1. 2018 NJILOA REGULAR SEASON MEETING # 2

2. Interruption of Game / Suspensions due to Weather
Rule 3, Section 5 (pg. 30):
For all regular season games contests in which a referee suspends play due to weather conditions (thunderstorms & other conditions which make play dangerous), he shall declare a waiting period of at least 30 minutes. If at that point conditions have not improved, the referee may terminate the game.
Games terminated before the end of the first half will be replayed in their entirety.
When play is terminated after the completion of the first half, and one team is ahead, that team shall be declared the winner.
Should the score be tied and play is terminated AFTER the completion of the first half, the game shall be declared a tie.

3. NJSIAA SPORTSMANSHIP STATEMENT
It has been brought to our attention that last year year a number of officials did not read the NJSIAA Sportsmanship Statement. Not reading this statement places you at risk with the NJ Attorney General. It is the Law, not a Request.
This statement must be read prior to every contest to a coach & the captains of both teams.
If it is being announced over the loudspeaker, then you do not have to do this.

4. Tape on the Head of the Crosse
Can any player on the field have tape on the head of their crosse? 

5. Tape on the Head of the Crosse
Ruling:
Yes, as long as it is not a player taking the face-off.

6. Game Clock
 Can a Team use an “unofficial” visible scoreboard game clock?

7. GAME CLOCK Rulings: Rule 2 - Section 8:
NO. When available & functioning, an electronic scoreboard clock shall be the official timepiece.
At sites where there is no accurate, visible game clock with an automatic horn, etc., the Table should use a hand-held game clock (preferably not a cell phone unless no other options are available).

8. GAME CLOCK Small Group Discussion:
Game Clock and Penalty Clock Problems
How do you Solve them?
How could you have Prevented them?
Clock Management is a critical issue!!

9. RUNNING TIME B1 is serving a penalty while the game is under a
running clock (12 or more goal differential in the 2nd half).  The Penalty Time is also running time. The ball now goes out of bounds while the clock continues to run. If the penalty time expires during the stoppage of play, may the penalized player be released back into the game?

10. RUNNING TIME
Ruling:
Yes.  The table should be instructed to run penalty times in conjunction with a running game clock and that penalties may be released during dead ball stoppage. Both would only stop for Team, Officials’ or Injury Timeouts. Same thing if an official is adjudicating additional penalties.
Any new penalty starts on the whistle re-starting play.

11. COUNTS
Q1: Team A has possession of the ball in its offensive half, outside of the of the attack area  and is under the requirement to bring the ball into the goal area (either “advance the ball”  or “get it in” situation).  An official blows his whistle to stop the play (e.g. an injury, an  equipment issue, a penalty or a Play-on is called). Is Team A entitled to a full 10 seconds  to get the  ball into the attack area? 

12. COUNTS RULING: Yes, The team is entitled to a New Count.
Whether it be a 20-second clearing count or a 10-second “step it in” count, it gets reset on the restart.

13. Crease Play Discussion
At the Cadet training clinic on Saturday we had a question about a Crease Violation that I have never seen and I could not find it in the book.  Here is the situation:
Loose ball enters the crease against the side of the goal net, defense (not the goalie) picks up the ball and has possession in the crease.  Attack steps in the crease. The question is, what do we have? 
My thought is we have a “Play-on”. ​Others were indicating that the above situation should be a flag down, slow whistle. What do you think ?

14. CREASE PLAY RULING Rulings: Rule 4 - Section 18, Art. 2 (Pages 46-47)
Note: In most situations, the language in the book addresses only the goalie in the crease area…
No opposing player shall make contact with the goalkeeper or his crosse while the goalkeeper is within the goal-crease area, regardless of whether the goalkeeper has the ball in his possession.

15. CREASE PLAY RULING Rule 6 - Sec. 2 Art 1.b (Pages 66-67):
Any crease violation or interference with the goalkeeper while he and the ball are in the crease, whether or not he has possession of the ball, shall be a Play-on. If the goalie has possession & fails to run the ball out of the crease or successfully complete an outlet pass, the ball is awarded to his team in its offensive side of the field at the Center X.

16. CREASE PLAY RULING 4.13, Situation D (pg. 44):
Team A goalkeeper is in his own crease while a 20 second count is underway, when Team B commits a crease violation OR interferes with the goalkeeper. 

