NFHS Lacrosse Heads: Understanding Safety Rules and Illegal Contact

What are the key safety rules in NFHS lacrosse regarding head and neck contact. How do officials interpret and penalize illegal body checks in youth and high school games. What are the differences between NCAA, NFHS, and universal lacrosse heads.

NFHS Rule 5.4.1: Illegal Body Check to Head or Neck

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has implemented strict rules to enhance player safety in lacrosse. One crucial regulation is Rule 5.4.1, which addresses illegal body checks to the head or neck area. This rule prohibits players from initiating contact with an opponent’s head or neck using any part of their body or equipment.

Why is this rule so important? Head and neck injuries can have severe consequences, potentially leading to concussions or other serious trauma. By enforcing this rule, officials aim to reduce the risk of such injuries and promote safer play.

Key Points of NFHS Rule 5.4.1:

• No contact to the head or neck with cross-checks
• Prohibits using any body part (head, elbow, shoulder) to hit the head/neck
• Follow-through contact to these areas is also a violation

How do officials penalize violations of this rule? In high school games, the starting point is typically a 2-minute non-releasable penalty. For youth games, officials may bypass the 2-minute penalty and immediately issue a 3-minute non-releasable penalty, emphasizing the seriousness of such infractions at younger levels.

NFHS Rule 5.4.2: Slashing to the Head or Neck

Another critical safety rule in NFHS lacrosse is Rule 5.4.2, which addresses slashing to the head or neck. This rule specifically targets excessive, violent, or uncontrolled slashes that make contact with these vulnerable areas.

How does the penalty for slashing differ from illegal body checks? The severity and context of the slash play a significant role in determining the appropriate penalty.

Penalty Administration for Slashing:

1. Dead ball situations: If a slash occurs after the whistle, it may result in a 3-minute non-releasable Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty.
2. Live ball play: An excessive slash to the head or neck during active play typically starts with a 2-minute non-releasable penalty.

It’s crucial to note that officials are instructed not to treat these as standard 1-minute slashing penalties. The focus is on discouraging dangerous play and protecting players from potential head and neck injuries.

NFHS Rule 5.4.3: Spearing and Its Consequences

Spearing is a particularly dangerous form of illegal contact in lacrosse. NFHS Rule 5.4.3 specifically addresses this issue, prohibiting players from blocking opponents with their head or initiating contact using the head.

What exactly constitutes spearing? Spearing occurs when a player uses their helmet to make contact with an opponent, often in a forceful or reckless manner. This action poses significant risks to both the player initiating the contact and the recipient.

Consequences of Spearing:

• Minimum 3-minute non-releasable penalty
• Potential ejection for excessively violent violations
• Increased scrutiny and penalties at youth levels

Why are the penalties for spearing so severe? The use of the head as a weapon or point of contact dramatically increases the risk of concussions and other serious head and neck injuries. By imposing strict penalties, officials aim to eliminate this dangerous behavior from the game entirely.

Differences in Penalty Administration: Youth vs. High School

When it comes to enforcing safety rules in lacrosse, there are notable differences between youth and high school levels. The NFHS rulebook provides guidance on how officials should approach these situations differently based on the age and skill level of the players involved.

How do penalty administrations differ between youth and high school lacrosse?

Youth Lacrosse:

• Officials are encouraged to apply more severe penalty options
• Body checks that might be acceptable in high school may be considered excessive
• 3-minute non-releasable penalties may be issued more frequently
• Emphasis on teaching proper technique and discouraging overly physical play

High School Lacrosse:

• Standard 2-minute non-releasable penalty for most head/neck contact violations
• More leeway given for incidental contact in certain situations
• Focus on consistently interpreting and enforcing rules across all games

Why is there a difference in approach? The primary goal is to ensure player safety while also allowing for appropriate skill development at each level. Youth players are still learning proper techniques, so stricter enforcement helps instill good habits early on.

The Role of Coaches in Promoting Safe Play

Coaches play a crucial role in promoting safe play and ensuring that players understand and respect the rules regarding head and neck contact. Their influence extends beyond simply teaching techniques; they shape the overall culture and attitude towards safety in the sport.

