The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel on Wednesday approved modifying the video review criteria in men's lacrosse so coaches can make challenges using the previously approved situations within the criteria at any point in the game, effective for the 2025 season.
Officials can initiate video review only in the last four minutes of regulation and in any overtime period.
Under the new rule, officials can initiate reviews to identify participants in a fight or determine whether flagrant misconduct or unsportsmanlike conduct or contact to the head and/or neck took place at any time in the game.
Another scenario that was added to the video review criteria will allow coaches to challenge whether a valid shot deflected off the goalie or the goal pipe to see whether the shot clock should be reset. Officials can initiate this type of video review, starting with the last four minutes of regulation.
Faceoff change
The panel approved an adjustment to the faceoff officiating mechanic for next season. Under the change:
- After the command of down, the official will stand over the faceoff players and can adjust the players' positions as needed.
- From there, the official will say "set" and will back out and whistle to start the faceoff.
- This will require the official to get out of the way before the faceoff starts.
Under the new rule, if a faceoff player commits a violation, that player will not be allowed to participate in the next faceoff. Also, the 30-second penalty for teams that commit three faceoff violations in a half was eliminated.
Other rules changes
- Players established in the defensive half of the field will only be able to bat or deflect the ball with their crosse to keep it in the offensive half of the field. Body contact with the ball will result in an over-and-back violation.
- A suspended coach or any other personnel cannot be in the confines of the venue from the time the team arrives until officials leave the field after the contest.
- Clear mouthguards will be permitted.