2016 Preseason

Experienced

Lacrosse Official’s Clinic #1

This is the first “Experienced Lacrosse Official’s

Clinic”. The TMLOA Board suggests that officials attending

this clinic have completed 5 seasons as a lacrosse official.

Our intent is to cover preseason training topics in a

different manner – less “understanding the rules” … more on

advanced topics related to the rules as well as: game

management, professionalism, mentoring and the like.

Before we start our first clinic the TMLOA Board would

like to get your input as to what topics and what types of

discussion you will benefit from the most.

Please discuss in groups of three for ten minutes to

prepare your input and present to the rest of the group.

Future clinics will depend in part on what we all

decide.

2016 Preseason

Experienced

Lacrosse Official’s Clinic #1

Discussion Results

Tonight’s Agenda:

Administrative topics

Professionalism

New Rules & Mechanics Game Management

2016 Preseason

Lacrosse Official’s Clinic

Administrative Topics

Announcements From Your (Beloved, Esteemed, Never Cranky, Always Cheerful on Rainy Days)

Assignor

• NCHSAA Registration – Required for public & private HS

• US Lacrosse Registration – Not required by NCHSAA but may be required in some areas for Summer & Fall US Lacrosse sanctioned tournaments.

• 2016 Clinics - Local – check with local LOA - State – see next page

• Importance of Arbiter • Make sure your Close-Outs Are Up-To-Date

at all times! Beginning Now!

Bruce Buskard - Charlotte, John DeBottis - Triad

Rod Bangert – Wilmington, Steve Otto - Jacksonville/New Bern

Duncan Sharrits - Hickory/Asheville, Rick Wooten - Triangle

NCHSAA State Clinic Schedule This is a required clinic!

Attending one of the regional state clinics is mandatory for all NCHSAA Head Coaches and officials

Any and all coaches regardless of level or governing body are invited to attend.

Date Time Location Association

Jan 20, 2016 6:30 pm Cape Fear Academy Wilmington Officials Association

Jan 30, 2016 12:00 pm Jacksonville High School Jacksonville/New Bern Area Officials

Association

Jan 31, 2016 6:00 pm Cardinal Gibbons High School Triangle Officials Association

Feb 2, 2016 6:00 pm Southwest Guilford High School

(FOR OFFICIALS) Triad Officials Association

Feb 8, 2016 7:00 pm Davidson College Chambers

Building, Hance Auditorium Charlotte Area Officials Association

Feb 8, 2016 6:00 pm Southwest Guilford High School TRIAD COACHES

Feb 10, 2016 7:00 pm Charlotte Country Day School

(Bruton Smith Athletic Center) CHARLOTTE COACHES

It is critical, repeat critical, that you keep your

availability up-to-date on Arbiter!

Local Triangle Clinics

City Presenter Venue Day Time Start Date

Cary Andy Gillis Rally Point Tuesday 6:00

pm

1/5

Durham/CH Bob

Graham

United

Therapeutics

Thursday 6:00

pm

1/7 (no

mtg 1/14)

Lillington Tyrone

Fisher

Harnett Cty

Coop

Monday 6:30

pm

1/4 (no

mtg 1/18)

Fuqua

Varina

Tommy

Ferrell

Tyler’s Tavern Wednesday 6:00

pm

1/13

North

Raleigh

Pete

Almasy

Ravenscroft –

Seminar A

Monday 6:00

pm

1/11

Raleigh

(5+ yrs)

Bob

Graham

Saint Mary’s

School

Sunday 6:00

PM

1/10

(no mtg 2/7

or 2/14)

Arbitersports - Resources

• NCHSAA Membership – NCHSAA – Public HS only – NCISAA – Private schools (use only NCHSAA Officials)

• US Lacrosse Membership

– Not required by NCHSAA but may be required in some areas for Summer & Fall US Lacrosse sanctioned tournaments.

– Benefits • Insurance • Training Materials • Link from Arbiter Central Hub with many goodies

• Rules Books – mailed from NCHSAA in early January (and USL in

December for members who chose that option)

• Physical Examination - NCHSAA highly recommends each official has a physical examination prior to the start of the season.

Administrative Topics

Dues & Fees Rick Wooten (booking agent, assignor): Amount: $71 Due Date: Friday January 15, 2016 NCHSAA: $20 fee + $31 insurance = $51 (12/15/2015) US Lacrosse: $50, if applicable – Not required for NCHSAA

NCHSAA GAME FEES: (Same as last year)

Varsity JV Two person crew, regular season $71 $56 Three person crew, regular season $61 Playoffs (three person crew required) $76 State Championship $81

• NFHS/NCHSAA – Step 1 - nchsaa.org/ Step 2 - then officials, Step 3 - then testing (on left)

Or go to: https://exams.nfhs.org (Note: test website is not compatible with tablets and iPads)

• Dates: February 8-12, 2016

• Note: The test on the US Lacrosse website does not

count for NCHSAA. You must take the NC test on the NFHS site.

