Stay tuned to this page and you will learn the subtleties the referees look for when making some of the most controversial calls in the game.
MINOR INTERFERENCE (posted April 9)
Minor interference is a direct attempt to drive the opponent off the ball while making no attempt to play the ball. It results in the non-offending team obtaining possession. This will be the most common reason for play being stopped in minor lacrosse and particularly in the younger age groups.
What most people do not realize is that body contact is permitted but it MUST be while attempting to play the ball. Incidental bumping of shoulders or arms while two players attempt to pick up the ball is perfectly legal as is one player checking the other player's stick to prevent possession. However, a player 'putting a shoulder' into an opponent or giving them any sort of cross check without going after the ball will draw the whistle and loss of possession almost every time.
2017 Rule Changes:
|
Rule |
Previous |
Change |
|
Captain of the Team |
Only the C or AC who was on the floor at the time of the stoppage can ask for an interpretation. |
In Peewee and below,Head Coach (only) may request an interpretation in a respectful manner during a stoppage in play. |
|
Explanation |
The rule is intended to improve communication between referee calls and bench personnel in lower age categories. |
|
|
Rule |
Previous |
Change |
|
Bench Personnel (Rule 17) |
Not applicable - new part of rule |
Only the head coach is permitted to communicate with referees. 1st violation : 2 min BM 2nd violation : Game misconduct to the head coach. |
|
Explanation |
This rule is intended to limit communication between bench personnel & officials. Note : it is not necessarily the culprit who will be ejected based on new rules (the head coach will be ejected first).
Before the game : Introduce yourself to head coach (this will ensure you know who you can speak to you - "are all your players legally equipped?"). |
|
|
Rule |
Previous |
Change |
|
Ball Striking Referee
|
A ball which strikes an official is always in play unless deflected out of bounds or directly into the net, in which case there is a face-off
|
Ball strikes official directly or indirectly and goes : 1) out of bounds 2) into the net No goal and restart with faceoff in both situations |
|
Explanation |
Minor rule change adding indirectly into the ruling. Note : See Rule 54 (d) & Situation 4 - Rule 54 (d) note on pages 69 & 70 (Off goalie face mask and directly into net). |
|
|
Rule |
Previous |
Change |
|
Leaving the Penalty Bench (Rule 60g)
|
A player who leaves penalty box during altercation :
2 min + Game Misconduct |
A player who leaves penalty box during altercation :
Game Misconduct only |
|
Explanation |
No explanation required. |
|
|
Rule |
Previous |
Change |
|
Molesting Officials (Rule 62) |
"Molesting Officials"
Match Penalty + Special Incident Report |
"Abuse of Officials"
Match Penalty + Special Incident Report |
|
Explanation |
Wording change. Match penalties are always 5 minutes in duration. |
|
|
Rule |
Previous |
Change |
|
Refusing to Start Play (Rule 63) |
Head coach/general manager suspended for one full year and bond is forfeited. |
Removal of suspension clause – all other information stays the same.
|
|
Explanation |
Referees are not concerned with the length of any suspensions.
Note : Never comment on any suspension, as it is not our job. |
|
|
Rule |
Previous |
Change |
|
Taunting (Rule 87) |
Not applicable - new rule |
A player, coach, or bench personnel who is deemed to be taunting an opponent is assessed a minor penalty.
|
|
Explanation |
This rule is intended to further identify unsportsmanlike penalties. See Rule 28 on pages 34 & 35 for more clarification. |
|
|
Rule |
Previous |
Change |
|
Face-masking (Rule 88) |
Not applicable - new rule
Rule 72 - Major penalty shall be assessed...for grabbing facemask… etc (Rule 72 (b) page 92) |
A player who grabs the facemask of an opponent may be assessed a minor or major penalty for face-masking
|
|
Explanation |
This new rule addition allows referees to apply face-masking as a minor or a major at their discretion. An example to separate minor vs major would be "face-wash" vs violently whipping players head around. |
|
|
Rule |
Previous |
Change |
|
Maximum number of bench personnel (MR 2.12[a]) |
Maximum 4 3 Coaches/bench personnel 1 Trainer |
Maximum 5 4 coaches/bench personnel 1 Trainer |
|
Explanation |
Addition of 1 (one) non-playing personnel. It is mandatory to have a trainer. |
|