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.
