For The Good and Welfare of ...Lacrosse

Fall Ball is slowly drawing to a close and experimentation with the new rules for men’s lacrosse has left many with questions concerning their implementation.

1.      The procedures will definitely speed up the game. Upon observing numerous Fall Ball contests I believe the quick start initiative alone will spark more offensive unsettled situations that will provide the players with many more opportunities to showcase their talents.

2.      The enlargement of the “box” area will necessitate additional observation by the trail official; it may allow unwanted body contact with a running head start.

3.      Officials will need to coordinate their movements in an optimal fashion on the field due to the additional running aspects that the new rules facilitate.( Officials will need to be in better physical condition)

4.      Coordination and standardization of the “stall” warnings and the subsequent 10 second count down will need to be addressed.

5.      It remains to be seen if the installing of a shot clock would have brought about these changes without wholesale rule additions. The officials are still timekeepers which impedes their ability to officiate!

The Rules Committee did great work initiating changes to address the needless “slowing” of this game we all love. They should be commended for addressing the problem, but, time will tell if they too will need to be adjusted to truly make it “the fastest game on two feet!”

What are your thoughts on these changes? Let us know.

For The Good And Weldare...Of Lacrosse

A Curmudgeon's Perspective Civil Matters by Otto Sorts | Feb.14.11 | A Curmudgeon's Perspective, Communicating, Daily Dispatch, Management

As I entered my firm’s building the other day, I held the outer door open for several of our young attorneys. When a young woman then turned to hold the inside door open for us, one of the men made a bit of a scene (partly for my benefit, no doubt) by making her go ahead while he took over the manly door-holding duty. He seemed more than a little pleased with himself. She seemed somewhat irritated—and I thought it revealed a lack of manners. With All Due Respect, Proper etiquette is more than saying please and thank you and observing the old-fashioned rules. It is a matter of showing genuine respect for people. Goodness knows, I wouldn’t want to see anyone lay their cloak across a puddle these days, but it sure is nice when someone makes room for me in the elevator, or offers to share a cab on a rainy day. Why was the young woman irritated when the young man wouldn’t let her hold the door? Instead of showing her respect, his actions implied that she was less capable. It probably felt to her as if he was saying “you are too weak”—or even “that’s man’s work!”One of the youngsters I work with just could not accept a compliment. I repeatedly acknowledged his accomplishments, and he consistently blew me off. “Nah, it’s no big deal,” he would say. He wouldn’t accept the gift of my appreciation, and that upset me because it implied my opinion had no value. In fact, I finally chewed him out for making me feel like a schmutz. He was shocked and apologetic, and I can tell you that he now accepts compliments from me and others with some grace. (There’s something to be said for training.)So, what does it take to be nice these days? First, pay attention to those around you. While you are indeed the most important person you know and very, very, very busy, it’s vital to stay in touch with those around you. Second, it’s easy to notice and recognize the grand gestures, but it’s just as important—if not more so —to acknowledge the little ones: the held door, the early morning greeting, the thoughtful touches, the offhand compliment, and the everyday things. Say thank you! Third, every employee survey ever conducted shows that the single most important factor in retaining good staff is not money or perks or status, but the nature of the people with whom we work. So, feed that hunger, up and down the ladder. If you’re nice it encourages others to be so as well, and ultimately it will turn your firm into a nicer place to work.

 Civil matters! Otto Sorts has been reading law since before Martindale met Hubbell. Of Counsel at a large corporate firm that prefers to remain anonymous, Otto is a respected attorney and champion of the grand tradition of the law. He is, however, suspicious of “new-fangled” management ideas and anyone who calls the profession the legal “industry.” When he gets really cranky about something he blogs at HeyYouKidsGetOffMyLaw.

For the Good and Welfare of...Lacrosse

Below is the the Press Release from the NCAA, concerning rules changes. I really though they skirted the issue, but, what do you think?

 

Men’s lacrosse rules committee proposes 30-second countdown to shoot after stall warnings

By Greg Johnson
NCAA.org
Looking to increase the pace of play in the sport, the Men’s Lacrosse Rules Committee recommended a 30-second countdown for teams to take a shot after the referee has issued a stall warning.
All rules recommendations by the committee, which met Monday-Thursday in Indianapolis, must be approved by the Playing Rules Oversight Panel, which is scheduled to meet via conference call in September. If approved, the change would be effective for the 2013 season.
Under the proposal, when a team is given a stall warning, a shot must be taken within 30 seconds. The count will be administered by the on-field officials and there will not be a visible clock. A valid shot is defined as an attempt to score that is on goal (e.g., saved by the goalkeeper, hits the goal cage, goal scored). If the 30 seconds expires without a shot on goal, the ball will be awarded to the defensive team. The “get it in, keep it in” call has been removed.
The protocol referees will follow is below:

1. Officials signal a stall warning and start the 20-second timer.
2. At the end of the 20-second timer, a 10-second hand count is administered by the official closest to the ball. This official has responsibility for the count until a shot is taken or the time expires.
3. During the 30-second period, situations where a shot goes out of bounds and the offensive team maintains possession will  be handled in this manner:

1. With more than 10 seconds remaining in the count, the timer continues to run and the procedure continues.
2. If the timer expires before the restart, a 10-second count will be administered beginning on the restart.
3. With less than 10 seconds remaining, the official shall hold the hand count when the whistle blows and continue the count on the restart. For example, if the ball goes out of bounds with eight seconds remaining on the count, that count continues on the restart. The official shall communicate the amount of time remaining on the restart.