What specific responsibilities do coaches have in this area?

Key Coaching Responsibilities:

1. Teach proper body checking techniques that avoid head and neck contact
2. Reinforce the importance of safety rules during practices and games
3. Support officials when they call penalties for illegal contact
4. Discourage players from delivering excessive or dangerous checks
5. Foster a team culture that prioritizes skill and technique over physical intimidation

How can coaches effectively communicate with officials about these issues? It’s important to maintain a respectful dialogue. Instead of shouting accusations of unfair calls, coaches should seek clarification on specific rulings. This approach not only models good behavior for players but also helps everyone involved develop a consistent understanding of how the rules are being interpreted and enforced.

Understanding Different Types of Lacrosse Heads

While safety rules are crucial, it’s also important to understand the equipment used in the sport. Lacrosse heads come in various types, each designed to meet specific regulations and playing styles. Let’s explore the main categories: NCAA heads, NFHS heads, and universal heads.

NCAA Lacrosse Heads:

• Designed to meet NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) specifications
• Often feature a more pinched face shape for increased ball control
• May have specific stringing requirements to comply with NCAA rules

NFHS Lacrosse Heads:

• Conform to National Federation of State High School Associations standards
• Generally have a wider face shape compared to NCAA heads
• Designed to balance control and safety for high school-level play

Universal Lacrosse Heads:

• Manufactured to meet both NCAA and NFHS specifications
• Offer versatility for players transitioning between different levels of play
• May have slightly different performance characteristics compared to specialized heads

Why do these differences matter? The type of head used can affect a player’s performance and may need to be changed as they progress through different levels of the sport. Additionally, using the correct head ensures compliance with league regulations and maintains a level playing field for all participants.

The Importance of Consistent Rule Interpretation

One of the challenges in enforcing safety rules in lacrosse is ensuring consistent interpretation across different games, officials, and regions. Consistency is crucial for several reasons, including player safety, fairness, and the overall development of the sport.

How can consistent rule interpretation be achieved?

Strategies for Consistent Rule Interpretation:

1. Regular training and education for officials
2. Clear communication between officials, coaches, and players
3. Use of video analysis to review and discuss specific situations
4. Standardized guidelines for penalty administration
5. Ongoing dialogue between rule-making bodies and those implementing the rules

Why is consistency so important? When rules are interpreted and enforced consistently, it creates a safer playing environment by setting clear expectations for all participants. It also helps players develop proper techniques and habits that will serve them well as they progress in the sport.

Consistent rule interpretation also contributes to the fairness of competition. When teams from different regions meet in tournaments or playoffs, they should be playing under the same understood set of rules and expectations.

Adapting to Rule Changes and Evolving Safety Standards

The rules and safety standards in lacrosse are not static; they evolve over time in response to new research, changing playing styles, and emerging safety concerns. This evolution requires players, coaches, and officials to stay informed and adapt their approaches accordingly.

How can the lacrosse community effectively adapt to these changes?

Strategies for Adapting to Rule Changes:

• Regular review of updated rulebooks and official interpretations
• Attendance at clinics and workshops focused on new rules and safety standards
• Open communication between all stakeholders in the sport
• Willingness to adjust teaching and playing techniques as needed
• Embracing a culture of continuous learning and improvement

Why is adaptability important in this context? The primary goal of rule changes and evolving safety standards is to make the sport safer and more enjoyable for all participants. By embracing these changes and adapting quickly, the lacrosse community can continue to grow the sport while prioritizing player well-being.

It’s also worth noting that adaptability extends beyond just following new rules. It involves understanding the spirit behind the changes and working proactively to create a safer playing environment. This might include developing new training methods, exploring equipment innovations, or fostering a team culture that values skill and sportsmanship over aggressive physical play.

Ask a Ref: Contact to the Head & Neck

It is time to really dig in to the major safety violations that are different for 2014.

We are going over how to recognize and administer penalties when it comes to illegal contact made to the player’s head or neck.

