The NLL Casebook "success is the child of preparation and determination"

Rule 43: DEFINITION OF PENALTY SHOT – A penalty shot is designed to restore a scoring opportunity which was lost as a result of a foul being committed by the offending team, based on the parameters as set out in these rules. Any dressed player on the offended team may take the penalty shot.

43.1 TWO MEN DOWN AND ADDITIONAL PENALTY TO THIRD PLAYER – If a team is already two (2) men down from full strength and is assessed an additional time penalty to a third player, the non-offending team shall be awarded a penalty shot. Regardless of the outcome of the penalty shot, the floor strength will remain as it was prior to the penalty shot. The team that received the third time penalty will begin play after the penalty shot, two men down from full strength. We never stack penalties on the time clock.

43.2 INSUFFICIENT PLAYING TIME WHEN ILLEGAL SUBSTITUTION PENALTY IS ASSESSED (that is when there is 1:59 and under remaining in the game or any time in overtime) - If by reason of insufficient playing time remaining, or by reason of penalties already imposed, a bench minor is imposed for illegal substitution (too many men) which cannot be served in its entirety within the legal playing time, or at any time in overtime, a penalty shot shall be awarded against the offending Team. NOTE: The time of the penalty is recorded when the play has been stopped by the official to assess the penalty NOT during the point of time during dynamic play.

43.3 THROWING THE STICK - When any member of the defending team, including anyone on the bench, deliberately throws or shoots any part of a stick or any other object, at the ball or ball carrier on a breakaway or an attacker attempting to pick up a loose ball, the referee shall allow the play to be completed and if a goal is not scored, a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending team.

43.4 CREASE VIOLATION - Should a player in his own end deliberately fall on the ball in his crease, or deliberately close his hand on the ball in his crease in front of his goal line extended, a penalty shot will be imposed on the offending team.

43.5 FOULED FROM BEHIND – When a player is on a breakaway and is tripped or otherwise fouled (held, grabbed, slashed, pulled down or jumped on) from behind, a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending team. The intention of this rule is to restore a reasonable scoring opportunity that has been lost by reason of a foul from behind.

43.6 INTENTIONAL DISPLACEMENT OF THE GOAL ON A BREAKAWAY – if a goalie or player deliberately displaces the goal post during the course of a breakaway, a penalty shot will be awarded to the non-offending team. The official will stop play immediately and award the penalty shot.

43.7 ILLEGALLY ENTERING THE GAME AND INTERFERING WITH BALL CARRIER ON A BREAKAWAY - If a player on a breakaway shall be ‘interfered’ with by the player of the opposing side who has illegally entered the game, the referee shall impose a penalty shot against the side to which the opposing player belongs. ‘Interfered’ as per this rule, does not imply physical contact by the defender. The lead or trail official plays a very important part in this situation. He must follow the illegal play to the ball carrier to determine if we have a possible penalty shot.

93.4 GOAL NET INTENTIONALLY MOVED – If a goalie or a defensive player intentionally moves the goal to thwart a scoring opportunity, pursuant to the ‘excessively dislodged rule’, play will be stopped immediately and a penalty shot will be awarded to the non-offending team. If an offensive player intentionally moves the goal off its moorings, a minor penalty shall be assessed for unsportsmanlike conduct. The key phrase is stop play IMMEDIATELY.

What criteria define “on a breakaway?”

1) The attacking player must be in possession and control of the ball;

2) The infraction must have been committed from behind;

3) The player in possession and control must have been denied a reasonable chance to score;

4) The player in possession and control of the ball immediately transitioning from defense to offense with an unobstructed path to the goal.

Administration of the Penalty Shot

1) Have the name of the person designated to attempt the shot announced by the public address announcer.

2) The shot will begin at the center face-off circle.

3) Require that all players withdraw to the sides of the floor and in front of their own players’ bench. The SCO’s primarily responsibility will be to monitor the benches and all players during the penalty shot.

4) The Crew Chief positions himself at the goal line on the side of the shooter’s stick and positions one the Assistant Referees on the opposite side of goal. The other Assistant Referee will be at the centre face-off circle.

5) The Crew Chief will confirm that the goalie is prepared and will point to the Assistant Referee at the centre face-off circle. At this time, the Assistant Referee at the centre face-off circle will blow the whistle.

AWARDED GOALS EXPLANATION

54.5 THROWING STICK OR OBJECT AT BALL OR BALL CARRIER WHEN OPPOSING GOALIE HAS BEEN REMOVED - If the opposing goalie has been removed and a player or returning goalie throws or shoots any part of his stick or any other object at the ball or ball carrier on a breakaway, a goal shall be awarded to the attacking team. A player with a ‘BREAKAWAY’ is defined as a player in control of the ball immediately transitioning from defense to offense with an unobstructed path to the goal and a reasonable scoring opportunity.

54.6 ILLEGAL ENTRY WHEN OPPOSING GOALIE HAS BEEN REMOVED - If, when the opposing goalie has been removed from the floor, a player of the side attacking the unattended goal is on a breakaway and is interfered with by a player or goalie who shall have entered the game illegally, the referee shall immediately award a goal to the non-offending team. “Interfered” as per this rule, does not imply physical contact by the defender. A player with a ‘BREAKAWAY’ is defined as a player in control of the ball immediately transitioning from defense to offense with an unobstructed path to the goal and a reasonable scoring opportunity. The ball carrier's path to the goal net should be obstructed by the illegal player. If the illegal player takes up a position on the floor that affects the ball carriers direct path, we have an awarded goal.

54.6 Awarded Goal Situations Explained

Situation 1: the Blue Goalkeeper is removed and the crew contacts and signals to each other that the Goalkeeper is removed. The attacking team in Blue now has 6 Players on the floor. The Blue Team loses the ball and the Red team picks up the ball at center and has an unobstructed path to the empty net. The Blue Goalkeeper, or another Blue Player, leaves the players bench “early” and the Red Player is interfered by either: the Goalkeeper being in the net, the Goalkeeper stopping the ball, a shot which goes wide of the net as a result of the Goalkeeper being in the net, a shot which hits the goal post as a result of the Goalkeeper being in the net or the pathway to the net is obstructed by the defender illegally on the floor. In this situation there will be an awarded goal to the Red team.

Situation 2: the Blue Goalkeeper is removed and the crew contacts and signals to each other that the Goalkeeper is removed. The attacking team in Blue now has 6 Players on the floor. The Blue Team loses the ball and the Red team picks up the ball at and is transitioning towards the empty net when the Blue Goalkeeper, or another Blue Player, leaves the players bench “early.” However, the Red Player does not have an unobstructed path to the empty net (there is a Blue player in front of the Red ball carrier at the time). In this situation there will be minor penalty for illegal substitution to the Red team.

86.3 Fouled from Behind - A goal shall be awarded to the attacking team when, with the opposing goalkeeper removed, a defensive player trips or otherwise fouls (held, grabbed, pulled down or jumped on) a player on a breakaway, thus denying him a reasonable scoring opportunity.

Anytime the goalkeeper is removed from the floor for an extra attacker, take a snapshot of the floor, be extra cognizant of player movement/substitution, and ask yourself these questions!

The key questions to be asked when the Goalkeeper has been removed from the floor for an extra attacked….

1) Did the Goalkeeper or another Player enter the game illegally (early)?

If the answer to the above question is “yes” then ask yourself…

2) Did the non-offending team have possession of the ball?

3) Was the ball carrier (of the non-offending team) in the attacking zone?

4) Did the ball carrier (of the non-offending team) have an unobstructed path to the net and a reasonable scoring opportunity?

IF all of the answers to the above are yes, an awarded goal situation has occurred!

Rule 28: INJURED PLAYERS

INJURED PLAYER DEFINITION: an injured player shall be defined as a player hurt requiring the official to stop play. The injured player may not return to the floor until the next non-technical stoppage of play. Violation will result in a minor penalty to the offending player for delay of game. Should the offending team score a goal when the injured player is on the floor illegally it shall not count provided the infraction was assessed by the official prior to the re-start of play. Should the in-home be injured, the Head Coach shall indicate the alternate in home.

