How do substitutions work in men's lacrosse?
I · Intermediate · Positions and play · 3 of 8Teams may change players at any time, even while play goes on. The player coming off must leave through the gate, a 13-metre stretch of sideline in front of the substitution area, before the replacement steps on. After a goal, between periods and during a timeout, players may change anywhere along the sideline.
How it works
- Any time: "Maximum substitution may take place at any time."
- The gate: the part of the sideline between the special substitution area lines, 13 m long.
- Wait for the player: the substitute waits in the area until the player being replaced has left the field.
- Both through the gate: "Players may substitute on the fly", on either side of the centre line, keeping to the offside rule.
- Give way: a substitute about to go on must give way to a player coming off.
- After a goal, between periods, in a timeout: changes may be made from any point on the sideline.
- Injury: if an official stops play for an injured player who cannot go on, the substitute may enter at once.
- The penalty: any breach of the substitution rules is a minor foul.
- Too many on the field: a minor foul. A goal scored with too many players does not count.
- Squad: up to 12 substitutes.
The glossary has the substitution area and the roster. Its entries are written for sixes.
Tricky cases
A substitute steps on before the player coming off has crossed the sideline. What is the call?
A minor foul for a breach of the substitution rules.
Can a team choose to play a player short to save a substitution?
Nothing requires a team to have ten on the field, so it may.
A goal is scored. Do players still have to use the gate?
No. After a goal, between periods and in a timeout, a team may change from anywhere along the sideline, as long as it has the right number on when play restarts.
Can the goalkeeper be changed on the fly?
The rule makes no exception for the goalkeeper, but the new goalkeeper must wear the goalkeeper's protective equipment.
Why the rule exists
Field lacrosse is a running game, and free substitution lets teams rotate midfield lines as they tire. Making both players use the gate, one off before the other on, keeps the count right without stopping the game.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| During play | Through the gate, one off before one on | WL Men Rule 46.2 |
| After a goal, between periods, timeouts | Anywhere on the sideline | WL Men Rule 46.4 i |
| Breach | Minor foul | WL Men Rule 61.8 |
| Sixes | A 10 m substitution area | From the sixes set |
From the rule book
World Lacrosse, 2025-2027 Men's Field Lacrosse Official Playing Rules (version 1.0), Rules 8, 20, 46, 47 and 61. Checked 21 October 2026. Official document: Rules of Men's Field Lacrosse 2025-2027 (PDF).