Please see the below recertification guidance for 2012.

Level 1 (Youth):

1.   Maintain your US Lacrosse membership.

2.   Take the 2012 NFHS Level 1 exam at http://www.uslacrosse.org and score 80% or better. Report your score to WALOA’s youth commissioner, Tom Quigley at thomas.t.quigley.civ@mail.mil , and your youth game assigner(s) - Bob Manfuso at bobmanfuso@comcast.net , Frank Higgins at fjhlax@gmail.com  and/or Ken Winegrad at kwine1223@yahoo.com.

3.   Attend six (6) hours of lacrosse-related classroom instruction. If classroom space is not available, certify to your assigner(s) that you have performed 6 hours of self-study of the 2012 training aids posted on www.waloa.org under the "WALOA Handouts" submenu bar for Lev. 1. (Note: attendance at the Marymount Clinic on 2/26/12 will count for 2 of the 6 required hours).

Review of the following training materials is recommended for Level 1 re-certification for those who are unable to attend training sessions:

(a)  NFHS 2012 Rules Video

(b)  NFHS 2012 Rule Changes

(c)  US Lacrosse 2012 Men’s Game Officials Training Manual

(d)  US Lacrosse 2012 2-Man Mechanics

(e)  US Lacrosse Animated Officials Signals Video

(f)  US Lacrosse 2012 Boys Rules(g)  US Lacrosse 2012 Age Rules

(h)  US Lacrosse Position Paper

(i)  US Lacrosse Level 1 and Jr. Evaluation Forms

(j)  US Lacrosse “You Make The Call” Video Clips

4.   Upon completion of Steps 1, 2 & 3, notify your assigner(s) that you are ready for assignment.

Level 2 (High School):

1.   Maintain your US Lacrosse membership.

2.   Pay MPSSAA and/or VHSL dues and obtain a VHSL #.  [Note: For 2011 officials, dues were deducted from 2011 earnings and paid to MPSSAA & VHSL; see Mike Mohnacs for clarification of VHSL #].

3.   Take the NFHS exam at https://exams.nfhs.org  (after 2/13/12).  A score of 70% (regular season high school) and 80% (post season) is required.

4.   Attend six (6) hours of lacrosse-related classroom instruction. If classroom attendance is not convenient due travel/work/etc, certify to your high school game assigner(s) - Rob Broxton at rbsportsref@aol.com , Frank Higgins at fjhlax@gmail.com  and/or Ken Winegrad at kwine1223@yahoo.com  – that you have performed six (6) hours of self-study of the 2012 training aids posted on www.waloa.net under "WALOA Handouts"  submenu bar for Lev. 2.  (Note: attendance at the Marymount Clinic will count for 2 of the 6 required hours).

Review of the following training materials is recommended for Level 2 re-certification for those who are unable to attend training sessions:

(a)  NFHS 2012 Rules Video

(b)  NFHS 2012 Rule Changes

(c)  US Lacrosse 2012 Men’s Game Officials Training Manual

(d)  US Lacrosse 2012 2-Man Mechanics

(e)  US Lacrosse Animated Officials Signals Video

(f)  US Lacrosse Level 2 Evaluation Form

(g)  US Lacrosse “You Make The Call” Video Clips

(h)  WALOA Level 2 2012 Training Updates

5.   Upon completion of Steps 1, 2, 3 & 4, notify your assigner(s) that you are ready for assignment.

Level 1 and Level 2 Advisories

Make sure you carefully review the “Broadcast” announcements you have been receiving about the recent merger of PLOA and VLOA, which also detail a number of changes relating to uniforms, etc.  There have been some significant rule changes this year relating to face-offs, advancement of the ball and offsides.

You should attend the WALOA general meeting during the Marymount clinic on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012. The link to the Potomac Chapter of US Lacrosse to register for the clinic is http://www.uslacrosse.org/chapterpotomac/Events/Feb26CoachesClinicandSeasonKickOff.aspx. The deadline to register is Feb. 22, 2012.

WALOA's 2012 training and certification schedule for Level 1 (youth) and Level 2 (high school) lacrosse officials can be found under the "WALOA Handouts" submenu on the top menu bar.

NOTE: The Level 1 (youth) training offerred at Bethesda (Landon) and Woodbridge (Veterans Park) are full and we are not accepting anymore applications.

Happy New Year to all!
 
I am pleased to report the memberships and Boards of Directors of PLOA and VLOA have overwhelmingly approved the unification of the two organizations to form the Washington Area Lacrosse Officials Association (WALOA).  Accordingly, it is the intention of the unification task force (Dailey, Harvey, Joyner, Kleeblatt, Manfuso & Quigley) and the to-be-elected WALOA Board of Directors to proceed on a deliberate path to full unification.
 
The first steps have already been taken – i.e., we now have a common assigning tool on ArbiterSports.com for current PLOA and VLOA venues and training/certification materials (to satisfy MPSSAA and VHSL requirements) are being developed. The WALOA 2012 training schedule will be published shortly.  Anticipate the first training meetings to begin the second half of January (after the US Lacrosse Convention on January 15^th& 16th).
 
Elections for the WALOA Board of Directors and adoption of the Constitution/By-Laws will be announced by separate email.  Ratification of the Constitution/By-Laws and elections will be conducted electronically via Surveymonkey.com.  Current nominations for the WALOA Board are as follows:
 
President - Dash Dailey
VP for Virginia - Noah Egorin
VP for Maryland - Dave Moynihan
Secretary - Don Woodruff
Treasurer - Mike Mohnacs & Sandy MacCrae
 
Any additional nominations should be submitted as soon as possible.
  
At the conclusion of the Board of Directors election, Executive Committee members including assigners, area coordinators, committee chairmen, and youth and high school commissioners shall be appointed to assist in our further unification efforts and prepare all members for the upcoming season.

The WALOA inaugural general meeting will be held at Marymount University in concert with the U.S. Lacrosse-Potomac Chapter Coaches Clinic on February 26, 2012.  Details will be published in a separate article shortly.

Warm regards,
D*A*S*H
 
2011 President
Potomac Lacrosse Officials Association

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) 2012 Boys Lacrosse Rules Book shall govern US Lacrosse boys youth play, except as amended below. The US Lacrosse Men’s Game Committee has approved these exceptions to the NFHS Rules. Send questions about the US Lacrosse Rules for Boys Youth Lacrosse to the US Lacrosse Men’s Game Rules Subcommittee at boysyouthrules@uslacrosse.org. Please do not contact NFHS about the following rules.