Rule 28 Mechanic: should a goal be scored by the offending team when the injured player is on the floor illegally it shall not count provided the infraction was assessed by the official prior to the re-start of play. The Crew Chief/Assistant Referees must either see the infraction during dynamic play or if missed during dynamic play shall confirm that the infraction occurred with the Crew Chief/Assistant Referee or Shot Clock Official if necessary prior to the next faceoff restart.

Rule 28.1: INJURED GOALIE

The trainer may come on to the floor to tend to the goalie. If the injury is serious or 50 seconds expire commencing from the official’s acknowledgement of the injury, the goalie must be replaced by a substitute without any undue delay and no warm-up shall be permitted for the substitute goalie.

Rule 28.1 Mechanic: the lead official shall wave to the goalie's bench to signal the trainer to come onto the floor. Immediately after this signal, the lead official shall start his timing device. The trail official shall be at the players bench indicating to the Head Coach to get the back-up goalie prepared. The lead official will signal to the trail official a hand signal count of time remaining, 20 seconds, 10 seconds until 50 seconds has expired. Upon expiry, the trail official will tell the Head Coach that the substitute goalie must enter the game.

Rule 34.2: GOALIE EQUIPMENT REPAIR AND MECHANIC

34.2 GOALTENDER EQUIPMENT REPAIR TIME LIMITATION - In the event the goaltender loses protective equipment during a stoppage that cannot be repaired within 30-seconds, goaltenders must exit the floor. If goaltender equipment takes more than 30-seconds to repair, the goalie must be removed from the game and the substitute goalie must be prepared to enter the game no longer than 20 seconds after the original is removed or a bench minor penalty will be assessed. If any goalie equipment repair is deemed to not be a safety concern at the discretion of the referee, the team will be immediately assessed a team timeout. If the team does not have a timeout then the team will be assessed a bench minor penalty.

Rule 34.2 Mechanic: the lead official shall indicate the equipment repair signal (360 degree rotation with one hand around the other) to the goalie's bench to signal the equipment manager to come onto the floor. Immediately after this signal, the lead official shall start his timing device. The trail official shall be in position at the player’s bench and indicate to the Head Coach to get the back-up goalie prepared. The lead official will signal to the trail official a hand signal count of time remaining, at 10 seconds until time has expired, the trail official will then relay the time remaining to the Head Coach. Upon expiry, the lead official will hand signal (a fist indicating a zero) to the trail official that time has expired and the trail official will tell the Head Coach that the substitute goalie now has 20 seconds to enter the game. The lead official will continue to monitor time to determine if the 20 seconds expire prior to the substitute goalie taking the floor.

Timeouts and Challenges in Overtime (Rule reference 14, 17.82, 17.83)

As there is no longer a timeout granted to a team in overtime as per Rule 14, should a team request a challenge in overtime and lose the challenge, there will be no timeout charged to the team and no bench minor penalty assessed to the team. Rule reference 17.82 and 17.83 below.

17.82 NUMBER OF CHALLENGES - Head Coach may challenge two (2) times per game with an opportunity up to a maximum of three (3) times per game in regulation time only. If the first or second challenge request is overturned by the official after the review (the challenge team loses the challenge), the team shall have a maximum of 2 challenges, in regulation time. The Head Coach gets one challenge in overtime, which is exclusive of the number of challenges that are used at any point in regulation time. The Crew Chief and Assistant Referees will initiate replay reviews with less than two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and in overtime. Should the official deem the play is close on an awarded goal or no-goal, the official will initiate replay review. Should a Head Coach use a challenge flag with less than two minutes in the fourth quarter or in overtime, the Head Coach will be charged with using a challenge, regardless whether the official initiates the replay review.

Reviewing Checking in the Crease after Goal called on the floor (Rule Reference: 17.81, 22.2, 33.5, 67.13, 68.1)

Rule 17.83 CHALLENGES AND TIMEOUTS - A timeout will be charged to the team requesting the challenge who loses a challenge as deemed by the official’s review. A team that requests a challenge and does not have any timeouts remaining and loses a challenge shall be assessed a bench minor penalty, served by the in-home.

Situation 1: GOAL called on the field. The video indicates the Saskatchewan player violated rule 68.1 by contacting the Colorado goalie's stick while he has possession during Saskatchewan’s same shot clock possession. As such, the goal is disallowed on the review, the minor penalty is not assessed, and the Colorado team restarts play in their own crease. The game clock is moved back to the time of the infraction. The same shot clock possession shall be interpreted as the immediate/next possession by the offending/Saskatchewan team after the violation by Saskatchewan has occurred.

Situation 2: GOAL called on the field. As the video shows, the New England goaltender begins to place his stick over the ball after he makes the save. This is deemed as possession as the goaltender has begun to trap/clamp down on the ball. (Rule 22.2) The four second count begins upon the goaltender beginning the trap/clamp. Similarly, any goaltender or player who controls the ball with his foot on the ball in their crease would also be considered as possession and the four second count will begin. In the video, the New England goaltender should have been called for a four second count violation. As the video continues, the Toronto player violates the contact with the goalie in the crease rule, 68.1. Subsequently, Toronto scores on its next shot clock possession. Per Rule 17.81, bullet point #9 in the criteria, New England throws the challenge flag within 35 seconds of the goal and the Crew Chief reviews this play to determine whether a violation of Rule 68.1 occurred. Upon the Crew Chief's review of New England's challenge, the goal is not awarded, the penalty is not assessed, time is put back on the game clock at the time of the infraction, and possession resumes with the ball in the New England goaltender's crease Per rule 17.81.

Fast Restarts (Rule Reference: 22)

Fast Restart Mechanic

Officials shall endeavor to restart play as quickly as possible after a technical violation such as an illegal pick call or a ball out of bounds situation or other related fast restart situations. The official will blow the ball in immediately upon the team who is being awarded possession of the ball has gained possession per Rule 22.2. Should a team neglect to pick up the ball to gain possession to resume a fast restart of play, the official has the discretion to blow play in to resume play. For example, should an illegal pick be called and the non offending team avoids picking up the ball in a timely manner as determined by the official, the official shall blow play in immediately to resume play. Thus in this situation, the restart can occur without possession of the ball.

22.2 PLAYER & GOALIE POSSESSION: A player shall be considered in possession of the ball when he has control of it and can perform any of the normal functions of control such as carrying, cradling, passing or shooting. A defender or goalie who has clamped down with his stick on the ball while the ball is in the crease is defined as possession. A player or goalie must have possession of the ball in order for play to re-start unless, at the referee's discretion, the team being awarded possession is delaying the re-start of play for a reason other than obtaining control of the ball.

In this situation, a crease violation is called by the Lead official. The ball rebounds off the goalie immediately and goes outside the crease with the non-offending team picking up the ball well before the official can properly time his whistle for restart. In this quick sequence of events, the official should not assess a penalty and readjust players to a fair restart that is timed properly by the official. Ideally, officials should attempt to time their whistle to the onset of possession in accordance of Rule 92.2.

In this situation, the Lead official anticipates the over and back recognizing that the ball is not being contested by the non offending team and blows play down correctly as the offending team is close to the ball, and at that time, the non offending team is not close to the ball. The non offending team makes a substitution that puts their player in possession of the ball. There should be a quick restart here by the Lead official as he is closest to the ball and has perception of the location of the player with possession in relation to the goal and outside the 10 yard radius. In this situation, the SSO is not in a position to blow play back in as he is not the closest to the ball and not in the position to read the play/re-start.

Uniform & Clothing Adjustment (Rule References: 26 & 90)

Any player that violates Rule 26.1 by not complying with wearing the proper leggings per the Rule shall leave the floor after being instructed by the official. If the player fails to leave the floor after being instructed to do so or returns to the floor still in violation of Rule 26.1, a minor penalty shall be assessed per Rule 90.1.

