2024 Boys Lacrosse
Chapter Meeting Guide
Enclosed you will find the Rule Changes for the season,
as well as several ideas for chapter meetings.
Online access at: https://goo.gl/v366vk
Also included are presentations for each topic.
Please feel free to share with the members of your chapter.
Introduction
The boys’ lacrosse rules book and all related educational materials are noted by NFHS as being provided to “maintain the sound traditions of our sport, encourage sportsmanship and minimize the inherent risk of injury.
The NFHS Associations writes playing rules for varsity competitions among student-athletes of high school age. High school coaches, officials and administrators who have knowledge and experience regarding boys’ lacrosse within this age group volunteer their time to serve on the rules committee. Member associations of the NFHS independently make decisions regarding compliance with or modification of these playing rules for the student-athletes in their respective states. NFHS rules are used by education-based and non-education-based organizations serving children of varying skill levels who are of high school age and younger. In order to make NFHS rules skill-level and age-level appropriate, the rules may be modified by any organization that chooses to use them. (PIAA has made modifications dealing with a suspended or interrupted game, and to clarify that “an appropriate health-care professional” is a licensed physician of medicine or osteopathic medicine (MD or DO)).
Every individual using the rules noted in the Boys’ Lacrosse Rules Book is responsible for prudent judgment with respect to each contest, athlete and facility, and each athlete is responsible for exercising caution and good sportsmanship. These rules should be interpreted and applied so as to make reasonable accommodations for athletes, coaches and officials with disabilities.”
Introduction (con’t)
To become an excellent official, it requires several things: a full understanding of the rules of the game, knowledge of how and when to apply the rules to keep the contestants safe and have the game played fairly, full knowledge of official’s mechanics (both verbal and nonverbal), excellent physical conditioning, and the courage to apply the rules without bias at all times during the game contests.
This manual shall provide the chapters of the PIAA tools to provide consistent enforcement of the rules and game mechanics to be used during their contests. This manual will be reviewed annually and will be updated as necessary to provide the entire membership equal access to information as to promote consistent officiating throughout the state of Pennsylvania.
The PIAA Sports Medicine Committee recommends that all officials have an annual physical examination and practice good health habits. This will lead us to deliver the highest quality product each time we step on the field wearing our official’s uniform. The schools, coaches, players, parents, spectators and your fellow officials deserve nothing less than your best, regardless of the level of the game. Chapters are encouraged to copy any portion of this manual and distribute it to their membership.
PIAA Important Dates
BOYS LACROSSE – 2 classes (AA and AAA)
First Practice Date: March 4
Minimum Length of Preseason Practice: 2 weeks
First Inter-School Practice or Scrimmage Date: March 9
Maximum Number of Regular Season Inter-School Practices or Scrimmages: 2
First Regular Season Contest Date: March 15
Maximum Length of Regular Season: 11 weeks
Maximum Number of Regular Season Contests: 18
Last Regular Season Contest Date and District Deadline: June 1
State Playoffs:
First Round: June 4
Quarterfinals: June 8
Semi-Finals: June 11
PIAA AA & AAA Lacrosse Championships: June 15 @ Panzer Field - Penn State University
Keystone: District 1 | SCOTT DEDE | scottdede22@yahoo.com |
Greater Phila: District 1 | ANDREW D’ADDONA | daddonaandrew2@gmail.com |
Wyoming Valley: District 2 | LANCE ANDERSON | apdhoudini@gmail.com |
Central PA: District 3 | KEVIN BEVENOUR | kpbevenour4@yahoo.com |
Lancaster/Lebanon: District 3 | DAN MENTZER | damentz@comcast.net |
South Penn: District 3 | RICHARD WENDLER | rwend501@gmail.com |
Allegheny: District 7 | MARK BURNETT | mburnett19@hotmail.com |
| | |
Erie: District 10 | NEAL BROKMAN | Erielaxassigner@gmail.com |
Lehigh Valley: District 11 | VICTOR SCOMILLIO | ves@bhhslaw.com |
PIAA Chapter Rules Interpreters
Contact List
CHAPTER RULES INTERPRETATION MEETINGS:
