Lacrosse Face Off Rules: A Comprehensive Guide to Faceoff Techniques and Violations

What are the key responsibilities of the Lead Official during a lacrosse faceoff. How should players position themselves for a legal faceoff. What are the most common faceoff violations in lacrosse. When does a faceoff violation result in a penalty.

The Lead Official’s Role in Lacrosse Faceoffs

The Lead Official plays a crucial role in ensuring fair and proper execution of faceoffs in lacrosse. Their responsibilities include:

• Placing the ball at the center X or midfield line
• Signaling the start of the 20-second timer
• Overseeing player positioning and equipment
• Conducting the faceoff cadence
• Monitoring for pre-whistle and post-whistle violations

After a goal or to begin a half, the Lead Official brings the ball to the center X, holds it above their head to signal the start of the 20-second timer, and then places it directly in the center. They remain over the ball until receiving the “Ready For Play” signal from the Wing Official.

Faceoff Cadence and Positioning

The official faceoff cadence is “Down, Set, Whistle.” Players must go down simultaneously on the “Down” command. After “Set,” players must remain motionless and silent until the whistle. The Lead Official may choose to stand straddling the midline or over a player’s shoulder, each position offering different visual angles of the action.

Pre-Whistle Faceoff Rules and Player Positioning

Proper player positioning is essential for a legal faceoff. Officials must check for the following before the whistle:

• Players go down simultaneously
• Hands and sticks do not touch the 4-inch neutral zone
• Hands are not touching the plastic of the stick head
• Ball is placed between the widest parts of the stick head
• No tape on the stick head
• Stick heads are perpendicular to the ground
• Both hands touch the ground
• Player’s entire body is to the left of the stick head
• No part of the stick touches the ball

Officials may provide verbal warnings for minor infractions early in the game, but repeated violations should be penalized.

Common Faceoff Violations and Penalties

Faceoff violations can occur both before and after the whistle. Some common infractions include:

1. Pinning an opponent’s or own stick with body parts
2. Deliberately delaying the release of the ball
3. Taking “body” off the whistle or hitting a kneeling opponent
4. Kicking an opponent’s stick
5. Touching the ball with fingers or palms
6. Ball becoming stuck in the stick head

Most violations result in an immediate whistle and a change of possession. However, touching the ball with fingers or palms incurs a one-minute unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

Ball Stuck in Stick Head

A unique situation arises when the ball becomes stuck in a player’s stick head. The official must determine if the ball is truly stuck before calling a violation. Players are allowed one “shake” or lacrosse motion to dislodge the ball. If unsuccessful, it’s considered Illegal Procedure.

Post-Whistle Faceoff Dynamics and Officiating

After the whistle blows, officials must stay vigilant for various infractions:

• Illegal body checks on kneeling opponents
• Deliberate attempts to trap or pin the ball
• Kicking of sticks or opponents
• Use of hands to control the ball

Quick whistles are essential in modern lacrosse to maintain control and pace of play. Officials should not hesitate to stop play if violations occur, especially if players are five yards or more away from the ball.

Equipment Regulations for Lacrosse Faceoffs

Proper equipment is crucial for fair faceoffs. Key regulations include:

• No tape on the plastic of the stick head
• Stick heads must be perpendicular to the ground
• The ball must be placed between the widest parts of the stick head
• No part of the stick may touch the ball before the whistle

Officials should inspect equipment before each faceoff to ensure compliance. Violations may result in penalties or loss of possession.

Stick Head Positioning

Proper stick head positioning is critical for a fair faceoff. How should players align their sticks? The head must be perpendicular to the ground, with the entire stick head to the right of the midline. This positioning ensures equal opportunity for both players to gain possession.

The Importance of Neutral Zone Integrity in Faceoffs

The neutral zone plays a crucial role in lacrosse faceoffs. This 4-inch area at midfield must remain clear of players’ hands, sticks, and bodies before the whistle. Why is this zone so important?

• Ensures equal opportunity for both players
• Prevents pre-whistle advantages
• Maintains consistency in faceoff execution

Officials must carefully monitor this area for any encroachments, which can result in immediate violations and change of possession.

