Section 6: Scoring
6.1 Scoring a Goal
A goal is scored when the ball passes completely through the plane of the goal from front to back, between the goal posts and beneath the crossbar. The entire ball must cross the entire goal line for a goal to count. Goals are worth one (1) point each in standard field lacrosse.
6.2 Conditions for a Valid Goal
A goal is valid only if the following conditions are met:
- The goal was scored by an attacking player's crosse, body, or deflected off a defensive player — it may not be deliberately kicked or thrown with the hand by an attacking player.
- The attacking player who last touched the ball before it entered the goal was not in the crease at the time of the shot or in the act of scoring.
- The goalkeeper was not illegally displaced from the crease by an offensive player.
- The shot was taken before the expiration of the shot clock (where applicable).
- The goal was not scored after the official's whistle sounded to end a period.
6.3 Disallowed Goals
A goal will be disallowed if:
- An attacking player or any part of their body is in the crease at the moment of the shot or entry of the ball.
- The ball was propelled by a deliberate kick or thrown by hand by an attacking player immediately prior to entering the goal.
- The ball entered the goal after an official's whistle.
- The goal net was displaced from its proper position before the ball entered.
- A foul was committed by the scoring team on the play immediately leading to the goal.
6.4 Own Goals
If a defensive player causes the ball to enter their own goal, the goal is credited to the opposing team. If a goalkeeper accidentally puts the ball into their own net, the goal counts for the opposing team.
6.5 Out-of-Bounds After a Shot
When a shot on goal is taken and the ball goes out of bounds without entering the goal, possession is awarded as follows:
- The team whose player was closest to the ball when it went out of bounds is awarded possession at the spot where the ball crossed the boundary.
- If equidistant players from opposing teams are closest to the ball, a face-off (men's) or draw (women's) is conducted.
6.6 Winning the Game
The team with the greater number of goals at the end of regulation wins the game. In the event of a tie, overtime procedures (see Section 5.8) determine the winner. In tournament play, ties may stand in preliminary rounds per competition rules established by World Lacrosse or the host organizing committee.
6.7 Two-Point Goals (Lacrosse Sixes)
In the Lacrosse Sixes format (the Olympic discipline), a two-point goal line is marked on the field. A shot taken from behind this line that results in a goal counts as two (2) points. Standard goals scored from within the two-point line are worth one (1) point. This rule applies specifically to the Sixes format and not to standard men's or women's field lacrosse.