Administration - Exam

• Assigning

– Method –

• If you don’t have a PhD in Astrophysics from MIT

don’t bother trying to understand how this is done.

• However, one assignor will admit to these criteria:

– 3A’s – ability, availability, attendance

– Tests

– Overall Classification

– Fees – send Rick a check for $71 plus your

registration form ASAP

• Professionalism - Get your uniforms in order. Replace

those old, faded, used to be black hats and shorts!

(Honigs, Official’s Corner)

Administration

Uniforms (from NFHS Rules Book)

ART. 2 . . . The recommended uniform for officials shall include:

(a) a black baseball-style cap with white piping;

(b) a black-and-white 1 inch vertically striped long- or short-sleeved shirt with Byron

collar (any undergarments, if visible, should be black);

(c) black shorts (minimum 6-inch inseam) or full length solid black pants (football

pants okay);

(d) a black belt (1¼ — 2 inches in width, not braided);

(e) short black socks that cover the ankle;

(f) solid black shoes with black laces;

(g) jacket (if worn) black-and-white 1 inch vertically striped;

(h) gloves, if worn, shall be solid black.

The uniform should fit properly and be clean and neat. All officials working the

game are to be dressed the same.

ART. 3 . . . Officials shall have the proper equipment; essentials are: whistle (2),

penalty flags (2), scorecard and pencil, coin, tape measure, and 20-second timing

device. The penalty flags shall be a light yellow gold (15 inches x 15 inches)

weighted with sand or beans.

Payments to Officials ArbiterPay – link through Arbiter, set-up your account

Local Association Practices

Payment of Game Fees –

Rick has details, but many now using Arbiterpay

Assignment Timing – Rick’s goal is two weeks

out

Fines

Black List

Game Reports

Ejection Reports

Other

Turn Backs By-laws language prevents an official from discipline for

a decline if the game is not assigned at least 5-days in

advance and include the following schedule of

discipline:

1st Turn back = Freebie (Unless family/sickness/

under discretion of TMLOA Grievance Committee).

2nd Turn back = Unassigned to a game

3rd Turn back = Lose a week of assignments

4th Turn back = Lose 2 weeks of assignment

5th Turn back = Lose all games for the season.

The exceptions are canceled games due to

inclement weather or the school did not provide one-

week advanced notice of the game

Improving Your Skills – US Lacrosse Certification

Additional training is available from US Lacrosse. Both formal and self-guided.

Training Certification Levels

• LAREDO Level 1

• LAREDO Level 2

• LAREDO Level 3

Training required to advance to upper levels

• 3 years Varsity level

• LAREDO Level 3 (outside the area)

• Assignor’s recommendation

Season Fast Facts:

1st Practice | Feb 15, 2016

1st Contest | Feb 29, 2016

Reporting Deadline | May 2, 2016

Playoffs

Round 1 | May 4, 2016

Round 2 | May 6, 2016

Round 3 | May 10, 2016

Round 4 | May 13, 2016

Regionals | May 17, 2016

State Championship | May 20 - 21, 2016

Official’s Play Off Eligibility Summary:

Class 1 or 2 official are eligible to officiate in an

NCHSAA playoff game, provided the official has taken

the current exam, scored 80 or above, and attended the

current year's state clinic.

Announcements From NCHSAA

NCHSAA: # of OFFICIALS

A two-person crew, with all officials NCHSAA-registered, is mandatory for all varsity contests. (Note: A game should not start without two officials.)

A three-person crew is to be used in all play off games.

Three-person crews can be used during the regular season and/or state playoffs with responsibility of payment to be assumed by the host school.

NCHSAA: GAME TIMES

NCHSAA GAME FORMAT:

VARSITY MEN – Four 12-minute quarters

JV MEN – Four 10-minute quarters; no overtime

Non-NCHSAA Games:

Private JV and all Middle School games can

have overtime.

NCHSAA: SECURITY

UNIFORMED POLICE OFFICER: Law enforcement officer in uniform is strongly recommended at varsity lacrosse matches.

Furthermore, the host school management must provide an escort off the field for the officials.

NCHSAA: SUSPENDED GAME

SUSPENDED GAME: If a game is suspended due to bad weather, light failure, etc:

• If suspended in first half, even if one team is ahead, game is picked up from the point of interruption unless coaches agree to end it.