This is a very big deal and as officials, coaches and players we should be actively working to remove these checks from the game of lacrosse by making sure that these rules are consistently interpreted and penalized correctly across the board.

Note: We will use videos that are mostly from high school games to illustrate the fouls that the rules and situations describe. Please keep in mind that most of the videos that I find posted on YouTube are of truly excessive penalties and are not indicative of regular illegal body checks that occur in most games. These videos are of the outliers and they get posted on the internet because they are worse that run-of-the-mill body checks. Also, some of these videos are accompanied by loud music, adjust your speakers so you don’t lose your hearing.

NFHS Rule 5.4.1 – Illegal Body Check

A player shall not initiate contact to an opponent’s head or neck with a cross-check, or with any part of his body (head, elbow, shoulder, etc). Any follow-through that contacts the head or neck shall also be considered a violation of this rule.

Penalty administration: Gordon was the official who threw my flag on the hit above. In a high school game this starts at 2-minutes non-releasable. If this had been a youth game, I’m bypassing 2-minutes and going straight to 3-minutes.

NFHS Rule 5.4.2 – Slashing

A player shall not initiate an excessive, violent, or uncontrolled slash to the head/neck.

Penalty administration: This penalty occurred after the whistle so for the context of that video at the youth and high school level I am issuing a 3-minute non-releasable Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty for deliberately striking another player during a dead ball.

Had a similar slash occurred during live ball play the officials should not call this a 1-minute slash. It is an excessive slash to the head or neck so 2-minutes non-releasable would be the starting point.

NFHS Rule 5.4.3 – Spearing

A player, including an offensive player in possession of the ball, shall not block an opponent with the head or initiate contact with the head (known as spearing).

Penalty administration:I show this clip in official’s training for what constitutes an ejectable hit at the high school and youth level. The hit above was late, unnecessary, excessive, and delivered with the defender’s helmet into the back of the offensive player (spearing). 3-minutes non-releasable, the player is ejected.

The end of rule 5.4 states that the penalty for checks to the head or neck is: “Two- or three-minute non-releasable foul, at the official’s discretion. An excessively violent violation of this rule may result in an ejection.”

So, body checks to the head/neck, and violent slashes to the head/neck should be flagged and start at 2-minutes non-releasable at minimum. But at the youth level officials may bypass the 2-minutes and go straight to 3-minutes because of page 94 of the NFHS Boys Lacrosse rulebook:

US Lacrosse urges officials to apply these rules and utilize the more severe penalty options, and reminds them that body-checks that might be acceptable in high school play may be excessive in youth lacrosse, and should be penalized accordingly. Coaches are encouraged to coach players to avoid delivering such checks, and to support the officials when they call such penalties. All participants must work together to reduce or eliminate such violent collision from the game.

Officials are encouraged to flag body checks in youth games that may be legal at the high school level. Coaches are encouraged to coach players to play defense with skill and not go head hunting or body checking a player way off the ball.

A quick personal note from Gordon

Youth coaches, I will be the first to admit that officials miss penalties, but please do not scream at my partner or I when we throw a flag for what appears to be a perfectly legal body check. Do not yell out “That was perfectly legal,” and then tell your player “good hit” when he takes a knee next to you in the box. If the hit was perfectly legal we would not have thrown our flag and now your player is getting mixed messages. I would much prefer you ask, “Mr. Official why did you flag that hit?” I will likely respond, “Coach I saw that hit as excessive. Tell #12 to ease back for me. ” That is a much better way for coaches and officials to interact on excessive body checks at the youth level.

Remember, the youth game is not the high school game and it certainly is not the college game. Officials are there for safety first. Coaches are there to teach proper body contact that is in line with the rules of the game, and parents/fans are there to enjoy a youth game on a Saturday afternoon without having an ambulance show up because every adult at the game wants little Billy to “bury” little Johnny.

I want good defensive stick work, foot work, and body position. It takes no lacrosse skill whatsoever to obliterate a player late after a shot. Let’s keep the focus at the youth level on skill development and leave the big hits to the older age levels after the players demonstrate good lacrosse skills.

