Chumash is played by two teams of 3 players each. Each team may have one substitute. There is one goal in the center of the field. The purpose of each team is to score on its respective side of the goal. Long sticks are illegal.
Note: the game can be played two on two as well as one on one.
The Field
The Chumash field is 50 yds. long and 30 yds. wide. The crease is elliptical-6-12' at the goal line extended and up to 15yds. at the top center. The younger players should be closer. The 6' high, 12" wide goal is centered in the crease, and the net shall be centered or sandwiched in the frame to accommodate shots from both sides. 20 yds. from the goal line and 5 yds. from the boundary on each end there shall be a restraining or "take back" line.
- Field specifications are a guideline only, and the game can be played just as well with modifications based on capabilities. For example, it is a lot of fun to play Chumash on the beach with two poles buried about 1 foot apart in the sand, and a crease that is obliterated periodically by incoming waves.
- The fatter the goal poles, the better.
Officials
The game shall be controlled by one official
- Chumash is designed to be as self-regulating as possible to enhance the joy of playing, and to make it easy to play a real game anytime, anywhere. You don't have to have a referee, but you do need to exhibit sportsmanship and fairplay. If a call is in question, use a system of alternating possessions. The game was created to be fun and to teach skills, to involve parents and encourage them in teaching their children sportsmanship. It is the kind of game we can use to invite the world to play lacrosse with us. Anybody can play.
Game Play
A game will consist of two ten minute halves. Each team is allowed one two-minute timeout per game.
- Or you could just play all afternoon.
Initial possession of the ball to start the game shall be determined by a coin flip.
- A face-off or shootout are also acceptable. If you roll the ball out or face-off, the team that gains possession must take the ball back to their own restraining line. Determine each team's "take back" line before you start play.
There is no offside rule in Chumash Lacrosse.
When there is a clear change of possession the team with the ball must pass or carry it back to the restraining line in front of their goal, much like 3 on 3 basketball. If a team fails to do this it is a technical foul and the ball is awarded to the other team. After a goal, the ball is put in play at the take back or restraining line.
- If a shot is taken that misses the goal and goes out of bounds, the ball shall be awarded to the defensive team, not the team closest to the ball when it goes out of bounds.
Most play of the the game falls under the guidelines of the NCAA (boys) or USWLA (girls) rule book.
- There are no rules governing time for ball advancement, etc.
- 5 yard (1 meter for girls) rule strictly enforced on inbounds play, interference, etc.
- The integrity with which you play brings honor to the game.
Goal Crease Privileges
When the ball is on the ground in the crease, players from both teams are allowed to be inside the designated crease area.
- After possession is gained, the ball must be immediately carried or passed out of the crease. Failure to do so is a technical foul and loss of the ball.
- When the ball is in possession of team A, a player from Team B is allowed to be in the crease only if they are continually moving through it. A defensive player (team B) may not take a position to defend the goal while in the crease. A defensive crease violation will result in a man down situation for Team B, as per NCAA rule on a technical foul with possession.
- After team A has cleared the ball, no player from Team A (the team with the ball) may ever be in the crease or on the crease line. During the clear there is no crease violation. However, the goal may not be used to pick an opponent at any time.
Personal Fouls
Personal fouls are illegal body checking, slashing, tripping, and cross-checking as per NCAA rules.
- Exception: There is no "brush" call. Any touch of the head or face is an automatic personal foul.
- On a personal foul the ball is awarded at the restraining line. The offended team doesn't have to clear the ball.
Technical Fouls
Technical fouls are interference, illegal screen, holding, warding off, pushing, withholding the ball, crease violations, and other technical infractions outlined in the NCAA Rule book.
- On a Technical foul, the ball is awarded at the goal line extended, and just inside the sideline. The ball must then be cleared to the restraining line.
Penalty Enforcement
On personal fouls, the offender must go to the sideline until there are 2 shots taken, or until his team gains possession of the ball, or there is a goal scored by the team with the advantage.
On technical fouls, the offending player must leave the field for 1 shot, or until his team gains possession of the ball, or there is a goal scored by the team with the advantage.
Sportsmanship
Leave the field thinking how much fun it was to play and not how you won or lost.
- Any and all ritualistic forms of good sportsmanship are encouraged.
These rules are flexible, depending on resources availability.
- Make sure any rule variations are agreed upon before play begins.
For more information see: https://rock-itpocket.com/info/chumash/