• If suspended at half time or beyond, the game is over. If the score is tied when the game is suspended, then the game ends in a tie. If one team is ahead when the game is suspended, then that team is the winner.

NCHSAA: SCRIMMAGES

PRESEASON SCRIMMAGES: • Schools are allowed two preseason varsity scrimmages. These scrimmages must be conducted as events open to the public (no closed scrimmages allowed) and one scrimmage must use NCHSAA-registered officials. • Officials are to work a maximum of two hours per scrimmage. • Multiple team scrimmages are allowed. Junior varsity scrimmages are allowed in conjunction with varsity scrimmages at the same date and site.

TESTING - IMPORTANT

• NFHS/NCHSAA – Step 1 - nchsaa.org/

Step 2 - then officials,

Step 3 - then testing (on left)

Or go to: https://exams.nfhs.org (Note: test website is not compatible with tablets and iPads)

• Dates: February 8-12, 2016 • Note: The test on the US Lacrosse website does not

count for NCHSAA. You must take the NC test on the

NFHS site.

We all must pass this test (75%) to work

NCHSAA games.

If you don’t take/pass the test, you will not

receive any assignments for NCHSAA schools.

Web Based Resources

Uniforms: www.theofficialscorner.com www.honigs.com

US Lacrosse: www.uslacrosse.org

http://www.uslacrosse.org/participants/officials/mens-officials-information/resources.aspx

NCHSAA: www.nchsaa.org

Google: “Lacrosse Mechanics”

GLOA: http://galaxref.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/2014-Mens-Officials-Training-Manual.pdf

2016 Preseason Experienced Lacrosse Official’s Clinic #1:

Professionalism

PROFESSIONALISM

Being a professional means more than

being on time and attired in the correct

uniform.

Mastering the following areas will help

you present yourself professionally.

PROFESSIONALISM

Conditioning:

You must be in shape to meet the demands of the game,

in terms of speed and endurance. You can’t make the

right calls if you can’t get into position to make them, or if

physical strain is affecting your decision making ability.

Rules knowledge:

It can take years to fully understand the rules. Continual

review of the rules as an official will help you to develop

more quickly. The best officials, regardless of

experience, read the rules book daily.

PROFESSIONALISM

Mechanics:

Officials need to know more than the rules: they also

need to know where to go on the field and what their

responsibilities are. Be in position to see the beginning,

the middle and the end of the play.

Game management:

There are many times that officials can keep the game

running smoothly without using their flag and whistle.

Game management techniques should be reviewed

during pre-game; master them, and you’ll find that

officiating becomes much easier.

PROFESSIONALISM

Communication:

Communication is a key aspect of game management.

Communicate with your partner, the coaches, and the

bench personnel in a clear and efficient manner.

Note: once you step on the field his name is: “Coach”;

regardless of your relationship with him.

Using first names with coaches should be avoided.

PROFESSIONALISM

Conduct:

Demonstrate the appropriate demeanor; treat your

partner, the table personnel, athletes, and coaches with

the respect that you desire to receive. Aloofness,

indifference, boredom, and disdain are worse behaviors

than nervousness; strive to be engaged at all times.

Confidence:

Confidence comes from preparation and experience. You

must know the rules, interpretations and mechanics in

order to be prepared for any situation.

PROFESSIONALISM

Focus:

Concentrate on what you are doing, and do not lose your

focus on the game. Block out distractions and move on

to the next situation that is happening in front of you.

Don’t let thinking about a call you might have missed

interfere with getting the next call right.

Consistency:

Be the same at both ends of the field, and try to

complement your partner by calling fouls at the same

threshold.

PROFESSIONALISM

Courage:

You must have the courage to do what is right. Whether

it’s a difficult call or a difficult “no-call,” you won’t be a

successful official without the fortitude to “get it right!”

Uniform and equipment:

As an official, you should have the proper uniform, and it

should be neat and clean. You must also have the proper

equipment for your level of play. If you don’t, you’ll be

battling a negative impression from the start.

2016 Preseason Experienced Lacrosse Official’s Clinic #1:

New Rules & Mechanics

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™

National Federation of State High School Associations

2016 NFHS Boys Lacrosse

Major Rules Changes

Crosse Dimensions

Rule 1-6-1 Page 13

Beginning in 2018, minimum stick specifications

shall be as follows:

Crosse Construction

Rule 1-7-3 Page 14

Beginning this season….Any additional strings or

laces (e.g., shooting strings, V channels) must be

located within 4 inches of the top of the crosse.

