Layers of Lax

In Part 2, host Karen Blaine trains the listener on the official’s duties and mechanics for penalty administration and player positioning for free position (FP) setups in the Critical Scoring Area. Also explained is how free movement applies during an 8m or 12m FP.  Additionally, the hosts discuss the nuances of handling false starts (i.e. whistle start violations) by the attack and defense.

The show recaps the recent rule changes allowing players to run directly onto the field after a boundary ball and the resetting of self-start violations. Lastly, the listener will learn how to determine which team is awarded possession after a shot or deflected shot that crosses a boundary. 

During this show, hosts Karen Blaine and Mike Johnson cover the elements of starting and restarting play. When can a player self-start (Rule 5-4)? What are the 6 game situations in which a self-start is not an option (5-4-4)? How should officials handle false starts this year? Should they blow the whistle and reset play? Or turn the ball over to the opponent? In this episode, these questions and more will be addressed regarding this critical facet of the game.

Part 2 of the major fouls topic focuses specifically on misconduct fouls; the type of fouls that rise to cardable foul status. We will learn about the 5 mandatory cardable fouls: Dangerous Propelling, Follow Through, Contact, Slash & Check to the head. Then, host, Karen Blain, walks the listener through the proper mechanics of serving a card. The show wraps up with a couple of questions from the listener.  

This week's episode focuses on major fouls (ones which do not rise to the level of misconduct). Host Karen Blaine briefly details fouls by the defense, including illegal checking (10-1r), in the sphere (10-1d1.), 3 seconds violation (10-1y), and reach across the body (10-1u). We also touch upon fouls committed with the body; including blocking (10-1a), holding (10-1m), and pushing (10-1t). 

The major portion of the episode dives deeper on fouls by the attack; such as illegal cradle (10-1d2.), charging (10-1b), forcing through (10-1k), and illegal picks (10-1q).

Additionally, Karen breaks down the mechanics and timing of the slow whistle (i.e. yellow flag- Rule 11). The show concludes with questions from the listeners.

In part 2, Gordon Corsetti details the tenets of his mental agility practice. These tools are valuable to all officials and every area of life that involves performance or navigating stressful situations. For more information on how to take your game to the next level, visit Gordon’s Mentally Agile site for Sports Officials.

Men’s lacrosse official, Gordon Corsetti, is the first special guest of the podcast. Gordon shares how officiating has helped in his personal life; and conversely, how the coping mechanisms he has developed have fueled his growth as an official. In 2018, his personal and officiating story was highlighted in US Lacrosse Magazine. 

As officials in all sports, we understand the importance of mastering the rules and mechanics. What often gets lost is the mental and psychological aspect of our avocation. In this episode, Gordon delivers stories and lessons that we can all learn from to raise our own level of mental performance. 

In Part 2 of the Youth Game episodes, the show focuses on the rules for U12 and U14. Additionally, we will peel back layers of minor (i.e. empty stick check, cover) and major fouls (i.e. 3 seconds on defense, shooting space), as well as the youth mercy rule. For your reference, be sure to check out the 2020 Youth Girls Rules Chart.

This episode is geared towards the younger (i.e. high school age) and newer umpires officiating the youth game. The hosts focus on the key similarities and differences between high school rules vs. youth rules. We’ll specifically learn about 3 seconds closely guarded; modified checking; and transitional checking for youth age levels U6 , U8 and U10. 

This episode will get you prepped for the upcoming girls lacrosse season; highlighting parts of the game that have been updated, or are new. These items include the stick inspection, equipment and eyewear, FREE MOVEMENT, running in from out of bounds, check to the head/neck, and much more! Also, as supplements to the 2020 Rule book, be sure to review the 2020 Rule book Interpretations, Corrections and Edits; as well as the Boundary Balls FAQ. 

In this episode, Karen Blaine answers questions sent in by the listeners. This show provides a refresher on the differences between early entry vs illegal sub. It also recaps the positioning concept of swim lanes;  and addresses the “coffin corner”. Mike Johnson shares a game situation that happens only a couple of times per season; and Karen breaks down the call and proper penalty administration.