Level 1-2 Field Lacrosse
Referee Clinic
Module #2
The Game
What We Will Cover in This
Module
Field Dimensions
Equipment
Teams
Game Times
Player Positions
Substitution
The Draw
Out of Bounds
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What We Will Cover in This
Module
Shots and Scoring on Goal
Privileges of the Goalkeeper
Awarding Possession
Special Situations
Definition
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What We Will Cover in
This Module
Playing Rules – The Rule Book
Administrative/ Procedural Rules
Approved Rulings
Technical Fouls
Personal Fouls
Expulsion Fouls
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Equipment
Required Equipment
A player must have the following equipment:
A legal lacrosse stick
Shoes (properly worn)
Gloves
Helmet (properly fastened)
Sweater
Mouthguard
Shoulder Pads
Cup
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Equipment
Required Equipment
A Goalkeeper must have all the above
plus:
A Chest Protector
Throat Guard
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Equipment
Required Equipment
If a player loses any essential equipment
(other than his crosse) AND is in the
scrimmage area, play shall be blown dead
immediately. There is no penalty for this.
If they are not in the scrimmage area, then
let any scoring play finish (treat like a slow
whistle). Then, stop the play and deal with
the equipment issue.
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Equipment
Required Equipment
This includes, but is not limited to,
A glove that has come off due to play.
A chinstrap that has come undone due to play.
A shoe that has come off due to play.
A mouthguard that has come out due to play.
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R
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Substitution
All player substitutions can take place during the play or at
any dead ball
All substitutions must be through the “gate”.
The substituting player must wait for the player he is
replacing, to be completely off the field (subbing player
touching sideline before player comes off is not illegal,
see AR 46.6).
Players must follow offside rules during substitution.
Players coming off have the right of way.
This includes when a penalty is called!
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Substitutions
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Substitution
Dead Ball Substitution
During a team time out, after a goal or at the end
of a period, players are not bound by the rules of
substitution – They can substitute from anywhere
on sideline
A team does not have to play with 10 players on the
field. It is not a foul if a substitute delays entering
the field (so long as they do not create an offside
situation)
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The Face Off
All draws must be taken right handed.
Facing at Center:
Normally takes place
At the beginning of all quarters and
overtime periods.
After the scoring of a goal.
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The Face Off
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The Face Off
Face Off Procedure
Each draw man lines up on their own side of
center (with his back to his goalkeeper).
Places his stick on the ground parallel to but
not touching the center line
The ball is centered between the heads of both
sticks in the middle of the centre line.
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The Face Off
Face Off Procedure
Both gloved hands must be to the left of the head
of the crosse and wrapped around the shaft.
Both feet must be to the left of the head and
behind the throat of the crosse, with neither foot
touching the crosse.
Both feet must be on the ground and in the
player’s defensive half of the field.
The faceoff man’s head must be to the left of the
crosse.
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The Face Off
Face Off Procedure
The handle of the crosse may not touch the
centre line.
The hand of the faceoff man must not touch
the head (any plastic) of the crosse.
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The Face Off
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The Face Off
Face Off Procedure
Now let’s watch the video on faceoff mechanics.
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The Face Off
Face Off Procedure
Your direction to the players should be
“Down.”
It is the players’ responsibility to take legal positions.
Say, “Set” with the whistle in your mouth, remaining
perfectly still. There are no hand movements.
Blow the whistle to start play.
Once you have said “Set” you can then call a player for
illegal procedure for an illegal faceoff position.
If this is the case ask the players to stand up, signal the
call and award possession.
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The Face Off
Face Off Procedure
Once the drawmen are positioned, the referee says,
“Set”. The drawmen may not move their sticks or
gloves (all other movement is fine) until the whistle
is blown.
The drawmen may:
Draw the stick forward, sideways or backwards
Clamp the ball (momentarily)
Flip the ball
Legally check his opponent
Kick the ball
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The Face Off
Face Off Procedure
The drawmen may not:
Withhold the ball from play
Clamping too long
Once the player has secured the ball he
must put it into play
Lying on the ball
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The Face Off
Face Off Procedure
The drawmen may not:
Kick through his own or his opponents crosse
Hold or interfere with his opponent, including
clamping down on hands or stick
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The Face Off
There are more severe penalties now for some illegal
actions during faceoffs,
Grabbing the opponents crosse with the hand or fingers
Using the free hand to touch or pickup the ball.
Using the fingers, while still holding his crosse, to pickup the
ball.
All of the above are personal fouls for
unsportsmanlike conduct.
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The Face Off
Draw with Blue
Player clamping
the ball.
Legal or not?
E-Lacrosse.com
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The Face Off
Illegal Draw
The black
player is
kicking his
opponents
stick.
Legal or not?
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The Face Off
Illegal Draw
The White
player is
grabbing his
opponents
stick with his
fingers.
Legal or not?
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The Face Off
Illegal Draw
The White
player has
raised his back
hand to gain
an advantage.
Legal or not?
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The Face Off
Ball stuck in back of throat of stick
- Blow whistle immediately to stop play.
Award the ball to the non-offending team.
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The Face Off
Wing Line
V
The wing players can
line up anywhere
behind, and within the
wing area
Blue
Coach’s
Walk
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H
Blue is
illegally
lined up
The “Gate” (Substitution Area)
Red
Coach’s
Walk
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The Face Off
Face Off Procedure
The wing line middies may:
Legally check their opponents within 9 feet of
a loose ball.
Play the loose ball.
Legally check the drawmen once the ball is
out from between the drawmen’s sticks, and
the drawmen are not crouched in a
“vulnerable” position.
Penalize heavily (minimum 2 minutes) for
checks on drawmen that are vulnerable –
Unnecessary Roughness.