Crosse Prohibitions

Rule 1-8 Page 15

…A crosse that has been altered in such a way as

to give an advantage to an individual is illegal.

Adjustable-length handles are illegal. Handles that

have been altered in any fashion other than taping

or adding another covering designed to improve

the grip are illegal. The use of pull strings to alter

the depth of the pocket is illegal. No more than one

sidewall string on each side is allowed. A broken

crosse is considered as no crosse.

Player Equipment

Rule 1-9-1 Page 18

NOTE: One American flag, not to exceed 2

inches by 3 inches, may be worn or occupy

space on each item of uniform apparel. By

state association adoption, to allow for special

occasions, commemorative or memorial

patches, not to exceed 4 square inches, may

be worn on the uniform without compromising

its integrity.

Player Equipment

Rule 1-9-k1 Page 18

k. Goalkeepers shall wear:

1. Throat protector designed for lacrosse.

2. Chest protector.

Face Off

Rule 4-3 Pages 31 - 35

There are a number of rule changes and resulting mechanic changes to the Face Off for 2016. Note the shaded areas in your rules book on pages 31-35. We’ll cover these tonight and again at the state clinic.

Face Off

Rule 4-3-1 Page 31

ART. 1 . . . Play shall be started at the beginning of each period and after each goal by facing the ball at the Center. WHAT ARE THE EXCEPTIONS TO THE ABOVE? Flag Down or Extra-Man Situation (Remember: Flag Down denotes possession.) Foul before or during face off Player delays Movement after “Set” command

Face Off

Rule 4-3-3 a & b Page 31

Deletes old ART. 3 through Article 6

Start the procedure by holding the ball, pointing (with hand or

foot) to where you will place it and bringing the players

together.

• a. Instruct the players to prepare for the faceoff by

saying “down.”

• b. Once the players are down they are to move into their

faceoff position as quickly as possible. Players may

kneel or stand as they get into position for the faceoff.

• c. The crosses and gloves shall rest on the ground along

the center line, parallel to each other up to,

but not touching, the center line.

Face Off

4-3-3 c & d Page 32

• d. The official shall make certain that the reverse

surfaces of the crosses match evenly and are

perpendicular to the ground. (Okay to touch their sticks

and move them to the proper position.) Each player must

have both hands wrapped around the handle of his own

crosse, touching the ground. The right hand may not

touch any part of the head of the crosse. (“Let me see

tape”) The player’s feet may not touch his crosse. Both

hands and feet of each player must be to the left of the

throat of his crosse. Each player must be positioned so

his entire body is to the left of the throat of his crosse.

(“Everything out of Neutral Zone”) It is legal to lean over

the center line.

Face Off

4-3-3 c & d Page 32

What do you see? Are these players lined-up correctly?

Face Off

4-3-3 e & f Page 32

• e. If the players are not positioned properly,

the officials may adjust the players

positioning (including crosses) to ensure the

faceoff will be conducted fairly for both

players.

• f. Once the players are in the proper

position, the official shall place the ball

on the ground, in between the head of each

crosse, paying close attention to placing the

ball in the middle of the head of each crosse.

Face Off

4-3-3 g & h Page 32

• g. When you are satisfied everything is proper, instruct

the players to remain motionless by saying “Set.” The

official will still have his hand on or near the ball or

crosses when the command “Set” is given.

• h. After the “Set” command, the official shall back out

and blow the whistle when clear of the scrimmage area.

The official does not have to be stationary, and in all

likelihood will still be moving backwards, when he

blows the whistle to start play. The whistle cadence

will vary with every faceoff.

Face Off

4-3-3 i & j Page 32

• i. A violation will be called if a player picks up

and carries the ball on the back of his stick. It is

still legal to clamp the ball with the back of the

stick, but it must be moved, raked or directed

immediately. Immediately is defined as within

one step.

• j. A player may not lie on the ball or trap it with

his crosse longer than necessary for him to

control the ball and pick it up with one continuous

motion, or withhold the ball from play in any other

manner.

Where’s the Ball?

Where’s the Ball?

Face Off

4-3-3 k & l Page 32

• k. It is illegal to kick, step on, or place any other

body part to his crosse or the crosse of the

opponent. It is illegal for a faceoff player to use

his crosse to hold or pin down either player’s

crosse

• l. It is illegal for a player to use his hand or

fingers to play the ball. This shall be enforced

immediately as an unsportsmanlike conduct

penalty. Inadvertent touching of the ball when

the hand is grasping the stick should not be

called as an unsportsmanlike conduct foul.

