RULE 5 PLAY of the GAME

Question 1

Start/Restart of the Game Section 1.

Answer 1

Each half of the game and overtime period, and after each goal, the game is started by a draw except when a free position or alternate possession at the center line has been awarded. There must be twelve players on the field before the start of each draw unless a team does not have twelve eligible players in uniform or they are
playing with fewer than twelve as a result of a card or cards being given. A maximum of three players from each team may be between the restraining lines during the draw until the whistle blows. All other players, including each team’s dressed goalkeeper, must be below either restraining line. Players outside of the center circle are not required to “stand.” Players must not step on or over the circle or the restraining lines until the whistle blows. Sticks may be over the circle or restraining lines provided they are not grounded.

Question 2

The Draw Section 2.

Answer 2

The opponents each stand with one foot toeing the center line and each opponent must have both of her feet on the same side of the center line behind her
crosse. The crosses (shaft and head combined) are held in the air, above hip level with the lower side above the center line and back to back, so that the players’ crosses are between the ball and the goal they are defending. The entire length of both crosses must be contained within the vertical plane of the center line. A player’s top hand may not contact any part of the sidewall or pocket. The ball is placed between the crosses by the official and must be placed in the upper third of each head at its widest point. When setting up the draw, the official should be aware of possible height differentials between the centers and place the crosses in such a way that neither player gains an advantage. On the word “ready” the players taking the draw must remain motionless
except for head movement until the whistle. On the whistle the two opponents must immediately draw their crosses up from the starting position. The flight of the ball must attain a height higher than the heads of the players taking the draw.

Question 3

The Draw Section 3.

Answer 3

An illegal draw results in a free position for the opponent at the center line. For the free position, a player from the offending team is placed 4m away to either side at an angle of 45 degrees to the center line towards the goal she is defending. If both players draw illegally or it cannot be determined why the draw was illegal the official will call time out and a re-draw will occur. Any offsetting violations of the draw rules will result in a re-draw. There shall be no substitutions during a re-draw. EXCEPTION: When the 10-goal rule is in effect no time out should be called for a redraw.

Question 4

Start/Restart of Play Section 4

Answer 4

The whistle is used to stop and start play. When starting play, the official will also give a visual arm signal by raising the arm above the head and moving it down to the side as the whistle is blown. The timer’s horn will indicate the end of each half and overtime.

Question 5

Stand Section 5.

Answer 5

The ball is “dead” when the official blows the whistle and no player, except the goalkeeper or her deputy within the goal circle, may move unless directed by the official, until the game has been restarted. The official directs any player who moves to return to her original position.

Question 6

Restraining Line Section 6. A team must not:

Answer 6

1. Have more than seven players below the restraining line in their offensive end of the field.
2. Have more than eight players below the restraining line in their defensive end of the field.

Question 7

Out of Bounds Section 7.

Answer 7

When the ball goes out of bounds, the official blows the whistle to stop play and the players must “stand”. Except in the case of a shot or deflected shot on goal, when a player in possession of the ball carries or propels the ball out of bounds, or when a player is the last to touch a loose ball before the ball goes out of bounds, the opponents will be awarded the ball when play resumes. Carrying/throwing the ball out of bounds is a simple change of possession, not a foul.

Question 8

Out of Bounds Section 8.

Answer 8

When a player’s foot/feet are out of bounds she may not take an active part in the game (Minor foul). During the game players may not run out of bounds and re-enter to a more advantageous position (Minor foul).

Question 9

Out of Bounds Section 9.

Answer 9

When a player has possession of the ball and steps on or over the boundary line, or any part of her body or crosse touches the ground on or over the boundary line, the ball is out of bounds and the player will lose possession.
a. A player is in possession of the ball when the ball is in her crosse and she can perform any of the normal functions of control such as cradle, carry, pass or shoot.
b. A player in possession of the ball may hold her crosse outside the boundary as long as her foot/feet are not on or over the boundary line. If an opponent who is
in-bounds legally checks a player’s crosse causing the ball to fall to the ground out of bounds, possession will be awarded to the opponent when play resumes.
c. When an opponent illegally causes a player in possession of the ball to go out of bounds, the ball carrier will maintain possession of the ball when play resumes. The opponent will be penalized for a major foul.
d. If a player deliberately pushes, flicks, or bats the ball into an opponent’s feet or body in order to cause the ball to go out of bounds, it will be penalized as a major foul.

Question 10

Out of Bounds Section 10.

Answer 10

When a loose ball touches the boundary line or the ground outside the line the ball is out of bounds. The player/team that last touched the ball before it went
out of bounds will lose possession of it, unless it was a shot or a deflected shot on goal.