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The Face Off
Face Off Procedure
The wing line middies may not:
Be on, over or outside the wing line prior to the
whistle.
Change positions with players that are restrained
in either the offensive or defensive areas prior to
possession.
They can enter those areas, but another player
cannot release until possession.
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The Face Off
Face Off Procedure
The wing line middies may not:
Reach in and attempt to play the ball while it is
between the drawmen’s sticks.
Make any contact with the drawmen or their
sticks while they are in faceoff position.
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The Face Off
Face Off Procedure
The players in the offensive or defensive zones may:
Reach over the line to play the ball with their
stick.
A restrained player is in violation when any
part of his body, including his gloves, but not
including the stick touches on or over the line.
Check their opponent within 9 feet of a loose
ball.
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The Face Off
We need a couple of volunteers to
demonstrate the draw.
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The Face Off
We need a couple of volunteers to
demonstrate the draw.
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The Face Off
What do I do when:
Q. The ball goes out of bounds directly? (You
can not tell who last touched ball)
A. Reface at center.
Q. The ball is knocked out by a drawman
attempting to direct it?
A. Possession to the other team at center.
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The Face Off
Q. The ball deflects out after touching a winger?
A. Possession to the other team at the point where the ball went
out (5 yards in from the sideline at the substitution gate
only).
Q. The ball goes out of bounds and the referee cannot
determine which winger last touched it?
A. Face off 20 feet from the sideline where the ball went out.
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The Face Off
Q. A player is injured prior to possession?
A. Re-draw at center.
Q. The Ball goes into either attack goal area?
A. Crank your arm and shout “Free Ball”.
Q. A Player in the restraint area legally reaches
over and picks up the ball?
A. Legal Play – Crank your arm and Call “Possession”.
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The Face Off
Q. A blue player holds or pushes Red from
behind on the face off?
A. Whistle play down and award Red possession of the
ball at the point where the ball was when the whistle
went. ‘Play on’ might be used here.
Note that the players in the restraint areas are
not released until the whistle to restart play.
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The Face Off
Face Offs In Other Parts Of the Field
Try to avoid having if at all possible as:
It slows down the game.
Source of possible confrontation that could be avoided.
All non center draws must:
Take place at least 20 feet from a sideline or end line and
20 yards from a goal.
Not have players other than the drawmen within 10 yards
(30 feet) of the draw until the whistle has blown.
Teams must obey the offside rule.
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The Face Off
Procedure:
Stop the clock!
Place the ball on the ground.
Line up the defensive player with his back to his
goalkeeper and his stick perpendicular to his goal.
Bring in the other drawman (as per center draw).
Trail referee ensures that no players are within 10
yards of the draw.
Get in position quickly, say. “Set,” and blow the
whistle.
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The Face Off
R2 (Lead) takes the
draw.
R1 comes in to help
cover the goal and to
help with player
positioning who must
be back 30 feet from the
draw.
Drawmen are lined up
with the defensive
drawman’s back to his
goal.
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Man–down Faceoff
When a team is man-down and there is a
faceoff at centre the team has the right to
choose which area will not be filled, but they
must obey the offside rule.
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Man–down Faceoff
Blah
Blah
Blah
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Man–down Faceoff
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Man–down Faceoff
If a centre faceoff is about to take place and a
penalty is about to expire the player has the right,
once the penalty has been released to try and get
to the proper area, if they choose to.
The following dialogue should be followed on this
and any penalty release. Please remember to
instruct your timer’s to use this language.
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Man–down Faceoff
A player whose penalty has expired has the right to
enter the field if he feels he can legally do so.
The timer should follow this script whenever
releasing a penalty:
Timer: “3, 2, 1, release.”
Player: “Can I go?”
Timer: “Ask your coach.”
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Man–down Faceoff
Until the whistle has blown to start play he may
attempt to get to any area that he chooses to.
Once the faceoff referee has been given an OK
signal from his partner, he should continue to
conduct the faceoff as they normally would.
If the player chooses to enter the field it is his
responsibility to make it to the required area in
time.
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Man–down Faceoff
If the bench side wing area had a player in it
(from the same team as the penalized player)
and the whistle has blown to start play, it is a
technical violation for the released player to
enter the field prior to possession or free ball
being called.
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Man–down Faceoff
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Man–down Faceoff
If the bench side wing area is open and the
whistle has blown to start play, the released
player may enter the field prior to possession or
free ball being called.
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Man–down Faceoff
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Out of Bounds
The ball is considered out of bounds
when:
The ball, or, the player carrying the ball:
Touches a boundary line.
Touches the ground outside the
boundary line.
Touches something out of bounds
(i.e. spectator, football/soccer posts).
It has irretrievably left the field - i.e The
ball could not realistically be played.
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Shot On Goal
When the offensive team takes a shot on goal
the “On” referee (the one closest to where the
shot came from) shall yell, “Shot”.
If the ball goes out of bounds on a shot, then
the team that is legally closest to the ball,
where and when the ball goes out, is awarded
possession of the ball.
It is not the closest to the endline!
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Shot On Goal
A shot remains a shot until:
It goes out-of-bounds.
It comes to a stop on the field of play.
A player gets possession of the ball
A player deliberately causes the ball to go out-of-bounds
A deflected shot is still a shot.
A player must be in bounds, and have all of the
required equipment, to be considered eligible as the
“closest” player to the ball
The player’s stick is not be used when judging who is closest.
It’s the closest body part that counts.
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Shot On Goal
If shot is called in error, then quickly correct
the call by shouting “Not a shot” (i.e. you
realize that it is a pass and not a shot).
Never call, “Pass”. Only use this after the
whistle as a point of clarification.