Face Off

4-3-3 m & n Page 32

• m. It is illegal for a player to grab an opponent’s

crosse with the open hand or fingers. This shall

be enforced immediately as an unsportsmanlike

conduct penalty.

Face Off

4-3-3 m & n Page 32

n. A single-wrap of tape must be applied to the

handle of the crosse for any player taking a face-

off. The tape is to begin (but not touching) the

plastic at the throat of the crosse and continuing

six inches down the handle. Tape must be of

contrasting color to the head, gloves, and shaft.

Mechanic Discussion:

• What do we do when a player shows up for

face-off without tape on his stick?

• How can we prevent this from happening?

Face Off

Rule 4-4-3 Page 35

ART. 3 . . . During the faceoff in all penalty

situations, there must be four players in the

defensive area and three players in the

offensive area. Exception: When a team has

three players in the penalty area, a player may

come out of his defensive area to take the

faceoff but must remain onside. (See 4.10

SITUATION JK).

Face-Offs

– Know your level (Varsity, JV, Youth)

– Advantage Gained

– Plunge

– Cheating

– Administration

Officiating the Face Off

Know your level (Varsity, JV, Youth)

•Varsity

– Talk to them before you put them down

– Put them down, look, adjust what you need to

– Vary whistle cadence

•JV

– Talk to them

– Prepare them for Varsity

•Youth

– Do what you need to do to help them learn

Officiating the Face Off

– What you are looking for after you tell the

players “Down”?

– Where are you looking?

– “Down, set, whistle”

– Cheats?

Officiating the Face Off

Advantage Gained

• Before the whistle

–Head tilt (forward or back)

–Hand on the plastic

–Butt end not parallel with the mid-line

–Neutral Zone

• We should catch all of the above prior to

“Set”

Officiating the Face Off

Plunger Move

• What is it?

Clamp move

Stick bends to pinch the ball

Allows a player to pick up the ball with the back of

the stick

• Is it legal?

Yes at all levels

Rules do not allow a player to carry the ball in the

back of the stick after face off.

The ball must come out of the stick freely

Officiating the Face Off

Cheating

Grabbing with the hand

The ball

Opponents stick

Stepping on the crosse

Holding

Pinning the opponents arms with the crosse

Pinning the opponents crosse with any body part

Illegal Procedure vs. Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Illegal body check?

Officiating the Face Off

Administration

• Face off clinic prior to game

(especially early in the season)

• Look at tape on face off sticks in clinic

• Call it early and clean it up

• Talk with your partner(s)

• Let the coach know what you are seeing/calling

• Change your position(s)

Officiating the Face Off

Goal Not Counted

Rule 4-9-2n/4-19-1 Page 40/47

• Know the list of situations (14 of them!) in

rules book

• If a situation is not in the list, it needs to be a

very exceptional situation to disallow a goal

New for 2016: Airborne (details on next slide)

“Leave your feet, Lose your goal”

Goal Not Counted

Rule 4-9-2n/4-19-1 Page 40/47

n. If an attacking player, in possession of

the ball and outside the crease area,

dives or jumps (becomes airborne of

his own volition), prior to, during, or

after the release of the shot and lands in the

crease, the goal shall be disallowed.

(Leave your feet, Lose your goal)

An attacking player may legally score a goal and touch

the crease area, provided the ball enters the goal

before to the contact with the crease and his feet

are grounded prior to, during and after a shot.

(Same wording in 4-19-1)

Advancing the Ball – Over & Back

Rule 4-14-3 Page 44

Once the ball has been “touched in” the box, if the offensive

team carries, passes or propels the ball to its defensive

half of the field and the offensive team was last in

possession, and last touched the ball (except on shot), the

result will be an immediate turnover or play-on.

(Note: This is slightly different than NCAA rule.)

If the ball does not touch or go over the centerline, no

infraction has occurred Defensive players may legally bat

the ball to keep it in the offensive half of the field, but if it is

possessed and their feet are in the defensive half, it shall

be a turnover.

Restarts

Rule 4-22-2 & 3 Page 50

ART. 2 . . . Any non time-serving violation on the

defense that occurs while the ball is in the goal

area will result in the ball being awarded to the

offensive team laterally outside the goal area.

ART. 3 . . . Any non time-serving violation on the

offense that occurs while the ball is in the goal area

will result in the ball being awarded to the

defensive team. The defense will restart play with

the ball in the goal area or in the crease.

Penalty Time

Rule 7-2d Page 77

d. For the purpose of determining when a

player or players may be released from a

penalty, for all time-serving penalties called

on players of opposing teams from the time

the flag is dropped or the whistle sounds

stopping play (whichever occurs first), until

the sounding of the whistle resuming play, the

longest common penalty time between

players of opposing teams is non releasable,

as is all penalty time of a shorter or equal

duration.

