Faceoffs
PIAA Chapter Meeting Guide
Scott Dede, PIAA Statewide Rules Interpreter
Faceoffs
A very unique aspect of our game is the faceoff. Unlike most sports, after a goal is scored, the ball is not automatically awarded to the team that was scored upon. Instead, a faceoff is conducted at the beginning of each period and after each goal is scored with a few exceptions.
Exceptions:
Exceptions (con’t)
3. If any player delays resumption of play before a faceoff occurs, ball is awarded to offended team on the offensive side of center.
4. If a player moves his crosse or any part of his body after the official has said “set”, ball is awarded to offended team on the offensive side of center.
Field players should be set up as described in Rule 4, Section 4, Articles 1-3
Faceoff Player Stick requirements:
“Faceoff players must have a visible contrasting color between the head and top glove on the shaft. Contrasting color can be accomplished with the original shaft color, paint, a single wrap or materials that do not make the shaft circumference exceed 3.5 inches.”
Legal
Illegal
White head, Black shaft, White glove
Shaft is a contrasting color to head and glove
Black head, Black shaft, White glove
Shaft color does not contrast head and glove
Faceoff Mechanic (directly from Rule Book)
The official conducting the faceoff will start the procedure by placing the ball on the midfield line at the spot on which the faceoff will take place.
a. The official shall indicate to the players the spot on which the faceoff will take place and instruct the players to prepare for the faceoff by saying “down.”
b. Once the players are down they are to move into their faceoff position as quickly as possible. Players shall stand as they get into position for the faceoff.
c. The crosses and gloves shall rest on the ground along the center line, parallel to each other up to, but not touching, the center line. All fingers of both hands shall be gloves and wrapped around the crosse. The hand closer to the throat shall be in a palm up position.
d. The official shall make certain that the reverse surfaces of the crosses match evenly and are perpendicular to the ground. Each player must have both hands wrapped around the handle of his own crosse, touching the ground. The right hand may not touch any part of the head of the crosse. The player’s feet may not touch his crosse. Both hands and feet of each player must be to the left of the throat of his crosse. Each player must be positioned so his entire body is to the left of the throat of his crosse. It is legal to lean over the center line.
***See “Tops to Stops” alignment (on next slide)
Alignment of sticks - “Tops to Stops”
Faceoff Mechanic (con’t)
e. If the players are not positioned properly, the official may adjust the player’s positioning (including crosses) to ensure the faceoff will be conducted fairly for both players.
f. Once the players are in the proper position, the official shall make ensure that the crosses are positioned such that the ball is in the middle of the head of eac crosse.
g. Once the official is satisfied with the placement of the ball and the positioning of the player’s crosses, he shall instruct the players to remain motionless by saying “Set.” The official will still have his hand on or near the ball or crosses when the command “Set” is given. For hearing-impaired players, a reasonable accommodation for the "set" command and whistle sound will be provided.
h. After the “Set” command, the official shall back out and blow the whistle when clear of the scrimmage area. The official does not have to be stationary, and may still be moving backwards, when he blows the whistle to start play. The whistle cadence will vary with every faceoff.
i. Upon the whistle starting play, players must attempt to play the ball first before they may body check their opponent.
Faceoff Mechanic (con’t) - Violations
j. A violation will be called if a player picks up and carries the ball on the back of his stick. It is legal to clamp the ball with the back of the stick, but it must be moved, raked or directed immediately. Immediately is defined as within one step.
k. A player may not lie on the ball or trap it with his crosse longer than necessary for him to control the ball and pick it up with one continuous motion, or withhold the ball from play in any other manner.
l. It is illegal to kick, step on, or place any other body part to his crosse or the crosse of the opponent. It is illegal for a faceoff player to use his crosse to hold or pin down a player’s crosse.
m. It is illegal for a player to use his hand or fingers to play the ball. This shall be enforced immediately as an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Inadvertent touching of the ball when the hand is grasping the stick should not be called as an unsportsmanlike conduct foul.
n. It is illegal for a player to grab an opponent’s crosse with the open hand or fingers. This shall be enforced immediately as an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
o. A contrasting color between the head and the top glove must be visible on the shaft at faceoffs. (See Slide #4)
Click below for OFFICIAL’S ALIGNMENT
Faceoffs and Players serving penalty time
If a player (or multiple players) are serving penalty time while a faceoff is pending, these players must remain in the penalty area until both of the following have occurred:
The faceoff has ended AND the player’s penalty time has expired.
If either has yet to occur, player(s) must held in the penalty area until both have been satisfied.
FACEOFF EXAMPLES
The examples shown on the following slides do NOT show players using the Stand-up/Neutral Grip technique
Pre and Post Whistle Violations
US Lacrosse
Three Man Faceoff Mechanics
These are examples of proper mechanics from the officials in administering a faceoff in a three man crew
Below are examples of improper mechanics for administering a faceoff. Goal coverage is compromised, players are down too long and/or the officials impede the players
Videos showing examples of Legal Faceoffs
Videos showing examples of Faceoff Violations
Faceoff player prevents opponent from moving to ball.
Watch the long pole’s stick after whistle for holding violation.
Note: This ball should have been restarted as soon as RED was ready to play after whistle.
Ball stuck in back of crosse.
Watch player in WHITE. This is more than a faceoff violation.
See if you can find the official’s errors in these clips
Faceoffs are a critical component of the game and should be handled correctly each time it is conducted.
Practice your mechanic so you are not leaving the players in the down position too long. Explain to them that when they line up correctly, the faceoff will happen sooner. The players will get the message quickly. Remember to vary your whistle, but don’t try to trick them into a violation. The players should determine the possession, not the officials.
Coaches spend hours teaching their players this skill because every faceoff means possession for their team. Practice your technique and make the faceoff fair. If one player is winning every faceoff, make sure there are not violations that you might be missing. Ask your partner(s) for help if necessary.
Good luck!