District Association Date/Time Location
1 Keystone Marple Newtown HS
1 Greater Philadelphia Feb. 12 - 7:00 pm LaSalle College HS
2 Wyoming Valley King’s College McGowen Bldg
3 South Penn Feb. 21 - 7:00 pm York County School Tech (Rm. 1101)
3 Central Penn Cumberland Valley HS
3 Lancaster/Lebanon Feb 26 - 7:00 pm Ephrata Middle School Auditorium
7 Allegheny Feb. 25 - 5:30 pm Sewickley Academy
10 Erie March 5 - 6:00pm ZOOM (click link below to get info)
11 Lehigh Valley Freedom HS
PIAA Link to all Chapter and Rules Interpretation meetings (share with your membership):
http://www.piaa.org/resources/chapter-meetings/default.aspx?type=rules&sport=lacrosse_m
PIAA Sportsmanship Message
There are continued concerns that the PIAA Sportsmanship Message is not being read to the coaches and captains at each and every contest. As officials, the coaches know we are supposed to be doing this and it sets a very poor example and is unprofessional of us not to do this. The message is NOT to be paraphrased, modified, or altered by any game official. The message must be read verbatim by the contest officials and the meeting should be done with all officials present. This may be done with each coach individually or by bringing the coaches together before the game. Whenever possible do this well before the scheduled start of the contest as to allow both teams their proper warm-up time. The suggested mechanic is to bring the coaches and the captains to the center of the field approximately ten minutes before the faceoff, get certification of the PIAA Sportsmanship Message, and conduct the coin toss.
PIAA Sportsmanship Message
“The PIAA requires all registered sports officials to enforce the sportsmanship rules for coaches and contestants. Actions meant to demean opposing teams, contestants, spectators or officials are not in the highest ideals of interscholastic education and will not be tolerated. Let today’s contest reflect mutual respect. Coaches please certify to the contest officials that your players are properly equipped and uniformed for the equipment under your responsibility as per NFHS Rules with PIAA Adoptions. Good luck in today’s contest.”
The coach MUST verbally certify that his players are properly equipped and uniformed. This helps alleviate any legal liability concerns for the officials if a player is improperly equipped during the contest.
This message is the best way we have to proactively officiate our games. We are being upfront and honest with the coaches about what is expected of them during the contest. If we are clear before the game about our expectations, then the conduct foul or the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty should not come as a surprise if it needs to be issued.
Sportsmanship (con’t)
As representatives of their school and community, coaches and players should model respectful behavior throughout the duration of the contest. Therefore, the use of foul language by anyone involved must be addressed by game officials when it is heard.
The Rulebook gives us the tools we need to deal with any situation.
Use the tools we have in the Book. If a coach is pushing the conduct line, start by taking the ball away if you can. “Ramp up” fouls as necessary, however, if the first one is a loud “F-bomb,” don’t make that a minor foul; go with the full minute. Don’t respond angrily to unsportsmanlike behavior without making the call, with the possible exception of the quiet comment that only you hear. Please keep in mind that “emphatic” doesn’t mean “angry”. Call the foul without emotion or added emphasis- exactly as you would if you were calling a hold or slash. Officials can make a huge difference in the whole “atmosphere” of high school lacrosse. Remember that athletics are considered an extension of the classroom. There needs to be zero tolerance for poor behavior from coaches, players, and fans.
Be smart; be respectful; use common sense, but MAKE THE CALLS!
Remember: Officials run the games – coaches don't. Why is that? Officials don't care who wins.
POLICY ON EYE SHADE
2024 NFHS Point of Emphasis
The use of eye shade must be worn as a single, solid stroke under the eye. There shall be no numbers, words, logos, symbols or other detail located in the eye shade. The eye shade shall not extend below the cheek bone and extend no further than the width of the eye socket. Players having eye shade that does not meet the standard are to remove it or comply with the PIAA interpretation before participation in the game.