OVERARCHING PRINCIPLE

The game is to be played with emphasis on the proper development of individual stick skills, team play, player safety, and sportsmanship.

Age and Eligibility Guidelines

US Lacrosse establishes eligibility guidelines in order to promote the game of lacrosse among the youth of America in a safe and sportsmanlike environment. To best achieve this goal, US Lacrosse believes that leagues, associations, and other organizers of youth lacrosse should seek to provide playing opportunities that, as much as possible, establish a "level playing field" among players of similar age, size, and ability. Age and Eligibility Guidelines are not considered “game-day rules” and are not enforced as game-day rules by officials. Exceptions to age divisions cannot be made on game day and all coaches must adhere to classifications as determined by their league or association.

League and Association Play. Leagues and associations should organize competition by age, and consider physical, cognitive, and emotional maturity when grouping players. For leagues or associations in which some local programs choose to organize their teams by grade, those teams should play in the age division determined by the oldest player on their roster. Players who are participating in any high-school level program such as a high school freshman, JV-B, junior varsity, varsity or club team should not be eligible for U15 competition in the same season. This means that a player who is age-eligible for U15 but plays on a high school level team should not concurrently play on a youth league U15 team. At other times of the year this player may be U15 eligible, for example, for summer ball or fall ball play, depending on the guidelines of the sponsoring league or organization. The following age groupings are determined as of the August 31st preceding competition:

NOTE:  Age group references used in this section are in common usage but should not be understood literally. The U15 (read: “Under 15”) grouping means that, if a player is 14 years old on the cutoff date, he may participate in U15 competition as a 15-year old.

U15:  All players must be 14 years old or younger on the August 31st preceding competition. It is recommended that when multiple teams exist within a program, the program should consider physical size, skill, and maturity when organizing teams.

U13:  All players must be 12 years old or younger on the August 31st preceding competition. It is recommended that when multiple teams exist within a program, the program should consider physical size, skill, and maturity when organizing teams.

U11:  All players must be 10 years old or younger on the August 31st preceding competition. It is recommended that when multiple teams exist within a program, the program should consider physical size, skill, and maturity when organizing teams.

U9:  All players must be 8 years old or younger on the August 31st preceding competition. It is recommended that when multiple teams exist within a program, teams should consider physical size, skill, and maturity.

Spring 2012 Age Grouping Quick Reference Table

Format of the following Section:

Existing NFHS Rule Section reference, followed by the corresponding US Lacrosse Boys Youth Rule section modification. All divisions will follow NFHS Boys Lacrosse Rules with the following modifications:

Rule 1 — The Game, Field & Equipment

The Game - Number of Players (RULE 1 SECTION 1).

Boys youth lacrosse is played by two teams with 10 players per side on the field. However, if a governing league or association deems it necessary or desirable, for example, due to the number of available players or skill level, or if in non-league contests both coaches agree, games can be played with as few as seven (7) per side on the field.

The Field – Dimensions (RULE 1 SECTION 2).

Play on regulation size field is preferred; however, the coaches and officials may agree to play on any size field available. If a game is played with reduced numbers (e.g. 7 per side) it is recommended that field size be reduced as well.

The Field – Spectator Restrictions (RULE 1 SECTION 2, ARTICLE 11 a, b & c).

a) Spectators and media, including photographers, are not allowed behind the end lines except in stadium structures where permanent seats exist which are also protected by a fence or netting.

b) Spectators must be on the side of the field opposite the table and bench areas or in permanent stands separated from the bench area by a barrier and/or a buffer distance such as a track.

c) Where possible, limit lines will be used. Spectators and media, including photographers, are not allowed within the limit lines at any time during a contest. If the field is laid out in a manner that does not allow spectators and media to be located as prescribed by paragraphs a, b and c of this rule, as modified here, the game official can waive one or more of these requirements.

Crosse Dimensions (RULE 1 SECTION 6)

US Lacrosse recommends that coaches assess players’ size, strength, and skill in determining proper long crosse length for defense players, within NFHS rules. US Lacrosse further recommends that a long crosse should not be taller than the player at any youth level. Crosse dimensions will conform to NFHS or NCAA requirements, with the following modifications:

U11: The length of the crosse for field players may be 37 to 42 inches or 47 to 52 (“long crosse” for purposes of NFHS Rule 2 SECTION 1 ARTICLE 2). Many coaches find that the use of a 37 to 42 inch crosse is best for defensive player development in the U11 Division.

U9: The length of all crosses for all field players shall be 37 to 42 inches.

Crosse Prohibitions (RULE 1 SECTION 8)

Any strings or leathers are limited to a hanging length of 2 inches. Player EquipmentRULE 1 SECTION 9 Equipment shall conform to NFHS requirements, including gloves, arm pads, shoulder pads, mouth piece, shoes, and NOCSAE - approved helmets, which must be properly fitted and worn, with the following modifications:

·  All goalies are required to wear arm pads and a protective cup.

·  A protective cup is recommended for all players.

·  Rib pads are recommended for all players.

· Game Jerseys: The provisions of RULE 1, SECTION 9, ARTICLE 1.g need not be strictly enforced at the youth level. A team’s game jerseys should have numbers centered on the front and back of sufficient size to be clearly visible by game officials anywhere on the field and opposing teams’ jerseys should have contrasting dominant colors. Home teams are responsible for contrasting jersey colors and will provide and wear contrasting color numbered pinnies or pinnies that allow jersey numbers to be clearly seen, if needed. The jersey, pinnie, or an under jersey should completely cover the shoulder pads, which will help hold them in place.

· The color provisions of RULE 1, SECTION 9, ARTICLES 1 and 2 for helmets, uniform shorts, under-jerseys, compression shorts, and sweatpants need not be strictly enforced at the youth level.

Game Administration – Sideline Managers (RULE 1 SECTION 12)

Each team should provide a designated Sideline Manager (one adult per team, on site, per game-day contest) to help encourage, maintain, and manage the sportsmanlike behavior of spectators and fans and assist the coaches and officials in keeping spectators and media an appropriate distance from the sideline. If used, it is the responsibility of each team administration to ensure that the Sideline Manager is present and in place to perform his/her duties; however, this is not a game day rule to be enforced by the officials.