Rule 26: UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS

26.1 NUMBER AND NAME ON JERSEY - Each player and goalkeeper listed on the Club’s roster shall wear an individual identifying number at least ten inches (10”) high on the back of his jersey and, in addition, each player and goalie shall wear his surname in full block letters three inches (3”) high across the back of his jersey at shoulder height. All Players of each team shall be dressed uniformly with approved design and color of their helmets, jerseys, shorts, socks, and shoes. All players wearing leggings must be in uniformity of their teammates. All players must be in uniformity to their teams colors. White or black are acceptable leggings.

Rule 33.5: Goalie Helmet Removed

When a goalie is completely out of his crease and loses his helmet and does not immediately reassemble his helmet and then begins to travel back into his crease in anticipation to tend the goal, a delayed penalty is signaled if the non offending team has possession. Once the goalie enters the crease without his helmet on, the play will be blown down regardless of which team has possession and then the penalty is assessed. Should the non offending team score before the goalie enters his crease without his helmet on the goal will count and the penalty will be wiped out.

Rule 90: EQUIPMENT OR CLOTHING ADJUSTMENT

The onus of maintaining clothing and equipment in proper condition shall be upon the player. The player shall leave the floor and play shall continue with a substitute. Play shall not be stopped nor the game delayed by reasons of adjustments to clothing, equipment or sticks.

90.1 MINOR PENALTY - A minor penalty shall be assessed to a player who, having been notified by an official of improper condition of equipment, fails to remove himself by preventing a restart of play.

Shot Clock Reset (Rule Reference: 49.3)

49.3 SHOT CLOCK RESET CRITERIA - The 30-second clock will be reset if the team in possession takes a shot on goal, the ball is deflected off the goalie while the goalie is in the crease (or runner while in the crease when the goalie has been pulled and is on the bench for an extra attacker) or goal post.

The shot clock starts when there is a team in possession. A team is in possession when cradling, holding, passing or shooting the ball in play. Team possession ends when there is a shot on the goal, the opponent gains possession, a goal is scored or the ball goes out of bounds.

Anytime there is a floor violation or personal penalty, the clock is to be reset.

If a defensive player touches the ball and does not gain possession, the 30-second shot clock continues to run. If a defensive player causes the ball to go out of bounds the 30-second shot clock shall be reset.

Situation 1: The Buffalo player shoots the ball, which makes contact with the goalie before the expiry of the 30-second clock and then travels into the goal. Since the ball hits the goalie before the 30-second clock expires, it is a good goal. Had the shot clock expired before the ball made contact with the goalie and then went into the goal, the correct call would be no goal.

Stick Above/Behind GLE (Rule Reference: 55)

55.13 STICK HEAD BEHIND GOAL LINE EXTENDED: If a goal is scored when the attackers’ stick head is behind the goal line extended when releasing the ball during the act of shooting, the goal will be disallowed.

Situation 1: A1, who is the shooter, has his feet cleanly behind GLE, then shoots when his stick head is above GLE. It is unique that the ball hit the goalie then entered the goal. On review, clips are pieced together to confirm a legal goal since the stick head was above GLE.

Illegal Substitution (Rule Reference: 56)

56.3 SPECIAL SUBSTITUTION PROCEDURE - From a team’s bench area, one player at a time may enter the game by waiting for the player he is replacing to have two feet within his team’s Substitution Area. The player may exit and enter at different doors or through the same door or over the boards. The player exiting the floor has the right of way and substitution must be imminent. The player exiting the floor must leave the floor and enter his team box area.

Situation 1: If, while a player is exiting the floor, he is involved in incidental contact with an opponent entering the floor, and such incidental contact directly results in the exiting player's team having too many men on the floor, then an Illegal Substitution penalty should not be assessed. Per Rule 56.3, the player exiting the floor has the right of way from the floor to the bench. If a substitution involving the exiting player is imminent, the exiting player's team should not be penalized in this situation.

Illegal Pick Followed by Foul (Rule Reference: 59)

Rule 59: OFFENSIVE SCREENS/PICKS/BLOCKS - A screen / pick / block is legal if applied to the front or back or side of an opponent or on the arms, below the shoulder and above the waist. At the discretion of the referee, screens/picks/blocks are allowed as long as forceful contact with the body, and/or excessive cross checking during the application of the screen/pick/block is not made against an opponent. “Clutching and grabbing” is not permitted. An offensive player not in possession of the ball cannot exert significant unequal pressure on his defender as an attempt to gain space away from his defender.

Contact is expected, if contact is excessive and blatant, it shall be penalized under the appropriate rule. Violation for an illegal screen/pick/block shall result in possession to the non-offending team.

Situation 1: The offensive player is in violation of an illegal pick. As this offensive player is committing the illegal pick, the defender grabs the offensive player's stick as he is falling to the turf. The original call should be assessed: illegal pick. There should be no holding penalty called on the defender due to the illegal pick causing the grab of the stick.

Goal-Crease Violations (Rule Reference: 67)

67.3 ATTACKING PLAYER IN CREASE TO GAIN ADVANTAGE - A player who is in contact in the opposing crease and exits, thereby gaining an advantage as deemed by the discretion of the official, and makes contact with the ball or directly interferes with an opposing player who is attempting to pick up the ball is in violation and possession shall be awarded to the non-offending team.

A riding player who is in contact in the opposing crease and exits, thereby gaining an advantage as deemed by the discretion of the official, and makes contact with the ball or directly interferes with an opposing player who is attempting to pick up the ball is in violation and possession shall be awarded to the non-offending team.

An attacking player who is not in possession of the ball and is in contact in the opposing crease and then exits the crease, and is the first to receive a pass after exiting the crease is in violation and possession shall be awarded to the non-offending team.

Situation 1: The Vancouver player, who is the eventual shooter, runs through the opposing crease while his team has possession of the ball. He re-establishes outside the crease, but he is not eligible to be the first to receive a pass from his teammate. Therefore, the Vancouver player's goal was correctly overturned.

There are three violations by Vancouver in this clip. A Vancouver player is in the crease and first to touch per rule 67.2. A Vancouver player was in the crease and exited and was the first to receive a pass as per rule 67.3. A Vancouver player was a in the crease as a non-shooter and did not exit and establish outside the crease prior to the ball completely crossing the goal line, per rule 67.5.

Situation 2: The New England player, who is the eventual shooter and goal scorer, runs through the opposing crease as a rider, not as an attacker, while Vancouver has possession of the ball and is on the shot clock. The New England player is out of the crease once his teammate gains possession and thus is legal to receive a pass.

Situation 3: The Calgary player, who is the eventual shooter and goal scorer, runs through the opposing crease while his team has possession. The Calgary player re-establishes himself outside the crease before a teammate subsequently receives a pass. Therefore, he is now legal to receive a pass himself.

Situation 4: The Saskatchewan player (#90), who is the eventual shooter and goal scorer, enters the crease and re-establishes himself outside the crease before his teammate (#94) loses possession of the ball. The Halifax player bats the ball off the boards, and then Saskatchewan #90 gains possession and scores. Since Saskatchewan #94 loses the ball and the Halifax player bats it to #90, #90 cannot be the first to receive a pass after exiting the crease since there was no pass; thus, there is no violation here. If #94 passes the ball to #90, a violation should be called.

67.5 NON-SHOOTER IN CREASE WHEN TEAMMATE SHOOTS - A non-shooter who is in the opposing crease must vacate the crease by establishing body contact on the turf outside the crease with no part of the body contacting inside the crease prior to the ball crossing the plane of the goal to be an awarded goal. The non-shooters’ foot that is in the crease must entirely make contact on the turf outside the crease prior to the ball crossing the plane of the goal to be an awarded goal. Should the non-shooter be lying in the crease, then his entire body must not have any contact in the crease and his body be established outside the crease prior to the ball crossing the plane of the goal to be an awarded goal.

Situation 1: New England player #45, who is the non shooter, runs through the crease with both feet. Therefore, both the left and right foot must re-establish contact on the turf outside the crease prior to the ball crossing the plane of the goal for it to be an awarded goal.