17. CREASE PLAY RULING Ruling:
A Play-on situation. If Team A goalkeeper runs the ball out of the crease or completes an outlet pass, the Play-on is over & a new 20 second count starts.
Note: The goalie 4-second count also continues. If 4 seconds has elapsed, kill the play & award the ball back to the defense.

18. CREASE PLAY RULING 4.19.2 SITUATION B (Pg. 50):
Defensive team with possession outside of crease area and offensive team steps into crease or interferes with goalkeeper who is in his crease.
RULING: Flag-down, technical foul.

19. CREASE PLAY RULING - RATIONALE
Although the above specifically states goalkeeper, I think we can interpret that the crease violation would also mean a Play-on while a defender is in possession within the crease.  And since only the goalkeeper has protection privileges while within the crease, interference (or a crease violation) would not result in a free clear or flag down. Official sould stop play and award the ball to Team A in the crease / defensive area.  

20. CREASE PLAY RULING - RATIONALE
A defenseman is not given the same privileges as the goalie when he has possession in the crease (i.e. you can check him but you can't check a goalie). Goalie w/possession in the crease & then a riding player has a crease violation is a “Play-on”. Why would we apply a MORE severe penalty to protect a position player who we have already established we protect less than the goalie?

21. CREASE PLAY RULING Rulings: 6.2.1 SITUATION A (Pg. 67):
B3 is clearing the ball between the defensive-area line and the midfield line when an attack player runs through the crease, hoping to stop play.
RULING: Flag down, technical foul.

22. CREASE PLAY RULING 6.2.1, Situation H (Pg. 67):
While ball is loose in the crease, A1 interferes with the goalkeeper.
Ruling: Play-on. If goalkeeper fails to gain possession of the ball, ball is awarded to Team B at the spot where the ball was when play was suspended.

23. CREASE PLAY RULING - RATIONALE
Rulings:
6:2:1 Situations A & D. Both result in a flag down, but in both, ball is outside the crease. 
Due to the location of the rule (Section 4), I would Play-on this situation making sure the defense successfully completes the next play (a completed pass or player runs the ball out of the crease).
NOTE: Almost all of these violations entitle the defense to a Play-on. But only a flag down or interference/crease violation with the Goalie in possession results in a free clear. And Remember, it’s always a good idea to kill a Play-on quickly in order to prevent any further issues.

24. SHOTS
New Clarifications & Factors to be Aware of in Various Situations:
During a Stall Situation
During a Flag Down, Slow Whistle Situation
Shots at the End of a Period
Note: In these 3 Situations you must understand when a shot is considered to have come to its conclusion.

25. RULE 4, SECTION 5 - SHOT Article 9 (Page 37) States:
Shot – A shot is considered a ball propelled toward the goal by an offensive player, either by being thrown from a crosse, kicked or otherwise physically directed.

26. RULE 6, SECTION 10 - DISCUSSION SHOTS DURING A STALL SITUATION
Q1: Player A1 takes what you consider a shot (not a pass) but it does not touch goalkeeper, goalkeeper equipment, goal post or crossbar. Does it need to touch one of these things to be considered “on goal”?

27. RULE 6, SECTION 10 - DISCUSSION SHOTS DURING A STALL SITUATION
New Rule Clarification for 2018
Article 2 (Page 75) States:
The stall warning remains in effect until a goal is scored, a shot that hits the goal pipes, shot that hits the goalie or hits his equipment, the defensive team gains possession of the ball or the period ends resulting in a faceoff.
After the team has been warned, stalling shall be called if the ball leaves the goal area in any manner other than as a result of a shot on goal or a touch by the defensive team.

28. RULE 6, SECTION 10 - DISCUSSION SHOTS DURING A STALL SITUATION
Q2: The ball then leaves the Goal Area and is loose in the alley.
A: A shot “on goal” that leaves the attack box ends the stall & either team can gain possession.
But a Pass, or a Shot that is NOT “on goal”, results in a Play-on. Defense gains possession - start 20-second clear count. Offense regains it or it is contested - kill the play & award the ball to the defense at the spot where the ball was when whistle was blown.

29. RULE 6, SECTION 10 - DISCUSSION SHOTS DURING A STALL SITUATION
RULING:
SITUATION C (Page 76):
A3 throws ball toward goal, and ball goes out of bounds. A3 claims it was a shot. If official feels it was a shot, ball awarded according to rules. If official feels it was a pass or deliberate “throw out,” award ball to Team B.