If the players do not comply, the officials shall impose a one-minute non-releasable unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
Coaches: Please reinforce this policy with your team and be proactive to prevent issues before or during the game
2024 Rules Changes
Click here for the complete Rules Interpretation Presentation
as presented at the PIAA Online Rules Interpretation Meeting
January 24, 2024
SUMMARY is available on the next few slides, but please view the presentation
Rule 1-9-1 a. (edit)
c. Protective gloves designed for lacrosse
e. Arm pads designed for lacrosse (optional for goalkeeper)
4. Numbers may contain contrasting color trim(s) not to exceed 2 inches (the number shall contrast with the body of the jersey) The body of the number shall be a single solid color that clearly contrasts with the body color of the jersey.
Rationale: Clarifies the equipment used
Rule 1-9-1 c., e., h4 (edit)
Art. 3 . . .Play shall be suspended immediately if a player loses any of the mandatory equipment in a scrimmage area. Otherwise, the official shall delay the whistle but not drop a flag, in the same manner as set forth in Rule 7-8.
Rationale: This is now addressed in more specific detail in 4-24-7 from a previous rule change
Rule 1-9-3 (edit)
ART. 2… The assigned chief bench official also shall be empowered to count crosses when requested and call the following:
Rationale: Counting crosses is included as item 'i' in list of things the CBO is empowered to call so is redundant prior to the list. Also, should not need to be requested for CBO to make this call as none of the other CBO calls are restricted.
Rule 2-7-2 and 2i (edit)
ART. 1 . . . In the absence of a chief bench official, the official timekeeper will assume all timing duties.
ART. 21 . . . The duties of the official timekeeper shall include: .....
Rationale: The CBO should not be responsible for timekeeping.
Rule 2-2-1 (edit)
3 . . . During the final two minutes of regulation play, stalling rules will be in effect for a team that is ahead by four goals or less. “Get it in/Keep it in” procedures will apply (see 4- 31) . The team that is ahead by four goals or less will be warned to "keep it in" once the ball has been brought into the respective goal area.
Rationale: Clarifying language which currently does not include “Get it in/Keep it in”' language.
Rule 3-3 (edit)
ART. 2 . . . The faceoff is considered to have ended when the ball crosses the defensive area line or it has gone out of bounds in the center-field area. and the officials cannot determine who was responsible. If the officials cannot determine who was responsible for the ball going out of bounds, the ball shall be awarded by alternate possession if it has crossed the defensive area line or refaced if it went out of bounds in the center-field area.
Rationale: Alternate possession should be used sparingly and in situations where there has been an error made by officials or a situation that is out of the official’s control (i.e. player injury, inadvertent equipment issues, etc. during a loose ball situation). These changes will simplify the rulebook for officials, players, and coaches.
Rule 4-3-2 (edit)
ART. 3i . . . Upon the whistle starting play, players shall not initiate a body check against their opponent; a body check against a crouched player is an illegal body check.
Rule 4-3-3i (NEW)
ART. 3j . . . A violation will be called if a player picks up and carries the ball on the back of the stick. It is legal to clamp the ball with the back of the stick, but it must be moved, raked or directed immediately within one step. Immediately is defined as within one step.
Rationale: Clarifies what an attempt is during a face-off. Further defines what a player can and cannot do for body checks and when they can start movement.
Rule 4-3-3j (edit)
c . . . When a loose ball goes out of bounds as a result of a shot or deflected shot at the goal, it shall be awarded to the team that had an inbounds player's body nearest to the ball when it became an out-of-bounds ball, at the point where it was declared out of bounds. If two inbound players of opposite teams are equidistant from the ball when it goes out of bounds, play shall resume according to the alternate-possession rule. In determining which player is nearest, the ball is considered out of bounds when it crosses the plane of the end line or sideline.
Rule 4-6-3c (edit)
ART 2... A goal shall be disallowed: . . .
p. A goal will be allowed if the shot is released prior to the end of the period.
ART. 3 . . . A goal will be allowed if the shot is released prior to the end of the period. If any of the following occur between the end of the period and the shot entering the goal, the goal will be disallowed: . . .
Rationale: More appropriate to incorporate language into ART 3 than ART 2(p)
Rule 4-9-2 and 4-9-3 (edit)
ART. 1. . . For all restarts, the game shall resume as quickly as possible . . .
