Entering the 2016 season there have been a number of rule changes made by US Lacrosse (which is endorsed by the National Federation of State High School Associations).  Along with a number of minor play changes and equipment changes there are three noteworthy changes for the upcoming season.

These changes include a new mandatory yellow card for dangerous contact, an alternate possession used to eliminate the throw and the change from a six minute full time overtime to a sudden victory overtime.  

Lissa Fickert, the chair of the US Lacrosse women's game rules subcommittee noted that the change to dangerous contact is of major importance due to safety, "While some body contact will occur during normal play, there is no justification for deliberate and violent collision by any player, especially intentional player-to-player collisions with defenseless players".  She continued, "the increase in the severity of the penalties is intended to send a strong message that this type of play is unacceptable."

There were thirteen rule changes. (See the full list)

Updated Major Rule Changes:

Rule 4, Section 7: Overtime play shall be sudden victory (first goal ends the game).

Rule 5, Section 20: The throw shall be eliminated and replaced by a procedure of alternate possession. The winner of the coin toss shall have the option of choosing ends of the field or having the first possession that occurs.

Rule 6, Section 1: A new foul for dangerous contact has been added. Dangerous contact shall be any action that thrusts or shoves any player, with or without the ball, who is in a defenseless position. This includes blind side, head down, or from behind.

Additional Information:

A full copy of the rules can be found (here).  A discussion by US Lacrosse of all 2016 changes can be found on their website.