timeout for the purpose of discussing a possible misapplication of a rule. This request shall be made prior to the next live ball. The timekeeper shall sound the double horn at the request of the head coach and the discussion shall take place in the Table Area in the presence of both head coaches.
If the official misapplied a rule, necessary adjustments will be made and an explanation given to both head coaches. No time out will be charged and play will immediately be resumed. If there was no error in the application of the rule, the tie out will be charged to the requesting team. If there is time remaining for the charged time out, the head coach may utilize the amount remaining.
The head coach may not debate a judgment call. The coach/official time out is limited to the discussion of the misapplication of a rule. Decisions based on the judgment of the official(s) are final and not subject to review.
Incident Reports
If a head coach determines that an on site incident needs to be reviewed by the League, he or she is instructed to use the following protocol:
1) Discuss the incident with the Program Administrator at the first possible occasion.
2) If the incident is deemed significant enough to be reported, the Program Administrator, in consultation with the Head Coach, will complete the standard Incident Report Form being utilized by our League. The form has a section allowing for narratives, and knowledgeable witnesses may contribute.
3) The incident report form will be submitted to Bob Ritz. His email is bobritz@oldbridgelacrosse.com
4) Bob will document the Report and contact the other program(s) identified in the Report so that a comprehensive accounting of the incident is on record.
5) All incident reports will be reviewed at the end of the year to allow our League to take a proactive approach to future issues.
Equipment
Every player must be properly equipped. This includes shoulder pads, arm guards, gloves, helmet, mouthpiece, and athletic supporter. Rib guards are optional but suggested, especially for attack players.
Goalies are not required to wear shoulder pads or arm guards, but must be properly fitted with a chest protector and throat guard, attached to the helmet. Shin guards are not required but strongly encouraged, especially for new and younger players.
Stick
The stick has an overall length of 40 – 42 inches (short) or 52 to 72 inches (long pole). Stick length rules are waived in the 6th grade and below. Note: This does not mean the League condones having players use very short sticks in relation to body size but coaches are free to shorten sticks for smaller, younger players.
Stick check requests by coaches are permitted at the 7th-8th grade level, consistent with NFHS rules.
Helmet
NOCSAE approved lacrosse helmets are required along with protective gloves, shoes, colored mouthpieces, arm guards and shoulder pads.
Mouth Piece
All players must wear a colored mouthpiece and have their chinstrap properly attached at all times when on the playing field.
Long Poles
Teams at all age groups are allowed up to four long poles on the field at any time. At the 3rd-4th grade level, long poles shall not exceed 52”. Please note: US Lacrosse does not recommend introducing long poles until 7th/8th grade.