PENALTY: Delay of game Illegal Procedure technical foul
Rationale: Foul is more appropriate as an illegal procedure.
Rule 4-22-1 PENALTY (edit)
ART. 11. . . If a player has his helmet come off during play, play shall be suspended immediately, and the player shall leave the field until after the next dead ball following the resumption of play.
Rationale: The instances of players wearing their helmets improperly is rising rapidly. With risk minimization a major focal point of the rule book, helmets must be worn appropriately as the manufacturer intended with all straps securely attached.
Rule 4-24-11 (NEW)
ART. 1. . . A player shall not initiate contact to an opponent’s head or neck with a crosscheck, or with any part of the body (head, elbow, shoulder, etc.) Any follow-through that contacts the head or neck shall also be considered a violation of this rule.
ART. 2 . . . A player who makes indirect contact to an opponent’s head and/or neck when the initial force of the contact is to the body of the opponent then slides up to the head and/or neck area.
PENALTY: A one-minute non-releasable foul. An excessively violent violation may result in a longer non-releasable penalty or an ejection.
Rule 5-4-2 (NEW)
ART. 4. . . A player shall not initiate a body check legally that slides up into or follows through to an opponent’s head or neck.
Renumber remaining articles.
Rationale: The committee is seeing a reluctance to call a two-minute non-releasable penalty for incidental contact to the head/neck area. This change gives officials the ability to assess a penalty that would be more appropriate and encourage officials to make the call when contact occurs.
Rule 5-4-2 (NEW)
A player may not use equipment that does not conform to specifications. The fingers/palms of a player's hands must be completely covered by the player's gloves and the gloves may not be altered in a way that compromises the protective features of the gloves. Use of illegal equipment or failure to properly wear mandatory equipment will be penalized as a non-releasable foul.
EXCEPTION: Mouthpiece violation. (6.5.2x)
Rationale: Specific language on gloves does not belong in a general rule dealing with illegal equipment.
Rule 5-6 (edit)
ART. 10j. . . A team's second violation of Rule 4-18-4: No defensive player, other than the properly equipped goalkeeper, can enter the player's own crease with the perceived intent on blocking a shot or acting as a goalkeeper.
Rationale: This was listed as a releasable Unsportsmanlike Conduct under Rule 4-18-4, but it was not listed under the actual Unsportsmanlike Conduct rule.
Rule 5-10j (edit)
ART. 1b . . . b If the ball is loose If the team fouled does not have possession of the ball (either the ball is loose or the offending team is in possession) and there is no flag down award the ball to the team that was fouled.
Rationale: Adds more accurate detail.
Rule 6-1-1 PENALTY b (edit)
ART. 4. . . First team violation of Rule 4-18-4: No defensive player, other than the properly equipped goalkeeper, can enter the player's own crease with the perceived intent on blocking a shot or acting as a goalkeeper.
Rationale: This was listed as a conduct foul under Rule 4-18-4, but it is not listed under the actual Conduct Foul rule.
Rule 6-6-4 (edit)
2024 Point of Emphasis
Crosse Prohibitions�Due to current innovations in the construction of crosse design, along with stringing at the bottom of the crosse which is designed to withhold the ball from play, the NFHS Boys Lacrosse Committee felt it necessary to emphasize Rule 1-8 (Crosse Prohibitions):
Additionally, per Rule 1-8, no player may use a crosse that has stringing that retards the normal and free dislodgement of the ball by an opponent. The pocket shall be deemed to have sagged too deeply if the top surface of a lacrosse ball, when placed therein, is below the bottom edge of the sidewall (this prohibition does not apply to the goalkeeper's crosse). A crosse that has been altered in such a way as to give an advantage to an individual is illegal. Adjustable-length handles are illegal. Handles that have been altered in any fashion other than taping or adding another covering designed to improve the grip are illegal. The use of pull strings to alter the depth of the pocket is illegal. No more than one sidewall string on each side is allowed. A broken crosse is considered as no crosse.
In other words, “pretty close” is not good enough.
