Mixed Reactions to NCAA Rule Changes

Mikaela Garcia — July 30, 2021

The NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Committee announced new rules for the 2022 season with hopes of making the game more efficient. The committee wants to limit unnecessary stoppages during games.

One of the biggest changes is that games will be played in four quarters of 15 minutes each. Play will resume after two minutes between quarters, and each team will switch sides before the next quarter starts.

The game clock will now continue to run for fouls that occur below goal line extended and above goal line extended if more than eight meters from the goal circle. Same applies for alternate possession.

The possession clock will now reset to 60 seconds, as opposed to the previous 90, if the offense retains possession of the ball after a save by the goalkeeper, a rebound or if the shot hits the piping of the goal while the possession clock is at 59 seconds or fewer.

Pregame stick checks will be eliminated as well. However, sticks will still be checked after each goal. Coaches will not be able to request stick checks during their team’s timeout. They can request one at any point during halftime, the five minute or three minute rest time before an overtime period, in between quarters and before an official’s hands are on the draw players sticks.

If the first stick check request is unsuccessful, then the team will lose possession of the ball while the second stick check results in a timeout loss.

After the NCAA released their new rules, Lacrosse Extras conducted a poll on Instagram. Of the 266 participants, 51% voted against the changes, while 49% were in favor of the changes.

Of all the changes, fans were most outspoken against the decision to play four quarters of lacrosse versus two halves.

There are many questions about the new rule changes. Will the NCAA meet their goal of providing a more efficient game of women’s lacrosse to teams and fans? No one will know until games start being played in 2022.