30. RULE 7, SECTION 8 - SHOT with FLAG DOWN SLOW-WHISTLE TECHNIQUE
ART. 2: The official shall withhold the whistle until:
d. A shot is taken that does not result in a goal, unless the shot is caught in the air by a teammate.
j. A second defensive foul is committed during the final two minutes of regulation play with the team that is ahead possessing the ball, unless a scoring play is imminent.

31. RULE 7, SECTION 8 - SHOT with FLAG DOWN SLOW-WHISTLE TECHNIQUE
ART. 3: The slow whistle shall be used whether the foul is committed against the player in possession of the ball or some other member of the attacking team.

32. RULE 7, SECTION 8 - SHOT with FLAG DOWN SLOW-WHISTLE TECHNIQUE
During a slow whistle, a shot remains a shot until:
(a) the ball comes to rest on the field; (b) the ball hits the ground and goes past the goal; (c) possession is gained by any member of the defensive team;
or (d) after hitting the goalkeeper, goalkeeper equipment, goal posts or crossbar, the ball is touched by any player of either team other than the defending goalkeeper, or an official.

33. RULE 7, SECTION 8 - SHOT with FLAG DOWN SLOW-WHISTLE TECHNIQUE
POSSIBLE SCENARIOS:
Shot - Contact with offensive Player Good Goal
Shot - Contact with Goalie, Defensive Player or Official Good Goal
Bounce Shot Good Goal

34. RULE 7, SECTION 8 - SHOT with FLAG DOWN SLOW-WHISTLE TECHNIQUE
POSSIBLE SCENARIOS:
Shot - After hitting the goalkeeper, goalkeeper equipment, goal posts or crossbar, the ball is then touched by:
Goalie Good Goal
Official Good Goal
Offensive Player No Goal
Defensive Player No Goal

35. RULE 4, SECTION 8 & 9 - SHOT AT THE End OF A Period
Trail Mechanics:
It is crucial for the Trail Official to have Clock/Horn and have eyes on the shooter to determine if the shot is valid or not.
Must come in strong with whistle & arms waving if release is after :00 or the Horn to declare “No Shot!”
Note: If there is a visible scoreboard clock with an audible horn that follows :00, best to go off the sound of the horn.

36. RULE 4, SECTION 8 & 9 - SHOT AT THE End OF A Period
Article 2.O (Pg. 42): A goal will be allowed if the shot is released prior to the end of the period.
POSSIBLE SCENARIOS:
Shot-Horn - Contact w/Goalie, Defensive Player or Official Good Goal
Bounce Shot Good Goal
Shot-Horn - Contact w/Offensive Player NO Goal

37. RULE 4, SECTION 8 & 9: SHOT AT THE End OF A Period
POSSIBLE SCENARIOS:
Shot - Horn goes off as ball is in flight. After hitting the goalkeeper, goalkeeper equipment, goal posts or crossbar, the ball is touched by:
Goalie Good Goal
Official Good Goal
Offensive Player No Goal
Defensive Player No Goal

38. TECHNICAL FOULS
Are those pesky little violations of a less serious nature than personal fouls, but need to be made by officials because they are essential for controlling a game. Here are just a few key ones that drive coaches crazy.
HOLDING (Pg. 68)
ILLEGAL OFFENSIVE SCREENING (Pg. 69)
INTERFERENCE (Pgs )
WARDING OFF (Pgs )

39. RULE 6, SECTION 3 - HOLDING (Page 68)
ART. 1: A player shall not impede the movement of an opponent or his crosse.
ART. 2: A player may NOT:
a. Use the portion of the handle that is between the hands to hold an opponent.
c. Hold an opponent with his crosse.
d. Hold or pin an opponent's crosse against the body of the opponent with his crosse.

40. RULE 6, SECTION 3 - HOLDING
ART. 3: Holding is permitted under the following conditions:
a. An opponent with possession of the ball or within 5 yards of a loose ball may be held from the front/side.
b. An opponent in possession of the ball may be played with a hold check from the rear if the hold exerts no more than equal pressure.
A hold check shall be done w/either closed hand, shoulder or forearm & both hands shall be on the crosse.
A player in possession or within 5 yards of a loose ball may have their crosse held by an opponent’s crosse

41. RULE 6, SECTION 3 - HOLDING
Q1: What if the Blue defender B1, with two hands on his crosse, hooks A1 across his chest and runs with him side-to-side?
A: This is a Legal Hold
Q2: What if B1 long stick is face to face with A1, who has possession of the ball... can B1 legally hook the bicep of A1 and pull A1’s hand off his crosse?
A: Flag down for Holding. However, the defender is allowed to “lift” the bottom hand or the crosse.