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Shot On Goal
What do I do when:
Q. The shot hits the pipe and deflects out of bounds
at the center line?
A. Award possession to the closest player when and where
the ball goes out.
Q. The ball hits a player or his stick then goes out?
A. It is still a shot. Award possession to the closest player
when the ball goes out.
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Shot On Goal
Q. The ball is rolling towards the sideline. As the
blue player tries to pick the ball up he pushes
it out of bounds?
A. Award possession to the red team.
Q. As the ball crosses the endline, both players
are equidistant
A. Have a face off. Try to avoid this if at all possible.
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Scoring
A goal is scored when a ball crosses the
plane of the goal.
The ball does not have to be loose when
it crosses the plane of the goal.
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Scoring
If a goalkeeper,
while in
possession of
the ball, breaks
the plane of the
goal it is a goal.
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Scoring
Q The Red player throws his stick in the blue
goal with the ball in it.
Goal or No Goal?
A No Goal – Red Technical Foul for throwing his stick.
Q A longstick in possession of the ball extends
his stick into the opposing crease causing the
ball to cross the goal line while still in his
stick.
A Goal.
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Scoring
A goal will be cancelled if:
The time has expired prior to the ball crossing
the plane of the goal.
Any referee blows his whistle
(even an inadvertent whistle).
Any attacking player is in the crease
(for any reason – even if pushed in illegally).
Too many attack players are on the field.
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Scoring
A goal will be cancelled if:
The attacking team is offside.
Too many attacking team long sticks are on the
field.
The goal is scored with an illegal or broken
stick.
When the head of the shooter’s crosse comes
off during the shot or follow through.
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The Designated Goalkeeper
The Designated Goalkeeper has a special set of
rules that relate to the crease, and are there for
the protection of the goalkeeper.
The Designated Goalkeeper is defined as:
The player who is wearing the mandatory
goalkeeper protective equipment.
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The Designated Goalkeeper
The Designated Goalkeeper must wear
all of the required equipment and
A throat guard.
A chest protector.
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The Designated Goalkeeper
The Goalkeeper is deemed to be inside
the crease when any part of his body is
touching inside the crease (crease line
included).
Any other defensive player in the crease
does not have the privileges of the
Designated Goalkeeper.
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The Designated Goalkeeper
The Goalkeeper must serve their own fouls unless the
designated defender is being used.
If not using designated defender, call a 30 second
Referee time-out to allow the team time to
substitute a new Goalkeeper. No warm up is to be
allowed.
If using the designated defender, relay the call, have
the DD serve the foul. No time out called.
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The Designated Goalkeeper
The Goalkeeper may:
Stop the ball with his hand, stick or body.
Play the ball without his stick inside his
crease.
Bat the ball with his hand. He cannot close
his hand on the ball.
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The Designated Goalkeeper
The Goalkeeper may:
Receive a pass in the crease (no rule against
passing “back-in” any number of times).
Go over the center line, however the
defensive team is subject to the offside rule.
Pass or roll the ball inside the crease and go
back in and pick it up. Only once per team
possession.
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The Designated Goalkeeper
The Goalkeeper (or any defensive player) may not:
Carry the ball back into the crease.
Hold onto the ball for more than 4 seconds in the
crease. A player who deliberately drops the ball and
regains possession to circumvent this rule shall be
assessed a technical foul.
Possession is deemed to have started when the
goalkeeper traps the ball inside the crease with their
stick, or has control of the ball in their stick inside the
crease.
Play with a broken stick.
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The Designated Goalkeeper
The goalkeeper, while in his crease, has lost his stick. A shot
is taken and he stops it.
Ruling: Legal play.
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The Designated Goalkeeper
If the goalkeeper loses his stick while outside of the
crease he must retrieve it before returning to the
crease.
The act of returning to the crease without his stick is
a technical foul.
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The Designated Goalkeeper
An attacking player may:
Play a loose ball that is in the crease, provided that
they do not initiate any contact with the
Goalkeeper, or his stick, or stand in the crease.
Check any defensive player (other than the
goalkeeper) that is in the crease, and in possession
of the ball.
Check the part of the Goalkeepers stick that is
outside of the crease provided that the Goalkeeper
does not have possession of the ball.
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The Designated Goalkeeper
Q. The Blue goalkeeper has the ball in his possession
and has one foot in the crease and one foot out.
The red attackman checks the goalkeepers stick.
Legal or illegal?
A. Illegal – technical foul. The goaltender has one
foot in the crease so is considered in the crease.
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The Designated Goalkeeper
Q. The Blue goalkeeper is standing in the crease and
has possession of the ball in his stick outside the
crease. The Red attackman checks the stick
Legal or illegal?
A. Illegal - technical foul. The goaltender is
considered in the crease, so cannot be checked at
all.
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The Designated Goalkeeper
Q. The Blue goalkeeper is standing in the crease with
his stick outside the crease and does not have
possession of the ball. The Red attackman checks
the stick within 9’ of a loose ball.
Legal or illegal?
A. Legal - The part of the goaltender’s stick that is
outside the crease can be checked provided he does
not have the ball.
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The Designated Goalkeeper
Q. The Blue goalkeeper is standing in the crease with
his stick clamped on the ball outside the crease.
The Red attackman checks the stick.
Legal or illegal?
A. Legal. The goalkeeper’s stick can be checked
outside the crease provided he does not have the
ball. A clamped ball outside the crease is not
deemed to be possession.
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The Designated Goalkeeper
Q The Blue Goalkeeper is standing in the crease
with his stick clamped on the ball outside the
crease. He rakes the ball back, and as it touches
the crease line, the Red attackman checks the
stick.
Legal or illegal?