Rule 2 — Game Personnel

Coaches (RULE 2 SECTION 3)

At the U9 level, if the coaches from both teams agree, one coach per team may be allowed on the field during play to provide instruction during the game. Teams are encouraged to take advantage of this teaching opportunity but this presence does not authorize the coach on the field to address the game officials or - unless agreed to by the other teams coach - members of the opposing team. Coaches are encouraged to stay wider than the face off wing lines extended to the end line and not get in the way of players or officials.

Rule 3 — Time Factors

Length of Game (RULE 3 SECTION 1)

At all levels, all timing and overtime rules must be determined prior to the start of game, preferably by the governing league or association. If a league/association mandates, or if in non-league contests both coaches agree, shorter time periods, stop time, or running time may be used. If running time is to be used, the clock will stop for all timeouts.

NOTE:  US Lacrosse strongly discourages the use of a “braveheart” competition - or any other means which requires, for example, one or a few players to compete against another such individual or group - to determine the winner of a game. Such “braveheart” competitions encourage reliance on … and put potentially excessive pressure on … the most physically precocious or skilled children and contradict the concepts of team play we seek to instill.

U15:  Game will consist of four 10-minute stop-time quarters. In the event of a tie, 4-minute sudden-victory overtime periods will be played until a winner is determined (provided time permits and coaches and officials are in agreement). In sudden victory overtime, each team will receive one timeout per period.

U13:  Game will consist of four 10-minute stop-time quarters. In the event of a tie, up to two 4-minute sudden-victory overtime periods will be played. In sudden victory overtime, each team will receive one timeout per period. In the event of a tie at the end of the two regulation overtime time periods the game should end as a tie. If league or tournament play requires that a winner be determined, overtime should be played in accordance with U15 rules.

U11:  Game will consist of four 8-minute stop-time quarters. If running time is to be used, 12-minute running time quarters are recommended.  In the event of a tie at the end of regulation time the game should end as a tie. If league or tournament play requires that a winner be determined, overtime should be played in accordance with U15 rules.

U9:  Game will consist of four 12-minute running-time quarters (clock stops only for a team timeout, an official’s timeout, or an injury timeout). If stop time is to be used, 8-minute stop-time quarters are recommended.   In the event of a tie at the end of regulation time the game should end as a tie. If league or tournament play requires that a winner be determined, overtime should be played in accordance with U15 rules.

Final Two Minutes of Regulation Play (RULE 3 SECTION 3)

U15 & U13: The Final Two Minute stalling rule shall be ENFORCED for these Divisions

U11 & U9: The Final Two Minute stalling rule shall be WAIVED for these Divisions. (This rule also modifies “Final Two Minute” provisions of RULE 4, SECTION 34.C.1)

Rule 4 — Play of the Game

Lineup (RULE 4 SECTION 2)

Before the lineup, US Lacrosse strongly encourages game officials to meet with both teams, separately or together, near the team areas to explain any special ground rules, emphasize safety and fair play, and remind players that they must be properly equipped with mouthpiece in place at all times on the playing field.

Alternatively, a league, association, or other governing authority may mandate that when the game officials call for the lineup before the opening faceoff, the head coaches will send all of their players (not just the starters, as has been traditional) to the center of the field. At this time the game officials will convey the equipment, safety, and fair play information, in addition to explaining any special ground rules as required under NFHS Rule 4-2.

Facing Off (RULE 4 SECTION 3)

U15 & U13:  All NFHS face off rules will be followed.

U11 & U9:  At any point during a game when there is a four-goal lead, the team that is behind will be given the ball at the midfield line in lieu of a face-off as long as the four-goal lead is maintained, unless waived by the coach of the trailing team.

Not Offside (RULE 4 SECTION 11 ARTICLE 3)

If a team momentarily has fewer than the required number of men on either end of the field while players are exiting and entering the field through the special-substitution area, this is not considered to be an offside violation. However, if a team delays its substitution and that causes it to have too few players on either half of the field, it may be called for offside or illegal procedure.

Advancing the Ball (RULE 4 SECTIONS 14 & 15)

U15 & U13:  The defensive 20-second count will be used.The offensive 10-second count will be used.

U11 & U9:  The defensive 20-second count WILL NOT be used.The offensive 10-second count WILL NOT be used.

Official’s Time-Outs (RULE 4 SECTION 27 ARTICLE 6)

If the player in possession of the ball loses any piece of required equipment the official should stop play immediately regardless of proximity of opposing players.

Team Time-Outs (RULE 4 SECTION 28)

Two (2) team timeouts - of a maximum duration of two minutes each - are permitted per team per half, unless league or association rules specify otherwise. Whenever circumstances allow, leagues and organizers should permit no fewer than two team timeouts per half. Many leagues permit teams three or more time-outs to enhance instruction or safety.

Get It In/Keep It In (RULE 4 SECTION 34)

U11 & U9: Section not enforced at these levels.

3- YARD RULE

All stick checks, body checks, legal holds, and legal pushes must be on a player in possession of the ball or within 3 yards of a loose ball or ball in flight. This is a change from the 5 yards specified in RULE 4 SECTION 17, Checking With Crosse; RULE 5 SECTION 3, Illegal Body Check, ARTICLE 1; RULE 6 SECTION 3, Holding, ARTICLE 3.a and d; and RULE 6 SECTION 9, Pushing. (NOTE: This change from five to three yards does not apply to a free play restart under RULE 4 SECTION 5, Play of the Ball Definitions, ARTICLE 1, in which no player may be closer than five yards to the player awarded the ball.)

Rule 5 — Personal and Ejection Fouls

In keeping with the overarching emphasis on player safety and sportsmanship at the youth level, US Lacrosse expects stricter enforcement of the Cross Check, Illegal Body Check, Checks Involving The Head/Neck, Slashing, Unnecessary Roughness, and Unsportsmanlike Conduct rules than is common at the high school level.

Illegal Body-Check (RULE 5 SECTION 3)

Add to Rule 5 Section 3: An avoidable body check of an opponent after he has passed or shot the ball is an illegal body check.

The definitions below supplement, but do not supplant, all aspects, points of emphasis, and Play Rulings of NFHS Rule 5-3.

NO TAKE-OUT CHECKS ARE PERMITTED BY ANY PLAYER AT ANY AGE LEVEL.

A take-out check is defined as:

·  Any body check in which the player lowers his head or shoulder with the force and intent to put the other player on the ground.