Question 11

Out of Bounds Section 11. To resume play when the ball has gone out of bounds:

Answer 11

a. The opponent nearest the ball will place the ball in her crosse and stand 2m inside the boundary from the spot where the ball went out of bounds. If the goalkeeper
while within her goal circle is the nearest to the ball when it crosses the boundary, she will remain in her circle to restart play.
b. Any other player(s) directly involved in the play or in the immediate vicinity of the spot where the ball went out of bounds may also be moved. They must maintain
the same relative position to the player with the ball that they occupied when the whistle blew to stop play. Opponents must give the player with the ball at least 1m
of free space (stick and feet).
c. All other players must maintain the field position they had when the whistle blew to stop play. Play is resumed with the whistle.

Question 12

Out of Bounds Section 12.

Answer 12

When a shot or deflected shot on goal goes out of bounds, the player who is inbounds and nearest to the ball when it crosses the boundary will place the ball in her crosse and stand 2m inside the boundary line from the spot where the ball went out of bounds. Opponents must give the player with the ball at least 1m of free space. If two opposing players are equidistant from the ball (stick or body) when it goes out of bounds, alternate possession will be awarded. If the goalkeeper while within her goal circle is the nearest to the ball when it crosses the boundary, she will remain in her circle to restart play.

Question 13

Out of Bounds Section 13.

Answer 13

A shot or deflected shot remains a shot until the ball goes out of bounds, the ball comes to rest on the field of play, a players gains possession of the ball, or a player otherwise causes the ball to go out of bounds. It is the official’s responsibility to determine if a thrown ball is a shot.

Question 14

Out of Bounds Section 14.

Answer 14

When the ball goes directly out of bounds from a legal draw, the official will call time out and the draw will be retaken. There shall be no substitutions during a re-draw. EXCEPTION: When the 10-goal rule is in effect no time out should be called for a redraw.

Question 15

Goal Circle Rules Section 15.

Answer 15

Only one player, either the goalkeeper or the person deputizing for her, is allowed in the goal circle at any one time. With the following exceptions, no other players are allowed to enter or to have their feet, body, or crosse on or over the goal circle at any time:

a. On a shot, the shooter may follow through with her crosse over the goal circle. Her feet must not touch the goal circle. The attacker’s shooting motion must be initiated from outside the goal circle.
b. On a shot, the player(s) directly defending the shooter may reach into the goal circle with her crosse(s) to block the shot or check the shooter’s crosse. A defender’s feet must not touch the goal circle.

Question 16

Goal Circle Rules Section 16. The goalkeeper while within the goal circle:

Answer 16

a. must clear the ball within ten seconds after it has entered the goal circle.
b. may stop the ball with either hand and/or body as well as her crosse; if she catches the ball with her hand she must put it in her crosse and proceed with the game.
c. must remove a ball lodged in her clothing, protective equipment, or goalkeeper’s crosse, place it in her crosse, and proceed with the game.
d. may reach out her crosse and bring the ball back into the goal circle provided no part of her body is grounded outside the goal circle.

Question 17

Goal Circle Rules Section 17. The deputy:

Answer 17

a. may only enter or remain in the goal circle when her team has possession of the ball.
b. must immediately leave the goal circle when her team loses possession of the ball.
c. may go into the goal circle to prevent a rolling ball from crossing the goal line.
d. while within the goal circle must clear the ball within ten seconds after it has entered the goal circle.
e. while within the goal circle may play the ball with her hand, place it in her crosse, and proceed with the game.

Question 18

Goal Circle Rules Section 18.

Answer 18

Once a team gains possession of the ball in the goal circle and the ball is cleared the team must not return the ball to their goal circle until the ball has been played by another player.

Question 19

Goal Circle Rules Section 19. When the goalkeeper or anyone deputizing for her is outside the goal circle:

Answer 19

a. she loses all her goalkeeping privileges.
b. she may only re-enter the goal circle without the ball.
c. she may propel the ball into the goal circle and then follow it in.
d. she must return to the goal circle to play the ball if it is inside the circle.
e. she may not take the draw, be between the restraining line on the draw, shoot or score for her team.

Question 20

Alternate Possession Section 20.

Answer 20

The winner of the coin toss at the beginning of the game shall have choice of ends or having the initial alternate possession that occurs in the game. After the initial possession is awarded, the possession will then alternate. Alternate possession is continuous through any overtime period(s).The record of the possession shall be kept at the table.