A Illegal – Technical Foul The goalkeeper is deemed
to be in possession when the ball is clamped inside
the crease.
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The Designated Goalkeeper
Q The Blue Goalkeeper is standing in the crease and
is attempting to make a clearing pass. As he
makes the pass, with the ball still in the stick, he
makes contact with the Red attackmen’s stick.
Legal or illegal?
A Illegal – Technical Foul The goalkeeper is entitled
to clear the ball without interference.
The ball must be in possession for a foul to have
occurred. Look and see if the ball was still in the
stick when contact was made.
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The Designated Goalkeeper
Q. The Blue Goalkeeper has the ball in his
possession, and has one foot in the crease, and one
foot out. As he fakes the pass, he lifts his back
foot from the crease, then puts his foot back down
inside the crease.
Legal or illegal?
A. Illegal – Technical Foul The goalkeeper is deemed
to have left the crease when he raised his back foot.
No part of him was touching the crease. Illegal reentry with the ball.
B. Ball goes to Red.
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The Designated Goalkeeper
Q. The Blue Goalkeeper has lost his stick and
is in his crease. Red takes a shot and it is
stopped by the goalkeeper.
A. Legal –The goalkeeper, while in his crease,
can take part in play.
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The Designated Goalkeeper
Q. The Blue Goalkeeper, has lost his stick and is
OUTSIDE his crease. Red takes a shot and it is
stopped by the goalkeeper.
A. Illegal –The goalkeeper, while outside his crease,
cannot take part in play. He must recover his stick
before he does anything.
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The Designated Goalkeeper
Q. The Red attackman
is running towards
the goal. He takes
a shot and scores.
His momentum
carries him into
the Blue crease.
Goal, or
No Goal?
2013
E-Lacrosse.com
Goal! As long as the shot was taken
from outside the crease, and the
ball crossed the plane prior to the
Red player entering the crease.
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Awarding Possession
Possession is never awarded:
Within 15 feet of ANY player, even from the same
team. No hidden ball trick to start play.
Within 20 yards of a goal except:
If any ball (shot or not) goes out on the end line.
Warn opposing players to get back on a free play.
Make sure the offensive player is standing still in
order to get that 15 feet.
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Awarding Possession
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Awarding Possession
Possession must never start in the crease.
If awarding a Goalkeepers ball
(i.e. ball stuck in the goalkeepers
equipment), then it can be awarded to
any defensive player 20 yards away and
parallel to the goal.
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Definitions
Loose ball
A ball not in possession of a player or team.
Player Possession
When a player has control of the ball and can
perform the normal functions of passing,
cradling or shooting the ball.
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Definitions
Team Possession
When a player from that team has possession
of the ball as defined above.
When the ball is in the air between two players
from the same team, it is considered
possession.
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Definitions
Goalkeeper’s Possession
A goalkeeper is deemed to have possession
when he has control of the ball and can
perform the normal functions of passing,
cradling or shooting the ball.
A ball clamped inside the crease by the
goalkeeper is deemed to be a ball in
possession.
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Definitions
Pass
The movement of the ball caused by the player in
control throwing, bouncing or rolling the ball to a
teammate.
Ball In Flight
When the ball is in the air between two players from
the same team, it is considered possession.
This is important in many situations including
possession at the end of a quarter, calling a time
out, technical fouls.
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Special Situations
Ball caught in the uniform.
Play stops immediately and the ball is
faced off.
Exception - Goalkeeper in his crease.
Award ball to the defensive team 20
yards laterally from the crease.
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Special Situations
Ball in possession at the end of a quarter or
overtime with a man up situation.
The team that has the ball at the end of a
quarter in a man up situation retains
possession in the same relative position of
the field to start the next quarter.
If the ball is in flight between two players of
the same team when time expires, they are
deemed to be in possession.
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Special Situations
Ball caught in the stick.
Whistle play down immediately and
award the ball to the non-offending
team.
Exception - Goalkeeper in his crease.
Award ball to the defensive team 20
yards laterally from the crease
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Special Situations
Ball mired in the mud OUTSIDE the
crease.
Whistle play and have a draw.
Ball mired In the mud INSIDE the crease.
Whistle play and award to defensive team
20 yards laterally.
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Special Situations
Ball caught in the netting.
Ball is awarded to the defensive team 20 yards
laterally from the goal.
Make sure the ball is ensnared in the net and
not just sitting on top of the goal, as it can
still be played by the attack team.
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Special Situations
Exchanging sticks
If legally on the field:
- can exchange sticks
- cannot throw stick (warn first time)
At sideline:
- must step off field into gate
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Special Situations
Bleeding
If a player has wet or dried blood on their
clothes, equipment, or skin, play is suspended
immediately.
The player must leave the field (or use a team
time out if available).
The player cannot return until the flow of
blood is staunched and the blood is washed
off.
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Overtime
If the game is tied at the end of regulation playing
time, then two periods of overtime shall be played.
The following procedure shall apply:
i) 5 minute break, teams change ends.
ii) Both periods start with a face off (man down rules will
apply if necessary).
iii) Each overtime period is 4 minutes, 2 minute break in
between.
iv) The teams will change ends between the 2 overtime
periods.
Play the full two periods regardless of goals scored.
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Sudden Death Overtime
If the game is tied at the end of overtime, then
sudden death overtime shall be played. The following
procedure shall apply:
i) 1 minute break, coin toss to determine end.
ii) Play will start with a face off (man down rules will apply
if necessary).
iii) Sudden death overtime periods are 4 minutes, no break
in between.
The team that had possession at the conclusion of a
sudden death period will start the next period with
possession in the same relative position (subject to normal
procedure).
