Layers of Lax

In this episode, we take time to recap and reflect on the first full NFHS season since the start of the global pandemic. We recollect on the areas where officials consistently got it right; and we break down some key areas for improvement going into summer tournament season and into next spring 2022. 

This bonus episode covers what each official needs to know in preparation for postseason play. Click this link to access the Table Official Game sheet.

In this episode, you will learn about positioning and key responsibilities for the Lead (A or B), Deep Trail (A or B) and Center (C) positions in three-person mechanics. Click the links to watch accompanying training videos: Three-Person Positioning: Part 1 and Part 2. 

In this episode, hosts Karen Blaine and Mike Johnson address the listeners' questions and game situations, which include:

1. What is the penalty for a suspended player who re-enters the game?
2. What is the proper restart after an illegal equipment violation (e.g. jewelry) ?
3. What type of foul is it when there are more than 3 players from one team within the restraining lines immediately after the official has her hands on sticks for the draw?
4. How should we enforce inadvertent contact to the head on a player with or without a helmet?
5. When should table officials allow players into the sub box area? Appendix C (pg. 97 of rulebook)
6. What is the signal and penalty enforcement for a 10 second violation on the goal keeper? 
7. If a ball goes out of bounds on the draw is the result always a re-draw? 
8. Can you set up a free position on the hash mark(s) that are located on the goal line extended (GLE)?

In this episode, hosts Karen Blaine and Mike Johnson address the listeners' questions and game situations, which include:

1. How should we restart play after an early entry violation from the sub box?
2. Can a goal be scored with anything other than a crosse? 
3. Is it dangerous propelling when a missed shot hits a player who is located below the goal line extended? 
4. What is the penalty if a suspended player re-enters the game? 
5. How should we handle the increasing level of flopping in the girls/women's game? 

In this episode, we peel back the layers pertaining to the distinction between an offsetting foul versus a subsequent foul. Understanding the “freeze frame” metaphor, offsetting fouls are fouls that occur within the same “snapshot” of time. Subsequent fouls occur in separate snapshots. We also learn that fouls that occur by both teams during a slow whistle (i.e. yellow flag) situation, will offset and why. The show closes with a case play from a listener regarding this higher-level topic. 

This episode focuses strictly on Rule 7: Goal Circle, Goalkeeper and Deputy rules. Host Karen Blaine explains why this position is so unique that it warrants its own separate rules. She details what the goalie is allowed to do while in her circle, and how her player status changes when she decides to come out of her circle. Also discussed are the definition and rules regarding the deputy and the special free position  setup for when a deputy commits a goal circle violation. 

Lastly, we will learn how to set up free positions for when the goalie commits a major foul (including cardable fouls), a minor foul or a goal circle violation. These setups can vary depending on the spot of the ball and the goalie’s status; whether she is in, out or partially in the circle. 

In this bonus episode, host Karen Blaine details the NFHS procedure for handling overtime periods. Note that some state associations may have a limit on the number of overtimes allowed for regular season games. Be sure to understand your state’s rule adoption. 

Also, timeouts remaining from regulation play do not carry over into overtime. Each team is afforded one (1) timeout per overtime period (Rule 4-3-1)

In this episode, host Karen Blaine conducts an in-depth breakdown of the large and small differences between the NFHS and NCAA rules codes. For umpires who work both levels, be sure to give this specific episode multiple listens.  

The information presented is valuable not only for umpires who officiate both levels, but also for those who officiate high school and below only and work with officials who may unintentionally make calls or have fans and coaches yelling for calls that only apply to the higher level. This episode covers approximately 20 rules contrasts, but there are many more. 

In the second episode of the In the Line of Fire series, Liz Brush (US Lacrosse Game Manager) is our special guest. Liz officiates all levels of the game, including international play. Of her many achievements, she has officiated multiple Women’s Lacrosse NCAA Championship games. During this interview, Liz draws from her vast experiences to share game management and awareness insights; including interesting stories and situations regarding pre-game, partners, and coaches.