The NFHS Rules Committee finished their work in July and the list of rules changes for 2016 (and later) have been approved by the FHHS Board of Directors. Four "major" changes have been announced as well as a list of "Points of Emphasis".
- The face off rules (4-3-3) have been rewritten with new procedures which include having the official place the ball AFTER the players are down. A player cannot carry the ball in the back of the stick. "It is legal to clamp the ball with the back of the stick, but it must be moved, raked or directed immediately. Immediately is defined as within one step."
- Once the ball has moved into the goal area it must remain on the offensive end of the field or it results in a turnover.
- "Pull strings" (that change the depth of the pocket) are illegal and no more than one sidewall string is allowed on each sidewall.
- Starting in 2018, stick head dimensions will change which it is hoped will address the ball being stuck in the crosse
The Points of Emphasis are (1) Contact to the head or neck and blind side hits, (2) Helmet fitting and NOCSE standards, (3) Halftime warm up (recommended for the last 3 minutes of the break) and (4) Insuring that helmets and other equipment be worn during warm up periods.
The Committee also recommended that coaches not teach players to block the goal when the goalkeeper is out of the crease.
The Federation has an article on the changes and the rules list has been published for review. The NYSPHSAA will review the changes and normally adopts the changes for play in New York.