Situation 2: Toronto player #33, who is the non shooter, steps with his left foot on the crease line. His left foot must then re-establish contact on the turf with his left foot outside the crease prior to the ball crossing the plane of the goal for it to be an awarded goal.

*Incorrect review - Left foot did not re-establish outside the crease; that foot was still in the crease since it was on the line, thus this constitutes in the crease.

Situation 3: [No video] A1, who is the non shooter, falls into the crease in a laying position. He must remove his body outside the crease, thus be not touching the crease, prior to the ball crossing the plane of the goal for it to be an awarded goal.

Situation 4: A1 (Jackson) does not shoot the ball but rather ‘bats’ it into the goal. He does not meet the definition of a “shooter” as he has not shot the ball per Rule 21.2. This was however a ‘legal’ play as the ball was outside of the crease. Should the ball have been inside the crease and Jackson batted the ball into the goal, the goal would have been disallowed under Rule 55.11 Directed into the Net. As Jackson, is not considered the “shooter” he is a “non-shooter” and because his momentum takes him into the crease, he must re-establish outside the crease prior to the ball completely crossing the goal line Rule 67.5. Since Jackson was lying in the crease, then his entire body must not have any contact in the crease (meaning no body part is touching the crease) and his body be established outside the crease prior to the ball crossing the plane of the goal to be an awarded goal.

Rule 67.6 Interpretation, second paragraph for determining whether the shooter is "out of the crease": In Situation 1 below, when an attacker shoots the ball and then enters the crease, and the ball proceeds to contact the goalie, then a defender, then travels across the plane of the goal, a goal shall be awarded provided the shooter re-establishes outside the crease prior to the ball completely crossing the goal line. In this situation, the attacker is treated the same as a non shooter per rule 67.5 when determining his re-establishment outside the crease.

Situation 1: The New England shooter releases the ball then enters the crease with his right foot. The ball ricochets off the goalie, then off a defender, then across the plane of the goal. The New England shooter must re-establish his right foot outside the crease before the ball completely crosses the goal line for it to be an awarded goal.

Situation 2: A1 (Staats) shoots the ball on goal and the Philadelphia goalie makes a save. The ball is bouncing behind the goalie and in an attempt to prevent the ball from crossing the plane of the goal, the Philadelphia defender dives into the crease, makes contact with the ball, and directs it into the goal. Since Staats is the “shooter”, he cannot make contact with the crease prior to the ball crossing the plane of the goal unless the ball contacts the goalie, then contacts a defender, then the ball travels across the plane, provided the shooter is out of the crease prior to the ball completely crossing the goal line per Rule 67.6.

During review, it is Inconclusive as to when the ball enters the goal relative to when Staats re-establishes outside the crease. There was no conclusive angle to determine when Staats’ hands and knee are out of the crease relative to when the ball is directed into the net. As such, the call on the field is upheld: GOOD GOAL.

Contact with the Goalie (Rule Reference: 69)

Rule 69: CONTACT WHILE SHOOTING ON NET CONTACT ON GOALIE INITIATED BY ATTACKER - If an attacking player in the act of diving, or jumping into the crease, physically initiates contact with the goalie and the ball enters the goal, the goal will be disallowed and an appropriate penalty to the attacker will be assessed.

Incidental contact by an attacker in the act of shooting on a goaltender with his body or stick which in no way affects the ability of the goaltender to attempt to make a save or play the ball shall not be penalized.

69.7 TIME AND DISTANCE BETWEEN SHOT AND CONTACT ON GOALIE INITIATED BY ATTACKER - If, in the referees’ judgment, the goaltender has time and distance after the shot is taken by a shooter who releases the ball legally and then travels into the crease and contacts the goalie, the goal shall be awarded if the ball is in the goal long before contact is made. The referee shall take into consideration the pathway of the shooter, for example, whether it is a dive shot from the side of the crease or a shooter running from the top of the crease towards the goalie and the level of impending contact in each. A penalty to the attacker shall be assessed if the contact is deemed avoidable by the referee.

Situation 1: The New England shooter dives and releases his shot when contact with the goalie is imminent. Rule 69.7 is not applicable since there was not enough time and distance between the shot and the illegal contact made by the New England shooter on the goalie. No Goal. (Major Penalty - Goalie Interference)

Situation 2: The Calgary shooter releases his shot while on the run from the top of the crease. The ball crosses the goal line, then the Calgary shooter takes two more steps before making illegal contact with the goalie. Rule 69.7 applies since there was enough time and distance between the shot and the illegal contact made by the Calgary shooter on the goalie. Good Goal, Major Penalty & Game Misconduct - Goalie Interference assessed to the Calgary shooter.

Situation 3: The Toronto shooter releases his shot while diving towards the goal crease. The ball crosses the goal line before the Toronto shooter lands in the crease and rolls into the goalie. Therefore, Rule 69.7 applies since there was enough time and distance between the shot and the illegal contact made by the Toronto shooter on the goalie. Good Goal, Minor Penalty - Goalie Interference assessed to the Toronto shooter.

Situation 4: The Halifax shooter releases his shot while diving towards the goal crease. The ball crosses the goal line before the Halifax shooter lands in the crease and rolls into the goalie. Therefore, Rule 69.7 applies since there was enough time and distance between the shot and the illegal contact made by the Halifax shooter into the goalie. Good Goal, Minor Penalty - Goalie Interference assessed to the Halifax shooter.

Situation 5: The Buffalo shooter releases his shot while jumping towards the goal crease. The ball crosses the goal line before the Buffalo shooter lands in the crease making contact with the Toronto goalie. Therefore, Rule 69.7 applies since there was enough time and distance between the shot and the illegal contact made by the Buffalo shooter into the goalie. Good Goal, Minor Penalty - Goalie Interference assessed to the Buffalo shooter.

Delay of Game: Throws, Retains, or Rolls Ball Away (Rule Reference: 92)

92.2 - THROWS, RETAINS OR ROLLS BALL AWAY: a minor delay of game penalty shall be imposed on any player or goalkeeper who throws, retains or rolls the ball away that results in a delay of game. This shall include any action by a player that disrupts the restart of the game such as holding onto the ball, or tossing the ball to the official, rather than immediately putting the ball down directly upon expiry of loss of possession inhibiting a fast restart for the opposing team. The onus is on the defender to be beyond two yards during a settled or fast restart situation as per Rule 22.1. Violation shall result in a minor penalty. Should the offensive player attempt to get closer to the defensive player inside two yards as a means to draw a delay, the offensive player shall be penalized for a delay of game, accordingly. The official shall be cognizant of the game situation, specifically recognizing the distance between opponents during fast restarts and shall restart play fairly and accordingly.

Rule 92.2 Mechanic: The referee will restart play immediately upon the non-offending team gaining possession of the ball provided there is no opposition within 2 yards per rule 22.1 Restarts with running starts by players shall be allowed. For example, a player who runs to the ball that is lying on the turf shall be permitted. The official must be cognizant of the player gaining possession on the run and blowing the whistle upon the player gaining possession provided there is no violation of rule 22.1.

Once the violation has been deemed via the officials whistle and signal, the non-offending team cannot delay the restart of the play, for example, a player intentionally not picking up the ball immediately, or a player moving in a direction away from the ball and the referee preparing the restart. Should the official deem the non-offending team is inhibiting restart of the game, the official will blow play in and the ball is live.

The onus is on the defender to be beyond two yards during a settled or fast restart situation as per Rule 22.1. Violation shall result in a minor penalty.

Should the offensive player attempt to get closer to the defensive player inside two yards as a means to draw a delay, the offensive player shall be penalized for a delay of game, accordingly. The official shall be cognizant of the game situation, specifically recognizing the distance between opponents during fast restarts and shall restart play fairly and accordingly.

Explanation: No delay penalty will be assessed on the Georgia player as the ball out of bounds triggered the stoppage for the mandatory under 10 or under 5 timeout. Therefore the Georgia player is not assessed a delay of game penalty.