·  Any body checks considered more aggressive or more physical than necessary to stop the advancement of the player carrying the ball or to keep or move a player away from a loose ball. This includes but is not limited to: (i) any check in which a player makes contact with sufficient force and intent to knock down the opposing player; (ii) any check in which a player makes contact with sufficient force and intent to injure the opposing player; and (iii) any check made in a reckless or intimidating manner.

· Any body check on a player in a defenseless position. This includes but is not limited to: (i) body checking a player from his “blind side”; (ii) body checking a player who has his head down in an attempt to play a loose ball; and (iii) body checking a player whose head is turned away to receive a pass, even if that player turns toward the contact immediately before the body check. NOTE: Sports medicine research indicates that the severity of certain injuries may be reduced if a player can anticipate and prepare himself for an oncoming hit. Other sports medicine research indicates that peripheral vision may not be fully developed in many boys before approximately age fifteen. Game officials should be especially alert to blind side checks at all youth levels.

U15 & U13:  Body Checking is permitted. To be legal a body check should be delivered in a generally upright position with both hands on the stick and the player initiating the check may not use his lowered head or shoulder to make the initial contact.

U11 & U9:  No body checking of any kind is permitted.

Legal pushes (RULE 6 SECTION 9, Pushing) and holds (RULE 6 SECTION 3, Holding, ARTICLE 3 a & d) are allowed.

In all loose ball situations players should “play the ball,” but incidental contact, “boxing out”, or screening techniques during such play shall not be considered a violation of this rule.

If a loose ball is not moving, stuck, or the players are having difficulty picking the ball up the referee may re-start play following the alternate possession rule.

Checks Involving the Neck/Head (RULE 5 SECTION 4)

US Lacrosse calls special attention to the new (2012) NFHS RULE 5 SECTION 4, CHECKS INVOLVING THE HEAD/NECK, which is modified to state:

ARTICLE 1 … A player shall not initiate contact to an opponent’s head or neck with a slash, cross-check, or with any part of his body (head, elbow, shoulder, etc.), including any follow through to the head or neck.

ARTICLE 2 … Blocking of an opponent with the head or initiating contact with the head, including by an offensive player in possession of the ball (known as spearing).

PENALTY: One, two, or three minute non-releasable foul, at the official’s discretion, for violation of either article 1 or 2. An excessively violent violation of this rule may result in an ejection foul for flagrant misconduct.

Slashing (RULE 5 SECTION 7)

U15:  Slashing shall be called per NHFS rules.

U13, U11 & U9:  Any one-handed check will be considered a slash, whether or not it makes contact with the opposing player.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct (RULE 5 SECTION 10)

Unsportsmanlike conduct by coaches and/or players will not be tolerated. Obscenities need not be used for language to draw a penalty. Tone, intent, and body language can all contribute to unsportsmanlike conduct. Players and coaches will exhibit the highest level of sportsmanship at all times. This means that in addition to the unsportsmanlike examples contained in NFHS Rule 5-10, any player or coach who uses derogatory or profane language on the field or bench, whether addressing a player, coach, or official may receive: first offense, 1 to 3-minute non-releasable unsportsmanlike conduct penalty; second offense, a 3-minute non-releasable expulsion foul.

Fouling Out (RULE 5 SECTION 11)

U15 & U13:  Any player who accumulates 4 personal fouls or 5 minutes in personal foul penalty time shall be disqualified from the game. A substitute for that player may enter the game when the disqualified player would have been permitted to re-enter had he not fouled out.

U11 & U9:  Any player who accumulates 3 personal fouls or 5 minutes in personal foul penalty time shall be disqualified from the game. For U11, a substitute for that player may enter the game when the disqualified player would have been permitted to re-enter had he not fouled out. For U9, a disqualified player must leave the field but his team may replace him with a substitute; no man up situation should occur.

Ejection (RULE 5 SECTION 12)

Any player or coach ejected from a game by a game official (Note: this does not include fouling out per Rule 5-11) shall be suspended for his next regularly scheduled game (at the time of the ejection). The second time a player or coach is ejected in the same season or tournament he will be suspended for the next two regularly scheduled games (at the time of the ejection). A third ejection in the same season or tournament will result in a suspension for the remainder of the season or tournament.

Rule 6 — Technical Fouls

Stalling (RULE 6 SECTION 10)

U15 & U13: All NFHS Stalling and Advancing the Ball rules are in effect, including Rule 4, Section 34.

U11 & U9:  ARTICLE 2. Not used at these levels. However, if a game official detects an effort to stall the advancement of the ball in either the defensive clearing area or the offensive zone outside the goal area, the official will give a verbal command to “advance the ball” followed by a visual 5-second hand count. If the team so warned does not attempt to advance the ball within the 5-second count to within five yards of an opposing player, a turnover will occur with restart at the point of the stalling infraction (or laterally outside the goal area).

ARTICLE 3. The team with the lead NEED NOT automatically keep the ball in the goal area during the last two minutes of the game.

Rule 7 — Penalty Enforcement

Time Serving Penalties (RULE 7 SECTIONS 1, 2 & 3)

In all “Running Time” games and situations, penalties will also be running time, and will begin with the next whistle resuming play. The running time penalty clock will stop for all timeouts and at the end of periods.

U15, U13 & U11:  Time serving penalties are enforced per NFHS rules.

U9:  Offending player must leave the field and remain out of the game for the length of his penalty time but his team may replace him with a substitute on the field. No man up situation should occur. Ball is awarded per NHFS rules.

Game Termination

Officials will have authority to terminate a boys’ youth game in response to flagrant acts of unsportsmanlike behavior including excessively rough play or the encouragement of excessively rough play by coaches, athletes, spectators, or fans. A game termination will be the last resort in ensuring the players’ safety and preserving the integrity of the game. If possible, game officials will issue at least one strong warning that the game is in danger of being terminated. However, it is conceivable that games may be terminated on the first instance of a flagrant unsportsmanlike act. Every effort should be taken to avoid game termination, including the enforcement of existing rules for team-conduct penalties, unsportsmanlike-conduct penalties, and ejection fouls. Mechanics for terminating a game for flagrant unsportsmanlike behavior can be found at www.uslacrosse.org (Programs & Grants, Sportsmanship Card). All games terminated by an official will result in a 1-0 victory for the team that is innocent of the terminal offense(s). It is recommended that the game should count in league statistics as a full game, and all goals, assists, saves, and other team statistics should count toward team and league records.