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Sudden Death Overtime
If the ball was loose at the conclusion of a period the ball
will be faced in the same relative position of the field
iv) The teams will change ends at the conclusion of each
period.
This procedure will continue until a goal is scored.
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Penalties
Penalties/Fouls
The Canadian Lacrosse Association (CLA) men’s field
lacrosse rulebook is the same as the FIL rule book for
men’s field lacrosse, with a few minor but important
adjustments.
It should be consulted often. There is no substitute for an
in-depth knowledge of the rules, and their application.
All fouls are defined and often have “approved rulings”
(A/R’s) that help to interpret the rule. A/R’s carry the
same weight as a rule.
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Penalties/Fouls
There are three types of fouls (penalties)
1. Technical Fouls
2. Personal Fouls
3. Expulsion Fouls
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Penalties/Fouls
Technical Fouls
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Penalties/Fouls
Technical Fouls
Are those fouls of a less
serious nature
The foul can be served
either by:
Serving a 30 second
penalty.
OR
Awarding possession
to the non-offending
team.
2013
Status of the
Ball
Foul
Served
Through a:
Offending team in
Loss of
possession of the
Possession
ball
Offended team in 30 second
possession of the time served
ball
foul
Loose Ball
Possession
to offended
team
107
Penalties/Fouls
Technical Fouls
All technical fouls to the team that gets scored
on cancel, including those serving and those
about to be called on a slow whistle (delayed
penalty).
Simultaneous technical fouls cancel. The team
that had possession at the time of the first foul
maintains possession. If the ball was loose at
that time of the first foul, have a draw.
2013
108
Penalties/Fouls
Interference – Rule 52
2013
109
Penalties/Fouls
Interference – Rule 52
Cannot check more than 9’ off a loose ball
Cannot interfere with a defender checking
the ball carrier – i.e “Moving Picks”
Cannot guard so closely as to prevent free
movement of an opponent without the ball.
2013
110
Penalties/Fouls
Push–Rule 53
2013
111
Penalties/Fouls
Push – Rule 53
Cannot push from the
rear with either the
stick or body.
You are able to hold a
player off with equal
pressure by using the
forearm or the hands
closed together on the
stick. You cannot
push the player out.
2013
112
Penalties/Fouls
Illegal Pick – Rule 54
2013
113
Penalties/Fouls
Illegal Pick – Rule 54
Must be stationary and motionless at the
point of contact. No swaying.
Cannot occupy more space that the player’s
normal shoulder width. No extending
arms, legs or butt.
If extending the stick, the player must let
the player move through the stick. No
holding with the stick.
Cannot guard so closely as to prevent free
movement of a non ball carrier – Ride only.
2013
114
Penalties/Fouls
Holding - Rule 55
2013
115
Penalties/Fouls
Holding – Rule 55
Cannot hold a player
or his crosse.
Cannot step on an
opponent’s crosse or
their foot.
Watch for contact
made with the free
arm – (i.e. Hand on
the back when making
a check).
2013
116
Penalties/Fouls
Holding – Rule 55
Cannot hook an
opponent with the stick.
Able to hold a player with
equal pressure
(i.e. an offensive player is
backing into a defender.)
The defender can hold
his position, but cannot
push the player away from
himself.
2013
117
Penalties/Fouls
Cross Check Hold –
Rule 55.2
Cannot hold an
opponent or his
crosse with the shaft
of the stick between
the player’s hands.
E-Lacrosse.com
2013
118
Penalties/Fouls
Kicking the Crosse
Rule 56
2013
119
Penalties/Fouls
Kicking the Crosse – Rule 56
Cannot deliberately kick, or step on an
opponents crosse.
Cannot kick through your own crosse to make
contact with the opponents crosse. This is
generally seen on draws, but applies all over the
field.
Watch for players fighting for a ball. If a
players foot inadvertently makes contact with
his opponents crosse, this is not a foul.
2013
120
Penalties/Fouls
Handling the Ball
Rule 57
2013
121
Penalties/Fouls
Handling the Ball – Rule 57
Also referred to as Illegally Touching the
Ball.
A player may not touch the ball with their
hands, except for the Designated
Goalkeeper in his crease.
A ball bouncing off a player’s glove is not a
foul, unless they attempted to direct the ball
to gain an advantage.
Note the exception during faceoffs
2013
122
Penalties/Fouls
With-Holding the Ball
From Play - Rule 58
2013
123
Penalties/Fouls
With-Holding The Ball From Play – Rule 58
Cannot withhold the ball from play in any manner
including:
Laying on a loose ball on the ground.
Trapping a ball on the ground with their stick
longer than is necessary to control the ball and
to pick it up. Should be picked up in one
continuous motion.
Holding the ball in close proximity to prevent
the dislodgement of the ball.
2013
124
Penalties/Fouls
With-Holding The Ball From Play – Rule 58
Cannot withhold the ball from play in any manner
including:
A player with possession cannot grasp any portion of
the head of their stick with their hand for the
purpose of withholding the ball.
Watch for players thumbing the ball.
Remember, the goalkeeper can trap the ball in the
crease (Subject to the 4 second count), but cannot
trap outside the crease.
Clamp down on opposing drawman’s hands or
stick.
2013
125
Penalties/Fouls
Illegal Actions With
The Crosse - Rule 59
2013
126
Penalties/Fouls
Illegal Actions with the Crosse–Rule 59
Cannot throw the crosse under any
circumstances.
Cannot take part in play without a crosse.
Cannot exchange a crosse with someone off
the field except through the gate.
A broken crosse is considered no crosse.
2013
127
Penalties/Fouls
Illegal Actions By Team
Officials - Rule 59
2013
128
Penalties/Fouls
Illegal Actions By Team Officials–Rule 60
Applies to all non playing personnel.
