A few rule changes and updates were passed at September’s WDBOG meeting for the women’s game. Below is a brief overview of some of the updates.

Rule 2 - Equipment and Uniforms
1. The requirement to use a colored mouthpiece goes into effect in the 2009 season.
2. New uniform requirements will be announced to go into effect for the 2013 season.
3. In addition to the regular yellow ball, use of a slightly textured ball will be allowed and use of a bright orange ball will be allowed. Home team will choose which ball to use.

Rule 7 - Penalty Administration
1. A team will play short from the first card issued rather than waiting until the fourth card.
2. Any player or coach receiving a red card will not be allowed to participate in the team’s next game.

Youth Rules
In addition to Level A, B, and C, a new level for youth play will be announced. Level FC will allow full checking for the 7th and 8th grade age group player if they and the league they play in meet all of the following criteria:
1. All players on the team must be in 7th or 8th grade, or on U15/U13 teams. No U12 players allowed. Players must average at least 3 years of playing experience.
2. All coaches of participating teams must have US Lacrosse Level 1 coaching certification.
3. The league/program must be in existence for at least 5 years, and must progress players through from Level B or C to Level A before playing Level FC.
4. Games must be officiated by two US Lacrosse rated officials, both of whom must have held a Local rating for a minimum of 2 years.
5. The league must receive approval from the local umpiring board chair that there are sufficient numbers of qualified umpires to adequately cover the games.
6. Any check to the head in a Level FC game will be penalized with a mandatory red card.