New rules changes are aimed at eliminating violent collisions. Photo by Brian Nelson

A kinder, gentler lacrosse

Offseason rule changes intended to reduce violent collisions could drastically change lacrosse, depending on how they are interpreted and how strictly they are enforced. At the crux of the biggest change in the boys’ game is wording that stipulates a body check that targets a player “in a defenseless position” is illegal. What some decry as having become “football with sticks” now could evolve into “basketball with sticks,” according to some detractors of the new rules. Some coaches of top programs say they have already have yanked body-checking from their teams’ repertoire. On the girls’ side, officials have been instructed to take a no-tolerance stance on crosschecking. Stay tuned.