When the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) implemented stick changes in its 2010 lacrosse rules, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) did not adopt the changes for high school lacrosse.

In the past few years, lacrosse equipment manufacturers developed head designs for men’s lacrosse sticks making them narrower while still complying with existing rules. The new designs made it more difficult for the ball to be dislodged and thereby altered the way college lacrosse was being played.

However, starting with its 2010 lacrosse rules, the NCAA rules that apply to men’s lacrosse will require a minimum head width dimension of 3-inches for the throat of the lacrosse stick head. Traditional head dimensions, just like X or Universal specs, have always been 6.5 by 10 inches and will continue to be maintained for high school lacrosse and those that follow NFHS rules. The NCAA stated that the modified specifications will return the stick head to the more traditional shape, restore the balance between defense and offense, and preserve the traditions of the sport.

The NFHS, however, through its Boys Lacrosse Rules Committee, decided not to make any revisions and deferred the matter for further discussion at its annual meeting. The NFHS was concerned that stick revisions would impact on school budgets and any decision to do so would face delayed implementation. However, some schools and youth clubs which already play by NCAA rules have agreed to make the changes.

Also in 2010 lacrosse regulations, the NFHS issued Points of Emphasis which should be observed in high school lacrosse. The following points were made:

• Prior to the game, teams should warm up at their designated end of the field and not circle the field interfering with the preparations of the opposing team.
• During warm up, teams that use the goal should wear protective gear, should not make shots from behind the goal, and should not warm up behind the goal while the goalie is warming up.
• Excessive body checks to the head area should be meted a 2-3 minute penalty for a personal foul.
• Game officials should be more alert about stalling tactics of a team and call the offense when it is obvious that the team is not attempting to attack the goal and score.
• A metal crosse must have a cap plug or be adequately taped.

With these 2010 lacrosse decisions, the NFHS  in effect left high school lacrosse unchanged.