Officials and Coaches,
The main point of emphasis this year is high checks and contact to the head. Steve and I would like to address some of the issues.
This past week I’ve received four emails from coaches about checks to the head.
However two of those concerns were that players were being injured and that it was not being called enough. The other two were the exact opposite stating that it was being over called. Needless to say in all instances the coaches were protecting their players in that they had injured players, or felt their players were too harshly punished.
These concerns were addressed in a respectful and rational manner, but obviously (and understandably)from only one point of view.
Coaches- Please feel free to be in touch with me anytime about your concerns. However I ask that you really take your time and truly assess everything you see as objectively as possible.
Officials- You will have our support when you call checks to the head. US Lacrosse, the NFHS, and ILOA want them called. Your biggest responsibility is to determine appropriate penalty time. You have a wide range of options, one, two, or three minute non-releasable, and even expulsion.
When you have possible head contact:
– Take your time to replay it in your mind and truly assess what you saw.
– Talk it over with your partner(s) if need be.
Some very general guidelines:
1. The penalty time should be more severe if:
– The check was avoidable
– The check was intended to punish or intimidate
– There’s a thrusting or extending of the arms
Remember that checks which would otherwise be legal may occasionally make contact with the head. Take your time to consider everything before making a final decision.
Please be sure that we are focusing on this years point of emphasis – high hits. High hits MUST be called every time and we MUST assess a multiple minute, non-releasable penalty.
Remember, in middle school, ALL hits to the head are non-releasable fouls. This includes slashes. In high school, an accidental slash to the head while playing good defense is a slash, not a targeting and a standard 1-minute releasable penalty should be issued.
Also, encourage players when they make a good hit and don’t lower their head. A well-timed compliment can go a long way. Thanks for all you do.
Clint Carter