The alternate possession shall be taken by the two opponents closest to the foul/incident. If the alternate possession would be awarded outside of the critical scoringarea, it is taken where the incident or foul occurs that caused play to stop exceptthat no alternate possession is taken within 4m of the boundaries. The opponent willstand 4m away and nearer to the goal she is defending. No other players may bewithin 4m.

If the alternate possession would be awarded inside of the critical scoring area and below the goal line extended, it shall be awarded at the closest dot. The opponent will stand 4m away and nearer to the goal she is defending. No other players may be within 4m.

If the alternate possession would be awarded inside of the critical scoring area and above the goal line extended (including the goal circle), it shall be awarded at the closest 8m mark on the goal line extended. The opponent will stand 4m away on the goal line extended on either side of the ball. No other players may be within 4m. The lane above the goal line is cleared, if necessary.

Question 21

Alternate possession is awarded when:

Answer 21

a. the ball goes into the goal off a non-player.
b. the ball goes out-of-bounds as the result of a shot or deflected shot and two opposing players are equally near the ball.
c. it cannot be determined which team caused the ball to go out of bounds.
d. there is an incident unrelated to the ball and players are equidistant from the ball.
e. a ball lodges in the clothing of a field player or official.
f. two players commit offsetting fouls, (major and/or minor), or after the attacking team fouls during a slow whistle situation.
g. the game is restarted after any incident related to the ball when neither team has possession and two opposing players are equally near the ball unless the accident has been caused by a foul.
h. the game is stopped for any reason not specified in the rules

Question 22

Substitution Section 21.

Answer 22

Each team may substitute an unlimited number of players at any time during play, after every goal and at halftime (including overtime). During a substitution because of injury, or if a player is sent from the field for any reason, no other players may substitute or exchange positions on the field. In these situations the official will make sure that any substitute assumes the same location as the player she is replacing and that no advantage is gained. Timeout is not taken for substitution during the normal course of play. Re-entry is permitted.

Question 23

Substitution Procedures Section 22.

Answer 23

All substitutions must be made through the substitution area, and during play, all players, including the goalkeeper, must come off the field and exit between
the cones/markers before a substitute may go on to the field.
a. During Play: the player must enter the game through the substitution area and not enter this area until her substitution is imminent. A substitute must not go onto the field until the player she is replacing has entered the substitution area (this includes the goalkeeper). The player exiting the field has the right of way and any players in the substitution area must yield their position and allow her to exit. No other players shall be in this area except those involved in the imminent substitution. Substitutes must not block the view of scorer’s table personnel.
b. After a Goal: Players substituting after a goal is scored may immediately enter the game and do not have to wait for the teammates they are replacing to come completely off the field. All players must enter and exit the field through the substitution area. Substitutions may not take place after the official’s hand is in contact with both centers’ sticks at the draw. The officials will ensure that all
replaced players leave the field before the game restarts. No other players or coaches are permitted in the substitution area except those players waiting to immediately enter the game. When an illegal substitution occurs, the scorer/timer will immediately notify the nearest official.
c. Injury: substitution, not to exceed 30 seconds, must be made in case of injury. EXCEPTION: In the event of an injured goalkeeper, she must be replaced by a “dressed” goalkeeper, if one is available. If the backup goalkeeper is in the game as a field player she will be permitted time to put on the goalkeeper equipment and replace the injured goalkeeper. A player from the bench may replace that field player. If a free position is to be taken and a team has no substitute available, the official may move the nearest player to assume the position of the player who left the field.
d. Player Suspension/Ejection: No substitution will be allowed. EXCEPTION: See goalkeeper misconduct, Rule 7, Section 31.

Question 24

Illegal Substitution Section 23. Should an illegal substitution occur, the official will call a timeout and remove the illegal substitute. Illegal substitutes are:

Answer 24

a. A player who enters without going through the substitution area
b. A player who enters prior to her teammate leaving the field
c. A player who enters during injury or misconduct timeouts and is not replacing the injured/suspended player
d. A player not listed or incorrectly listed on the roster and/or in the score book at the start of the game
e. An extra player
f. A player who enters after the official’s hand is on the sticks for the draw
g. A suspended player (second yellow)
h. An ejected player (red)

A player not listed by name and uniform number before the game may be added to the roster and/or scorebook when the error is discovered and a penalty imposed against her team.

The penalty for illegal substitution (a-f) is a free position for the opposing team at the spot where play was to resume before the illegal substitution occurred. For breach of this rule simultaneously, the official will award alternate possession at the spot where play was to resume.

If, before a goal is scored, a team is discovered to have an illegal player(s) on the field, the player(s) will be removed, a free position awarded to the opposing team at the spot where play was to resume before discovery of the illegal player(s). If the spot cannot be determined, play will resume at the spot where the ball was when the error was discovered.