Rules Changes and Modification

a) NFHS rules and the supplemental rules are reviewed annually by US Lacrosse Men’s Game Rules Subcommittee, which may adopt any changes or modifications deemed necessary to ensure safe play at all levels.

b) coaches, officials or other parties may submit comments or suggestions regarding the Rules for Boys’ Youth Lacrosse at any time before June 1, 2012 for consideration by the USL Men’s Game Rules Sub Committee. Any changes or modifications that are recommended by the Rules Subcommittee and approved by the USL Men’s Game Committee will be effective for the Boys’ Youth Rules in the 2013 NFHS rules book.

c) Please send all comments or suggestions regarding the Rules for Boys’ Youth Lacrosse to the US Lacrosse Men’s Game Rules Subcommittee, at the address below, or to boysyouthrules@uslacrosse.org. Please do not contact NFHS about these rules.

Rule 1-2-1 Penalty: If, because of a logo or any other reason, the home team's field is without a clearly marked center line, possession of the ball goes to the visiting team to begin the contest.Rule 4-3-3: The crosses and gloves shall rest on the ground along the center line parallel to each other, up to, but not touching, the center line.Rule 4-7-1: If at any point the ball becomes stuck in the front or back of the crosse, there shall be an immediate whistle and the ball awarded to the opposing team. This rule applies when a player loses his crosse and the ball remains in or under the head of the crosse.

According to the 2010-11 NFHS Athletics Participation Survey, 2,068 schools sponsor boys' lacrosse at the high school level with 90,670 participants nationwide.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. - The Potomac Lacrosse Officials Association (PLOA) will be calling an “official’s time-out” this spring to step off the lacrosse field and onto the track to participate in the American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life” on May 14th and 15th, 2011 at Forest Park High School in Woodbridge, Va.

The PLOA will participate in the popular event benefitting The American Cancer Society. Team members plan to wear their black and white striped officiating shirts throughout the event and encourage others to support their cause by either joining their team or by making a sponsoring donation.

The PLOA is the largest officials association in the Mid-Atlantic region with membership exceeding 450 officials.

PLOA President Ted ‘Dash’ Dailey states, “our members are honored to participate in this life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the area a chance to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones and fight back against the disease.”

Further information on joining the team or making a donation can be obtained by e-mailing ploacharitywalk@gmail.com.

NFHS PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (August 18, 2010) — The definition of an illegal body check in high school boys lacrosse widens next season to include initiating contact directly to an opponent’s head or initiating contact to an opponent’s body that then follows through to the head.

This addition to Rule 5-3 was one of four changes made by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Boys Lacrosse Rules Committee at its July 27-28 meeting in Indianapolis. These changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

“There were already some provisions in the rules that prohibited head-to-head contact but the committee wanted to remove checking with or to the head from the game,” said Kent Summers, NFHS assistant director and liaison to the Boys Lacrosse Rules Committee. “Spearing – leading with the top of your head into another player – has been illegal for a number of years. Now, anytime a player initiates a check with his head or to his opponent’s head, it is a violation.”

“The committee wants to minimize and hopefully eliminate head injuries from the game,” Summers said.

The NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee’s clarification of concussion procedures, which is now part of all NFHS sports rules, was added to Rule 4-28-7. That rule now states that “any player who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion or balance problems) shall be immediately removed from the game and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health-care professional.”

In other changes, Rule 1-2-1 now stipulates that “if a field of play has a logo in the center or at any other part of the field of play, that logo should not obstruct the visibility of the required marks. A solid or shadow-bordered line is permissible.” The committee defines a shadow line as a line that designates the continuation of the required line by a border or outlines, at least ¼-inch wide.

“This has been a big problem,” Summers said. “The center of the field must be clearly defined so officials can correctly administer a face-off and can identify where to award the ball in certain situations.”

The final rules change allows contrasting colored piping, 1/8-inch wide or less, on uniforms. This rule was changed in 2008 to alleviate officials’ confusion about contrasting-colored yokes. Piping does not pose this problem.

In addition to the four rules changes, the committee also specified eight editorial changes. The three most significant editorial changes are:

• 1-10-1b – Hard and unyielding items (guards, casts, braces, splints, etc.) on the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow or upper arm are prohibited unless it is necessary to protect an injury. If worn, the area of the body must be padded with a closed-cell, slow-recovery foam padding no less than ½-inch thick. Knee and ankle braces which are unaltered from the manufacturer’s original design/production do not require any additional padding.
• 4-3-5 – The official will sound the whistle promptly after readying the ball for play and stating the word “set.” For hearing-impaired players, a reasonable accommodation for the “set” command and whistle sound will be provided.
• 5-6-3 – Slashing shall include striking an opponent on any part of the body with the crosse (including its cap end), except when done by a player in the act of passing, shooting or attempting to scoop the ball.

Boys lacrosse had 88,596 participants in 1,984 schools during the 2008-09 season, according to the High School Athletics Participation Survey conducted by the NFHS.

Hello fellow PLOA Officials,

A short note of thanks and a recap of my World Lacrosse Championship experience a few weeks ago in Manchester, England.

First – Thank you! The support of PLOA and its membership was very much appreciated. The trip was not possible without the help of an association such as PLOA.

Second – a recap.

Travel and Officials:
We had to arrive in Manchester 4 days prior to the Opening ceremonies. There were a total of 12 USA officials, and 65 WLC Officials overall.  We were broken down into Blue Division and Red Division. USA, Canada and England each had 4 refs in the Blue Division. Japan, Australia, Germany added a couple also. The remainder of us were in the Red Division. Not only did the Iroquois team not show up in England – their refs backed out too. (England added a couple of local Manchester refs – and worse than most PLOA refs for sure) Refs were there from Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand, Korea, Czech Republic, etc. Many countries – Scotland, Slovakia, Hong Kong, etc don’t have referees yet.

Testing:

This was the first year the FIL introduced a mandatory passing of the FIFA Physical Fitness test. European countries and Canada have used the testing the past two years- buts it new to USA guys.

All refs showed up in much better shape –and we had to perform the following:

Sit & Reach, Canadian Crunch, 35 Meter Sprint, Illinois Agility, T – Test, “Beep” test, RAST Test (Series of six 35 Meter Sprints w/10 second rests).

