I haven't reffed lax in about 4 years now. When I officiated, a team had 10 seconds to clear the ball from its defensive box (NCAA rules), and then there was no count from the top of the defensive box to midfield. While watching the MD/Georgetown NCAA quarterfinal yesterday, however, I heard the announcer mention "20 seconds to get over midfield". Has the rule changed? If so, when? Just curious.

Canadian Ruling
 

10 seconds to cross half-court only while in a power-play.

Rule change for this year, you get 20 seconds to cross midfield and you can go back into the defensive box. The 20 seconds is kept via the beeper, black box on officials belt. NCAA only, NFHS is still what you described.

The NCAA rule changed last year, and the NFHS rule is changing this year (2006). It eliminates the re-entry into the defensive box area as well, as now the team has 20 seconds to clear mid-field. Once the team touches the center line, they have both cleared mid-field and also entered the offensive half of the field, thereby triggering the 10 second count to get the ball into the offensive box. There are also other new rules (NCAA) relating to the offensive game, including flag down situations when the team on offense has been fouled. It's no longer an immediate whistle if they drop the ball while in the offensive box. Play continues until either the defensive team gains possession, or the ball is taken outside the box. There are some other situations as well, but it would probably be easier for you to view them on the US Lacrosse web site. Hope this helps.

VTref, look at the last post before your post, this is almost a year old thread. ;)

I saw that SE, just attempting to post more relevant info in the event someone looks at now, like I did.

Just making sure, a lot of lacrosse referees post over at lacrosseforums.com, take a look over there. :)