4. A shot that hits the goal cage or is saved by the goalkeeper and then possessed by the offensive team nullifies the stall warning and the game continues.
5. In a flag down situation, the shot count will continue until it expires or a shot is taken.
6. Stalling will not be called during a man advantage.
7. If a shot hits a defensive team player other than the goalkeeper, it will not be considered a shot on goal.

The committee also clarified that it is the responsibility of the team in possession to try to create a scoring opportunity. There are exceptions to this requirement: If the offensive team has the ball in the attack area and the defensive team is not playing the ball, a stall warning will not be issued until either (1) the defensive team attempts to play the ball or (2) the offensive team brings the ball outside the attack area.
However, a stall warning may be issued when the offensive team has the ball outside the attack area or below the goal line extended regardless of whether the defensive team is playing the ball.
The committee has several lengthy discussions regarding pace of play, which included adding a shot clock.

“We did put in some components of counting, but did not feel a mandated count on each possession was in the best interest of the college game,” said Jon Hind, chair of the committee and athletics director at Hamilton. “By creating this procedure, it puts a timing component into the game, but only when it is necessary.”
Stick specifications
The committee also is proposing changes to the stick specifications that states any additional strings or laces (e.g., shooting strings) must be located within 3½ inches from the top of the crosse. Also, no more than one sidewall string on each side of the crosse will be allowed.
To ensure that all sticks meet these specifications the following three field tests will be performed by the officials.

• The ball will be placed in crosse (perpendicular to the ground) at the throat, then the crosse is tipped forward 90 degrees;
• The ball is placed in the crosse (horizontal to the ground) at the deepest point of the pocket, then the crosse is tipped forward 90 degrees so the ball rolls out at the tip of the head;
• The ball is placed in the back of the crosse at the deepest point of the pocket and pushed in to reverse the pocket. The crosse is inverted 180 degrees. The ball must come out of the crosse without shaking, etc.

If the stick fails any of these tests, it is an illegal crosse and a one-minute non-releasable foul will be enforced. The crosse won’t be used during play and will be kept at the scorer’s table until the conclusion of the game.
The committee felt players are currently able to maintain possession of the ball to easily despite being pressured by the defense.
“Players are going through the opposition and almost look invincible when carrying the ball,” Hind said. “There is a safety component to this, because it can lead to more physical play to dislodge the ball. It’s not that we don’t want a player to carry the ball, but we want him to move the ball too. We believe these changes will help dislodge the ball more appropriately, which will have a direct impact on pace of play.”
Restarts
Another proposed change focuses on quicker restarts.
Officials are instructed to restart play quickly. If an opposing player is within five yards of the player that has been awarded the ball, the official will blow the whistle to start play. The opposing player is not allowed to defend the ball until he reaches a distance of five yards from the opponent. A violation will be a flag down for delay of game.
Officials are also instructed to get the ball in play quickly and not be as deliberate with the exact location of the violation. An unfair distance advantage gained by the team with the ball must occur to delay the restart.
“In looking at how we restart play currently we believe there is too much dead time and unneeded delay,” Hind said. “This is another way to keep the game moving.”
Additionally, the goalkeeper is no longer given a five-second grace period to return to the crease regardless of where the ball is restarted.
“We wanted to eliminate the grace period so the quick restart rule is consistent all over the field,” Hind said.
There is an exception to the quick restart rule when the offensive team is awarded the ball in the attack area. In these instances, play will be restarted anywhere outside of the attack area. The offensive team is responsible for moving the ball outside of the attack area for the restart.
 Faceoffs
The committee also made several recommendations in regards to faceoffs:

• Players taking the faceoff are not allowed to use a motorcycle grip any longer. 
• After two pre-whistle violations in one half by a team, subsequent violations result in a 30­-second technical penalty.
• When a violation occurs, the faceoff player is no longer required to leave the field.
• During penalty situations, there must be four players in the defensive area and three players in the offensive area. Exception: When a team has three or more players in the penalty area, a player may come out of its defensive area to take the faceoff.
• Tape may not be added to the throat of the crosse of the player taking a faceoff.

Also, as a point of emphasis officials are to enforce the rule that says players must keep their hands off of the plastic of the crosse. Players can gain an unfair advantage to gain possession of the ball if this is not called.
Finally, the committee considered moving the faceoff players from four inches to 12 inches apart. The committee ultimately decided, however, to experiment with this procedure this fall to see what the impact would be.
“The proposed changes to the faceoff are intended to enhance the procedure,” Hind said. “There was some support for moving the players further apart, but it hasn’t been used anywhere, so we’d like to have teams use it in the fall first.”
Other recommendations

• Most substitutions will now be made on the fly. The horn signaling substitutions will no longer exist in the game. Additionally, the committee voted to expand the substitution box from 10 to 20 yards. The dimension of the team bench area remains the same.
• A minimum of six balls and a maximum of 10 balls must be available at each end line and sideline. The number of balls in each area is to be equal in each area. On the bench side, balls should be placed at the scorer’s table and outside each bench area. These balls shall be replenished by the home team and game management staff. This will assist with the pace of play and faster restarts.
• If the ball returns to the defensive half of the field and the offensive team regains possession, officials shall start the 30-second shot procedure.
• Points of emphasis focused on unsportsmanlike conduct/sideline behavior; the cross-check hold; and faceoff players touching the crosse with their hands.