Cannot enter the field, except during team timeouts and between periods.
The coach or training staff may attend to an
injured player only when called on by an official.
Using artificial aids for communication.
Must stay in the coaches walk and not enter the
substitution or scorers area.
Cannot go past the restraining line.
2013
129
2013
130
Penalties/Fouls
Illegal Procedure - Rule 61
2013
131
Penalties/Fouls
Illegal Procedure – Rule 61
This is a catch all penalty that covers a
wide area of the rules.
If you are unsure of what to classify a
technical penalty as, use this foul.
2013
132
Penalties/Fouls
Illegal Procedure – Rule 61
Illegal Substitution
The substitute enters the field before the man he is
replacing has left the field of play.
Entering the field before the penalty time has expired.
If it is the Player’s fault, the player serves unexpired
time plus additional 30 seconds.
If the Timekeeper’s fault, the player serves only the
unexpired penalty time.
2013
133
Penalties/Fouls
Illegal Procedure – Rule 61
Illegal Substitution on penalty (cont.)
If the offended team scores, the goal
counts, and any unexpired time is wiped
out.
If the offending team scores, the goal is
disallowed. The Player serves unexpired
time and an additional 30 seconds.
2013
134
Penalties/Fouls
Illegal Procedure – Rule 61
Delay of Game
A player who deliberately bats, kicks or throws the ball
away (can also be unsportsmanlike conduct).
A team who is not ready to restart play after a time out, or
to begin a period.
A team who is not ready to restart play 30 seconds after
the scoring of a goal.
A team who is not ready to restart after a foul is called, an
out-of-bounds stoppage or for an equipment adjustment.
All “Team” fouls are served by the In-home.
2013
135
Penalties/Fouls
Illegal Procedure – Rule 61
Too Many Long Sticks – Rule 45.6
A team cannot have more than 4 long sticks in
the game while the ball is live.
The “Head Coach” can “request” a long stick
count, at any time during the game.
If number of sticks is 4 or less, there is no foul
to the coach who requested the stick count.
For every subsequent request for a stick count
that is found to be legal then a technical foul
will be assessed.
2013
136
Penalties/Fouls
Illegal Procedure – Rule 61
Participating in play while out of bounds.
Not having the required number of players in the
designated areas at a center face off.
Leaving the attack goal area (restraint area) prior
to possession.
Failure to give 10 yards on face offs in other parts
of the field.
Failure to give 5 yards on any free play.
Any crease violation.
2013
137
Penalties/Fouls
Illegal Procedure – Rule 61
Any illegal substitution.
Any call for a time out when either they are
not entitled, or do not have any left.
Too many men on the field.
Players illegally in the coaches walk, or more
than 4 coaches in the coaches walk.
2013
138
Penalties/Fouls
Illegal Procedure – Rule
61
Playing without a stick.
Warding off with a free
arm.
More than 4 long sticks
on the field at any time
when the ball is live.
2013
139
Penalties/Fouls
Stalling – Rule 62
2013
140
Penalties/Fouls
Stalling – Rule 62
Can, and should be called at any point in the game
where it is obvious that a team is not making a
reasonable effort to attack their opponents goal.
Can be called anywhere on the field.
A team who is short handed due to penalties
cannot be guilty of stalling.
A team who holds the ball in their attack goal area
cannot be guilty of stalling.
2013
141
Penalties/Fouls
Stalling – Rule 62
Warning repeated when:
-
2013
Dead ball situation.
Attacking team recovers a loose ball.
Attacking team is illegally forced out of zone.
Defender deflects ball out of zone, attacker
recovers.
142
Penalties/Fouls
Illegal Crosse - Rule 63
2013
143
Penalties/Fouls
Illegal Crosse - Rule 63
Any strings hanging longer than two inches
Request for a stick check must be made by the opposition.
Referees do not initiate this call.
First offence – technical foul – player adjusts the stick until
it conforms to the rules.
Second offence same player – Technical Foul –
and the stick is removed to the timer’s bench. It does not
have to be the same stick as the first call.
Do not use this for trick stringing or trick construction.
2013
144
Penalties/Fouls
Illegal Crosse - Rule 63
Deep Pocket
First offence – Technical Foul
Second offence same player – Technical Foul –
and the stick is removed to the timers bench. It
does not have to be the same stick as the first call.
2013
145
Penalties/Fouls
Illegal Equipment - Rule 64
2013
146
Penalties/Fouls
Illegal Equipment - Rule 64
Any equipment that does not conform to the
rules as outlined in the book (i.e. illegal gloves,
illegal helmet or facemask, duplicate jersey
numbers).
First offence – no foul – player adjusts the
equipment until it conforms to the rules.
Second offence same player – Technical Foul
It does not have to be the same equipment as the
first call.
2013
147
Penalties/Fouls
CLA Only
Failure to wear shoulder pads, mouth
guard or cup.
First offence –the player is given a 1
minute Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Penalty
Second offence to the same player,
regardless of which equipment is missing:
Banished from the game with no further
penalty to the team.
2013
148
Penalties/Fouls
Offside - Rule 65
2013
149
Penalties/Fouls
Offside - Rule 65
Must keep 4 men in the defensive half and 3 men
in the offensive half at all times.
In a short-handed situation, a team can elect to
bring a man up to the wing line for a faceoff, but
the team must remain onside at all times.
If a team has more than 3 men in the penalty box,
they must keep 3 men in the attack half.
If a goal is scored, and both teams are offside – No
goal – draw 20 yards from the cage.
2013
150
Penalties/Fouls
Thrusting The Crosse In
The Face of An Opponent
Rule 66
2013
151
Penalties/Fouls
Thrusting Crosse at the Face of an Opponent Rule 66
Cannot push, thrust or flick the stick at an
opponents face or head.