Field/Equipment Requirements, Officiating Clarifications Lead High School Boys Lacrosse Rules Changes

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF STATE HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS

NEWS RELEASE

 Field/Equipment Requirements, Officiating Clarifications

 Lead High School Boys Lacrosse Rules Changes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        Contact: James Weaver

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (August 16, 2022) — The NFHS Boys Lacrosse Rules Committee has released rules changes for the 2023 season that address three major areas of the sport – field markings, equipment requirements and officiating.

A total of nine rules changes were recommended as the result of the committee’s annual rules meeting held July 16-18 at the Conrad Hotel in Indianapolis. The NFHS Board of Directors subsequently approved the changes to take effect next season.

“The committee continues to do excellent work in placing risk minimization at the forefront,” said James Weaver, NFHS director of sports and performing arts and liaison to the Boys Lacrosse Rules Committee. “One of the results from this year’s rules committee meeting is focused on ease of officiating and ensuring that change continued to provide a safer game. The rules changes that were passed were all thought out and will make for a better game for all involved.”

The first of two alterations affecting field markings is found in Rule 1-2-1 PENALTY, which now states that the home team will be assessed a delay-of-game penalty if the field does not have continuous sidelines and end lines, in addition to the center line. The change is intended to maintain the integrity of the playing field and discourage schools from allowing other logos on the field – particularly large football field end zone logos – to create breakages in the lacrosse lines.

Revised dimensions for the table area and coaches’ area constitute the other update to the playing field for the upcoming year. In Rule 1-2-7, the two perpendicular lines that connect the sideline and the scorer’s table to form the table area boundaries will now be drawn 5 yards from the center line on each side rather than 10 yards. The coaches’ area, defined in Rule 1-2-8, will now extend 20 yards down the field parallel to the sideline instead of 15 yards. These new measurements standardize the high school boys lacrosse table area and coaches’ area with other rules codes including NFHS girls lacrosse and NCAA men’s lacrosse, and assist officials in managing substitutions.

Regarding equipment, a clause was added to Rule 1-7-1 that mandates the pocket/net of a player’s crosse will have “no holes or gaps larger than 1. 68 inches in diameter,” or roughly the size of the American golf ball. The rationale for this new language is to prevent the increased use of a stringing technique in the crosse pocket/net that allows players to trap the ball in the loosened mesh. Additionally, Rule 1-8 now states that crosses “shall not have protrusions or sharp edges” to counteract recent stick design innovations that could hook or catch on a player’s helmet and other equipment that may potentially cause injury.

Modern developments in lacrosse shoe manufacturing allowed the committee to make a significant simplification within Rule 1-9-1g. Previously, the rule laid out a detailed list of criteria for appropriate lacrosse shoes, ranging from acceptable sole materials to removable and non-removable cleat measurements. The simplified version now reads: “shoes shall be worn which are designed for the sport of lacrosse,” while continuing to disallow metal spikes.

Headlining the officiating section of the rules changes are the revamped EXCEPTIONS to Rule 4-3-1, which provide better clarity on the situations where a faceoff does not take place at midfield to start a new period or following a goal. Those four exceptions include:

1.) a player-advantage or a flag down creating a player-advantage;

2.) a player or team commits a foul before any faceoff;

3.) a player at any faceoff delays resumption of play;

4.) a player moves the crosse or body after “set” is said gaining an advantage.

Rule 4-24-1 and Rule 4-24-8 were edited to give a more concrete explanation of how a goalkeeper should be viewed when away from the crease and outside the scrimmage area. Rule 4-24-1 now specifies that when outside of the crease, a goalkeeper will be treated the same as a field player regarding game stoppages caused by injury or loss of mandatory personal equipment. According to the new language in Rule 4-24-8, play will only be stopped if a goalkeeper’s stick or any piece of mandatory goalkeeper equipment becomes broken while the goalkeeper is in the crease.

To assist officials in their challenge to monitor penalty time expirations and player re-entry while conducting a faceoff, a new article has been written into Rule 7-2.