For The Good and Welfare of....Lacrosse

Some crazy end-of-the-season musings from the old guy that runs this operation:

1. Congratulations to Salisbury, Trinity, Dowling, C.W. Post, Loyola and Northwestern, you all showed great determination in achieving the ultimate prize.

2. Salisbury and Cortland, D III again showing the lacrosse world the way the game is supposed to be played, on the Men's side.  Trinity and Post taking the women's game to the next level. Dowling proving in the playoffs it's truly difficult to beat a team the second time around.

3. Now we turn to the Division I championship games, micro managed, over coached and doing a disservice to the players and the fans. Why can't we let the players play?

4. The fans stayed away in droves in Foxboro. Is it the venue? The location? The product? The economy? I think it's a little bit of them all.( Raise your hand, was Phila. great or what!)

5. Men's lacrosse is staring down the barrel of the shot clock. Just as its time came in collegiate basketball, so must it come in Men's collegiate lacrosse.

6. Hats off to the Division I RAC committee, they sure got their # 1 seed correct. Transition broke Maryland's back and they couldn't play fast when they had to.

Now it's time for me to go on the recruiting trail, I can't wait it's a joy!

For the Good and Welfare ...of Lacrosse

The college lacrosse season is winding down to those crucial conference match ups and looming ahead is the NCAA tournament. Speaking of that fact, should the NCAA consider a shift in the North/South configuration of the tournament on the D3 level?

One hundred eighty nine schools are now participating on the D3 level. Arguably, the strongest programs remain in the North and Northeast. Knowing full well that the D3 tournament is predicated on geography, travel distances and the like, have there ever been conversations discussing a regional playoff format? Four seeded regions whose champions go to a D3 Final Four the Saturday before Memorial Day weekend? Would this not allow for a more equitable representation of the more powerful programs going further in the tournament?

Before you make a judgment about regional bias, I have been involved for the past three years with a program in the southern region. Competitive match ups are what I am looking for, first round byes for the top four seeded teams (which exist at this time) would continue, but travel would be a bit longer than usual. Four regions would facilitate NESCAC teams playing Empire 8 teams, North Coast teams, Capital Teams playing Centennial teams, ODAC teams and the like. This makes a more competitive tournament. What are your thoughts let me know!

For the Good and Welfare of ...Lacrosse

“If we respect and honor the past, then it becomes a whole

lot more than just a game. It becomes a demonstration of who we are…”

-         Sid Jameson,  former Bucknell Coach  -

-        

I am a person greatly affected by this Native American game. I played with a wooden stick, no arm guards and a helmet with three metal bars as a face mask. I’ve coached “little guys” in the PAL leagues on Long Island, Middle School, High School and College. I’ve taught, mentored, cajoled, pressured, encouraged and sold lacrosse to three generations of lacrosse players; and there are times when I did not honor and respect the history and grandeur of this game.

I am determined to change that in the time I have left. All too often we, the lacrosse community in general, are obsessed with winning, statistics and the search for fame. I, for one, have decided to become a “Keeper of the Game”, making a concerted effort to reward those around me that exhibit positive behavior toward team mates, coaches, opponents, and game officials.

I have become a member of the “Keeper of the Game Project” a cultural preservation campaign focusing on protecting and championing the values of lacrosse. If interested in a project such as this contact www.uslacrosse.org/keeper for additional information.

For the Good and Welfare of....Lacrosse

I spent some time in Florida, trying to improve my golfing skills and let the January posting go by the wayside.

Now that February 1^st has passed the vast majority of college lacrosse programs are well under way. The weather has cooperated in the northeast to allow teams to “taste the outdoors” a little sooner than normal; though the spring sport that we participate in still has that winter glow to it; with under armor, hats and gloves still required.

 We’ve found that, because of the relatively mild temperatures, our players are energized to the point of pushing a bit too hard. We’ve experienced a rash of muscle pulls that are affecting pre-season participation. Those of you are involved in preparing your charges for the upcoming season keep a watchful eye on your team stretching regime; make sure they really are stretching not  just going through the motions. We had tried a new approach to our procedures, allowing for more player input, not a great idea. Our trainer suggested we return to what was done last year. We have seen a major improvement in a short time.

The Point of this musing is: The kids may be very comfortable with static stretching, but, there is no positive affect stretching a cold muscle. Dynamic Ballistic stretching can do the trick in less time with better results. Contact your athletic trainers for the latest in these types of stretching procedures. It can reduce a multitude of problems from occurring.

Best of luck starting the season!