Used often by attack players trying to screen
the goalies, or long sticks trying to interfere
with the man they are covering.
2013
152
Penalties/Fouls
Avoidable Lateness –
Rule 67
2013
153
Penalties/Fouls
Avoidable Lateness - Rule 67
Where a team is not ready to start at the
appointed time (start of the game, beginning of a
quarter).
Other team to start the game with the ball at
center. If a time-served penalty is to be served,
the In-home shall serve it.
If there is a dispute, the visiting team is to come
out of the dressing room first.
2013
154
Penalties/Fouls
Grasping Head Of Stick – Ball In Stick
58.3
Rule
Intent is to penalize players with-holding ball
from play
Not to be applied for merely adjusting head of
stick
2013
155
Penalties/Fouls
Personal Fouls
2013
156
Penalties/Fouls
Personal Fouls
Penalties of a more serious nature.
Penalties are always time served.
Can be of 1, 2, or 3 minutes in length
depending on the severity of the infraction.
Personal Fouls are not released by a goal.
The penalized player must serve the
complete penalty.
2013
157
Penalties/Fouls
Personal Fouls
Players who accumulate 5 Personal Fouls “foul
out”, and cannot take any further part in the game
Don’t confuse with 5 minutes of penalty time.
Fouling out is not the same as an expulsion.
The offended team shall get possession at center if
the foul occurred:
Prior to the start of the game.
After the scoring of a goal.
After a quarter or overtime period ends.
2013
158
Penalties/Fouls
Illegal Body Check
Rule 70
2013
159
Penalties/Fouls
Illegal Body Check – Rule 70
Must make contact from the front, and between
the shoulders and hips.
If the defensive player turns after the checker was
committed, then no foul.
Cannot check a player while he is lying on the
ground, or who is down on one or both knees.
Blocking an opponent with their head (spearing
with the helmet) is illegal.
2013
160
Penalties/Fouls
Illegal Body Check – Rule 70
Cannot body check a player who is not in
possession of the ball or is not within 9 feet of a
loose ball.
Watch for hip checks – Illegal – Make sure the
offensive player did not jump to make would
have been a legal check, illegal.
Must have two hands on the stick to check if
using the arms as part of the check – i.e the
forearm.
2013
161
Penalties/Fouls
Slashing – Rule 71
2013
162
Penalties/Fouls
Slashing – Rule 71
Any swing with “deliberate viciousness and
reckless abandon”.
The stick must be in control at all times.
The stick does not have to make contact to be
considered a slash.
The hands are considered part of the stick and can
be checked.
Must be a definite blow – mere contact is not a
slash.
2013
163
Penalties/Fouls
Slashing – Rule 71
Stick-check can either be a slap or poke.
Watch that the checker does not follow though
into the opposing player’s mid-section like a
“spear”.
The defensive player can block an opposing player’s
stick, but cannot ward off.
Follow-through of a shot is a legal play – no slash.
Watch for checks up around the head or neck.
2013
164
Penalties/Fouls
Cross-Checking –
Rule 72
2013
165
Penalties/Fouls
Cross-Checking – Rule 72
Cannot check the opposing player with any
part of the stick between the hands.
Cannot thrust or extend the stick between
the hands to make the check.
Watch and make sure that players are not
leading or punching the opposing player
with the hands closed.
2013
166
Penalties/Fouls
Cross Check – Rule 72
2013
167
Penalties/Fouls
Tripping- Rule 73
2013
168
Penalties/Fouls
Tripping- Rule 73
A player shall not “intentionally” trip an
opponent with his crosse or body.
The offended player does not have to fall
down in order for it to be a trip.
Just because a player trips over a stick does
not make it a foul. There had to be some
sort of intent to gain an advantage.
2013
169
Penalties/Fouls
Unnecessary Roughness
Rule 74
2013
170
Penalties/Fouls
Unnecessary Roughness – Rule 74
Any avoidable and intentional act which is
“excessively” violent.
Deliberately running through a pick or screen.
Excessively violent pushing or holding.
This is a good “catch all” for when you do not
need to call a fight (an expulsion).
Use 2-3 minute penalties accordingly.
2013
171
Penalties/Fouls
Unsportsmanlike Conduct - Rule 75
2013
172
Penalties/Fouls
Unsportsmanlike Conduct – Rule 75
No player or team official shall:
Enter into an argument with an official.
Attempt to influence the decision of an
official.
Use threatening or profane or obscene
language.
Commit any act that the referee deems as
unsportsmanlike.
Repeatedly commit the same technical foul.
2013
173
Penalties/Fouls
Unsportsmanlike Conduct – Rule 75
No player shall use a stick of trick construction or
stringing, including:
Sticks too long or short.
Sticks that have been altered from the
manufacturers’ original specifications (i.e shaved
walls, pinched heads.
Automatic 3 minute penalty, and the stick is
removed to the scorer’s bench for the remainder
of the game.
2013
174
Penalties/Fouls
Unsportsmanlike Conduct – Rule75
 Use 2-3 minute penalties accordingly
Any player who, after being called for an
unsportsmanlike foul, continues to act in
an unsportsmanlike manner can be
banished. This is not an expulsion foul
and there is no further penalty.
2013
175
Penalties/Fouls
Expulsion Foul
Rule 77
2013
176
Penalties/Fouls
Expulsion Fouls – Rule 77
Five Instances where you may assess an Expulsion:
Fighting.
Intent to Injure.
Any player who is the “third” man into a fight.
Refusal to accept the authority of the official or
the use of foul or abusive language.
Foul and abusive language ‘can/may/does’
include racial and sexually abusive or derogatory
language.”