If an illegal player is discovered on the attacking team after a goal is scored and before play is restarted, the goal shall not count, the illegal player shall be removed, and play shall be resumed with a free position at the center line.

If the illegal substitute (g-h) is a player who has been suspended (second yellow) or ejected (red) and is ineligible for further play in a game, this shall be coach misconduct. The penalty administration in Rule 7 Section 35 shall apply.

Question 25

Accident, Interference, or Any Other Incident Section 24.

Answer 25

If the game has to be stopped due to an accident, injury or illness, interference or an incident either related or unrelated to the ball at the time the whistle is blown, the game is re-started in one of the following ways:

a. If a foul has occurred, a free position is awarded on a spot determined by the official. Play shall not be restarted within 8m of the goal circle or within 4m of the boundaries.
b. If no foul is involved in the stoppage of play, the ball is given to the player who was in possession, or nearest to it, at the time play was stopped and play is restarted at the spot of the ball. If two players are equidistant from the ball, alternate possession is awarded

Question 26

Accident, Interference, or Any Other Incident Section 25.

Answer 26

Timeout is called at the discretion of the official. If play must be stopped due to player injury or suspected injury, whether or not medical personnel or a coach comes
onto the field to attend to a player, that player(s) must leave the field. A substitute must take her place. No one from the sideline may come onto the field without the permission of the official. There shall be no coaching during an injury timeout. If a free position is to be taken and a team has no substitute available, the official may move the nearest player to assume the position of the player who left the field. If the injured player is the goalkeeper and there is no other “dressed” goalkeeper for her team, the goalkeeper may remain in the game.

Question 27

Ball Lodged in Clothing or Crosse Section 26. When the ball lodges:

Answer 27

a. in the clothing of a field player, alternate possession is awarded.
b. in the crosse of a field player, the crosse no longer meets specifications and must be removed from the game immediately. A minor foul is called, and the official will take time-out to remove the crosse.
c. in the goal netting or in the protective equipment or in the clothing or crosse of the goalkeeper while she is within the goal circle, she removes the ball, places it in her crosse and proceeds with the game.
d. in the clothing of an official, alternate possession is awarded.

Question 28

Equipment Inspection Section 27.

Answer 28

The head coach is required to verbally certify that all her team’s equipment (crosses, eye protection, balls, etc.) is legal under these rules. All the crosses that might be used in the game must be inspected by the officials before the game begins. Any crosse not meeting specifications may be re-inspected prior to the first draw by the official for use in the game. Should any crosse not meet specifications, it shall be placed at the scorer’s table.

Question 29

Equipment Inspection Section 28.

Answer 29

At any time during the game, at the official’s discretion, time out may be called to inspect any crosse in use on the field. This does not include the sticks of players standing in the substitution box or on the sideline. The official shall also inspect the pocket of any player’s crosse upon request of the opposing Head coach or any opposing player on the field. The request must include the player’s number. Each team will be allowed two
stick check requests per game.
a. Should the crosse meet specifications, the game shall be re-started by the ball being given to the player who was in possession of the ball, or closest to the ball
if there was no possession, when time out was called.
b. Should the crosse not meet specifications, it shall be removed from the game by the official and placed at the scorer’s table for the remainder of the half. Personnel
from the team may come to the table to fix/adjust the stick but the stick may not be removed from that area. Any crosse not meeting specifications may be re-inspected (at half time or before any overtime period) by the official for use in the second half or overtime period. After the removal of a crosse not meeting specifications, the game shall be re-started with a free position to the opponent nearest the ball when play was stopped. If the illegal crosse is an offsetting foul, alternate possession will be awarded. The team requesting the stick check will not lose any of its two allowable requests if the crosse is found to be illegal.
c. In the event that a goal was scored with a crosse that does not meet specifications, the goal shall not count, the crosse shall be removed, and play shall be resumed with a free position at the center line. Player positioning for the draw shall apply. Once the game is restarted with the draw, the goal shall stand.
d. If after a goal is scored and before the game is restarted with the draw, any player other than the shooter is found to have a crosse not meeting specifications, the
goal shall stand, and a free position will be taken at the center by the opposing team.

Question 30

Equipment Inspection Section 29.

Answer 30

The head coach may request a measurement on any opposing player’s crosse. Officials will only measure the overall length of the crosse. In lieu of measuring the head of the crosse, the official will place the ball in the pocket and ensure that the ball moves freely within all parts of the head and pocket, and that the ball falls freely from the pocket once the head of the crosse is turned over. This request will count as one of the team’s two allowable requests.