When does the count stop (was: Self Talk)

[LaxRef]

Originally posted by michaeldwilson
Another question about clearing from the defensive area. Team A is clearing the ball and gets hit, creating a loose ball in the defensive area (sideline to sideline). The rules say the 10 second count continues. If the two teams continue to struggle for the loose ball after the 10 second count expires, do I award the ball to Team B on a failure to advance foul?

Here's the deal with counting: once you start a count, nothing can stop the count except:

1) The team on which the count is being applied getting the ball out of the defensive clearing zone for a defensive count (both feet if ball is in possession or breaking the plane if the ball is in flight) or the ball makes it into the attack area for an offensive count (the ball or the player in possession touches on or inside the attack area line).

2) The other team, in your judgment, gains possession of the ball.

3) Play is stopped for any reason (including a timeout, in which case the team gets a new 10 seconds when the ball is put back into play).

[Let me know if I've missed everything, but I'm pretty sure that's everything.]

If the count expires, it's failure to advance, but it *can* be a play-on if the other team has a chance to pick up the ball. This is more important for the defensive count, since the play-on could give the attack a chance at a scoop and shot. I usually will yell "Play on" and then blow it dead right away if there's no chance for advantage; I want people to know I know it's a play on, but there's no need to let this (or really any play on at the HS level) go on for more than a few seconds unless you see it leading ot a clear advantage or unless it's clear that the team due the ball will get it.

On the defensive count, you need to make a mental note of "current count + 4 seconds" if the goalie acquires possession after the cout has started.

[michaeldwilson]

Originally posted by LaxRef


On the defensive count, you need to make a mental note of "current count + 4 seconds" if the goalie acquires possession after the cout has started.

I've been doing this wrong. I've been counting to four for the goalie with possession of the ball, and then going on to 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 when he passes into the defensive area.

But you're saying I start a new ten count once the goalie passes the ball out of the crease and into the defensive area.

Mike

[LaxRef]

Originally posted by michaeldwilson
I've been doing this wrong. I've been counting to four for the goalie with possession of the ball, and then going on to 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 when he passes into the defensive area.

But you're saying I start a new ten count once the goalie passes the ball out of the crease and into the defensive area.


No, I must not have explained it well. First out all, the crease is *in* the defensive clearing area. What I'm saying is that those counts overlap, and that the 10-count doesn't always start with the goalie gaining possession.

What I'm saying is, if the attack drops the ball and the defense picks it up, start the count. If the defenseman passes to the goalie, who gains posession when your count is at 3, you need to remember that when your count reaches 3+4 = 7 you'll call a 4-second violation against the goalie (which we all signal as "failure to advance," but I'd be curious to hear if anyone signals it differently. If the goallie passes or runs it out before you get to 7 you still keep counting until the ball gets out of the defensive clearing area (a.k.a. Zone 1).

Remember that if the goalie legitimately loses possession of the ball in the crease the 4-second count starts over, but you keep going with the 10-count, since only the 3 things I listed can stop the 10-count.

I hope this helps.

[michaeldwilson]

I've got it. If the defensive man has it for 3 seconds, he passes it to the goalie in the crease, who starts at 4 and has until 8 to pass it out of the crease.

Mike