Advanced Faceoff Techniques and Strategies

While officials focus on rule enforcement, players employ various techniques to gain an edge in faceoffs. Some advanced strategies include:

1. The clamp: Quickly securing the ball under the stick head
2. The rake: Pulling the ball backward with a swift motion
3. The plunger: Pushing forward to pop the ball out front
4. The jump: Explosive movement to gain possession quickly

These techniques, when executed properly, are legal and can significantly impact faceoff success rates. However, officials must remain vigilant for any violations that may occur during these maneuvers.

Countering Faceoff Specialists

As faceoff specialists become more prevalent, how do teams adapt? Defensive strategies may include:

• Quick stick checks to disrupt opponents
• Positioning wing players for immediate support
• Practicing defensive faceoff techniques
• Employing long-stick midfielders for faceoffs

These adaptations add complexity to faceoff situations, requiring officials to be even more attentive to potential violations and player safety.

The Evolution of Lacrosse Faceoff Rules

Faceoff rules in lacrosse have evolved significantly over time. Recent changes aim to promote fair play and reduce extended faceoff battles. Key developments include:

• Introduction of the neutral zone
• Stricter enforcement of pre-whistle violations
• Emphasis on quick whistles for clear violations
• Adjustments to stick and body positioning requirements

These changes have altered faceoff dynamics, placing greater emphasis on technique and reaction time rather than prolonged physical contests.

Impact on Player Specialization

How have rule changes affected player development? The evolving nature of faceoffs has led to increased specialization, with many teams now featuring dedicated faceoff specialists. This trend has implications for team strategy, player development, and even recruiting at higher levels of play.

Faceoff Statistics and Analytics in Modern Lacrosse

In the data-driven world of modern sports, faceoff statistics have gained significant importance. Teams and analysts track various metrics, including:

• Faceoff win percentage
• Clean wins vs. scrums
• Faceoff to ground ball conversion rate
• Time of possession gained from faceoffs
• Scoring opportunities created from faceoff wins

These statistics inform team strategies, player development, and even in-game decision-making. For officials, understanding the importance of these metrics underscores the need for consistent and accurate faceoff administration.

Technology in Faceoff Analysis

How is technology changing faceoff analysis? Advanced tools now allow teams to break down faceoff techniques in minute detail:

• High-speed cameras for motion analysis
• Force plates to measure explosiveness
• AI-driven pattern recognition for opponent tendencies
• Virtual reality training simulations

While these technologies don’t directly impact officiating, they highlight the increasing complexity and competitiveness of faceoffs in modern lacrosse.

The Global Perspective: Faceoff Rules in International Lacrosse

Faceoff rules can vary in international competitions and between different lacrosse governing bodies. Key differences may include:

• Positioning requirements for players
• Timing of the faceoff procedure
• Penalties for violations
• Equipment regulations

Officials working international games or transitioning between rule sets must be aware of these variations to ensure fair and consistent application of the rules.

Harmonization Efforts

Are faceoff rules becoming more standardized globally? There are ongoing efforts to harmonize rules across different lacrosse organizations:

• World Lacrosse (formerly FIL) working on unified rulebooks
• Increased collaboration between national governing bodies
• Regular review and updates to align with best practices

These efforts aim to create a more consistent experience for players and officials across different levels and regions of play.

As lacrosse continues to grow globally, the faceoff remains a critical and exciting aspect of the game. Understanding the nuances of faceoff rules, techniques, and trends is essential for players, coaches, officials, and fans alike. The ongoing evolution of faceoff dynamics ensures that this aspect of lacrosse will continue to be a focal point of strategy, skill development, and officiating expertise for years to come.

Ask a Ref: All About Faceoffs

Editor’s Note: This post is co-authored by Mark Donahue and Gordon Corsetti. The following information is based on the 2014 NFHS Rulebook, Official’s Mechanics Manual, and knowledge gained from many years of repetition.

Duties of the Lead Official

After a goal is scored or to begin a half, as the Lead Official, bring the ball up to the Center X, hold it directly above your head and then immediately place it directly in the center or the X. If there is not X, spot the ball directly in the middle of the line in the centermost part of the field. By holding the ball over your head you are signifying to your partner to turn on the 20-second timer.

Stand over the ball until you receive the Ready For Play signal from the Wing Official. While you wait, you can ask the players standing to “Show Me Plastic” or small reminders about previously violated rules, but I don’t recommend carrying the conversation on with the faceoff men much past the first quarter at the higher levels.