We then had to pass a closed book rules test on the International Rules and Mechanics.

If you passed the Physical and Rules test, and then attained a score of 88 or better in two field assessments – you became a certified FIL Official. (Yes, I’m certified.)

Games:
I officiated the following games: (officiate one per day)

• Netherland vs Wales
• Switzerland vs Korea
• Latvia vs New Zealand
• Norway vs Slovakia
• Hong Kong vs Switzerland
• Italy vs Denmark
• Scotland vs Australia
• Italy vs Slovakia
• Netherlands vs Scotland – 7th Place game

Overall Thoughts:
A great experience if you get the opportunity to try out. I met some great refs from around the US and Canada. (US and Canadian refs are easily the best refs in the World. – to emphasize, the Head Ref in the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th and 15th place games were all USA officials. )

The commitment started with the application in Spring of last year, then tryouts in June 2009 at Bryant University for 4 days, then exhibition games in the fall, early spring, and early summer. (I went to Stonybrook, Navy, and Disney)

My stomach hurt at times through out the experience from laughing so much with the other refs – especially our own USA guys.

The food was plentiful but bland, the beers plenty, and sleep at a premium. (7 AM daily meetings)

I posted some pictures of the event in case you want to check ‘em out.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=125944&id=611566773&l=7c3d9f0b74

Thanks –  I did my best to represent PLOA as best I could.

Mike

Congratulations to PLOA members Mike Hyland (Huntington, MD) and Andy Woods (Reston, VA)!

Mike has been selected as one of only ten officials named to the U.S. delegation to officiate at this summer's 2010 FIL World Championship (http://www.2010worldlacrosse.com) in Manchester, England.  This is going to be the biggest world championships to date with 30 nations competing for the title. PLOA and US Lacrosse-Potomac Chapter are each donating $500 to help Mike defer travel expenses.

Andy has been officially invited to attend the Level 3 2010 Vail Lacrosse Shoot-out LAREDO event as District 4’s representative (http://www.uslacrosse.org/TopNav2Left/Officials/MensOfficialsInformation/LAREDO.aspx).   Since the late 1980s, the LAREDO (LAcrosse REferee DevelOpment) program has been providing training for lacrosse officials around the country. The Level 3 events are designed for officials ready to make the jump from 2-man to 3-man mechanics and are ready to join the ranks of the College Officials Committee (COC).

A Few Thoughts About Officiating

By Steve Stenerson 4/24/10

Officiating is much more than knowing the rules and blowing a whistle...it's also about engaging and connecting with players, parents and coaches to remind them that officials are human, after all.

You may be surprised that some of the strongest influencers of my development as a lacrosse player were officials. It’s been a while since I played my last game, and three knee surgeries have prevented me from taking the field as a "masters" player, but I vividly remember the qualities of a few officials whose effort and style contributed greatly to my lacrosse experience. Unfortunately, officials have become convenient targets for coaches, players and parents because the concept of personal responsibility has been all but lost in our sports culture. It’s just too easy for everyone to blame an official for any number of outcomes within a game, including the final score. I think most people, when pressed, would admit they understand that the accumulation of hundreds of decisions by coaches and players throughout a game – both well and poorly executed – are the true determinate of a game’s outcome. And most appreciate that officials – like coaches and players – are bound to make mistakes from time to time. Unfortunately, the reaction to an official’s mistake (real or imagined) is too often one of blame. The irony of this reaction, particularly regarding parents and fans, is that it’s often based on ignorance of the letter and spirit of the rules.

The best advice I can offer to developing officials is to build an appropriate on-field relationship with players, coaches and fans throughout a game. Officials have a significant responsibility to objectively enforce the rules of play to assure a fair competition and maximize player safety. But youth and high school officials, particularly, have the opportunity to help teach the game and temper emotions that could lead to unsafe play. In doing so, they have the opportunity to build greater respect from players. In my experience, no one did this better than Scott Boyle, who died tragically at age 55 from a heart attack while officiating a men’s game between Navy and Georgetown in 2005.

Although Scott had become one of the best men’s lacrosse officials in the country, he was always focused on improving his craft…whether he was officiating a world championship, NCAA championship, high school game or youth tournament. He was the absolute best at talking to players during the heat of competition, reminding them that the rules prohibited certain behavior, and telling them to take it easy when intensity flared. "Take it easy number 36…let the man move inside…keep your checks down…" This wasn’t meddling with the outcome of a game, it was effective game management that allowed action to flow, reduced the number of whistles, and made a better game experience for players and fans alike. When I saw Scott officiate youth games, he made every call a teaching moment for players. He also took the time and had the courtesy to appropriately engage parents with updates on simple things like time remaining, game score and, from time to time, quick-witted game commentary that always broke the tension of the often-too-serious focus of parents. It’s true that Scott had a personality and sense of confidence that helped him become a good official, but it’s also true that he worked hard to become a great official. He believed that officiating was much more than knowing the rules and blowing a whistle. He engaged and connected with players, parents and coaches while he worked and, in the process, reminded us all that officials were human after all.

Reprint of Washington Post article "Fastest (Growing) Sport on Two Feet"

Lacrosse is a boom sport at Washington area high schools

By Preston Williams, Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, April 8, 2010; D01

Westfield outfielder Ryan Sweet could hear the spirited din from the lacrosse field behind him, guys yelling, running, colliding. Sounded like fun. Meantime, he idled in center field, glove on hand, watching his pitcher retire batter after batter with nary a ball hit his way.

"It felt like I was just standing there," Sweet said, "killing grass."

It was time for a change. So just before the baseball season began last month, Sweet, a senior and returning starter for a team that went 21-2 last year, traded in his cap and glove for a lacrosse stick and helmet.

"I'm having a blast," said Sweet, a defender. "Lacrosse is everything I had hoped for."

Sweet is far from alone in his attraction to a sport called the fastest game on two feet. For years now, lacrosse has been considered the hot sport in the Washington area, and it is showing no signs of cooling off.

Loudoun County's youth league participation has about tripled in the past seven years, said Mark Loving, president of Western Loudoun Lacrosse, one of four youth lacrosse clubs in the county. The Charles County school system in Maryland added lacrosse last year. Montgomery County added junior varsity lacrosse in 2008. Wilson this spring became the first District public school to field a team. Virginia began crowning state boys' and girls' champions in 2006.