This addition, marked as Rule 7-2h, mandates that penalty time will start with the whistle resuming play after the penalty is administered and that, if any time remains on a non-releasable penalty after a goal is scored, the earliest the penalty will release is after the ensuing faceoff has been completed.

Finally, a slight alteration to Rule 6-10-2 notes that, following a stalling warning, the team that was given the warning will not receive a stalling infraction if the ball leaves the goal area as the result of a shot attempt, or if the ball is touched by the defending team. Previously, the rule was written to only include the offending team’s shots on goal.

A complete listing of the boys lacrosse rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Activities & Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Lacrosse-Boys.”

According to the most recent NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, 113,702 boys participate in lacrosse in 3,026 high schools across the country.

Canadian Symbols (list with images)

Like all other countries, Canada, located in North America, recognizes a number of important symbols to represent itself as a country and nation. Some symbols are quite unique and famous, while others are less common.

Although there are hundreds of Canadian symbols, here is a brief overview of a few of the most famous official and unofficial Canadian emblems that are known throughout the world. In recent years, several of these symbols have been officially adopted by the Canadian government and declared official symbols of Canada. 9Canada

Canada National Currency: 900 10 Canadian dollar

• National colors Canada: National Flag White and Red
• Canadian National Plant: Maple Tree
• Canadian National Animal: Beaver
• Canadian National Ware: Poutine
• Canadian National Sport: Lacrosse is Canada’s national summer sport and hockey is Canada’s national winter sport.

The National Flag of Canada

The National Flag of Canada, also known as the Maple Leaf Flag, consists of a white square in the center of a red field with a stylized maple leaf in the center. This is the current flag of the country, which was approved in 1965 after months of design debate.

There is a lot of symbolism in the colors and design of the Canadian flag.

• The two red stripes on either side of the white square symbolize prosperity and hope.
• White color symbolizes the impartiality of the nation, as well as calmness and peace.
• The maple leaf in the center of the white square has eleven dots and symbolizes the cultural heritage and natural resources within Canada.

Although there are no official laws on the use of the national flag, Canadian Heritage has developed a number of guidelines for displaying it, both on its own and with other flags.

Canadian coat of arms

Canada has one of the most complex coats of arms, consisting of many elements. Here’s what they stand for:

• Shield : This symbolizes the origin of the country, depicting the royal Scottish lion, the three lions of England, the Irish harp of Tara and the Fleur-de-Lys Each of these nations plays an important role in the settlement of Canada.
• Supporters: Supporters on either side of the coat of arms – a lion and a unicorn holding two banners – represent the main founding peoples who played a role in establishing the customs and laws of Canada.
• Flower Emblems: These are located at the base and associated with the Canadian monarchy.
• Crown: Located at the top of the coat of arms, the crown indicates the monarch as head of state.
• Maple Leaf: An authentic symbol of Canada, Maple Leaf represents tolerance, peace and unity.
• Crest: Lion with a crown on his head and a maple leaf in his right paw is a symbol of courage and valor, denoting the sovereignty of the country.

Canadian Crown

The Royal Crown of Canada has been the national symbol of Canada for over 400 years, representing the government, legislature, parliament, police, courts and military. Canada, since Confederation in 1867 during the reign of Queen Victoria, is a constitutional monarchy represented by a royal crown.

Poutine

Canadian Poutine

Poutine is a Canadian dish that includes cream cheese and French fries with thick brown chicken gravy. The dish originated in the province of Quebec and first appeared in rural eateries. For many years it was ridiculed and perceived negatively, but over time it gradually became the quintessence of Quebec culture. In fact, people call it “Quebec in Quebec.bowl”.

Today, Poutine is no longer ridiculed and is usually presented as the national dish of Canada, symbolizing the cuisine and culture of the country. It is a favorite dish of many people, it can even be found in well-known chains fast food like Burger King and McDonalds. 0004

See also: Bees – Symbolism and Meaning

Beaver

The beaver was an important part of Canadian identity long before it was given official national emblem status in 1975. In the 1600s and 1700s, beavers were the country’s main income attraction, and during this time there was a popular demand for fur hats, which required beaver pelts. As the demand for hats grew, so did the demand for skins, and this trade proved so profitable that Canadians felt it necessary to pay tribute to the animal.