Once the Wing Official lowers his arm pointing to the goal he will be the lead on, you may back off the ball. Some officials rotate where they stand on faceoffs from straddling the midline to standing over the player’s shoulder. Honestly, by picking either place you will give up a visual angle at either: a) the neutral zone from the midline position or b) leaning over the line from the shoulder position. I personally prefer to give up the neutral zone and straddle the line, flipping sides occasionally. Just remember, no matter where you stand you aren’t going to be out of the line of fire.

The cadence for faceoffs must be Down, Set, Whistle, faceoff men are counting on this.

Bring the players Down, making sure that they go to the ground simultaneously. Early in the game, unless the player comes down and actually moves the ball, just about any violation that occurs I will give the players a verbal warning to adjust before Set. If you have warned a particular faceoff man already about any particular violations, I don’t recommend giving him another chance the next time around.

Once the players come down, approach the ball and get in to their best stance, you shall announce loud enough for the players to both players to hear the words Set. Once you say the words Set, players are to remain silent and motionless. Until you verbally say set, unless the players have touched the ball, they have not committed any violations (except potentially equipment).

What To Look For Pre-whistle

• Players going Down at the same time.
• Hands/Sticks are not touching the 4” in midline.
• Hands are not touching the plastic of the head.
• The ball is placed between the widest parts of the head.
• No tape is on the head.
• Heads are perpendicular to the ground.
• Both hands are touching the ground.
• The entire body is to the left of the head.
• No part of the stick (pocket, strings, plastic) is touching the ball.
• Players motionless after Set.

Watching The Play Post-whistle

• Pinning their own or opponents crosse down with any part of their body, specifically elbows and knees.
• Deliberately delaying getting the ball out by pinning to the ground for an exaggerated amount of time.
• Taking “body” off the whistle, or hitting the player while he is on his knees when the ball “comes out.”
• Kicking the crosse with the first step, a faceoff man will try to plant his foot behind the head of his opponent and sometime he may kick the head intentionally or not, it must be called.
• A player touching the ball with his fingers or palms, if you see this immediately throw the flag and blow the whistle to signal a 1 minute unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.  Note: It the player punched the ball out or rakes it backward with his closed hand the play is legal as long as his hands are wrapped around the shaft.
• The ball being stuck in the head. Remember, the ball is not stuck until we can prove it. That means he essentially gets one “shake” or one lacrosse motion (throw, flip, etc.) to get the ball from the back of the head to the front. Also, if the defense checks the stick in a way that it is impossible for the ball to not come out, then we can prove it, but little stick checks a the player is evading may not justify the Illegal Procedure call. Note: The player can run with the ball in the back of his head as long as he wants and may even shoot and score if he chooses. It is not Illegal Procedure until he violates one of the above situations.
• If a player violates any of the listed situations, stand both players up pre-whistle or blow the whistle immediately and signal Illegal Procedure and point in the direction of the new goal to be attacked. If the players are five yards away from the player in possession of the ball, don’t hesitate to blow your whistle immediately. The quick whistle aspect of modern lacrosse is very important to get everyone on the field comfortable with.

I know it’s a college video, but it’s worth noting that kids are sending themselves to college for being a FOGO. These kids are dedicating their lives to the art of facing off, please give them and the game the respect it deserves by making sure the rules are followed and that you continue to improve as an official while the athletes continue to improve their craft.

Duties of the Wing Official

Once the Face Off Official brings the ball to Center X for the next face the Wing Official checks that the entire field is ready for play. The Wing Official, as the name suggests, stands near the wing line and starts the 20-second timer once the Face Off official brings the ball to Center X. Once the timer is running both teams have 20 seconds to get the correct players on the field and in the correct spots:

• 3 in the offensive end behind the restraining line*
• 4 in the defensive end behind the restraining line (3 players + 1 goalkeeper)
• 3 in between the restraining lines (1 player on each wing + 1 face off player) Note – Players do not have to stay inside the box before or during a face off. They are confined to the area below the restraining line so standing in the alley is okay.

Teams can check that the 20-second timer is active by looking at the wing official. One arm held in the air signifies that the field is not ready for play and that the timer is running. If one team is not set and the 20-second timer buzzes the Wing Official will penalize that team by turning the ball over with a Delay Of Game (DOG) call. Generally, if both teams are not set and the timer goes off the Wing Official will turn the timer off and inform both teams to be quicker getting onto the field.