Correction of Errors

Rule 7-13-2 Page 88

Mistakes by Officials - When a timekeeper, scorer or official makes a

mistake that would result in a team or player being disadvantaged and an

official becomes aware that a mistake is being made, the official shall

promptly correct the mistake If a goal is scored during the ensuing play

and the mistake is brought to the attention of the referee before the

next live ball, the referee must allow or disallow the goal, depending

on the circumstances In such situations:

• a. If all officials are fully aware of the ruling and have sufficient time

to call attention to the mistake, the correction must be made before

the next live ball.

• b. If the officials do not have sufficient time to call attention to the

mistake prior to play restarting (e.g., when the mistake itself is an

improper restart), the correction must be made before the second live

ball.

• c. Once a faceoff occurs, no prior goal may be disallowed.

Correction of Errors

Rule 7-13-3 Page 88

Inadvertent Whistles – In the event of an

inadvertent whistle, play shall be suspended

immediately. The team with possession or

entitled to possession when the whistle was

blown shall retain possession. If the ball was

loose outside the crease, possession shall be

awarded by alternate possession. If the ball

was loose inside the crease, award to the

defensive team.

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™

National Federation of State High School Associations

2016 NFHS Boys Lacrosse

Situations and Rulings

Rule 4-10

OFFSIDE

*4.10 SITUATION I: A1 is in the penalty box

serving a penalty. Team A has either six

players in its offensive half of the field or

seven players in its defensive half of the field.

RULING: Team A is offside. NOTE: For

purposes of determining offside, player(s)

serving penalties in the penalty box count as

player(s) on the field.

Rule 4-18

Goal-Crease Privileges

*4.18.1 SITUATION E: Two or more

defenders from Team B are standing in the

crease in front of the goal with a clear

intention of blocking shots, not defending

another player.

RULING: Conduct foul on Team B. If Team A

was in possession, Team B in-home serves a

30-second penalty. A second violation by

Team B should be enforced as

unsportsmanlike conduct.

Rule 4-19

Goal-Crease Prohibitions

*4.19.1 SITUATION A: A1 drives toward the

goal and jumps or dives into the crease. The

ball (a) goes into the goal; (b) does not go

into the goal.

RULING: (a) No goal. The ball is awarded to

Team B; (b) play-on or whistle.

Rule 4-19

Goal-Crease Prohibitions

*4.19.1 SITUATION B: A1 dives or jumps

toward the crease and, while in the air, is

illegally checked into the crease. The ball (a)

goes into the goal; (b) does not go into the

goal.

RULING: (a) Flag-down, no goal, assess

penalty; (b) flag-down, assess penalty.

Rule 4-19

Goal-Crease Prohibitions

*4.19.1 SITUATION C: A1 dives or jumps into

the air space over the crease and, while in the

air, is legally pushed or checked, landing in

the crease. The ball (a) goes into the goal; (b)

does not go into the goal.

RULING: (a) No goal. The ball is awarded to

the defensive team; (b) play-on for the

defense or whistle.

Rule 4-19

Goal-Crease Prohibitions

*4.19.1 SITUATION D: A1 jumps and is over

the crease. The goalkeeper is in the crease

and contacts A1 while he is in the air.

RULING: No goal. Award the ball to Team B.

Rule 4-19

Goal-Crease Prohibitions

*4.19.1 SITUATION E: A1, with his feet grounded

prior to, during and after the shot, shoots and the

ball enters the goal. During the play, he (a) is

legally pushed into the crease with the ball

entering the goal before A1 lands in the crease;

(b) is illegally pushed into the crease.

RULING: (a) The goal counts; (b) flag-down.

The goal counts if the ball enters the goal before

A1 lands in the crease.

Rule 4-19

Goal-Crease Prohibitions

*4.19.1 SITUATION F: A1 dodges B1 and

continues towards the goal crease. He shoots

and scores. After the ball enters the goal, A1

runs through the crease area.

RULING: The goal counts. A1 did not

deliberately launch himself or become

airborne during the play. Running through the

area of the crease is considered to be

different than becoming airborne and landing

in the crease.

Rule 7-3

Resuming Play After Penalty

*7.3 SITUATION D: After a faceoff and before

possession has been declared or the ball

crosses the defensive-area line, B4, who was

behind the defensive-area line at the

beginning of the faceoff, comes across the

defensive-area line to play the loose ball.