More high school teams are having to make cuts. Langley had 100 hopefuls try out and crammed 69 boys onto its varsity and junior varsity squads. The area is producing more top-tier college players, with Loudoun becoming more influential; two seniors there are bound for two-time defending NCAA champion Syracuse.

Cabell Maddux, founder and owner of MadLax, a youth lacrosse enterprise that runs camps and sells gear, said that in 1999, his organization fielded the only all-star travel boys' lacrosse team in the Washington area. Now he counts more than a dozen.

"The boom is on," said Langley Coach Earl Brewer, who helped found McLean Youth Lacrosse in 1982 and who has two young sons involved in lacrosse. "It's the sport kids want to play."

"With all the thousands and thousands and thousands of kids I've coached through camp," Maddux said, "I'd definitely say that less than 5 percent of the kids quit the sport after trying it."

'Something more'

So what is the appeal of this centuries-old Native American game, the oldest sport in North America? For starters, it combines elements of more familiar sports, yet at the same time provides a fresh framework. It can be played proficiently by students who don't have to be the biggest, fastest or strongest in their class.

Lacrosse blends the contact of football, the speed of soccer and hockey, and many of the same principles as basketball and is played with a solid rubber ball whose velocity at times exceeds highway speed limits. The 10-on-10 games feature almost nonstop movement.

"Lacrosse is a game played with a lot of heart," said Loudoun Valley Coach Jeff Lewandowski, a transplant from the lacrosse-rich Syracuse area. "If your skills are sound, meaning your stick skills and lacrosse IQ, you can have a lot of success."

Just as kids find lacrosse fun to play, spectators find it fun to watch. Some athletic directors say that boys' lacrosse is their greatest draw at the gate after football and basketball.

Loudoun Valley senior Garrett Swankowski, a Virginia recruit, got into the sport about four years ago against his will, because his mother wanted him to try out. She had an ulterior motive.

"I played baseball, and she hated watching baseball," Swankowski said with a laugh. "She wanted something more exciting to watch."

There is more lacrosse to see than ever in the area. At a time when many jurisdictions were considering cutting sports to save money, Charles County in Southern Maryland last year added lacrosse, the official team sport of Maryland, to its six high schools to meet a growing demand for the sport.

"It's a really big deal for us," said Lackey senior Mike Mozier, an all-county goalkeeper. "We didn't realize how big lacrosse was in the state. What football is down here is what lacrosse is in the rest of the state."

'Going to get you fired'

Lacrosse was not always so embraced. When the Maginnis brothers, Dave and Paul, moved to Northern Virginia from lacrosse hotbed Towson in the early 1970s, they inquired about forming a school club team at Lake Braddock.

They found a patron in Bud Mayo, a social studies teacher and assistant football coach. At that point, lacrosse had been more of a private school endeavor, and it proved to be a tough sell with some at the public schools.

Area athletic directors, unenthused about overseeing another sport and wondering what problems lacrosse might yield in regard to field-use squabbles and turnout for the other spring athletics, largely stiff-armed it.

"I was told flat-out by some of the [ADs], 'There's not enough interest in a sport like this,' " Mayo recalled. A colleague warned, "That lacrosse is going to get you fired."

As a club team, Lake Braddock had to practice off campus and provide its own transportation and equipment. With nowhere locally to buy gear, Mayo would drive to Severna Park, with players' orders and their checks or cash, to load up on gloves, sticks and helmets. Mayo chuckles now when he sees local TV commercials touting "the largest selection of lacrosse gear" in Northern Virginia.

Clubs also sprouted at W.T. Woodson and West Springfield and other schools. Mayo said one key moment occurred in 1978, when Lake Braddock knocked off established private school program Episcopal, an eye-opener for many.

"That was kind of the pivotal event," Mayo said, "of lacrosse and the legitimacy of it. We began being able to compete. Prior to that, we weren't really competing. We were showing up."

A dozen years later, Fairfax County made lacrosse an official sport.

'Viable' recruiting option

The Washington area might not catch up to lacrosse havens Long Island, Baltimore or upstate New York anytime soon, but the number of participants and quality of play likely will to continue to grow.

MadLax's Maddux, who has coached at three area high schools, has an upcoming camp for 4- to 6-year-olds, an event he said he would have scoffed at five years ago. He had to cap the number of entrants at 32, double what he expected for such a young age group.

Loudoun Valley's Lewandowski said that students are getting to high school with better stick skills and a greater understanding of the sport, which can allow for more sophisticated coaching. Coaches also report more players considering lacrosse their primary sport, not their stay-in-shape sport.

"I think kids are seeing it's harder to get into college with other sports like football and baseball," said Loudoun Valley midfielder Chris Daddio, a Syracuse recruit. "With lacrosse, if you're an athlete, it's easy to learn . . . so kids just catch on to it easily. If you're an athlete and you just work on it, it's an easy thing to get into college with."

The top five men's teams in the NCAA coaches' poll -- Virginia, Syracuse, North Carolina, Maryland and Princeton -- all have a Northern Virginia public school product on their rosters. Those teams and Johns Hopkins have won every NCAA championship since 1977.

"The fact that you've got major universities starting to look at Northern Virginia as a viable option for recruiting speaks volumes," Lewandowski said. "When that kind of stuff starts to happen, interest starts to go up more, and goals are set higher."

"Heads Up on Concussions" by Steve Sternerson, Chief Executive Officer, US Lacrosse

We know so much more about concussion injuries today, including the fact that a brain injury (which is really what a concussion is) can cause long term damage if not recognized and treated responsibly. Although the overall injury profile in both boys and girls lacrosse is favorable when compared to other sports, concussion remains a concern for lacrosse players.

Two weeks ago, I attended a symposium on concussion in Indianapolis hosted by the American College of Sports Medicine. Dr. Margot Putukian, the Director of Athletic Medicine at Princeton and the chair of the US Lacrosse Sports Science & Safety Committee, joined me there. The event featured the leaders of a number of sports governing bodies, as well as representatives from the NCAA, NFHS and NFL.

Presenting were some of the leading authorities on concussion, including Dr. Robert Cantu, who recently co-founded the Sports Legacy Institute. The meeting was focused on establishing a collaboration between the medical and amateur sports communities to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of concussion and establish consistent messaging about the critical importance of removing an athlete from play when a concussion is suspected until evaluated and cleared by an appropriate medical professional.