Once the field is set the Wing Official will move his arm from up in the air to pointing at the goal he covers as the Lead Official at shoulder level. This is the ready signal, which tells the Face Off Official that the field is set and the face off can now begin.

Everything you want to know about positioning of players before a face off and penalties that can occur during the face can be found in NFHS Rule 4. 4. The major rule difference this season from last season is that a man down team is not permitted to fill the wing on a man down face off. This rule makes a lot of sense. Why should a team that committed a penalty (usually a non-releasable foul, or a live-ball personal foul) be permitted to face off against the other team at even strength? I really liked this rule change because it makes my job as the wing official on a man down face easier because I don’t have to identify the “Hot” player filling the wing, and I don’t have to worry at all about offside calls during the face.

While that is the big rule change for 2014, there are a lot of other situations during a face that can cause confusion. The biggest one for officials to recognize is a non-releasable penalty that has only a few second left and a face off about to occur. A player in the penalty box who gets counted down to zero does not get to release from the box until the face off is over (possession called or ball crosses the restraining line). The easiest way I describe this situation is that if a player is not participating in the face off (wing or face off midfielders) then they do not get to participate until possession is called or the ball crosses the restraining line and play is called. This is a safety rule through and through. Say a Red player has two seconds left on his non-releasable foul and a face off begins. The ball squirts over to near the box and a White player is just about to pick it up when the Red player is released. The Red player hits the unaware White player and now the officials likely have a defenseless player call to make. If there are two seconds left on a foul to start a man-down face off that player remains in the box even if the face off takes 45 seconds before possession or play is declared.

Anytime there is a penalty on the face off the ball should be awarded to the offended team on their side of the field at Center X, unless the ball was already on their offensive side of the field when the other team commits the foul. The big thing to note here is that the players behind the restraining lines are not released until the whistle to restart play is sounded.

The Wing Official in a two-man crew has a difficult job right before the face off. He must simultaneously watch four wing players running into the center of the field at full speed. The tricky part is that two of those players are almost forty yards away from the Wing Official. I like to check if the players are near one another on the wings. If they are on opposite ends of the wing line I leave them alone for the most part since those players are not getting in each other’s way anytime soon, but if two players are jostling for position or are right next to one another I am focusing most of my attention on them*. Oh, fun fact – I can barely make out the wing line opposite me as the Wing Official and I don’t try to. I ran LSM when I played and I always lined up over the wing line when I saw the officials were in a two-man crew and the wing official was opposite me. I used a weak point in two-man mechanics to gain an advantage for myself on the face off, but I always made sure to be fully behind the line when the Wing Official was on my side of the field.

Note – It is perfectly acceptable for the wing players to gain a running start or move prior to the whistle. They may not touch or cross the wing line with any part of their body so leaning over it with the crosse is okay as well. Wing players are bound by the wing line so no lining up right at the top of the restraining line on your defensive side of the field to stop a fast break!

Finally, I must make note of the saddest moment of the pre-season for me as I was reading through my new 2014 rulebook. Rule 4.4.3 Situation B used to allow opposing goalkeepers to face off in the event that both teams had a player in the penalty box. Ever since I started officiating I wanted to see this happen, but now I never will as the new version of Rule 4.4.3 Situation B clearly states that opposing goalkeepers may not face off.

How To Win The Draw In Women’s Lacrosse Face-off

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July 10, 2022March 7, 2022 by Adrian James

Apart from the no-contact rule in women’s lacrosse, it differs from men’s lacrosse in another significant way which is the draw, the women’s version of a face-off. Essentially they serve the same purpose. Both happen at the start of each game and after every goal. 

Since possession is the no.1 determining factor between a win or a loss in lacrosse, learning the best way to win a draw goes a long way. Statistically speaking, roughly two-thirds of all wins take place when teams have higher faceoff success. 

Hence, for women players who are responsible for draws, you want to make sure to learn the best and correct way so that your team can gain an immediate advantage over your opponent. 

With all that out of the way, let’s jump in.

How does a draw take place?

At the start of every game, the draw starts with two opposing midfield players facing each other in the center of the field. The players hold their sticks out with the back of the sticks’ pockets against each other. The official then places the ball between the pockets and each player applies a little pressure so that the ball maintains its position in between the sticks. 

Players’ feet cannot step over to the other side. The sticks also must be lined up with the centerline and maintain waist level at all times before the ball is released. 