RULING: Technical foul against B. Ball

awarded to Team A at the spot where the ball

was when play was suspended. NOTE: The ball is no longer awarded to Team A in its offensive

half of the field. This ruling is the result of the deletion of language

from the Exception in Rule 7-3 in the 2016 Rules Book.

Editorial Revision

Rule *7-3 Situation D Page 80

Resuming Play After Penalty

Editorial revision….

• RULING: Technical foul against B. Ball

awarded to Team B Team A at the spot where

the ball was when play was suspended.

2016 Preseason Experienced Lacrosse Official’s Clinic #1:

New Mechanics

US Lacrosse 2016 Mechanics Changes

For the 2016 season the Men’s Officials Training

Group voted on three changes to the mechanics

after reviewing survey data from Certified

Trainers from across the country, and to properly

officiate the 2016 NFHS rules changes.

Any questions on these mechanics may be sent

to officials@uslacrosse.org.

US Lacrosse 2016 Mechanics Changes:

Faceoffs

3-person crew - Mechanics same as NCAA

2-person crew

•The faceoff official is responsible for the entire

faceoff. Wing official stays in his traditional

position.

•The ball is exchanged between the Lead and Trail

official after every goal.

•The faceoff official backs away to his sideline after

the faceoff in a safe manner.

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SS Responsibilities

- face-off commands/

communication

- pre-whistle violations

w/bench-side help

- Back toward far sideline

- 30-second counts

L Responsibilities

- butt end facing him

- far-side wing line

- F/O player movement

after “SET”

- post-whistle violations

- goal line coverage

- some possession calls

- line violations

R Responsibilities

- wing line violations

- goal line coverage

- move on whistle

- some possession calls

- beeper to start play

- time outs

- line violations

New F/O Mechanics – Fall 2014

L

SS

R

New 9/19/14

Updated 9/30/14

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Rotation after goals

L

SS

T L

SS

R

New 9/19/14

Updated 9/27/14

US Lacrosse 2016 Mechanics Changes: Counts Following a Faceoff

2-Person

The Trail is responsible for the initial 10- or 20-

second count following “Possession.” This

allows the Lead official to focus on getting into

position.

3-Person

The Single is responsible for the 10 and 20-second

counts following “Possession.”

US Lacrosse 2016 Mechanics Changes: Play-ons

To end a play-on after the offended team gains

possession the procedure is:

1. Point in the direction of play.

2. Say the color of the team that gained

possession, e.g. “White Ball.”

3. If unable to give the verbal then pointing in the

direction of play is sufficient.

2016 Preseason Experienced Lacrosse Official’s Clinic #1:

Game Management

US Lacrosse Game Management Suggestions

As an official, you have three responsibilities: Keep the game safe, keep the game fair and act in a professional manner.

The first thing you need to realize is that officials manage the game, we do not control it. We react to what happens. If we are lucky, we react before something bad happens. More often, we react after an incident occurs. To manage a game effectively, you need to manage people: players, coaches, table personnel and sometimes even spectators.

US Lacrosse Game Management Suggestions

You have a number of tools in your toolbox, the most obvious being your whistle and flag. Less obvious—but much more important—are your communication skills. The better you can communicate what you want coaches, players and game personnel to do, the more likely they are to do it.

What follows are ten tips to help you to manage a game more effectively.

US Lacrosse Game Management Suggestions: #1 Be Professional

Your interactions with players, coaches and table personnel begin well

before you arrive on the field. Did you:

• Send an email to the home team’s coach confirming the game site and time?

• Confirm meeting location, time and uniform with partner?

• Both dress in neat, clean and identical uniforms?

• Inspect the field, introduce yourself to the coaches, and conduct your coaches’

certifications in a timely manner?

• Give each coach a crew card?

• Inform the coach on when you would ask for captains?

• Ask about the national anthem?

• Conduct a face off clinic?

• Conduct the coin toss when you said you would?

• Inspect the goals?

• Certify the table personnel?

The coaches expect you to look the part and to do your job, and if you

deviate even slightly from these expectations, you have opened yourself up to

criticism before the game even begins.

Employing proper mechanics is essential to

good game management.

Coaches and players may not have a firm

grasp of mechanics, but the closer you are to the

play, the less likely they are to argue a call.

If it’s close, sell the call!

US Lacrosse Game Management Suggestions: #2 Be in the Right Spot

Being in the right spot won’t help you if you’re looking

in the wrong place. Focus on your area of responsibility.

Do not ball watch!

During live-ball play, concentrate on your keys: on-

ball and off-ball, goal and crease as the lead and the

shooter as the trail official. During dead balls, remain

focused on the players. Keep an eye on the goal scorer and

the defenders. Be vigilant as the teams cross and move to

their huddles during time outs.

