HRLAX Fall Ball Rules & Information

Fall Season Overview: Weeks of September 21 – November 9

Season Structure

• The Fall Ball season runs from the week of 9/21 through the week of 11/9.
• Each team will be scheduled 6 games, with a guarantee of 5 games if cancellations occur due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
• The week of 11/9 is a hard cutoff due to the VHSL dead period beginning 11/8, which affects more than half of our league’s teams.
• HRLAX will make every reasonable effort to reschedule weather‑impacted games, but some matchups may not be able to be made up.

Developmental Focus

Fall Ball is designed as a developmental program for players and teams. The emphasis is on skill-building, learning the game, and gaining experience—not on standings or competition outcomes. No scores will be kept for the season, and game results will not be recorded. Coaches are encouraged to prioritize teaching, player growth, and creating a positive environment.

Game Locations & Scheduling

• Games will be played at Norfolk Collegiate on Monday nights, with additional games at Norfolk Christian on Tuesday nights.
• We are finalizing field usage with partner locations and confirming the number of teams to ensure proper field allocation.
• Game times: 6:30 PM  and8:00 PM (or 15 minutes after the conclusion of the first game)
• At Norfolk Collegiate, fields open at 6:00 PM. No players, coaches, or spectators may access the fields before 6:00 PM, even if they appear empty.

Game Format

• Four 15‑minute running‑clock quarters
• 2‑minute breaks between quarters
• 5‑minute halftime
• One timeout per team per half (clock stops during timeouts)
• Penalty time served at 1.5× the listed penalty duration

Game Day Operations

• HRLAX will provide a Field Manager at each game.
• Field Managers are responsible for:
  • Running the game clock
  • Managing scorekeeping (developmental format means no season scores are recorded)
  • Overseeing the penalty box
  • Conducting roster checks with coaches to ensure all players are properly registered.  Anyone not registered with HRLAX will not be allowed on the team sidelines.

Sportsmanship & Conduct

• HRLAX expects all players, coaches, and spectators to honor the game.
• Please refrain from foul language and show respect toward:
  • Field Managers
  • Officials
  • Opponents
• Bench areas must be cleaned by each team after their game.

Ejections & Suspensions

• Any ejected player will receive a minimum one‑game suspension.
• All ejection reports submitted by officials will be reviewed by the HRLAX Board, which will determine the final suspension length.
• Suspended players and coaches are not permitted on the sideline for the duration of their suspension.

League Commitment

HRLAX is dedicated to providing a safe, organized, and development‑focused fall lacrosse experience. We appreciate the cooperation of players, parents, coaches, and officials in maintaining a positive environment for all.

Let’s have a great Fall Ball season!