After the official blows the whistle, each player pulls her draw stick upwards or backwards to snap the ball out of the pockets. As soon as the ball is released, the game official starts and players start fighting for possession.

Drawing isn’t an arbitrary procedure. There are two main draw methods in women’s lacrosse: the push draw and the pull draw to push the ball toward your offensive side.

The Push Draw

To do a push draw, place your right hand on the top of your stick near the throat and your left hand on the bottom near the butt end. After you and the opponent are in position and the official blows the whistle, push the stick forward with your right hand in the meantime pull the butt end of your stick toward your body. 

To maximize your success of a push draw, here are a few things to remember:

• Having a quick hand is the best way to ensure a successful draw. The faster your hand can rotate and turn over, the more likely you can push the ball in the desired direction
• When doing a draw, it’s very important to be in an athletic stance by bending your knees and using your legs to generate the power. In addition, rotating your hip should be the main source of your power to bring the stick over your head
• To keep the draw legal, your hands have to come up and over the height of your shoulders. So even in a push draw, make sure your hands go above your shoulders

This will result in the ball being pushed in front of you so you want to react quickly to pick up the ball. No matter what method you use, someone who is great at drawing can control where the ball is going and respond instantly. 

Below is a great clip that walks through all the key components of taking a good draw

The Pull Draw

In contrast, a pull draw, which sounds exactly like the name, is done by pulling the stick toward you and rotating your hips to generate power. In pull draw, place your left hand on the top of your stick near the head and your right hand on the bottom near the butt-end.

After the whistle is blown, you want to pull the stick with your left hand in the meantime pushing the stick forward with your right hand. Once the ball is released, quickly respond to pick up the ball. 

Again just to iterate, quick hands, strength and fast response are the fundamental pieces that allow you to get a good draw every time.  

Watch this great clip to learn how to perform a powerful pull draw

Breakdown of new draw rules

Recently NCAA has made several changes to the rules around drawing. To make sure you are 100% familiar with them to avoid penalties, let’s break them down. 

There are mainly two major changes in order to promote more fairness in the game. As mentioned in the section previous, the first change states that the player’s stick must be parallel to the centerline during a draw. Thus, on top of being directly above the centerline, the new rule introduced a new level of complexity and equality for both sides. 

The second major change has to do with defenders’ and attackers’ positions during a draw. Apart from middies, all other players behind the restraining line must stay inside until the possession has been achieved. Which means only the six middies inside the midfield zone can participate in the draw. 

In other words, all players are only free to go across the midline when either one team gains possession or the ball is behind a restraining line.

It’s very important to follow the most recent draw changes, especially the second one for players who are behind the restraining lines. It’s very easy to forget to stay behind and be patient when you want to eagerly gain possession for your team. So for beginners, remember to hold your horses and don’t recklessly cross into the zone when it could cost the team a precious possession.

One pro tip is even when you are stuck behind the restraining line, you can reach over for the ball. As long as your body doesn’t touch the ground past the line.

More tips to help you win the draw

• Put your dominant hand as close as you can to the stick’s head

By doing so, you gain much more leverage and control over the ball

• Anticipate the whistle

Pay attention to the official. If you see she is about to blow the whistle, make sure your body and hands are ready

• Quickly adjust after losing the draw

Even if you lost the draw, it’s not the end of the world. At the same time, it doesn’t mean your job is done either. Quickly transition to play defensive and seize every opportunity to intercept and regain possession

Categories How To Info Guide, How To Training Guide, Lacrosse Info, Lacrosse Training

Adrian James

I am Adrian from Florida. After playing lacrosse for 15 years, I decided to start this website to share my journey and knowledge to help people get better at lacrosse.

Throw-In

Throw-In – is a method used to start and resume play after goals are scored in some stick sports, most notably ice hockey, bandy and lacrosse. Two teams line up against each other and the opposing players attempt to gain control of the puck or ball after being dropped or otherwise placed between their sticks by the referee.

Hockey face-offs (also called “hooligans” and originally called “pucks”) are usually taken by centers, although some offensive players will take face-offs and, very rarely, defensemen. ^[1] One of the referees shoots the puck at the center of the ice at the start of each period and after a goal has been scored. Linesmen are responsible for all other face-offs.

