Rule 11

NFHS/USAL Rule 11: Excerpt from "Girls Lacrosse for Beginners 2025"

Rule 11 Flag

FlagThe Flag is a held whistle that is used for Major Fouls committed by the defense in the CSA when the attacking team is on a scoring play.  The flag allows for the attacking team to complete its scoring play.

A scoring play is a continuous effort to score.  The scoring play is considered ended when:

  • A shot is taken
  • The attacking team loses possession of the ball
  • The attacking team takes the ball below the GLE
  • The attacking team stops the continuous attempt to score
  • The attacking team fouls

If a shot is taken, the Flag is lowered.  If the scoring play ends by the attacking team losing the ball, taking the ball below the GLE, or stopping the continuous attempt to score, then the whistle is blown and the penalty is administered.  If the attacking team fouls, that is considered an off-setting foul.  If the defending team fouls a second time, the most recent foul is administered. The rule-of-thumb is that once the flag is up, there is either a whistle or a shot.