NFHS/USAL Rule 1 (Part 3): Excerpt from "Girls Lacrosse for Beginners 2025"

The Critical Scoring Area (CSA)

The Critical Scoring Area (CSA) has already been mentioned in relation to the field. The CSA is defined as the area inside the 12m fan and extending to the end line.

The CSA includes the area defined by the 12m fan as well as the area defined by an imaginary line drawn from where the 12m fan intersects the Goal Line Extended to the End Line.

Sometimes the entire CSA needs to be considered for play, and sometimes there is a need to differentiate between play above and play below the GLE but in the CSA.  Here are the two areas of the CSA – above and below:

There are two dots located in the CSA below the GLE that are used for penalty administration.  These dots are five yards below the GLE from the 8m mark on the GLE.

The 8m Arc

Included in the CSA but also an area in itself (sometimes) is the area defined by the 8m Arc.  The 8m Arc has five hash marks on it for penalty administration.

Moving out of the 8m Arc, but staying within the CSA, you will notice an area on both sides of each goal that is shaped like a slice of pie.  The unofficial term for this is “The Pie.”  Within “The Pie” is another hash mark called “The Hanging Hash.”

Penalties may not be administered (set-up) closer that 8m from the goal.  Penalties within “The Pie” are set-up on this hanging hash.

The Goal Circle

Finally, there is the goal circle.  There are different rules at different levels that control play in and around the goal circle.

The Goal itself is a simple 6x6 foot square.  The line on the ground is supposed to be two inches wide, which is the approximate width of the pipes that make up the frame of the goal.  The front of the goal pipes should be on the front edge of the goal line. A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line – either in the air or on the ground.  It is possible for a goalkeeper inadvertently to score a goal on herself by carrying the ball across the goal line in her crosse.

Add to the field markings for Soccer, Field Hockey, Football, and Boys Lacrosse and you will understand some of the challenges for players, coaches, and umpires. Indoor facilities can get even more confusing.  Everyone on the field seems to be able to function, however, with a lot of understanding and cooperation.