One player from each team stands at the faceoff spot (see below) waiting for the puck to be dropped. All teammates must be on the side or behind the player taking the throw-in. ^[2] Generally, the goal of the player taking the faceoff is to take the puck back to teammates; however, they will sometimes attempt to shoot the puck forward past the other team, usually to kill time shorthanded, though it is also possible to hit directly into the net – scoring a goal directly from the faceoff, though rare, is not uncommon. However, if the face-off takes place at one of the five face-off spots around which circles are marked, only two opposing players responsible for the face-off may be in the circle. A common setup, especially in the center of the ice, is for the fielder to take the throw-in with the wings positioned to the side of the center on both sides, and the fielder, usually a defender, behind the thrower, one to each side. However, this is not mandatory,

Face-offs are usually held at designated areas marked on the ice, called dots or face-off spots . There are nine such points: two in each attack zone, two at each end of the neutral zone, and one in the center of the court. . Throw-ins did not always take place at marked face-off spots. For example, if the puck leaves the playing surface, the face-off will take place where the puck was last played. On June 20, 2007, the NHL Board of Governors approved a change to NHL Rule 76.2, which governs face-off venues. The rule now requires all face-offs to be taken at one of the nine face-off spots on the ice, regardless of what caused the stoppage of play. Rule 76.2 also states that, with certain exceptions, the face-off after a penalty must take place at one of the two face-off spots on the side of the offending team. ^[1]

The referee may send off the player taking the throw-in if that player or any other player on the same team attempts to gain an unfair advantage during the throw-in (this is called a throw-in violation). When a player is sent off, one of the teammates who did not originally participate in the face-off shall administer the face-off. Common face-off violations include: moving the stick before the puck is dropped, improperly placing the stick on request, not placing the body perpendicular to the face-off spot, or invading the face-off circle by a teammate. . In the NHL, an away team player must place his stick on the ice for a face-off first when it occurs at a spot on the center line. For all other throw-ins, the defending player must put down his stick first. Prior to the 2015–16 league season, the visiting player was required to put his stick first in all face-offs. ^[3]
A player who specializes in throw-in is sometimes called or considered a throw-in specialist.

Video of a Swiss ice hockey game face-off.

Two lacrosse players prepare for a face-off while the referee places the ball on the ground between their club heads.

Players prepare for the toss in a women’s college lacrosse game0015 hooliganism in midfield.

Throw-in

Throw-in is a method used to start and resume play after a goal in some stick sports, most notably bandy, bandy, floorball, broomball, rinkball and lacrosse.

During a faceoff, two teams line up against each other and the opposing players attempt to gain control of the puck or ball after it has been dropped or otherwise placed between their sticks by the referee .

Hockey face-offs (also called “hooligans” and originally called “pucks”) are usually taken by centers, although some offensive players will take face-offs and, very rarely, defensemen. ^[1] One of the referees shoots the puck at the center of the ice at the start of each period and after a goal has been scored. Linesmen are responsible for all other face-offs.

One player from each team stands at the faceoff spot (see below) waiting for the puck to be dropped. All teammates must be on the side or behind the player taking the throw-in. ^[2] Generally, the goal of the player taking the faceoff is to take the puck back to teammates; however, they sometimes try to shoot the puck forward past the other team, usually to kill time on the shorthand, although it is also possible to hit directly into the net – to score a goal directly after the face-off, although rare, is not uncommon from. However, if the face-off takes place at one of the five face-off spots around which circles are marked, only two opposing players responsible for the face-off may be in the circle. A common setup, especially in the center of the ice, is for the fielder to take the throw-in with the wings positioned to the side of the center on both sides, and the fielder, usually a defender, behind the thrower, one to each side. However, this is not mandatory, vol.

Face-offs are usually held at designated areas marked on the ice, called dots or face-off spots . There are nine such points: two in each attack zone, two at each end of the neutral zone, and one in the center of the court. . Throw-ins did not always take place at marked face-off spots. For example, if the puck leaves the playing surface, the face-off will take place where the puck was last played. On June 20, 2007, the NHL Board of Governors approved a change to NHL Rule 76.2, which governs face-off venues. The rule now requires all face-offs to be taken at one of the nine face-off spots on the ice, regardless of what caused the stoppage of play. Rule 76.2 also states that, with certain exceptions, the face-off after a penalty must take place at one of the two face-off spots on the side of the offending team. ^[1]

The referee may send off the player taking the throw-in if that player or any other player on the same team attempts to gain an unfair advantage during the throw-in (this is called a throw-in violation).