Eyeshade
The NFHS Boys Lacrosse Rules Committee has aligned with other sports to standardize the use of eyeshade. Eyeshade (grease or non-glare strips or stickers) shall be a solid stroke and may not include words, numbers, logos or other symbols. It should be emphasized that eyeshade that extends outside the eye socket or below the cheekbone is prohibited. A player found to be in violation of the eyeshade rule (1-10-1h) will be subject to a one-minute non-releasable personal foul for illegal equipment.
Properly Worn Mandatory Equipment�High school student-athletes are often influenced by what they see at the college and professional levels. Recently, players have started to emulate what they have seen at these levels with the wearing of improper equipment. The NFHS Boys Lacrosse Rules Committee believes the safety of high school student-athletes is paramount. Therefore, an emphasis will be placed on players wearing mandatory equipment properly. This includes the wearing of helmets, arm pads, shoulder pads, and mouthpieces as the manufacturer intended.
NEW: The chinstrap shall be worn under the chin and shall be firmly attached at all the helmet’s manufactured attachment points, securely enough so that the helmet is unable to be removed without detaching the chinstrap from the attachment point(s).
Rule 5-6: A player may not use equipment that does not conform to specifications. Use of illegal equipment or failure to properly wear mandatory equipment will be penalized as a non-releasable foul.
Checks Involving the Head/Neck�The NFHS Boys Lacrosse Rules Committee continues to emphasis the safety of a player's head and neck.
When the initial force of the contact is through the body of the opponent and then slides up to the head and/or neck area, this will be considered indirect contact to an opponent’s head and/or neck. The result shall be a one-minute non-releasable penalty to the offending player.
Players who make direct contact to an opponent’s head and/or neck shall receive a two-minute non-releasable penalty.
Players who make excessive or flagrant contact to an opponent’s head and/or neck shall receive a three-minute non-releasable penalty and/or possible ejection.
MEETING TOPICS
The slides that follow contain links to full presentations for that can be used for Chapter Meetings. Chapter members are welcome to use any/all of the presentations that are available here, and are encouraged to share ideas for future for meeting topics. Chapter Rules Interpreters should review the presentations before using them at meetings for full understanding of the content. While Interpreters are the primary speakers during chapter rules sessions, chapters are encouraged to have their members make presentations at meetings. Members who present will become better officials after teaching others. Thanks must go out to the members of the KLOA and US Lacrosse for their contributions to the presentations included here.
Please note: The videos used are not meant to embarrass or demean any official of any association. They are simply being used to illustrate situations to improve rules enforcement and consistency in Pennsylvania.
Please report any errors or omissions to scottdede22@yahoo.com for the benefit of other officials moving forward. We are all accountable for each other and are encouraged to help every official to improve their skills and professionalism.
Meeting Topics: Table of Contents
Meeting Topic: Tips for Game Management
We must maintain professionalism throughout each contest we officiate. When we put on the stripes, we represent ourselves, the PIAA, and all of our fellow officials. Not only should each game have consistency from the crew, but each crew should have similar training so coaches and players know what to expect from us when they play the game. Our goal should be to conduct a safe and fair lacrosse game each and every time we officiate.
Click Here for Google Slides Presentation: Tips for Game Management (2024)
Meeting Topic: Game Administration
There are aspects of the game that officials have historically had to learn “on the fly”. These range from how to run the pre-game meeting to what to do if the game is tied at the end of regulation.
*This presentation addresses a lot of these issues and is a must for newer officials.
Click here for Google Slides presentation: Game Administration Guidelines (2024)
Meeting Topic: Pre-Game Responsibilities
A quality pre-game meeting can make for a well-officiated game. It is important to contact each other before the game, arrange a meeting time and place, and have a discussion (led by the referee) about the expectations of the crew. Keep the players safe, be consistent, and be fair when administering fouls.
Click here for a Google Slides presentation: Pre-Game Responsibilities (2024)
Meeting Topic: Equipment and Stick Checks
Players are required to meet the requirements of being properly equipped and have a legal crosse. This presentation helps with identifying infractions and the penalties involved.
