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Lacrosse Coaching
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Written by Trey Gelston for Team Ref 60
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 Timing may be everything for a comedian's success, however for lacrosse officials, positioning is the critical component if you want to avoid being laughed off the field of play... In this issue of “60 Seconds on Lacrosse Officiating,” we will examine making calls on plays in the crease.
The best way for an official to ensure he is getting the lion-share of the calls in the crease correct is to be in the proper position.
Crease violations or goals should not be signaled from outside the box or even the box line. The lead official should be positioned approximately halfway between the box line and the crease. Once properly positioned, the official should rotate with the play; moving in and out, depending on where the ball is.
Even when working as the trail, the official must keep in mind that his main priority is the goal/crease at the other end of the field. Anticipating when the ball is going to transition back down to that end is key achieving perfect positioning.
Once positioned as the lead, the official’s main focus is the goal and crease area. You must have confidence in your partner that they will get any late hits and help you out with any pushes near the crease.
If an attacker is carrying the ball near the crease, the lead needs to be able to see if the player steps on or in the crease…
If this occurs, blow whistle immediately and signal crease violation (by pointing towards the ground) and shout, “in the crease” and award ball to the defending team outside the box goal line extended.
Some helpful hints to work the crease effectively:
- If an attacking player leaves his feet DELIBERATELY and lands in the crease the goal is disallowed, regardless of when it went in.
- If an attacking player runs into the crease after the ball enters the goal the goal is good.
- Once the goalie gets possession of the ball in the crease, he must pass or run it out within four seconds.
- The goalie, or his stick, may not be contacted if he and it are within the crease.
- The goalie’s stick may not be contacted if it is extended outside the crease and he has possession, however if he does not have possession of the ball and the stick is outside the crease it may be checked.
- An attacker can reach his stick into the crease to play the ball as long as there is no contact with the goalie or his stick.
- A defensive player may not carry the ball back into the crease, however it can be passed back to someone who is in the crease.
- If the ball becomes stuck in the outside of the net, award the ball to the defensive team outside the box goal line extended.
So, lets save the jokes for the comedians because perfect practice for proper positioning is no laughing matter when it comes to calls in the crease!
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Lacrosse Coaching 
