What is offside in women's lacrosse?
I · Intermediate · Space and the circle · 2 of 7Two restraining lines cross the field, 22 metres from each goal line. A team may not have more than six players in its attacking area beyond the far line, or more than seven in its defending area behind its own. Breaking that is offside, a minor foul. The goalkeeper may go up to the midfield area but never into the attacking area.
How it works
- Always: "The Restraining-Line rule remains in effect at all times, for the entire game."
- Attack: a team must not "have more than six (6) players in their Attacking Area".
- Defence: nor "more than seven (7) players in their Defending Area". One is usually the goalkeeper.
- Reaching over: a player may reach over the line with the stick, as long as no part of the foot or body is on the line or in the midfield area.
- On the line: a foot on or over the restraining line counts as being in that area.
- The goalkeeper: "must remain in their Defending Area or Midfield Area throughout the game".
- The penalty: offside "is a minor foul". The offside player, or the nearest team-mate, moves back onside.
- Attacking team offside: an immediate whistle, and a goal does not count.
- Defending team offside during a scoring play: the whistle is held so the attack does not lose its chance.
- Both offside: alternate possession.
- Warning cards: a team with a player serving a card plays one fewer in both its attacking and defending areas.
The glossary has the offensive and defensive zones entry and the minor foul. The restraining line is not yet in it.
Tricky cases
The goalkeeper runs out to the midfield area to receive a pass. Is that legal?
Yes. The goalkeeper may be in the defending area or the midfield area, but not the attacking area.
A defender reaches over the restraining line with the stick to pick up the ball. Offside?
No, as long as no part of the foot or body touches the line or the ground beyond.
A team scores with seven players in its attacking area. Does the goal stand?
No. A goal does not count when the attacking team is offside.
A team has a player serving a yellow card. How many may it have in each area?
One fewer than usual in both its attacking and defending areas, until the penalty ends.
Why the rule exists
The restraining lines keep the game spread out. Without them a team could crowd its own goal, or pile forward and leave nobody back. Holding the whistle for a defensive offside during a scoring play stops a defence from gaining by breaking the rule.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Women's field | Six in attack, seven in defence | WL Women Rule 18.A.2 |
| Men's field | The same numbers, measured from the centre line | WL Men Rule 65.1 |
| Goalkeeper | Never in the attacking area | WL Women Rule 18.A.4 |
| A card being served | One fewer in each area | WL Women Rule 23.B.5 |
From the rule book
World Lacrosse, 2025-2026 Women's Field Lacrosse Official Playing Rules, Rules 1.A.9, 18 and 23.B.5. Checked 21 October 2026. Official document: World Lacrosse Women's Field Rules 2025-2026 (PDF).