Layers of Lax

The conversation continues regarding positioning and responsibilities for the trail and lead. You will learn about the key elements of restarting play when the ball is in and going out of the Critical Scoring Area (CSA). Other topics include offsides (i.e. counting players), restart communication protocols, false start enforcement, and defining playing distance.

Officiating girls lacrosse (and any other sport) is like a three-legged stool. If one leg is broken, it can leave the rest of your game wobbly and unstable. Most officials understand that the first two legs are critical to success: rules knowledge and mechanics/positioning. In this episode, we dive deep into the equally important third leg; effective game management.

In this episode, you will learn about the key aspects of positioning and responsibilities for the trail and lead in two-person mechanics. This includes the general movements and positioning immediately after the draw, onto when the ball settles below the restraining line. You will also receive a crash course on the “Quadrants” method of umpire positioning. Click the link to access the US Lacrosse two-person positioning slide deck. 

In Part 2, Karen Blaine (host) and Mike Johnson (co-host) recap the key points regarding the administration of the draw. Then, the discussion turns to understanding the importance of the field lines that come into play before, during, and immediately after the draw  (i.e. center circle and center line, restraining lines, and boundary lines). Click this link to access a field diagram.

Karen Blaine (host) and Mike Johnson (co-host), dive into the nuances of one of the game’s most important facets, the draw. In this episode, we learn about the key draw responsibilities for both umpires in two-man mechanics; as well as the distinctions between early entry and illegal entry. 

In Part 2, girls lacrosse umpires, Karen Blaine and Mike Johnson, continue the discussion about the umpire’s responsibilities prior to the start of the game. This episode focuses on checking in with the timer and scorekeeper, proper stick and equipment checks, and players’ and officials’ uniform requirements.  

In this inaugural episode, girls lacrosse umpires, Karen Blaine and Mike Johnson, discuss the official's responsibilities prior to the start of the game. These critical duties include the field inspection, equipment inspection, and the coaches and captain’s meeting. 

Send rules questions, case plays and comments to the show at: [email protected]; @laxlayers on Twitter

Trailer for podcast to promote consistent officiating calls and perspectives in girls lacrosse.