Sportsmanship is the main focus of the Paul Bowers Memorial Lacrosse Tournament. Three team sportsmanship awards are given out each year – one each for the most deserving Bantam team, Junior team and Senior team. Sportsmanship, as defined in the Webster Dictionary, is "Conduct becoming to one participating in a sport (as fairness, respect for one’s opponent, and graciousness in winning or losing)."

 In order to award a sportsmanship award, the following scoring policy is in place: 

1. For each game played, we are asking each official to award up to three (3) points based on the sportsmanship displayed by the players, coaches and fans. These points can be split between both teams, given to one team or not given out at all for that game.  
2. After each game, the official(s) inform the sportsmanship scorekeeper of the point distribution for that game.
3. At the end of each session (Bantam, Juniors, and Seniors),the points are tallied by team and the team with the most points will be awarded the Bowers Sportsmanship Award.

Boys Youth

Bowers Tournament will be officiated in accordance with Connecticut Valley Youth Lacrosse (CVYL) league rules. All games are 25 minute running time. Games will start on the hour and half hour, and will end 25 minutes and 55 minutes past the hour. A horn will sound to start and end each game.

Bantam: A three pass rule is in effect (anywhere on the field, goalie clear is a pass). Goals will not be allowed unless at least 3 passes have been attempted. In addition, NO CHECKING will be allowed.

Junior: No more than three steps allowed in making body checks. No time limits for possession or for stalling (other than 4 second Goalie possession in crease).

Senior: No time limits for possession or for stalling for "B" level games.

Girls Youth

Bowers Tournament will be officiated in accordance with US Lacrosse rules. All games are 25 minute running time. Games will start on the hour and half hour, and will end 25 minutes and 55 minutes past the hour. A horn will sound to start and end each game.

Sticks
Level A regulation women’s crosse with regulation pocket. 
Level B regulation women’s crosse with either a regulation pocket and may have  a modified pocket.
A Modified pocket is one where only half the ball may fall below the bottom of the sidewall.
Level C may use a youth stick with mesh or traditional strung crosse and may have a modified pocket.


Checking Rules
Level A ONLY 7^th&8^th graders - Modified check  - “checking a stick if it is below shoulder level, using a downward motion away from the other player’s body.
Level B and C  - 6^th grade & lower – No Check Rule

3 Second Rule
Level A and Level B
No holding the ball for more than 3 seconds when closely guarded/marked (pg.95 definition – ‘Position to Check’ – player has an opportunity to legally check the stick without fouling) and the defense HAS BOTH HANDS ON THE STICK and is in position to legally check if checking WERE allowed

If the offense adjusts the stick (i.e. cradles) making a legal check impossible the three second count would only start again when the defense adjusts her position to where a legal check could be made, THEN the 3 second count starts again.

Level C 
Everything is the same as stated in Level B above however, ALL FREE POSITIONS are INDIRECT.

Connecticut Valley Girl’s Lacrosse League Rule Clarification and Addendums
A rules defined by US Lacrosse will be followed by 7^th & 8^th graders: Seniors
B Rules defined by US Lacrosse will be followed by 5^th and 6^th graders: Juniors
C Rules defined by US Lacrosse will be followed by 4^th grade & under: Bantam

3 Pass Rule Clarification: to be used at B and C Levels

Once the offense is in possession of the ball three (3) PASSES must occur (anywhere on the field) before a shot can be made on goal
Definition of a “Pass”
Pass – defined as a throw traveling more than three (3) FEET intended to reach a teammate. 
A Pass does not require a catch but must land within a radius of four (4) meters from the intended receiver.
A GOALIE CLEAR from inside or outside the crease IS NOT considered a PASS.
If there is a shot on goal and the attacking team loses possession (goalie save/clears or defense picks it up) but then the defense loses possession before midfield, and the attacking team gains possession again, the attacking team can SHOOT WITHOUT three (3) passes again.
If the ball crosses (by any means) the midfield into their defensive end, the ATTACKING team MUST begin their three (3) passes again.
Violation of the Three (3) Pass Rule (shooting before three (3) passes), will be a free position to the GK and everyone four (4) meters from the goal circle.