Stepping on the ball

[blindbill]

In my game Sun. both FO men + wings scrumming for possession. A3 plants foot on ball, only for 1 sec. or so, but enough, I thought, to gain an advantage (he ended up with possession). I called IP, and awarded to team B. Player from team A comes up later and says, "He can step on the ball all day long, he just can't step on someone elses' cross. Was I correct? Was he correct?

P.S. Great games and officiating this weekend. I had to tape them all as they start here at 5AM, but that means I have them for future reference (I fell asleep waiting to see what eme looks like on the Jumbotron, but I'll try again!)

[rilax]

6-13 (Withholding Ball from Play) has two main parts. First is a few sentences saying that a player cannot lay on top of the ball or clamp on it longer than necessary both auto calling withholding ball. The second part is “A player, players or team shall not deliberately withhold the ball from play.” Basically this covers players thumbing the head, clamping the head to there bodies etc (anything that you think is trying to prevent the ball from being checked out in a normal manner or being able to be picked up.) Now if A3 was trying to kick the ball and got jacked up on it then moved on I have a no call but if he stepped on it to prevent a opponent from picking it up withholding. It sounds like you had the later and if so good call.

[LaxRef]

I took the "withholding" side of this in this thread for any stepping on the ball:

http://www.lacrosseforums.com/showthread.php?t=6642

but I think I became convinced that it's okay as long as it's momentary. However, for stepping on the ball for 1 second to keep the opponent from getting it, I'd call withholding every time. You just have to know what to call it to shut up the coach.

[blindbill]

"I can see clearly now..." Thanks guys

[laxref39]

You didn't state whether or not you thought he purposely stepped on the ball. Pure accident trying to push the ball with his foot, I got nothing! Stepping on purpose, witholding!

[LaxRef]

You didn't state whether or not you thought he purposely stepped on the ball. Pure accident trying to push the ball with his foot, I got nothing! Stepping on purpose, witholding!
What about a momentary stepping on the ball to keep it from rolling (< 0.5 seconds) followed by a scoop? Does it matter to you if the play is contested or not?

[laxfan25]

That sounds fine to me, especially if the opponent was not trying to scoop it up. If he was, I'd probably just do a play on. It's only an LBT.

[LaxRef]

That sounds fine to me, especially if the opponent was not trying to scoop it up. If he was, I'd probably just do a play on. It's only an LBT.

Don't you mean "BLT"? It is lunchtime.

Okay, that took me a second. (LBT=loose ball technical)

It's at worst a play on, and I think I have no call if there's no real advantage gained and if it's only momentary. If he steps on the ball and holds his foot on top of it while people are trying to get it, then you have the play-on and a quick whistle.

I called withholding against a d-man who stepped on a loose ball rolling toward the goal once. In retrospect, I probably should have let it go, but that player's coach thought it was a good call, so I guess I'm not the only one confused.

[laxref39]

If it seems accidental and is done quickly no call. If there is extra bacon on the blt quick whistle!