When does a goal count in women's lacrosse?
B · Beginner · The game · 4 of 5A goal is scored when the whole ball crosses the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar, shot from above the goal line extended. It must come from an attacker's legal stick, or from a defender's stick or body. It does not count if the shooter steps into the goal circle first, if the ball comes off an attacker's body or if the shot was dangerous.
How it works
- A goal: "the whole ball passes completely over the goal-line, between the goal posts and under the crossbar from above the GLE".
- From: "an attack player's legal Crosse, or from a defensive player's Crosse or body".
- Not after the whistle: or the horn, with an exception for shooting space.
- Not off an attacker's body: "The ball comes off the person/body of an attack player."
- Not from the circle: if the shooter "steps on or over the Goal-Circle line, before the ball crosses the goal-line", or another attacker enters it.
- Not with interference: if the attack interferes with the goalkeeper in the goal circle.
- Not dangerous: if the official rules the shot or follow-through dangerous.
- Not with an illegal player or stick: or when the attacking team is offside.
- Not with a foul: by the shooter in the act of shooting, or by the attacking team before the ball crosses.
- The stick check: a scorer asked to hand over the stick must do so at once without changing it. Otherwise the goal does not count.
- The winner: "The team scoring the greater number of goals wins."
The glossary has the goal (scoring) entry, the shot on goal, the goal line extended and the crease restrictions entry. Its entries are written for sixes.
Tricky cases
A shot deflects off a defender's leg and goes in. Goal?
Yes. A goal may come from a defender's body or stick.
A shot hits an attacker standing in front of goal and goes in. Goal?
No. A goal is not scored when the ball comes off an attacker's body.
The shooter's follow-through carries them into the goal circle after the ball has crossed the line. Goal?
Yes. The shooter may enter the goal circle once the ball has crossed the goal line.
The goalkeeper steps into the shooter's follow-through after the shot is released. Is it a dangerous follow-through?
No. If the goalkeeper moves into the path after the shot was started, it is not a foul and the goal counts.
Why the rule exists
Field players wear no helmets, so the rules on dangerous shots and follow-throughs are strict: a goal from a shot that endangered someone does not stand. The goal circle protects the goalkeeper, as in the other forms.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Women's field | Goal from above the goal line extended | WL Women Rule 11.A.2 |
| Off an attacker's body | No goal | WL Women Rule 11.B.3 |
| Men's field | Defender's own goal credited to the in-home | WL Men Rule 38.1 |
| After the shot clock expires | No goal, from 2027 | WL Women Rule 24.B (11.B.1) |
From the rule book
World Lacrosse, 2025-2026 Women's Field Lacrosse Official Playing Rules, Rules 11, 17.A.13 and 24.B. Checked 21 October 2026. Official document: World Lacrosse Women's Field Rules 2025-2026 (PDF).