Futures 2025 Tournament Rules and Information

Welcome to Futures 2025! We are thrilled to have you join us for another exciting event. Please take a moment to review the tournament rules below, as this tournament has its unique set of regulations. All rules are in accordance with the NCAA and US Lacrosse standards.

Tournament Structure

–Divisional Breakdown: Each division will be organized into different pools as necessary to accommodate all participating teams.

–Three Full-Length Games: Every team will play three full-length games, weather permitting.

–Regulation Fields: Games will be played on full regulation fields to ensure fair competition.

–Monday’s Games: Following Sunday’s play, the top teams from each division will advance to the championship round. Every team will be seeded based on record and be given one game on Monday. (Ex. #1 will play #2 for the championship, 3 v #4, #5 v #6 and so on). Tiebreakers for teams with the same record will go as follows: head-to-head, goals against, goal differential, in that order. If all tiebreakers are equal, the tournament staff will resolve the tie with a coin flip.

*The tournament schedule is subject to change based on weather conditions.

**There have been many scenarios where multiple teams have gone undefeated in pool play. Teams with the same record will be subjected to the tiebreakers listed above. Due to our time constraints on Monday morning due to the NCAA Championship game, this is a necessary part of the tournament.

Game Format and Timing

–30 Second Clearing Rule: Divisions 2032 and up must clear the ball from their defensive end across the midline within 20 seconds. The clearing team is not required to “touch the ball into the box.”

*Exceptions for 2033/34 Division: The 20-second count may be waived.

–Game Duration: Two 22-minute running halves with a 4-minute halftime.

–Timeouts: Each team is allowed 1 timeout per half, lasting 30 seconds. The game clock will stop during timeouts.

–Clock Stoppage: Under 2 minutes, the clock will start/stop if the score differential is three goals or less.

–Referee Management: Referees will keep game time, while penalty time will be managed in the penalty box. Penalty time is start/stop.

–No Tie Games: No games will end in a tie. Overtime will be played if necessary.

–Overtime Period: A 5-minute sudden victory overtime period will be played if the game is tied at the end of regulation.

Gameplay Regulations

–Stick Checks: Stick checks are not mandatory. However, the head coach may request one. If the stick is legal, the challenging team will be charged a timeout. If no timeout remains, a delay of game technical foul will be assessed.

–Final Rulings: Decisions made on the field are final. No disputes will be heard after the game.

–Prohibited Actions: No Crease Dives; No Motorcycle Grips or Knee Down on Face-offs.

Player Conduct and Discipline

–Ejections: Any coach or player ejected from a game will not be allowed to participate in the following scheduled game for their team.

–Stalling: Teams appearing to stall will be warned with a “Timer ON” notification. The attacking team will have 30 seconds to take a shot on goal.

–Fouling Out: Any player accumulating 4 personal fouls or 5 minutes in personal foul penalty time shall be disqualified from the game.

General Rules

–Required Equipment: Mouth guards, arm pads, gloves, helmets, and shoulder pads are mandatory.

–Player Conduct: Fighting or flagrant disrespect towards an official will result in expulsion for the remainder of the game and possibly the tournament. No exceptions or refunds.

–Sportsmanship: We expect all coaches and players to demonstrate professionalism and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.