17.95 MAJOR, GAME MISCONDUCT, MATCH PENALTY AUTOMATIC OFFICIAL REVIEW: All major penalties, game misconduct penalties and match penalties assessed by the Officials, with the exception of fighting and roughing will be automatically reviewed by the Crew Chief immediately upon the stoppage of play. Upon review, the Crew Chief will either confirm the call, modify the call to a less punitive penalty or rescind the penalty.

The 3 announcements following review:

1. After review the call on floor has been upheld.

2. After review the call on the floor has been reduced to ….

3. After review the call on the floor has been rescinded to no penalty.

44.2 – FACE-OFF POSITIONING: The drawmen shall stand on the same side of the centerline of the floor as the goal each is defending, with their lacrosse stick resting on the floor along the centerline. Both hands and feet of each player facing off must be to the left of the throat of the stick. Each must have both hands on the handle of the stick, not touching any strings and touching the floor. Their feet may not touch the stick. No portion of either stick may touch nor may either player be in contact with his opponent’s body by encroaching in his opponent’s territory. The walls of the stick must be approximately eight inches apart touching the floor. The sticks must be placed so that they are parallel to the centerline, and the players facing off must keep their feet behind the centerline.

Rule 44.2 Mechanic: the referee will place the ball on the turf on the faceoff dot and then begin with the ‘down’ command. Officials will then step in and align their sticks, physically adjusting them as necessary. Should a player not adjust his position in a timely manner according to the command of the Official, the Official shall award possession to the non-offending team. Officials will then state the ‘set’ command, and then blow the whistle. Players must remain motionless upon the set command until the whistle is blown. Two lines shall be drawn on the turf at the center faceoff position 8 inches apart measured from the inside edges, ½ inch width and 6 inches long.

Prior to the set command, ensure that the sticks are straight and that the feet are appropriately placed.

Stay low; watch for premature movement and over clamping.

Duty of the Referees

The referee who has initiated a call, either by delayed signal or by whistle, immediately after play has been suspended, shall indicate the penalty being called with the appropriate signal and shall identify and point at the offending player. As the player is heading to the penalty box, that referee shall immediately run to the top of the referees’ penalty circle at the penalty box and repeat the penalty or penalties and corresponding signals in a clear and concise manner. The referees who did not administer the penalty shall primarily be responsible for the non-offending players on the floor during penalty administration. They shall attempt to keep the non-offending players from disrupting the penalty administration procedure by requesting that they move away from the referees’ penalty circle. The shot clock official shall help monitor the players’ benches accordingly at this time and shall provide any information deemed necessary to the game officials that may warrant administration of penalties. The referees shall not respond to players who argue or inquire about the penalty called during the entire penalty administration sequence and may issue additional penalties to both the offending or non-offending player(s) as appropriate. After any multiple penalty situations administered at the penalty box, the official shall then run to center floor facing the players’ benches and indicate via hand signals the floor strength (ex. 4 – 3) and possession. Referees may ONLY answer questions by the teams’ respective captains or coaches who interact in a non-hostile manner during appropriate extended stoppages of the game (ex. end of quarter, TV timeout, officials timeout – injury, carpet repair).

Officials are permitted to report penalties prior to the start of the third quarter when there are multiple penalties assessed at the conclusion of the first half. The officials will convene in the Officials Room to gather the intel from the crew to best determine accurate penalty administration rather than make determinations on the floor at the conclusion of the first half. The Shot Clock official will advise both clubs with 5 minutes remaining in half time the penalties assessed to each team and floor strength, and no more. On floor officials will be available on the floor by the players benches for a conversation approximately one minute prior to the restart of the third quarter.

Referees shall endeavor to handle relatively simple penalty administration calls with play restarted within 20 seconds. Referees shall endeavor to handle more complex penalty administration calls with play restarted within 1 minute. The Crew Chief shall submit details in his game report when penalty administration situations exceed the administration time specifications above.

In brawl situations, the Crew Chief and Assistant Referees will perform fight mechanics and break up the first fight with each referee escorting each player to the penalty box. The referees will then move on to the next fight and perform the same duties until all multiple fights have stopped and players are in their respective penalty boxes. The shot clock official shall record players who leave their respective benches, write down players numbers who were engaged with each other while within the referees circle, and assist in securing the penalty box doors as players are escorted to the penalty box.

Microphone Reporting Mechanics

Mechanics: approach the intersection of the centerline and referee circle facing the penalty box/timer and scorer. Turn microphone on, remain standing still. Verbalize the penalty(s) or replay review decision. Use the formats below in a clear and concise manner. Turn microphone off. Then vacate the area to begin restart of the game.

Reporting Penalties Examples:

• Number 35 of the Toronto Rock, two minutes for illegal cross checking. Contact above the shoulders.
• Number 23 of the New England Black Wolves, two minutes for delay of game.
• Number 6 of the Rochester Knighthawks, five minutes for fighting, and two minutes for roughing. Number 8 of the Buffalo Bandits, five minutes for fighting and two minutes for roughing.
• Number 5 of the Vancouver Warriors, two minutes for goaltender interference, making significant contact on the goalie while the goalie is in his crease.

Replay Review Examples:

• After review of the play, the ball crossed the plane of the goal line prior to the shooter making contact in the crease. We have a good goal (raise hands to signal goal and turn to point at centre).
• After review of the play, the non-shooter did not vacate the crease prior to the ball crossing the plane of the goal. No goal (signal no-goal).
• After review of the play, the non shooter was in the crease when the ball crossed the plane of the goal. No goal (signal no-goal).
• After review of the play, there is no conclusive evidence to overturn the original call, as such….”the ruling on the field of GOAL or NO GOAL stands.

Referee Duties: Crew Chief and the Assistant Referee will be utilizing a wireless microphone system in game for penalty administration and reporting the outcome of replay review at the timers' box. The purpose of the system is to enhance the overall in-game experience by providing clarity to fans and viewers of penalty calls assessed as well as the outcome of replay review challenges. The Crew Chiefs will be responsible to carry the body pack transmitters and the wireless microphones for himself and the ARs with him throughout the season. Spare batteries should be carried as well.

Home Team Duties: The wireless microphone system is incorporated into the in-house PA system in each building. Each member club will be responsible for the two receivers of the system that will require some minimal work to hook into the arena PA system. Clubs will be required to coordinate setting up the system prior to each game.

Penalty Option Chart

Comparison of Severity for Illegal Crosscheck, High Stick, and Dangerous Contact to the Head

AWARDING POSSESSION AFTER PENALTY ASSESSMENT: RULE 37.2

The Shot Clock official shall be deemed as a member of the League Officiating Crew and shall follow all League rules.

The Shot Clock official shall be prepared to serve as an on floor official in case on an emergency. The Shot Clock Official will replace the on-floor official and perform Assistant Referee duties per NLL rules until the Crew Chief or Assistant Referee is able to resume his duties.

The Shot Clock Official is responsible for the following:

• Perform all shot clock operational duties per NLL rules:

Resets of shot clock: The clock should be reset only when a referee signals for one by extending his arm above his head and rotates it in a circular motion. Items that will initiate a shot clock reset by a referee are:

A team in possession takes a shot on goal; the ball is deflected off the goalie or goal post. After a shot that resets the clock the clock is held until a team gains possession.

*Definition of shot on goal (Rule 21.3): a shot on goal shall be defined as a shot where the ball makes contact with any part of the goalkeeper while he is in his crease area, the goalposts or crossbar or crosses the goal line. When a shot hits a part of the goal post, does not go in and the ball continues in play, a shot on goal is awarded and a save is credited. The head of the players’ stick must be equal to or in front of the goal line extended to be credited as a shot on goal.

-Change in possession.

-Any floor violation or personal penalty.

-If a defensive player causes the ball to go out of bounds.

-The referee has the authority to reset the shot clock to cover any unusual situation not specifically covered under the rules.

o Items that will not reset the clock:

-A team time out is called.

-A stoppage for an injury.

-If a defensive player touches the ball and does not gain possession.

-A shot that initiated from behind the goal line extended and either hits the goalie or the goal post.

o The following are additional guidelines for the shot clock official:

-If during any quarter, there are thirty seconds or less remaining, the 30-second clock, if reset will not be used.