42. RULE 6, SECTION 3 - HOLDING SHOW HOLDING VIDEOS
Notre Dame - Virginia Hold Video
You Make The Call - Holding or Legal Play?
&index=5&list=PLSJXRN8rpn9bCGadfaTyBp0FWFo wR3DoW
Video

43. DISCUSSION
So what really is the difference between an Illegal Screen and Interference?
When should it be called
&
When should we pass on it?

44. RULE 6, SECTION 4 - ILLEGAL OFFENSIVE SCREENING (Page 69)
No offensive player shall move into & make contact with a defensive player with the purpose of blocking a defensive player from the man he is playing, nor shall the offensive player hold his crosse rigid or extend his crosse rigid to impede the normal movements of the defensive man. If contact is made between offensive & defensive players as a result of the offensive player’s setting a screen, the offensive player shall be stationary before the contact occurs, with his feet no wider than shoulder-width apart.

45. RULE 6, SECTION 7 - INTERFERENCE (Pages 74-75)
A player shall not interfere in any manner with the free movement of an opponent, except when that opponent has possession of the ball, the ball is in flight and within 5 yards of the players, or both players are within 5 yards of a loose ball.

46. RULE 6, SECTION 11: WARDING OFF (Pages 77-78)
A player in possession of the ball shall not use his free hand or arm or any other part of his body to hold, push or control the direction of the movement of the crosse or body of the player applying the check. A player in possession of the ball may protect his crosse with his hand, arm or other part of his body when his opponent makes a play to check his crosse.

47. RULE 6, SECTION 11: WARDING OFF
6.11 SITUATION A: B1 swings at A1’s crosse. A1 pulls his crosse back with one hand and with the other arm absorbs blow by B1. A1 continues around B1, holding off B1’s crosse with his protecting arm.
RULING: Technical foul against A1. A1 may not use his arm to hold, push or control the cross or body of the player applying the check.

48. RULE 6, SECTION 11: WARDING OFF
Q1: Can an offensive player that has possession of the ball and two hands on the lacrosse stick be penalized for warding off?

49. RULE 6, SECTION 11: WARDING OFF
A1: A ward is not to be called on a player with 2 hands on his crosse.

50. RULE 6, SECTION 11: WARDING OFF
Q2: Can there be a foul on an offensive player that uses a “Bull Dodge” and lowers his shoulder and runs through/over a defensive player?

51. RULE 6, SECTION 11: WARDING OFF
A2: A bull dodge, lowering the shoulder, could be considered unnecessary roughness if the official judges the contact was excessive or unnecessary.

52. RULE 6, SECTION 11: WARDING OFF
Q3: How should a “Spear” - where a player (offensive or defensive) lowers his helmet and initiates contact to an opponent - be penalized?
Show You Make the Call Spearing Video

53. RULE 6, SECTION 11: WARDING OFF
A3: A spear should be penalized with a minimum time of 2-minutes, non-releasable. Lowering of the helmet into the other player's helmet or body is a dangerous hit, as well as a safety issue.
NOTE: There is potential for an ejection as with any check involving the head/neck IF excessive or severe. Please discuss with your partner before adjudicating. Be sure the contact with the helmet was intentional (or targeted with) & not just incidental contact.

54. RULE 6, SECTION 11: WARDING OFF
Q4 Discussion: A1 (6’, 195) has the ball and has raced 10 yards at full stride first toward and then up the sideline… he immediately becomes trapped by three defenders: one chasing him, one inside the field, B1, and one in front of him (closing in and moving toward A1 at half the speed), B2 (5’10, 165), along the side line… in a split second decision A1 lowers his shoulder and, while running full tilt, with both hands on his stick legally checks B2 who lands on his back three yards downfield due to the momentum difference. Unnecessary Roughness on A1, or No Call because B2 was closing & took a position that essentially forced the unavoidable, straight on contact?

55. RULE 6, SECTION 11: WARDING OFF
Ruling:
If the body contact is judged as legal, the offensive player shall not be called for a ward.
Rationale:
The contact is either Legal or it is Unnecessary Roughness, depending on the severity of the hit initiated by the offensive player that has possession of the ball & two hands on the lacrosse stick.