When does a goal count in men's lacrosse?
B · Beginner · The game · 4 of 5A goal is scored when the whole ball passes from the front through the goal, between the posts and under the crossbar. Each goal is worth one, and the team with more goals wins. It does not count if an attacker is touching the crease, if the attacking team is offside or has too many players, or if it goes in after the whistle or the end of the period.
How it works
- A goal: the ball "passes from the front completely through the imaginary plane" of the goal.
- Own goals count: a ball put in by a defender is a goal for the attacking team, credited to its in-home.
- The scorer: the last attacker who gave the ball enough force to cross the line.
- Not after time: a goal does not count after the period has ended, "regardless of whether or not an Official's whistle has sounded".
- Not after a whistle: even an inadvertent one.
- Not from the crease: not "when any part of the body of an attacking Player is touching the goal crease area".
- Not with too many: not when the attacking team has more players than it should on the field.
- Not offside: not when the attacking team, or both teams, are offside.
- Not with a broken stick: not when the head of the shooter's stick comes off during the shot or follow-through.
- Not with an illegal stick: not if the scorer's stick is declared illegal before the next live ball.
- A shot: a throw at goal "with the intent to score", released from in front of the goal line extended.
The glossary has the goal (scoring) entry, the shot on goal, the goal line extended and the crease restrictions entry.
Tricky cases
A shot bounces off a team-mate's shoulder and goes in. Who scored?
The shooter, unless the team-mate added impetus. A player who moves an arm and deflects the ball in is credited with the goal.
An attacker dives across the front of the crease and scores before landing in it. Goal?
Yes, if no part of the body touches the crease area before the ball crosses the line and the goalkeeper is not touched.
A goal is scored, the defending coach asks for a stick check and the scorer's pocket is too deep. Does the goal stand?
No. A goal does not count if the scorer's stick is declared illegal before the next live ball.
Is there a two-point goal in men's field lacrosse?
No. The book scores every goal the same. Sixes also has none.
Why the rule exists
The crease belongs to the goalkeeper, so a goal scored with a foot in it does not count. The other exceptions remove goals that came from an unfair advantage: an extra player, an illegal stick or being out of position.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Goal disallowed | Attacker in the crease, offside, too many players, after time | WL Men Rule 38.2 |
| Own goal | Credited to the attacking in-home | WL Men Rule 38.1 |
| Illegal stick | Goal does not count | WL Men Rule 38.2; 45.5 |
| Too many long sticks | Goal does not count | WL Men Rule 45.8 |
From the rule book
World Lacrosse, 2025-2027 Men's Field Lacrosse Official Playing Rules (version 1.0), Rules 38, 45 and 49. Checked 21 October 2026. Official document: Rules of Men's Field Lacrosse 2025-2027 (PDF).