-In the event one of the 30-second clocks ceases to operate (malfunction) during play, both clocks shall be turned off until the clock problem can be resolved.

-The shot clock official shall have a hand held clock for emergency situations

-In-house PA announcer will announce "10 seconds remaining" when the shot clock decreases to the requisite time remaining.

• Meet with On Floor Officials at a pre-determined time (approximately one hour) before the game.

• Attend pre-game and post-game meetings with on floor officials.

• Have in his possession 30 minutes prior to game time the necessary amount of balls to start the game.

• Assist the game officials in recording any penalties as advised by the Crew Chief.

• Record and remind the game officials of all challenges and timeouts called by both teams throughout the course of the game.

• Record the players who leave the players bench or penalty box for the purpose of starting or entering an altercation as per the rules.

• He shall assist the on floor officials during any altercations or fights while positioning himself in the penalty box half circle by writing down on his pad the first players off each bench as per rule 96. Game officials shall utilize the Shot Clock Official as they see fit in these situations. The Shot clock official will NOT leave the penalty box circle.

• He shall assist the on floor officials during challenge flags being thrown by Head Coaches during all game stoppages and play on situations as per rules 17.84 and 17.85. Thus viewing the benches immediately after a goal is scored or a close play at the crease.

• Restart the shot clock immediately after a goal is scored as per rule 11.2. And stop the shot clock and hold the time upon seeing a challenge flag being thrown. The Shot Clock Official is the primary mechanic in viewing when the challenge flag is thrown.

• Have in the penalty box at all times, Penalty Matrix and Mechanics copy, and the Shot Clock Operator Stat Sheet.

• The Crew Chief shall utilize the Shot Clock official as he sees fit in these situations, and any other duties as outlined by the League.

SCO MECHANIC: Two goals on the same play (first goal disallowed then challenged following the scoring of a second goal):

On the scoring of the first goal (disallowed):

1. Record the time showing on the game clock prior to the restart of play

2. Begin the 25 seconds count in anticipation of a possible challenge flag (real time, not game time)

Upon the scoring of the second goal (allowed):

1. Record the time showing on the game clock of the second goal, as well as the time showing on the shot clock

2. Begin a second clock for the 35 seconds count in anticipation of a possible challenge flag (real time, not game time)

Upon the challenge flag for the first goal (disallowed):

1. Note the time remaining on the shot clock in case the game clock needs to be reset back to the time of the first goal

2. Begin preparing two scenarios to communicate to the AR’s while the CC is reviewing the tape:

Following the announcement by the CC:

1. Communicate to the CC which scenario is being implemented

Pregame

Confirm the number of angles/cameras provided for instant replay at the penalty box. Compare and confirm these are the same angles provided by the League (as per the replay review data sheet issued). Should there be a discrepancy, indicate this in the game report and include the reason you received. Consult with the Video Replay Technician to ensure the equipment is working properly for replay review and direct communication between the Crew Chief and Video Replay Technician. The Crew Chief must visually see all potential angles available pregame.

In-Game

1. The Crew Chief will retrieve the flag thrown by the Head Coach and confirm with the Head Coach his challenge should the review be prior to two minutes remaining in the 4th Quarter and OT.

The Crew Chief will announce that a challenge has been initiated by a team or by the Officials. The Crew Chief and Game Official #1 will enter the penalty box and commence the review. The Game Official #1 will provide any information or input as requested by the Crew Chief. Game Officials #2 will position himself between the benches during the review. The review will be completed in a timely fashion with the CC making the determination and announce the review outcome. As a reminder, Officials will confirm all video angles pre game and will communication with the video replay technician in real time review to confirm all angles are provided and any additional tools are available for the Crew Chief. The Crew Chief is required to make notes on all angles that were provided in the review.

2. The Crew Chief will verbally consult with Assistant Referee on what the Assistant Referee saw on the play (if applicable). Should it be a disallowed goal, the Assistant Referee will advise the Crew Chief of the specific infraction (as per Rule 17.81) e.g. "left foot shooter in the crease upon takeoff"; "non-shooter right foot did not establish contact outside crease, after being in the crease, prior to the ball completely crossing the plane”; etc.

The Crew Chief will review the specific infraction to begin and then review ALL other aspects. The Crew Chief may request the Assistant Referee view the replay screen to confirm the play in question. The Shot Clock Official shall step onto the floor to monitor the players at ALL times during the review.

3. The Crew Chief shall request and review all angles as per the League issued replay review data sheet prior to making his decision. Should you have easily determined your review outcome by only viewing one angle, then reviewing subsequent angles is not necessary. Should a camera angle not be provided after being requested by the Crew Chief, this information shall be provided to the League in the Crew Chiefs game report. The Crew chief shall refer to the criteria of challenges as per rule 17.81.

4. The Crew Chief shall use only CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE to overturn the original call. Conclusive evidence shall be deemed as: "putting an end to debate or question by reason of inability to be refuted, definitive." This shall be visual evidence and not rely on any auditory horn mechanism. Close or debatable are not acceptable descriptors! Officials shall be well versed in previous game video clips of instant replay situations and reviews to create consistency. The Crew Chief must consider all factors involved in the play under review including the directions of the camera angles and their effectiveness or lack of when determining whether there is conclusive evidence.

Should the Crew Chief need further information or assistance from the Assistant Referee during a review, he may summon the Assistant Referee into the penalty box. The Crew Chief shall rely on specific information provided to him by the LO as illustrated in #2.

Example: If that ‘left foot shooter in the crease upon takeoff, everything else after take-off was clean’ upon CC review provides conclusive evidence that the left foot was not in the crease and during review some blockage of view thereafter, and no other evidence to indicate a crease violation, the original call is to be overturned.

Situation 1: GOAL called on the field. After review, the evidence is inconclusive thus call on the field stands.

Situation 2: NO GOAL called on the field. After review, the evidence is conclusive thus call on the field is overturned.

Situation 3: NO GOAL called on the field. After review, the evidence is inconclusive thus call on the field stands.

Situation 4: GOAL called on the field. After review, the evidence is conclusive thus call on the field is overturned.

5. The Crew Chief may combine two or more clips to determine conclusive evidence. In order to do this there must be a ‘focal point’ such as the position of the goalies stick, part of a body or something else would be reliable. An overhead angle may give you the point of time when the ball crosses the plane of the goal completely and a center camera angle may show you when the player’s foot enters the crease but not when the ball breaks the plane. Collectively, the play can be reviewed in its entirety.

Situation 5: GOAL called on the field. After review, the evidence is conclusive thus call on the field is overturned.

Situation 6: GOAL called on the field. The video shows that the first angle, from the side, 'may' look like the foot is in the crease, but this angle's position is not useful to make a conclusive decision on this play. The second angle, overhead, allows for a conclusive determination on the play. The call on the field is confirmed.

6. If there is conclusive evidence to overturn, then overturn the call

7. While the Crew Chief is reviewing a challenge, he must see the ball in order to overturn the original call. For example, if a Lead Official deemed the ball had completely crossed the plane of the goal and the Crew Chief, while under review, is not able to see the ball with the ball presumably under the goalie pants while the goalie is down on the turf, the original call will stand as this play is deemed inconclusive. If the Crew Chief is provided angles (an overhead or corner cam angle that shows all of the surface behind the goal line) that continuously shows the ball did not completely cross the plane of the goal, then the Crew Chief can overturn the original call.

8. Upon the Crew Chief finalizing his decision on the review, he shall step out of the penalty box onto the top of the referee circle and verbalize the outcome of the review as per NLL Microphone Policy and either use the award goal signal and point to center or use the non-goal award signal.

Rule 17.8 Instant Replay and Related Officiating Duties

Should an official signal a goal scored or disallowed goal and then there is subsequent discussion by the Officiating crew to in fact determine whether it's an awarded goal or not, the teams shall have the allotted 25 seconds of time per rule to throw the challenge flag beginning upon the second signal, which will be made by the Crew Chief.