2013
177
Penalties/Fouls
Expulsion Fouls – Rule 77
One instance where you must assess an Expulsion:
Players or team personnel pushing past an official
in order to join in a fight, or who leave their
designated bench area.
An exception to this shall be a member of a
team’s medical staff who leaves his team’s
designated bench area to attend to an injured
member of his squad.
2013
178
Penalties/Fouls
Expulsion Fouls – Rule 77
Players are suspended for the remainder of the
game.
A substitute (generally the In-home & others if
necessary) serves 3 minutes or more.
A Special Incident Report is to be filed with the
appropriate authorities.
Do not discuss any possible suspension scenarios
with the player, or any team officials.
2013
179
Execution of Penalties
Serving Time Served Fouls
The penalized player must run off and raise his
stick above his head, until he reaches the penalty
area.
The penalized player must remain in the penalty
area for their entire penalty. They may not go to
their bench, even if they will be substituted for.
However, they may leave during team time outs,
but must return to finish serving their penalty.
2013
180
Execution of Penalties
Serving Time Served Fouls
Penalty time begins when:
The player sits down in the penalty seat AND
when play is resumed.
This procedure is often not handled correctly
by the penalty timekeepers.
Penalty time will stop if the player stands up
from the penalty chair or takes off required
equipment.
2013
181
Execution of Penalties
Serving Time Served Fouls
Play is resumed only after all flags are picked up,
and the officiating crew is ready to go. Look at
your partners before starting.
Players may exchange their sticks on the field
between one another. Do not allow them to throw
their sticks. Warn first, then penalize for repeated
offences.
If a penalty is assessed after a goal or after a period
ends, the penalty will start on the whistle to restart play.
2013
182
Execution of Penalties
Free Clear
A free clear is awarded only if the foul is
time served, and the penalty occurred in the
offended team’s defensive half of the field.
Move the ball directly forward across center
line. Do not move to the Center “X”.
A free clear is not awarded on simultaneous
fouls.
2013
183
Execution of Penalties
2013
184
Execution of Penalties
Play-On Technique
Is used on loose ball, technical fouls only to
help speed up the game.
If the offended team would be disadvantaged
by blowing the whistle, then the referee will:
Verbally and visually call “Play On”.
Wait to see if the offended team gains
possession of the ball. If so, play continues.
If possession is not gained, then whistle play
down and award the ball to the offended
team.
2013
185
Execution of Penalties
Play-On Technique
If the offended team commits a foul, then the
whistle is blown, and the usual simultaneous foul
rules apply.
Do not let the play-on go on too long, the advantage
should be immediate.
Make sure you call the play-on loud enough for all to
hear. This will cut down on the benches thinking
that you have chosen not to call the loose ball foul.
2013
186
Execution of Penalties
Play-On Example:
The ball is loose near the centre line.
A Blue player illegally pushes a Red player, causing him
to go into an off-side position.
It looks as if the Red player could pick up the ball, step
back on-side, and go to the Blue goal.
Ruling: The referee yells “Play-on”.
2013
187
Execution of Penalties
Slow Whistle (Delayed Foul) Procedure
Is used when the team in possession is fouled and in
the opinion of the referee a scoring play is imminent.
Throw a flag to signify a delayed foul.
The slow whistle can be used anywhere on the field.
2013
188
Execution of Penalties
Slow Whistle (Delayed Foul) Procedure
The “scoring play” is considered to have been
completed when:
The attack team loses control of the ball.
The attacking team has clearly lost the
opportunity of scoring a goal on the original
play.
The ball goes behind the attack goal twice.
If started behind the play is only allowed
once behind.
2013
189
Execution of Penalties
Slow Whistle (Delayed Foul) Procedure
The “scoring play” is considered to have been
completed when:
The attacking team takes a shot.
The ball hits the pipe or goalie, and then
hits any other player other than goalkeeper.
The ball comes out of the attack goal area.
2013
190
Execution of Penalties
Slow Whistle (Delayed Foul) Procedure
The attack team must be making an attempt to go to the
goal and score – imminent opportunity.
A bounce or rolling pass is a legal pass. So, before
blowing play dead, make sure that when the ball hits the
ground, it was not indeed a bounce or rolling pass
between two teammates.
If a flag is thrown in error, then the team in possession
maintains possession; otherwise, if the ball was loose,
have a draw.
2013
191
Simultaneous Fouls
Simultaneous Fouls
Fouls are considered simultaneous if they are
not separated by:
a whistle that starts play.
a goal.
the end of a period.
2013
192
Simultaneous Fouls
Simultaneous Fouls
All technical fouls cancel one another, no matter
how many there are to either team.
If the ball is loose and you have simultaneous
technical fouls, draw the ball.
If the ball is in possession, and the technical fouls
are simultaneous, then the team who had the ball
at the time of the first foul, retains possession.
No Free Clear.
2013
193
Simultaneous Fouls
Simultaneous Fouls
If at least one of the fouls is a personal, or an
expulsion, then all the fouls (technicals included) are
time served and:
The team with the least penalty time gets
possession of the ball where it was at the time of
the whistle.
If the times are equal, than the team that had the
ball at the time of the first foul retains the ball. If
it was loose, then have a draw where the ball was at
the time of the whistle.
2013
194
Simultaneous Fouls
Simultaneous Fouls
Mechanic for calling Simultaneous
Fouls
Whistle play down when the second foul
is committed. It may be a good idea to
stop the clock.
Signal visually and verbally
that the fouls are simultaneous
(hands clasped behind the head).
Inform the affected players.
Inform the timekeepers bench.
Restart play.
2013
195
Let’s Take A Break!!!!
2013
196