Layers of Lax

In this episode, hosts Karen Blaine and Mike Johnson examine the 19 instances listed in the NCAA rule book that constitute a delay of game (i.e. Green Card). 

Please note that this episode focuses solely on the collegiate level of play.

This episode focuses strictly on the gray areas of girls lacrosse. When should officials stick strictly to the black and white of the rulebook? When should officials employ the flexibility that is built into the intent of the rules? Let’s fine tune our judgment and decision making by analyzing situations in which we should apply the science vs. the art of officiating.  

As a bonus, we are sharing the audio portion of a presentation given by host Karen Blaine to a local group of girls lax officials. During this session, you will learn about what the goalkeeper can and cannot do, which pieces of equipment she must and may wear; as well as the new rules regarding this unique position.  This episode is geared strictly to NFHS rules.

You can access the 2022 Rule Updates- Goalies worksheet by clicking the link.

During this episode, hosts Karen Blaine and Mike Johnson begin with a review of the basics of understanding boundary balls and the boundary lines. Then we’ll dive a layer deeper into the 2022 new rule updates regarding boundaries:

1. Any player from the team awarded possession on a boundary ball may restart play; no longer must it be the closest player (new NFHS rule now aligns with NCAA rule).  
2. As soon as the player in possession steps onto the field, play has restarted; no option to pause and wait for a whistle (new NFHS rule now aligns with NCAA rule). 
3. If a player in possession restarts play with a pass from out of bounds, it is a turnover; it is no longer a reset. In NFHS, this turnover will be classified as a minor foul (there are no minor fouls in NCAA play). 
4. All boundary restarts occur at the boundary line; even when the goalkeeper while in her circle is the closest player to the ball where it exited the field. If she is the player who restarts play for her team, she may not carry the ball back into the circle unless she rolls it in first, then follows. 

In this episode, host Karen Blaine previews the high school rules changes for the upcoming 2022 season. Listeners will be introduced to the first layer of these changes in this preview. Please note that this podcast is not intended to pre-empt nor replace any state or local association interpretations or the upcoming LaxCon 2022 event (Jan. 14-16).

Click this link to access the NFHS  Girls Lacrosse Rules Changes- 2022 (published 8/12/21). 

During episode 3 and episode 4 of season 1, we learned about the specific rules, mechanics,  positioning and responsibilities in regards to the draw. In this episode, we dive a layer or two deeper to understand the importance of staying tuned in during the draw in order to efficiently rule on the legality of the centers’ actions and who may be advantaged or disadvantaged. 

In this episode, hosts Karen Blaine and Mike Johnson wrap up the tournament season and look forward to the upcoming year by discussing the importance of supporting our partners on and off the field. You will learn from stories of positive and uplifting examples of crew support and encouragement. You will also hear of unfortunate examples in which partners’ actions can strip confidence and credibility from the individual and the officiating team as a whole. 

This episode's special guest is Patty Daley, the founding executive director of the Collegiate Women's Lacrosse Officiating Association (CWLOA). Patty shares lessons from her 29 years of officiating; as well as observations as a current women's lacrosse club coach and tournament director.