A scenario that would trigger the Officiating crew to convene would be an error in the game clock time or a shot clock error that may have an impact on whether the goal is allowed.

The Crew Chief shall use his microphone to provide a short but clear explanation of the play and decision.

Empty Net Goal Review: The Crew Chiefs are hereby directed to review every goal scored under 2 minutes of play. Any empty net goals unless reasonable doubt actually exists that would warrant the goal to be reviewed (i.e. ball ricochet from net, etc.). Rule 17.92 shall serve as reference. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Officials will not initiate a replay review in such instances if the goal scored results in a differential of five or more goals.

Flag NOT Thrown: Rule 17.86 will apply when a challenge flag has NOT been thrown when there is a close play on a scoring opportunity (i.e. ball hits post and bounces near goal line then out). The Officials will stop play as per same conditions under this rule:

OFFICIALS' MECHANIC UNDER TWO MINUTES IN 4Q AND IN OVERTIME FOR ‘CLOSE’ PLAY-ON SITUATIONS

During play-on game situations when a challenge flag has NOT been thrown, the officials shall stop play once the team that took the shot on goal gains possession and has no immediate secondary scoring opportunity after the initial play, or any stoppage of play, or when the opposing team is in possession and has no immediate scoring opportunity, whichever occurs first.

Accidental Flag Thrown: Should a Head Coach throw a challenge flag, in any situation, the team will be charged with the use of a challenge. The onus rests on the Head Coach to be well versed in the rules and regulations pertaining to Video Review.

Exceptions to this would be if an official makes a mechanical error, such as not making a signal (batted ball signal, shot behind GLE) which would prevent the club not knowing the call made on the floor. In these cases or related ones, the challenge flag will be returned to the Head Coach and the team will not be charged.

Per rule 17.84 when the Lead Official and Single Side Official have a discrepancy in a goal/non goal play, the Crew Chief will go to automatic review and the team will not be charged with a challenge if they throw the flag. In this situation, if video is inconclusive upon review, the call made by the Lead Official shall stand.

An automatic review and flag return will also apply in a situation where the Lead Official signals a disallowed goal as a result of an offensive player in the crease and the Single Side Official has a delayed penalty as per rule 69.8 (attacking player illegally interfered with by the action of the defending player so as to cause him to be in the goal crease) and signals awarded goal. See Rule 69.8 below.

Additionally, the Crew Chief will go to automatic review and the team will not be charged with a challenge if they throw the flag when the Lead Official makes a goal or non-goal signal then reverses his decision on the same play. For example, a Lead Official calls an awarded goal when he perceives the ball as being inside the goal, snug with the mesh but the ball is actually behind the goal, resting on the back of the mesh; as such, the official now signals no goal. The last determination/signal by the official will be what the Crew Chief utilizes as he reviews the play.

17.95 MAJOR, GAME MISCONDUCT, MATCH PENALTY AUTOMATIC OFFICIAL REVIEW – All Major Penalties, Game Misconduct Penalties, and Match Penalties assessed by the Officials, with the exception of Rule 80 Fighting and Rule 85 Roughing, will be automatically reviewed by the Crew Chief immediately upon the stoppage of play. Upon review, the Crew Chief may either confirm the call, modify the call to a less severe penalty, or rescind the penalty. Penalties that are assessed under Rule 80 Fighting and Rule 85 Roughing will not be reviewed. This will include each sub section under Rule 80 and Rule 85.

Rule 77 (Dangerous Contact to the Head) can be downgraded under automatic review to another category.

If the automatic review of a major is rescinded, there will be a faceoff at the nearest dot to restart play.

If a goal is scored on a delayed penalty (major), per rule 17.85, the Crew Chief will review. If after the review the Crew Chief rescinds the major penalty, the goal scored counts and there will be a faceoff at center.

Review Procedure

During the penalty reporting, the Crew Chief will announce the major penalty (or above) being assessed is an automatic review. The Crew Chief and Game Official #1 will enter the penalty box and commence the review. The Game Official #1 will provide any information or input as requested by the Crew Chief. Game Official #2 will position himself between the benches during the review. The review will be completed in a timely fashion with the CC making the determination and announce the review outcome with one of the following:

1. After review, the call on floor has been upheld; or

2. After review, the call on the floor has been reduced to [lesser infraction]; or

3. After review, the call on the floor has been rescinded.

Goal After Disallowed Goal

The following situations involve the scenario where a shot by Team A is ruled no goal on the floor and Team B subsequently scores a goal shortly after.

Situation 1: Team A shot ruled no goal, Team A throws challenge flag within 25 seconds, Team B scores, no replay/insufficient replays shown of Team B goal.

Result: If the challenge upholds that Team A’s shot was a no goal, Team A will still have the opportunity to challenge the Team B goal since no replays were shown.

Situation 2: Team A shot ruled no goal, Team A throws challenge flag within 25 seconds, Team B scores, sufficient and timely replays are shown of Team B goal before the replay review of the Team A shot.

Result: Since sufficient and timely replays were shown of the Team B goal, if Team A also wishes to challenge the Team B goal, Team A must throw a towel or otherwise notify an official within 35 seconds of the Team B goal being scored. If the ruling on the Team A shot is overturned, Team A will not be charged a second challenge for initially challenging the Team B goal.

69.8 CONTACT INITIATED BY DEFENDER ON ATTACKER INTO THE CREASE - If a player of the attacking side (non-shooter) has been illegally interfered with by the action of a defending player so as to cause him to be in the goal crease and the ball should enter the net while the player so interfered with is still in the goal crease, the goal shall be allowed.

At the discretion of the referee, if the (non-shooter) was fouled causing him to be in the crease does not use his best efforts to immediately vacate the crease, and a goal was scored, the goal shall not be allowed.

If a (non-shooter) is legally checked into the crease and the defender holds or impedes the (non-shooter) from leaving the crease a delayed penalty shall be assessed for holding. If a goal is scored provided there are no other violations on the attacking team, the goal shall count and the penalty shall be nullified.

Game Horn and Synchronized Lighting: crews shall confirm pre-game if a lighting system will be activated in the buildings at every stoppage of the clock or simply when the game clock is at 0:00. This is important in determining whether the green light can be used for visual evidence in a review. If the mechanism is ONLY when the game clock is at 0:00, then this can be used for replay review purposes to determine goal/no goal per 17.81.

The Crew Chief will meet with minor officials prior to the game and confirm with them the synchronization of the game clock, shot clocks, red/green light and horns and discuss any issues in regard to their operation.

Goal Scored: should there be a controversial goal, relating to game clock operation, the Crew Chief will utilize the minor officiating crew to determine ONLY if there was any malfunction of the game clock or 30-second clock/horn. The shot clock official shall watch the game clock and to assure the clock has been re-started at the appropriate time. On a whistle to stop play make sure the clock has been stopped properly. Perform a mental count of any time discrepancy between the whistle and the re-start or stoppage of the clock. Advise crew chief of any discrepancy and the amount of discrepancy between the whistle to re-start play and the timekeeper’s mechanics.

Face Offs: the Crew Chief shall conduct all face-offs in the last minute of the game and overtime.

Timeouts: recognition of a timeout is critical in an officials’ proper game management. Be aware and proactive in this game management skill.

Whistle Stoppage Mechanics: Timeouts Rule 14, Goal & No Goal Rules 54 & 55

Stoppages of Play – Timeouts Rule 14

Should a team have possession and ask for a timeout with the Official acknowledging the timeout, the intent of blowing the whistle to stop play will apply as this will be the definitive marking stopping play. Play will be stopped regardless if the team then loses possession prior to the whistle being blown.

Stoppages of Play - Goal & No Goal Rules 54 & 55.4

Should an Official blow a whistle at any time during dynamic play, game play will be deemed stopped. Regardless of the reason for the whistle, play ceases. Should a goal be scored after the blowing of the whistle, the goal will not count and is NOT subject to review given this (sounding of the whistle) is not a criteria of challenge per rule 17.81. The Crew Chief shall use the microphone to explain the play and decision.

