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Fergus Minor Lacrosse (FML) Code of Conduct
This Code of Conduct identifies the standard of behavior that is expected of all Fergus Minor Lacrosse (FML) Members, including athletes, coaches, parents, directors, volunteers, staff, chaperones and others.
FML is committed to providing a sport environment in which all individuals are treated with respect. Members of the FML shall conduct themselves at all times in a fair and responsible manner. Members shall refrain from comments or behaviors, which are disrespectful, offensive, abusive, racist or sexist. In particular, behavior that constitutes harassment or abuse will not be tolerated by the FML.
During the course of all FML activities and events, members shall avoid behavior that brings FML or the sport of lacrosse into disrepute, including but not limited to abusive use of alcohol and non-medical use of drugs. Members shall not use unlawful or unauthorized drugs/narcotics or performance enhancing drugs or methods.
FML members shall at all times adhere to the FML operational policies and procedures, to rules governing the FML events and activities and to rules governing any competition in which the member participates on behalf of the FML.
Members of the FML shall not engage in activity or behavior that endangers the safety of others.
Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, suspension or release from membership. Such action may result in the member losing the privileges that come with membership in the FML, including the opportunity to participate in FML activities.
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General Rules of Play for Lacrosse
Basic Rules :
This is a quick overview of Lacrosse rules, which is directed to people new to lacrosse or to those who have been looking for a guide to the rules.
Although Lacrosse is very complimentary to hockey it really is more similar to basketball. The main similarities and differences are as follows:
*Like basketball and unlike hockey to some degree the game of Lacrosse involves a full team offence. There are no defencemen in Lacrosse!
*The five offensive players are referred to as left crease (like left wing in hockey), left corner (like left defence), right crease (right wing), right corner (right defence) and point (center).
*Like basketball, there is no off-side nor icing! This keeps the pace of the game moving very quickly! There are rules, regulations and features that are unique to Lacrosse and most of these are used in our league. Many other rules are the same as hockey.
*The minimum length of the Lacrosse stick is 36" up to Bantam and 42" thereafter. When one team offends and no penalty is called, the other team is awarded possession of the ball. For example if a player shoots or bounces the ball into the stands the other team is given possession, and a whistle signifies the start of the play.
*If a player shoots or bounces the ball into the stands, the other team is given possession. A whistle restarts the play.
*There is always a face-off after a goal, penalty or when the ball strikes the goalie in the helmet area, (a goal is counted if the ball goes directly into the net off the goalie's helmet or facemask).
*Checking from behind will be dealt with severely as it is one of the leading potential injury factors. Penalty shots can be called in extreme cases. Checking is an important part of the game but checking from behind and violent checks into the boards will be strictly enforced. Remember it is a "judgement" call by the referee and is enforced differently at Rep levels.
*High sticking is another area of confusion for parents! "Incidental" contact with the helmet by an opposing player's stick is not automatically a penalty! It is again a referee's judgement call. Also, if a player ducks into a players crosscheck, no matter how severe that check is, it is not a penalty unless it is from behind! Remember cross-checking in Lacrosse is both legal and a very important and proper method of checking! Again, the only way to enforce high sticking is the referees' judgement. There is no other way.
*Players or goalies out of their crease, will be penalized if they catch the ball in the hand. If they just contact it with the hand it is possession to the other team.
*Face-offs are taken with the open face of the stick facing your own net. The ball must come out of the 2'small face-off circle before the other players can enter the larger circle. An offence against this does not cause another face-off as in hockey, it results in immediate possession to the other team.
*A player with the ball cannot push off with his free hand or arm! If they do, possession is immediately awarded to the other team. This rule is very misunderstood by new parents. Remember as well, you can check an offensive player, whether he has the ball or not! However, if you are on the offensive team you must take the checking without responding! Any response or checking by any member of the team who has possession will result in loss of possession. Many times spectators will not notice freehand or arm pushing (as long as the player with the ball keeps both hands on their stick they may push or shoulder to resist the checker) and will often miss the checking by offensive players especially when the action is away from the ball.
*The ball may be kicked, but not for a goal. Also if the ball is stuck in a stick the referee will help free it and the play shall continue.
*When a team is short handed, they have 10 seconds to get the ball over the center and once it is over it cannot go back, or change of possession occurs. When a player is awarded possession by the referee they must be given at least 9 feet of room by the defending players until the whistle signifies the start of play.
*If 2 players are going after a "loose" ball they must play the ball and not check the player until they have possession. This again is a very common occurrence in league play which causes many possession calls. Neither new players nor parents adapt to this rule very quickly!
*Another big difference between hockey and Lacrosse involves the goalie's crease. If you go into the other team's crease to shoot or cut through it, you lose possession. This again is very common in league play. If a player goes through the other team's crease to make a check or you touch the goalie while they are in their crease it results in a penalty. If you are pushed into the crease there is no penalty and the play continues. However the player must make every effort to get out of the crease immediately.
*When defending your own net you can only pass the ball back to your own crease area once each possession. Your goalie or player has 5 seconds to get the ball out of the crease after stopping and gaining control of it; they must have both feet out to be considered out and once out, they or any other player cannot go back in or through! You can pass to the goalie as much as you want if they are out of the crease.
*The goalie in Lacrosse can function just like any other player (remember, there is no blue line for offside purposes and a goalie can go anywhere on the floor).
The number 1 rule is to have FUN !
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