You will miss things, but missing an offside in

transition is better than missing a late hit on the shooter or

the goalie, or two players jawing and shoving after a goal.

US Lacrosse Game Management Suggestions: #3 Be Focused

How you say something is often more important

than what you say.

You may simply be explaining why you made a

call or what a player did, but your tone may give the

exact opposite impression.

Never throw an angry flag.

When reporting penalties, do so in a calm and

controlled manner.

Your goal is to keep everyone calm. Your

volume should be loud enough to communicate but

not so loud as to confront or to incite.

US Lacrosse Game Management Suggestions: #4 Be Quiet

The rules do not require you to address questions from the coaches

unless it is a coach’s challenge (Rule 7:13). But do not make the

mistake of refusing to talk with them at all. If a coach, even an

assistant, has a question and asks in a respectful manner, it is in your

best interest to keep the lines of communication open.

Coaches are going to talk. Yes, every coach is trying gain an advantage

and influence. That is part of the game. They are going to disagree with

you. They are going to yell and scream.

You don’t need coaches to agree with your every call. It is never going

to happen. So, as far as most coaches comments are concerned,

ignore them and do not respond. You do not always need to be talking.

Learn to listen! Sometimes coaches just need to vent. Let them. For the

most part, treat the yelling and complaining as white noise.

US Lacrosse Game Management Suggestions: #5 Be Open

When speaking with coaches, be calm and

composed.

Watch your tone and your body language.

Choose words that avoid confrontations and do not

demean the person you address.

If you are trying to control behavior, the last

thing you need to do is incite more misbehavior.

Avoid sarcasm. It is unprofessional and

easily misinterpreted by coaches. You do not want

to throw gasoline on the fire.

US Lacrosse Game Management Suggestions: #6 Be Calm

What are some phrases or

techniques that you have used or

observed that work to keep

communication open and everyone

calm?

US Lacrosse Game Management Suggestions: #5, #6 - Be Open & Calm

In the same vein as being calm, be brief.

Once the game starts, focus on what you

need to communicate to manage the game and no

more.

Saying too much will get you in trouble more

often than saying too little.

Remember, your goal is to have a safe, fair

game. It is not to win arguments or punish players,

coaches or fans.

US Lacrosse Game Management Suggestions: #7 Brief

The best way to get a coach and players to

stop complaining is to restart the play quickly.

Once the ball is in play, players play and

coaches coach.

The added advantage is that once play has

started, you must now move away from the table

area and into position.

US Lacrosse Game Management Suggestions: #8 Quick

You will screw up. We all do. Get over it. Own

it. Deal with it.

Do not try and hide behind the stripes. Do not

pretend it did not happen. How you handle making a

mistake can have a huge impact on your ability to

manage the game.

“Coach, I missed that one,” goes a long way. If

it is in your power to fix it, then do so (Rule 7:13).

US Lacrosse Game Management Suggestions: #9 Be Humble

Sometimes, these tips and techniques are

not enough or the behavior on the field requires

that you take more serious action.

If a coach is out of control, the most

important thing is that you remain in control. If you

can, you want to avoid going nuclear.

Immediately flagging someone for unsports-

manlike conduct for arguing with you leaves you

with no other option left and a second violation will

result in an ejection.

US Lacrosse Game Management Suggestions: #10 Be in Control

•Talk it through with the coach. If he disagrees with your brief explanation, so be it.

Restart play quickly and get the game moving. Hopefully he will get back to

coaching his team. You may even want to get away from the coach and move to

the far side.

•If that does not alleviate the issue, your first option is a verbal warning: “Coach,

that’s enough.” Be calm and quiet. You don’t want to appear to threaten a coach

or player.

•Your next option is a loose-ball or dead-ball conduct foul. This gives the ball to the

opposing team without putting anyone in the box.

•Next is the 30-second conduct foul. You are now giving the opposing team a man-

up opportunity. The in-home serves these bench penalties. Do so calmly and

quietly. No angry flags.

•Your next option is the nuclear option, a non-releasable unsportsmanlike conduct

for one, two or three minutes. And finally, a second unsportsmanlike conduct,

which by rule must be a three-minute non-releasable ejection foul.

US Lacrosse Game Management Suggestions: #10 Be in Control – The Ladder

There are lines that cannot be crossed including:

• Profanity and racist comments

• Player or coach questioning your integrity as an official

• Threats

• Out of control behavior

This type of behavior demands that you skip the first few

steps of the ladder and move immediately to unsports-

manlike conduct.

US Lacrosse Game Management Suggestions: #10 Be in Control

Questions

?