Face Off Mechanics

[BlueJaysLaxFan]

There are the rules, and then there is whether a team is gaining an advantage at a face-off (and there is both). I called an IP yesterday on the face-off because A1's shooter strings were touching the ball (JV game, good teams). The rules support me on this call, but my partner told me a little later that he typically would not call IP on shooter strings since there is no advantage being gained, and he is correct. I'm wondering what any of you think about this?

[LaxRef]

There are the rules, and then there is whether a team is gaining an advantage at a face-off (and there is both). I called an IP yesterday on the face-off because A1's shooter strings were touching the ball (JV game, good teams). The rules support me on this call, but my partner told me a little later that he typically would not call IP on shooter strings since there is no advantage being gained, and he is correct. I'm wondering what any of you think about this?

Yeah, he's probably right. There's no advantage gained. If the other faceoff guy complains, tell them on the next faceoff to make sure it's fixed and if it isn't then you can ding him. Of course, if the mesh is touching the ball, that's a different story.

All of this is more of a problem under NFHS rules, with the NCAA rules keeping the sticks further from the ball these days.

Anyway, a good lesson to learn early is to not be too picky on the procedural stuff if at all possible (or unless there is a good reason). For example, if the coach sets foot on the field other than at halftime or to warm up a goalie during a timeout, that's technically a conduct foul, but I wouldn't call it unless the coach is generally being a jerk and was about to get a CF anyway.

[MElaxRef]

Yes, the rules support you, but most officials call IP on the violations that create an advantage (head not vertical, head not centered, shaft not parallel, hands not on ground, neutral zone violation).

IMHO, with a decent "down, set, whistle" sequence, you shouldn't have time to look for what the strings are touching. Sound the whistle before someone flinches (IP) and then watch for the illegal finger moves, clamping the opponents wrists, stepping on the opponent's crosse, etc.

[shrekjr]

I agree, a warning before the next faceoff would be appropriate then call it if he continues to do it.

[BlueJaysLaxFan]

This is great feedback, and this helps me out for the game.

[LacrosseNoob]

Yes, the rules support you, but most officials call IP on the violations that create an advantage (head not vertical, head not centered, shaft not parallel, hands not on ground, neutral zone violation).

IMHO, with a decent "down, set, whistle" sequence, you shouldn't have time to look for what the strings are touching. Sound the whistle before someone flinches (IP) and then watch for the illegal finger moves, clamping the opponents wrists, stepping on the opponent's crosse, etc.




Our refs (Chicago) have been told the sequence is now "down, whistle", and no longer calling set. Is anyone else doing this?

[HRodLAX]

Quick question on this. Last friday at a game the other team managed to get 5 simultanious penalties, 4 unsportsmen like. so they are down 3 men for 1 min and 2 men for the next min, no matter if we score or not. so this happens and one of the defenders has to take the FO. The ref calls down and i go down w/ the defender who looks like he has pretty much 0 idea of what he is doing. He didn't have the mesh on his stick reversed and it was resting on the ball and i was about to say something but the whistle blew and of course i was completely off gaurd and looked like a fool losing a FO to a dpole. Would something like that have been an illegal procedure and should the ref have called something?

[LaxRef]

Our refs (Chicago) have been told the sequence is now "down, whistle", and no longer calling set. Is anyone else doing this?

This is the rule for NCAA lacrosse only. If Illinois plays by NCAA rules, it is correct. If Illinois plays by NFHS rules, it is incorrect.

[LaxRef]

Quick question on this. Last friday at a game the other team managed to get 5 simultanious penalties, 4 unsportsmen like. so they are down 3 men for 1 min and 2 men for the next min, no matter if we score or not. so this happens and one of the defenders has to take the FO. The ref calls down and i go down w/ the defender who looks like he has pretty much 0 idea of what he is doing. He didn't have the mesh on his stick reversed and it was resting on the ball and i was about to say something but the whistle blew and of course i was completely off gaurd and looked like a fool losing a FO to a dpole. Would something like that have been an illegal procedure and should the ref have called something?

First of all, if you play by NFHS rules, you should be up 5 men for 1 minute. If you play by NCAA rules, what you describe is correct.

Secondly, I'm assuming at least one of those USCs was during a dead ball, so your team should be awarded possession. But if you scored a goal then you would have a faceoff.

Finally, if his mesh is touching the ball, should be IP and you should get the ball. (NCAA and NFHS).