Click here for Google Slides presentation: Equipment and Stick Checks (2024)
Meeting Topic: Mechanics
Click here for US Lacrosse Two Man Mechanics Manual (2024)
Click here for US Lacrosse Three Man Mechanics Manual (2024)
Meeting Topic: Faceoffs
Lacrosse has the uniqueness of having a faceoff to start each period and after each goal. Official’s must be able to conduct a fast and fair faceoff multiple times per game. This ability keeps the flow of the game and allows the players to decide the outcome.
Click here for Google Slides presentation: Faceoffs (2024)
Meeting Topic: Technical Fouls
Technical Fouls in lacrosse are less serious in nature and involve one player or team being disadvantaged by the actions of the opponent. These fouls do not involve player safety and therefore the penalty for these violations is either a loss of possession or a 30 second time serving foul, depending on possession (or lack thereof) of the ball when the foul occurs.
This presentation is LONG, but there are several different types of technical fouls that must be learned. Our consistent enforcement of these fouls helps to maintain the flow of the game, so please take the time to review the situations and the video examples.
Click here for Google Slides presentation: Technical Fouls (2024)
Meeting Topic: Personal Fouls
Personal Fouls are the “felonies” in a lacrosse game. They involve player safety and are of a more serious nature. The penalty is suspension from the game for one to three minutes, based on the official’s judgement as to the severity and intent of the offending player. This presentation has several video examples that can be used for discussion purposes within a chapter meeting.
Click here for Google Slides Presentation: Personal Fouls (2024)
Meeting Topic: Proper Restarts
Lacrosse is a game with multiple situations where the game must be restarted. These situations must be administered by the officials properly to ensure that the rules are being followed and neither team is disadvantaged by the restarting of play.
Click here for Google Slides presentation on Proper Restarts (2024)
Meeting Topic: Simultaneous Fouls
Penalty enforcement can be different when multiple players are involved. It is important for us to know the differences these fouls present in enforcement.
Remember common penalty time in these situations is non-releasable, so make sure the table personnel is aware of the situation.
Click here for Google Slides presentation: Simultaneous Fouls (2024)
Meeting Topic: The last TWO Minutes of a game
The last two minutes of a game are often the most important for the officials. Whether it is a one goal game or a blowout, we must be at our best. Please use the attached presentation to help your officials stay focused and “get it right” at the most crucial point of the game.
Click here for Google Slides Presentation: The Last TWO minutes (2024)
Meeting Topic: Ejections
There are some situations that require ejection from the game for a player and/or a coach. It is important that we document the reasons for the ejection and report them to the PIAA.
Click here for Google Slides Presentation: Ejections (2024)
Meeting Topic: Non-Goaltender Defender Entering Crease
Lacrosse comes with a unique set of rules and situations. This situation must be officiated to protect players who are not wearing the proper equipment to defend a shot. This rule must be understood to be the best official you can be.
Click here for presentation: Non-Goaltender Defender entering crease (must be downloaded)
Meeting Topic: Over and Back
This presentation will help officials with the over and back rule. Video examples are available for multiple situations involving this rule.
Click here for presentation: Over and Back (2024)
Meeting Topic: Strange Situations
There are things that come up during a game that require a deeper understanding of the rules. These might come up once a season, once every three years, or maybe never. No matter what, if we have had discussions about them, we will be prepared if and when they do. If you have had something strange come up in one of your games, please share it for the benefit of everyone.
Click here for presentation: Strange Situations (2024)
Meeting Topic: Acronyms for Better Officiating
Here are some phrases/words of wisdom to help everyone be a better official. These do not involve rules, mechanics, or signals - just good practices when you are officiating.
Click here for Google Slides presentation: Acronyms for Better Officiating (2024)
Meeting Topic: Station Training
On-field station training can be a great way to involve several members of your chapter in education of the membership. Veteran officials should be chosen to lead individual groups (as listed in the presentation).
You will need a large space (ideally a lacrosse field) to do the field training. Stations could be adapted to be done in a gym as well.
Click here for Google Slides presentation: Station Training (2022) *
Resources for Officials