NYSPHSAA to add shot clocks to boys and girls lacrosse

ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) – A major change will be coming to high school lacrosse in 2025.

NYSPHSAA Executive Director Dr. Robert Zayas announced a new change to high school lacrosse, on Monday. According to a post on “X,” Zayas shared that New York State will be the first to implement an experimental shot clock for boys and girls lacrosse.

The experiment is set to begin in Spring of 2025 and will be supported by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).

Below is the announcement posted by Dr. Robert Zayas:

In January, the NYSPHSAA voted to approve an experimental 60-second shot clock for 2025 and 2026. Along with a 20-2 affirmative vote, boys lacrosse rules were provided.

• A 60-second clock will begin once the ball is possessed and advanced into the offensive goal-box area.
• The offense will then have 10 seconds to advance the ball into the attack box after crossing the center line, after gaining possession, or regaining possession in the offensive half of the field.
• The 10 second over-and-back rule will still be managed by officials.
• The shot clock will be reset if; a team regains possession on the offensive half of the field, after a valid shot recovered by the offense, after a loose ball regained by the offense, or after a defensive foul.
• Shot clocks will pause during a timeout.

A finalized rule set for girls lacrosse is still being finalized by the NYSPHSAA.

According to a February article from USA Lacrosse,
“Any of the state’s 11 sections can seek permission from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) to experiment with a shot clock.”

18 Sports will continue to follow this story through the 2025 high school lacrosse season.

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