Feb 1, 2009

NLL RULES


For those fans new to Indoor Lacrosse, the rules and more specifically the penalties can be a bit confusing. The game is rough and even violent at times. What distinguishes a penalty from a good play? One rule that has a bit of gray area is illegal cross checking.

As defined in the 2009 NLL Rulebook, A legal crosscheck shall be a check on the arms below the shoulders and above the waist rendered with both hands on the stick, on an opponent with possession of the ball. The extension of the arms while the check is being delivered is permissible. An illegal cross check shall be a check on an opponent above the shoulders, below the waist or on the back. The League may at their discretion, review any penalty assessed under this rule. A defender who cross-checks a player, who is in a stationary position and not in possession of the ball shall be assessed a penalty. A player who uses excessive unequal pressure and force to cross check a non-stationary opponent not in possession of the ball, shall be assessed a penalty.

You would think the definition might clear up all confusion, but I am afraid it is not that simple. Traditional “box lacrosse” rules allow for cross checking of an offensive player who is not in possession of the ball whether stationary or not. The NLL typically calls it somewhere in between the stated version and how the game is played in Canada and on the Reservations throughout the summer. The key phrase here is “equal pressure.” You are usually allowed to give an offensive player a couple “how you doin’” cross checks off ball to keep him honest. If this is “excessive” you can be called for illegal cross checking or roughing. If a player is cutting the middle you are allowed to cross check with equal pressure which means you can give him a shot as long as you don’t knock him back or blast him off his line. This is a bit of a judgment call.

If the player has the ball you can pretty much tee off on him as long as it is not from behind. The league has cracked down on head shots in the past couple years, so anything in the head is deemed a 5 minute major. Illegal Cross Checking can be called slightly different from game to game. Defenders must make appropriate adjustments in their aggression based on how tightly the referees are calling this and other infractions on a game to game basis. I hope this clears up some confusion. I will be addressing the roughing call along with illegal picks and screens in coming weeks.

No comments:

Post a Comment