The beaver was included in the coat of arms of Canada, and even a coin was created known as the “bucks”, the value of which was equal to the value of the skin of one male beaver. Today, the beaver is one of the country’s most important and revered official symbols, without which it is said that Canada would not exist at all.

See also: Megingjörð – Thor’s Power Belt

Maple Leaf Tartan

Designed by David Weiser in 1964 in honor of Canada’s new flag, the Maple Leaf Tartan has been one of the country’s official national emblems since 2011. The tartan has four colors that symbolize the life cycle of the maple leaf as it passes through the seasons. The color of the leaf changes from green in spring to gold in early autumn, to red in early winter, and finally to red. After falling, it turns brown.

Canadians proudly wore the maple leaf tartan for decades before it was named a national symbol. It is one of the most visible expressions of the Culture and Heritage of Scotland and as an official symbol, highlights the significant contribution that the Scots made to the founding of Canada.

Maple leaf and tree

There are more than 100 species of maple trees in the world, 10 of which are found in Canada. The maple leaf is very closely associated with Canada and featured on the national flag, but the tree itself was not officially recognized as the country’s official arboretum until 1996 years old

The maple leaf has been a staple food of the Canadian people for decades, and its sap has been used for cooking and other essential foods. Each spring, the leaves were harvested and became an important part of various culinary recipes. Now it symbolizes endurance and strength and is an essential element of the Canadian flag. It is one of the most widely recognized national symbols of Canada and was added to the Canadian coat of arms in 1921.

Canadian Horse

In 1902, the Canadian Horse was declared a national breed by the Parliament of Canada, but it was not until May 2002 that it was recognized as the national horse of Canada. The origin of the horse dates back to 1665 when the King of France sent many horses from his royal stables to New France.

Breton and Norman horses were of mixed ancestry, including Barb, Arabian and Andalusian horses, and for a century the horse population in New France continued to develop in isolation from other horse breeds. As a result, a new breed appeared – the Canadian horse, known for its strength and endurance, intelligence, good disposition and stamina.

In the 19th century, the Canadian horse became endangered, and efforts were made in the late 1800s and into the 20th century to preserve this unique animal.

Turtle

The turtle is a very important symbol in the culture of the indigenous people of Canada. According to some First Nations stories (stories told by the natives of Canada), she is the foundation upon which the earth was built. Some versions of the Earth Diver myth say that the Earth formed on the back of a turtle and became known as “Turtle Island” – the name given to North America today.

In Canadian culture, turtles are associated with stability and longevity, as well as being docile, wise and patient creatures. There are about 12 different species of tortoises across Canada that are currently endangered and protected by the Canadian Conservation Organization.

Enchanted Owl

Enchanted Owl. Via. National Gallery of Canada

The Enchanted Owl is a painting by Kenojuak Ashevak, the first Inuit woman to have her work featured on a Canadian postage stamp in 1960 AD This was the time when Inuit art was becoming extremely popular in Canada.

The painting depicts a stylized snowy owl with long feathers and a spotted body. The shape of the owl’s feathers, the details on its body and the emotions in its eyes are very expressive and always attract the attention of viewers. This painting has become popular throughout the country and is now a well-known Canadian symbol that is reproduced in many publications and featured on the 100th Anniversary Northwest Territories six-cent postage stamp.

Hockey

Canada has two national sports – ice hockey in winter and lacrosse in summer. However, of the two sports, ice hockey is the sport for which Canada is best known, and is often considered Canada’s greatest contribution to world sport. This is because ice hockey originated in Canada and Canadians consider the game to be theirs. Ice hockey remains the most watched, played and most successful sport in Canada.

Brief

Many of the Canadian characters we have mentioned in this article are known all over the world and often appear in a variety of contexts. Some of them, such as the enchanted owl, are reproduced daily in publications, on stamps, coins or in the fashion world. They truly represent what it means to be Canadian and together they highlight the culture, heritage, values ​​and resources of the Canadian people.

Author’s column