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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA (May 20, 2021) — The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS),the national leader and advocate for high school athletics and performing arts programs, and USA Lacrosse, the governing body for lacrosse in the United States, have signed an agreement that affirms the commitment of both organizations to strengthen the collaborative and supportive working relationship between the two groups that has been in place for more than 20 years.
Focused on athlete safety, rules implementation, developing and promoting resources and recruiting and retaining coaches and officials, the agreement will align NFHS high school rules committees and the USA Lacrosse youth rules committees to establish consistency in the rules-writing process.
In the area of rules development, the composition of the NFHS Girls Lacrosse Rules Committee will be altered, beginning with the 2022-23 season, to mirror the NFHS Boys Lacrosse Rules Committee. In both cases, USA Lacrosse will have a representative on the NFHS committees, and the NFHS will have representation on the USA Lacrosse Women’s and Men’s Game Youth Rules Subcommittees.
“The NFHS and USA Lacrosse have worked together in a collaborative manner to support and promote both girls and boys lacrosse for many years,” said Dr. Karissa Niehoff, NFHS executive director. “We are excited about strengthening the relationship and look forward to ways that this renewed effort on the part of both organizations will continue to grow the sport at the youth and high school levels.”
In addition to a commitment to maintaining a collaborative relationship in devising playing rules for girls and boys lacrosse, the two organizations will continue to work together in the development and promotion of lacrosse educational programming to support lacrosse coaches and officials at all levels of experience.
“We really appreciate the longstanding relationship we’ve had with the NFHS in working to create the best possible experience for high school athletes,” said Ann Kitt Carpenetti, Vice President for Lacrosse Operations for USA Lacrosse. “This agreement is another positive step forward, both in helping to maintain consistency in the rules for youth and high school players, and in developing critical educational resources for coaches and officials. We’re excited about the opportunities in front of us.”