Post by tp6 on Mar 17, 2012 13:16:11 GMT -5
Below is a response that I got from an email that I wrote to the local HS Chief of Officials after a game, what are your thoughts?
Let me try and explain this new interpretation and emphasis on "clean" faceoffs. Should the ball be trapped in the back of the stick for any reason, it is an INSTANT whistle and the ball is awarded to the opposing team. The pinch and pop method is basically out as it may violate two components of the rules.
1. Should the player use his hand on the plastic to Pinch the ball, it is illegal.
2. Should the ball be trapped in the back of the crosse for more than a nanosecond, it is illegal.
Mr. XXXXXX, who is, among other things, the Chief Official for XX State Boys HS Lacrosse and XXXXXX Official Assignor of Officials and has many years of experience as an official, was absolutely correct in his application of this rule.
One of the reasons the new faceoff mechanic for officials to remain with the play longer is that viewing faceoffs from film/video or TV is most difficult to see the many subtle maneuvers that face off players utilize to get possession. Most are legal, but there are a corresponding number and perhaps more which are illegal. My son was also a faceoff specialist, who went to college as such, and has, over the years, pointed out many of these subtle moves that I should look for.
To review.
No trapping - clamping by either player.
No use of the crosse to HOLD the opponent's crosseNo use of hands/fingers.
No plunger move.
No pinch & pop, unless you are incredibly fast.
No spearing.
No kicking the crosse
No use of any body part to hold or withhold wither your own or your opponent's crosse
No touching the midfield line
All body parts to the left of the head of the crosse
Assuming a legal faceoff position simultaneously with your opponent.
Remaining still once the set command has been given.
I hope this clears things up for you. Should you have any further concerns please contact me.
Thanks.
District 00 Governor of Officials
Chief Official, XXXXXX
Hey Guys,
I hope that everything is going well…I was wondering if I could get a little help from you on a rule.
Tonight we had a game and the officials were great, but one thing that I was wondering in that Mr. xxxxxx called at least 8 faults at face offs. Since I teach face offs and my son is a face off specialist and will be doing the same in college next year, I always want to teach him the right way.
After the game, with respect, I asked him reasons for the faults and he said that most of them were for having the ball in the neck / throat of the cross. When talking about the calls of which were clamping and throwing the ball forward with the throat / neck and then going after it. And the other using the pinch and pop in which you pinch the ball with the neck / throat and tossing it up and catch it in the throwing side of the head, He further stated that this year that the neck / throat could not be used to move the ball, because it was considered being stuck in the throat.
Attending the ref courses, I understand that there has been a crack down on withholding the ball, but I always thought it was always called “having the ball stuck in the head when you start running with it stuck in the head. I cannot understand how it could be considered stuck in the neck, if you are using the neck to toss it forward or tossing it in the air.
When I got home, I watch video of all of the face offs and I must not be understanding the “new rule” or Mr. xxxxx is not understanding what is “stuck in the head” vs “using the head for the movement of the ball”. Can you please help me with this.
Like always, thanks for your time guys…
Let me try and explain this new interpretation and emphasis on "clean" faceoffs. Should the ball be trapped in the back of the stick for any reason, it is an INSTANT whistle and the ball is awarded to the opposing team. The pinch and pop method is basically out as it may violate two components of the rules.
1. Should the player use his hand on the plastic to Pinch the ball, it is illegal.
2. Should the ball be trapped in the back of the crosse for more than a nanosecond, it is illegal.
Mr. XXXXXX, who is, among other things, the Chief Official for XX State Boys HS Lacrosse and XXXXXX Official Assignor of Officials and has many years of experience as an official, was absolutely correct in his application of this rule.
One of the reasons the new faceoff mechanic for officials to remain with the play longer is that viewing faceoffs from film/video or TV is most difficult to see the many subtle maneuvers that face off players utilize to get possession. Most are legal, but there are a corresponding number and perhaps more which are illegal. My son was also a faceoff specialist, who went to college as such, and has, over the years, pointed out many of these subtle moves that I should look for.
To review.
No trapping - clamping by either player.
No use of the crosse to HOLD the opponent's crosseNo use of hands/fingers.
No plunger move.
No pinch & pop, unless you are incredibly fast.
No spearing.
No kicking the crosse
No use of any body part to hold or withhold wither your own or your opponent's crosse
No touching the midfield line
All body parts to the left of the head of the crosse
Assuming a legal faceoff position simultaneously with your opponent.
Remaining still once the set command has been given.
I hope this clears things up for you. Should you have any further concerns please contact me.
Thanks.
District 00 Governor of Officials
Chief Official, XXXXXX
Hey Guys,
I hope that everything is going well…I was wondering if I could get a little help from you on a rule.
Tonight we had a game and the officials were great, but one thing that I was wondering in that Mr. xxxxxx called at least 8 faults at face offs. Since I teach face offs and my son is a face off specialist and will be doing the same in college next year, I always want to teach him the right way.
After the game, with respect, I asked him reasons for the faults and he said that most of them were for having the ball in the neck / throat of the cross. When talking about the calls of which were clamping and throwing the ball forward with the throat / neck and then going after it. And the other using the pinch and pop in which you pinch the ball with the neck / throat and tossing it up and catch it in the throwing side of the head, He further stated that this year that the neck / throat could not be used to move the ball, because it was considered being stuck in the throat.
Attending the ref courses, I understand that there has been a crack down on withholding the ball, but I always thought it was always called “having the ball stuck in the head when you start running with it stuck in the head. I cannot understand how it could be considered stuck in the neck, if you are using the neck to toss it forward or tossing it in the air.
When I got home, I watch video of all of the face offs and I must not be understanding the “new rule” or Mr. xxxxx is not understanding what is “stuck in the head” vs “using the head for the movement of the ball”. Can you please help me with this.
Like always, thanks for your time guys…