National Officials Certification ProgramNational Officials Certification Program

Additional Module Level 1 – 5Additional Module Level 1 – 5

Introduction to: Module: The GameIntroduction to: Module: The Game

Rules of Emphasis 2012

The Chair of Officiating expresses his appreciation to the members of the NOCP Committee for their

work in producing this document.

To enhance the quality, safety, and To enhance the quality, safety, and fairness of the game, facilitate better fairness of the game, facilitate better skills development for player and skills development for player and provide a more satisfying Lacrosse provide a more satisfying Lacrosse experience. experience.

Officials are expected to implement Officials are expected to implement these consistently at all times.these consistently at all times.

Read and KNOW the relevant rulesRead and KNOW the relevant rules

Why Emphasize Rules?

Rules of Emphasis – 2012Rules of Emphasis – 2012

HITS TO THE HEAD AND OTHER MAJOR HITS TO THE HEAD AND OTHER MAJOR PENALTIESPENALTIES

HITS IN THE EXCHANGE AREAHITS IN THE EXCHANGE AREA

OFF-BALL SLASHINGOFF-BALL SLASHING

CREASE PLAY - PROTECTING THE GOALKEEPERCREASE PLAY - PROTECTING THE GOALKEEPER

CREASE PLAY - PLAYING THE ADVANTAGECREASE PLAY - PLAYING THE ADVANTAGE

HITS TO THE HEAD AND OTHER HITS TO THE HEAD AND OTHER MAJORSMAJORS

The head and neck are vulnerable. So are The head and neck are vulnerable. So are arms, wrists, and legs. Too many minor arms, wrists, and legs. Too many minor penalties.penalties.

If the contact is excessive anywhere on the If the contact is excessive anywhere on the body or the contact is directly to the head: body or the contact is directly to the head: MAJOR PENALTYMAJOR PENALTY

If the play is reckless and endangers a If the play is reckless and endangers a player: player: MATCH PENALTYMATCH PENALTY

HITS IN THE EXCHANGE AREAHITS IN THE EXCHANGE AREA

This 2011 rule change resulted in a lot of This 2011 rule change resulted in a lot of confusion. Hopefully this clears it up.confusion. Hopefully this clears it up.

Three things need to happen to assess the Three things need to happen to assess the game misconduct in addition to the penalty:game misconduct in addition to the penalty:

1.1.A penalty has to occur on the line or inside A penalty has to occur on the line or inside the exchange box (NOT just outside)the exchange box (NOT just outside)

2.2.Players must be changing (going on or off)Players must be changing (going on or off)

3.3.The ball cannot be in the exchange areaThe ball cannot be in the exchange area

OFF-BALL SLASHINGOFF-BALL SLASHING

Players are vulnerable to injury and it is an Players are vulnerable to injury and it is an intimidation tactic that takes away from intimidation tactic that takes away from the flow of the game. It can lead to the flow of the game. It can lead to retaliation.retaliation.

Slashing is ONLY permitted in an attempt to Slashing is ONLY permitted in an attempt to dislodge the ball. Since, in this case, there dislodge the ball. Since, in this case, there is no ball = not legalis no ball = not legal

Warn players early (unless it is too strong - Warn players early (unless it is too strong - then give a penalty) and then follow-up then give a penalty) and then follow-up with consistent penalties. A light tap to with consistent penalties. A light tap to ‘mark’ the position of a player is allowed ‘mark’ the position of a player is allowed but no more.but no more.

CREASE - PROTECT GOALKEEPERCREASE - PROTECT GOALKEEPER

Goalies are vulnerable to injury when trying Goalies are vulnerable to injury when trying to make a save. Crashing the net is an to make a save. Crashing the net is an intimidation tactic that can lead to intimidation tactic that can lead to retaliationretaliation

If a player makes unavoidable contact with a If a player makes unavoidable contact with a goalie in the crease because of decisions goalie in the crease because of decisions they made, there must be a penalty. If the they made, there must be a penalty. If the contact is heavy, it must be a contact is heavy, it must be a MAJOR or a MAJOR or a MATCH PENALTYMATCH PENALTY

If there is contact in the crease, get in there If there is contact in the crease, get in there quickly and be assertive so the situation quickly and be assertive so the situation doesn’t escalatedoesn’t escalate

CREASE - PLAY ADVANTAGECREASE - PLAY ADVANTAGE

The crease rules have changed back and forth The crease rules have changed back and forth in the last two editions of the CLA rule book. in the last two editions of the CLA rule book. Always think advantage - who has it, who Always think advantage - who has it, who should keep itshould keep it

If a player makes contact with a goalie’s stick If a player makes contact with a goalie’s stick by/in the crease on a loose ball or just after by/in the crease on a loose ball or just after the goalie has gained possession - no penalty. the goalie has gained possession - no penalty. Stop play and award possession to the goalie Stop play and award possession to the goalie IF it causes ball to come free.IF it causes ball to come free.

If there is deliberate contact in the crease to If there is deliberate contact in the crease to take away possession, intimidate, or prevent a take away possession, intimidate, or prevent a fast break/pass - call a penaltyfast break/pass - call a penalty