We know so much more about concussion injuries today, including the fact that a brain injury (which is really what a concussion is) can cause long term damage if not recognized and treated responsibly. Although the overall injury profile in both boys and girls lacrosse is favorable when compared to other sports, concussion remains a concern for lacrosse players. The injury can occur when a player’s head comes to an abrupt stop, either as a result of head-to-head or stick to head contact in the boys’ game or stick-to-head contact in the girls’ game…both of which are illegal. The injury can also happen when a player falls and hits his/her head on the ground. In each of these cases, a sudden deceleration of the brain causes the brain to impact the inside of the skull.

Unfortunately, no helmet in any sport can prevent concussion, and concussion is not an injury risk limited to sport. While parents must understand that there is a risk of injury in lacrosse as there is in any activity, the best way to minimize the potential of concussion is to make sure that coaches are teaching proper technique according to both the letter and spirit of the rules.

Too often I have seen players in both boys’ and girls’ lacrosse who are either overly aggressive or out of control, which can be a direct reflection of the coaching they are receiving. Boys’ lacrosse is a contact sport, but it is not intended to be a collision sport like football, and head-to head contact is illegal and dangerous. Girls’ lacrosse is a fluid game in which defense is intended to be played primarily with the feet, not the stick; uncontrolled stick swinging is illegal and dangerous.

However, even the best coaching and equipment can’t prevent accidental injury, so make sure – as coach or parent – that you are aware of the signs and symptoms of concussion. If you suspect a player has sustained a concussion, withhold that player for further competition – practice or game – until he/she has been fully evaluated by a medical professional who has experience recognizing and treating concussion injury. When in doubt, sit them out!

You can find out more about concussion by visiting www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/high_school.html

The below video clip is the first part of US Lacrosse's very popular You Make the Call series that was featured on LaxMagazine.com.  These videos have sparked great debate and conversation among trainees, but may also produce some confusion.  The video clips shown were picked intentionally because of their ambiguity.  That is, they were selected because there was no clear answer.  It is our hope, however, that with expert guidance from PLOA's many mentors, this discussion among new trainees can and will foster a more complete understanding of the rules of men’s lacrosse and of the softer side of officiating and managing the game.

Thanks for all that you do to keep the games safe, fun, and fair!

The entire library of videlo clips can be found under the "You Make The Call" submenu along the top bar. 

Click below to play clip (YMTC01).  Note: .mov files are very large and take awhile to download.  You will need a media player installed on your computer to view the clip.

PLOA will conduct its annual general meeting on 02/28/10 (Sunday) beginning at 9:30 am. The meeting will be held at Marymount University, 2807 N. Glebe Rd., Arlington, VA 22207-4299, in conjunction with the US Lacrosse-Potomac Chapter's 22nd Annual Coaches Clinic.

The VHSL 2010 Rules Clinic, which is mandatory for adult officials wishing to cover Virginia public high school games, will be presented by John Titus immediately following PLOA's meeting. Lunch will also be served.

The PLOA Nominating Committee is now accepting nominations for the 2010 slate of officers. A description of each office (president, two vice president, treasurer and secretary) can be found in the PLOA Constitution and By-Laws, which appear under the "PLOA Handouts" submenu.

Any PLOA member in good standing may nominate another member or himself for any office. Nomination shall close on 12/15/09.

Nominations should be directed to the chair of the Nominating Committee, Homer Schwartz (e-mail: homerschwartz@verizon.net / tel: 703-505-2633).

"We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give."
    Winston Churchill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (September 18, 2009) —  Beginning next season, boys lacrosse players must wrap their fingers around the handle of the crosse during a faceoff.

This clarification of Rule 4-3-4 was one of nine changes made by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Boys Lacrosse Rules Committee at its July 14-15 meeting in Indianapolis. These changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

“Fingers may not touch the head of the crosse,” said Kent Summers, NFHS assistant director and liaison to the Boys Lacrosse Rules Committee, “and further, a player must wrap his fingers around the handle.”

In other changes, Rule 2-1-1 now clarifies the penalty and procedure if a team fails to have a properly equipped goalkeeper at the beginning of the contest. The new entry reads: “A team shall begin the game with at least 10 players and must have a legally equipped goalkeeper on the field at all times or it forfeits the game.”

“The rule was put in place last year, but the penalty was not clearly stipulated when a team started a game without a properly equipped goalkeeper,” Summers said. “It is now more clearly stated.”

The rules committee also identified “Failure to have a properly equipped designated goalkeeper” as illegal procedure in Rule 6-5-2t.

In 2010, the NFHS wants to ensure that enforcement of the current check rules is closely followed. A portion of Rule 4-16 was rewritten to state that “Body checking of an opponent in possession of the ball or within five yards of a loose ball or when the ball is in flight within five yards of a player is legal.”

Also revised for the 2010 season was Rule 6-3-2f, which now reads: “Hold the crosse of the opponent using any part of the body.” This revision makes “locking down with his arm or any other part of the body” over a defender’s stick illegal.

Four of the nine rules revisions are major editorial changes. Rule 4-3-1 was changed in order to establish possession of the ball if a period ends with one of the teams being a man down due to a penalty. The rule gives possession to the team that would have been awarded possession after the penalty or entitled to possession by a play-on. If neither team has a man advantage, the next period will begin with a faceoff.

Another major editorial change was approved in Rule 4-6-3a, which now states: “In the case of a loose ball declared out of bounds, the location of the restart is determined by the point where the ball broke the plane of the boundary line.”

Rule 4-9-2k was changed to clarify procedure in Rule 5-4 Situations D and E. The rule clarified the situation if a player adjusts the strings or crosse in any way before an official has inspected the stick, and how this situation would be handled.

Finally, the rules committee added a new sentence to the first paragraph of Rule 7-3: “If the ball has crossed the end line prior to the penalty occurring, the ball shall be restarted at that spot.” This makes any simultaneous foul (either live ball or dead ball) have the same restart location and clarifies last year’s original change to this rule.

In addition to the nine rules revisions, the committee also established five Points of Emphasis for the upcoming season: 1) pregame management and risk minimization; 2) enforcement of current body check rules; 3) reminding players and coaches that, although the NCAA has revised stick specifications beginning with the 2010 season, the NFHS stick dimensions have not changed; 4) stalling; and 5) crosse construction.

Boys lacrosse had 88,596 participants in 1,984 schools during the 2008-09 season, according to the High School Athletics Participation Survey conducted by the NFHS.