Leaning on faceoffs

[laxjunkie]

I was taught by a DIII coach to have your wings lean on the opposing wing on faceoffs. The guys are not set up to impede movement (leg or stick in front of other player), but a simple side lean. Concept is, the guy counters the lean, who stumbles when the lean is released. Just an advantage.

Is it legal in high school? As I said, forward movement is not impeded, nothing is caught on the other player. . .

[Woodenstick]

In my opinion, leaning on another player when more than 5 yards from the ball could be treated as interference, for college or high school.

[laxfan25]

I hate it when the wing middies are messing with heach other before the faceoff. I've warned them several times this year to keep their sticks straight out, after watching them play "eagle claw" by trying to get their stick in front of the other's. I would take the same dim view of any body leans as well.

[laxcomm]

I question the ethics of any coach who teaches players to do anything that is patently illegal. A coach is supposed to teach players how to play the game within the rules.

[DanHS]

I agree with the opinions above and I had the same problems in my last game. I stopped it when the bad behavior continued after the whistle to start play. The worst problem was the sticks in front of the opposing wing. I would be hard pressed to cite a rule that prohibited much of this bad behavior unless it actually was a hold more than five yards from the losse ball after the whistle blew.