For the Good and Welfare...of Lacrosse

For the Good and Welfare… of Lacrosse

A discussion of the new rules for the Men’s side is in order. For those who are not aware the NCAA rules committee has adopted three (3) major rules changes to be initiated during Fall Ball and the 2011 Season. We’ll attempt to discuss these, not necessarily in order, in this short monograph.

Rule 4-3 Face-offs

Considering the language in the rule book, I’ll attempt to summarize. First, the officials will go back to the tried and true addition of the word set after down and the whistle. Second, the officials have been instructed to vary their cadence after saying the word set and blowing the whistle. In my humble opinion these two changes may very well go a long way in equalizing the draw. Fogos have changed the game, not necessarily for the better. Yes, it’s given an opportunity for some players to excel in a specialty, but, it also, in some cases; has adversely affected the “quick start flow “of the game.

Rule 4-3 will also limit the clamping and pinning of the ball (with the elbow or body) for an extend period of time (officials judgment). Clamping has always been an integral part of facing off; to limit clamping may be difficult for some officials to determine a clamp, as opposed to a pin. Time will tell if this part of the rule can be enforced.

Rule 4-14- Get it in/Keep it in- Makes Sense.

Rule 4-13 Simplifying the Count

Hooray, they got something right! 30 seconds to get the ball into the offensive box. It will enable the officials to only click the timer once instead of twice. It’s the first step for NCAA lacrosse to ease into international rules. Allowing the officials to be rule interpreters not timekeepers is a good thing.

Can a shot clock be the next step? But, that’s a discussion for another day.

Respectfully submitted,

Russ Ketcham – Executive Director