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By the Book - Rule 4, Section 14, Article 3

Once the ball has been successfully advanced into the goal area, a team is provided the opportunity to run its offense in the offensive half of the field. If the offensive team carries, passes or propels the ball to its defensive half of the field and the offensive team was last in possession, and last touched the ball (except on a shot), the result will be an immediate turnover or play-on.

If the ball does not touch the center line or something over the center line, no infraction has occurred. Defensive players may legally reach over the center line with his crosse and bat the ball the ball to keep it in the offensive half of the field and thus preventing an over and back violation. However, he may NOT reach over the center line and bat the ball with his foot or any other body part excluding his gloved hand wrapped around his crosse. If the ball is possessed and their feet are in the defensive half, it shall be a turnover.

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Ok, what does that all mean?

1. This call cannot be made until the the 10 second count has been satisfied. One and Done.

2. After the the 10 second count has been satisfied, the offense cannot pass, carry or direct the ball back into the defensive zone, This will result in either a “Play On” situation or a turnover. (unless the offense has a clear, uncontested chance to pick up the loose ball - kill the play and award them the ball)

3. A shot that strikes the goal or goalkeeper that goes into the defensive zone can be possessed by the original shooting team in the defensive half of the field without a resulting turnover.

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4. A defensive player may bat the ball with his crosse or his gloved hand wrapped around the crosse, while standing in the defensive half of the field, to keep the ball in the offensive half of the field. They may not, however, possess the ball or bat the ball with any other body part without penalty.

5. A loose ball must touch the center line or something over the center line for a violation to occur. If a player is in possession of the ball, he must contact the midfield line or beyond it in order for a violation to have occurred.

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Mechanics of officiating Over and Back

The call will most likely be made by the trail official in both a two and three man crew. The single side official should be available to help on a ball near their sideline in a three man crew.

The trail official must get back to the midline before the and position themselves to be able to see the players, the line and the ball.

Look for offsides and pushes before the ball arrives. Once the ball gets to the line, it must touch something or someone beyond the center line for a violation to have occurred.

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This is only a “play on” if the new offensive player can pick the ball up uncontested and maintain his advantage. If there is any doubt, blow the whistle and award the ball.

Remember, this violation occurred because the ball crossed the midfield line, therefore, the restart must by on the new offensive half of the field. Do not make the team that is awarded the ball clear from their defensive end.

The restart should be the center official, not the new lead. The reason being that the lead should not find themself behind the ball because of their goal line responsibility.

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This call and how it will be officiated MUST be part of the pre-game

How will the crew communicate if the ball was tipped or if the ball heading to the midline was off a shot?

How will trail know if the ball is “hot” (it will be over and back if it goes over)?

TALK ABOUT THIS BEFORE THE GAME!!!!

Suggestions:

If over and back will be the call - the crew says nothing

Silence = Over and back

If ball is tipped or off a shot crew members yell “Tip” “Tip” “Tip” or “Shot” Shot” “Shot”

If you hear your crew, Over and Back is OFF

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Video of a properly enforced Over and Back violation

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Correct call, Great signals, Restart should come from the single side official

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Over and Back missed calls

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Over and Back after a Faceoff

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The importance of seeing the entire play

Watch for the offsides before the ball arrives. Do you see a second violation after the offsides miss?

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This is a situation that should NOT be a play-on

The coach in this situation should not have to use a time-out to maintain possession. Play should have been whistled dead right away and the ball awarded to the team in white

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Ball batted back to prevent Over and Back

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Over and Back is an easy call if the crew communicates well.

Good communication is one of the keys to officiating this play. Discuss this in the pre-game, enforce it consistently during the game, and use your good positioning to make the call correctly.

Good luck with this call and have fun officiating!