There shall be No Goal when the ball passes through the plane of the goal after one of the officials has sounded his whistle for any reason, including the sounding of an inadvertent whistle, or when an official has indicated he intended to blow the whistle prior to the point in time in which the ball passed through the plane of the goal. The specific point of reference is the officials’ intent to blow the whistle in determination of the precise point in stopping play.

In the above video, the SSO intends to blow his whistle to call an infraction on the team with possession prior to the ball entering the plane of the goal. As such, this play shall result in No Goal.

Rule 54.1: Goal Net Inadvertently Moved

If the goal is inadvertently moved during play, provided the goal has not been excessively dislodged, the officials shall not stop play until either the defensive team gains possession or the scoring attempt has ended. The plane of the goal does not move; it is an automatic goal provided the ball goes through the plane of the goal. (Rule Reference: 54.1; see video below)

The goal net was inadvertently moved and the ball does not completely cross the plane of the goal.

NLL OFFICIALS MECHANICS FOR RESTARTS 60 SECONDS OR LESS IN QUARTER

Crew Chief - As noted in pre-game materials, meet with minor officials prior to the game. Confirm with them the synchronization of the game clock, shot clocks, red/green light and horns and discuss any issues in regard to their operation.

Convene as a crew during a time out or stoppage of play to remind crew of their duties.

Convene with the assistant referees to gather information prior to utilizing the minor officiating crew.

Utilize the minor officiating crew, which includes the official timekeeper, 30 second shot clock operator to determine ONLY if there was any malfunction of the game clock, 30 second clock/horn and the red light goal indicator, period over green light & horn.

The crew chief shall overrule another official's call of a goal scored (rule 54) or goal not counted (rule 55) based upon clear visual or mechanical evidence by himself. Crew chief shall put himself in the best possible position in critical situations. Crew chief renders the final decision to team captains.

Lead Official - Determine goal scored as per Rule 54 and goal not counted as per Rule 55. Determine the sequence of the game horn sounding, and goal scored as per Rule 54. Secondary: Watch designated bench for line change and the goalie being pulled.

Single Side Official & Trail Official - Assist in determining the sequence of the game horn sounding, and goal scored as per Rule 54. Watch designated bench for line change and the goalie being pulled. Secondary: Determine goal scored as per Rule 54 and goal not counted as per Rule 55.

Shot Clock Officials Responsibilities - Perform normal SCO duties. For under 60 seconds, as secondary responsibilities, watch game clock once whistle has been blown to stop play and listen to re-start whistle to assure the clock has been re-started at the appropriate time on hard stoppages. Perform this as best as possible on fast stop and fast restart whistles.

On a whistle to stop play, make sure the clock has been stopped properly. Perform a mental count of any time discrepancy between the whistle and the re-start or stoppage of the clock. (Use of 1, 1000, 2, 1000, or 1000, 1, 1000, 2 for cadence which you are comfortable and mimic’s 1 second intervals). Advise crew chief of any discrepancy and the amount of discrepancy before the whistle to re-start play and the timekeeper’s mechanical error.

Officials Review on Game Clock, Rule 17.81

All officials need to be very cognizant of the game clock operation 30 seconds or less in the fourth quarter. The Shot Clock Official shall be the primary official to oversee the correct operation of the game clock when 30 seconds or less remain in each quarter.

Determination of the game clock being inaccurate 30 seconds or less in the fourth quarter: the Crew Chief will review operation of the game clock, at his discretion, if he believes there ay be an inaccurate account of time elapsed during dynamic play. Should there be conclusive evidence of any inaccuracy, the Crew Chief shall add or subtract time accordingly. No changes to the clock can be made upon a restart of play after a non technical stoppage.

Positioning Situations

Post Goal Mechanic

Post Goal Rotation Mechanics

Lead Official (LO): signals goal, collects the ball from the net and moves to centre field, while monitoring the players, to prepare to conduct the face-off. The face-off CANNOT be conducted until the "Jumbotron Monitoring Official” and Shot Clock Official gives the “all clear” signal (which is represented by the lowering of the arm). Additionally, the face-off cannot be conducted until the officials on the restraining lines confirm the appropriate number of players.

Single Side Official (SSO): moves to his position on the far restraining line while monitoring the players. This official should time his movement to coincide with post goal movement of the players (i.e. changes, etc).

Trail Official (TO): moves to his position on the close restraining line. While moving to position, this official is deemed the “Jumbotron Monitoring Official” and shall ensure replays are sufficiently shown. While observing the Jumbotron, this official shall hold his hand in the air and not lower it until replays are sufficiently shown.

Examples of replays being sufficiently shown after goals:

Shot Clock Official (SCO): commences the 35 second count after the goal signal by the Lead Official. Upon commencement of the 35 second count, the SCO will hold his hand in the air and not lower it until the 35 second count has elapsed.

Example Situations

Situation 1: Goal scored...SCO starts stopwatch or shot clock countdown and hand goes up. Jumbotron Official takes respective spot on restraining line with his hand up. Jumbotron official's hand goes down at 22 sec, SCO's hand goes down at 35 sec. Flag thrown at 36 sec... Challenge is not permitted as 35 sec has expired.

Situation 2: Goal scored...SCO starts stopwatch or shot clock countdown and hand goes up. Jumbotron Official takes respective spot on restraining line with his hand up. SCO's hand goes down at 35 sec. Video was not timely (or consistent) and Jumbotron official still has his hand up beyond 35 sec. Jumbotron official puts his hand down at 45 sec....Points to FO Official. Since we are now in extended review because the replay(s) being shown were not timely or consistent, the Team may challenge the play up until the whistle of the faceoff.

Mechanic: Faceoff Official puts himself in position to see the SCO's hand and the Jumbotron Official's hand. Faceoff Official shall determine which hand goes down first and will be the primary official to provide this information to the Crew Chief when necessary. Faceoff Official shall focus on viewing the SCO's hand and then upon the hand going down will turn to the Jumbotron official to see the status of his hand.

Jumbotron Official will look at the SCO immediately upon putting his hand down to see if the SCO's hand is still up or down. SCO will continue to scan prior to and after the expiration of the 35 seconds for a challenge flag. This mechanic will be reviewed by the Crew Chief before each game.

League Regulation

9. The jumbotron feed must include quality replays for both teams on all goals awarded calls per Rule 17.85 All Game Stoppages. The home club must show quality camera angles regardless whether the replays may have an advantage or disadvantage for either club. It is required that there is consistency in all replays being shown for all goals awarded as deemed and reviewed by the League. As per Rule 11.2, a faceoff will restart immediately after 35 seconds, as such member clubs have this allotted time to play quality replays of all goals awarded on a consistent basis. (Note: Quality camera angles refers to angles that show the 'best views' that are available in that arena that can more accurately determine conclusive evidence on an awarded goal or not. It is understood that each arena may have different camera locations and have various levels of standard definition or high definition viewing capability than other arenas.)

The Shot Clock Official will advise the Crew Chief or Official at the faceoff circle prior to re-start of play by pointing to the faceoff circle to indicate that replays were sufficiently shown before the expiration of the 35 seconds. Should replays not be provided on the jumbotron within the allotted 35 seconds, the Shot Clock Official will continue to hold his hand up in the ‘stop’ position until replays are sufficiently shown on the jumbotron. The Officials’ will determine the sufficient completion of replays. In this ‘extended replay situation’, teams will still have the opportunity to throw a challenge flag until the restart of play on the Officials’ whistle on the ensuing faceoff. If a flag is thrown by the Head coach before the faceoff, the challenge will be reviewed by the Crew Chief.

Further, member clubs shall attempt to achieve with the same consistency showing replays of all goals disallowed and additional close non goal plays in a timely manner within 25 seconds as per Rule 17.81 and related sub sections of the Rule.

Member clubs that fail to show replays or are inconsistent in replays being shown or are habitually late showing replays after goals that favor the home club will be subject to a fine as per league rules and constitution. The league will consider the conditions within the game as to the level of severity in any misuse or neglect of replay. It is prudent that each member club train the video replay technician and Jumbotron replay coordinator of all replay rules prior to each season.