2012 boys lacrosse rules book clarifications and corrections

1. The answer to Question 91 on the 2012 NFHS Boys Lacrosse Exam is incorrect.

The question: An illegal offensive screen occurs whether or not contact occurs.
The listed answer: A – True
Answer should be: B – False
The rule reference: 6-4 is correct

Rule 6-4 on page 61 of the 2012 Boys Lacrosse Rules Book states quite clearly that contact is required. In addition, there is a note following Situation 6-4-A which states specifically "There has to be contact to be called illegal offensive screening."

2. Clarification for Rule 4-15 – Rules Once the Goal Area is Gained
Once the ball has been successfully advanced into the goal area, a team is provided the opportunity to run its offense on its offensive half of the field. If the offensive team carries or intentionally passes or propels the ball to its defensive half of the field and the offensive team was last in possession, the official will signal and verbally announce "get it in/keep it in" if the offensive team gains possession. The offensive team has 10 seconds to return the ball to the goal area, at which point it must “keep it in.” Once the goal area is gained, the officials will signal and verbally say “keep it in." In all other situations in which the ball returns to the defensive half of the field, normal rules for advancing the ball will apply with the appropriate count starting upon possession.

3. In a March, 2011 memo, a situation was distributed regarding tape rings. Due to an oversight, that situation and ruling was not included in the 2012 Boys Lacrosse Rules Book. However, the interpretation is still valid and that situation follows:

1.6.1 SITUATION:  During an equipment inspection, A1's handle has a tape ring measuring more than 3.5 in. in circumference that is (a) within 3 inches or (b) more than 3 inches from the butt end of the handle. RULING: (a) Legal (b) Illegal. The tape ring must be removed before the crosse can return to play.

4. Due to this year’s 4-11 rule revision, “Not Offside,” the ruling for 4.10 Situation I on page 36 of the 2012 Boys Lacrosse Rules Book is incorrect. That situation and ruling should read as follows:

4.10 SITUATION I: Team A delays their substitution which causes them to have too few players on either end of the field. RULING: Illegal procedure if Team A gains an advantage by the delayed substitution. Ball is awarded at the spot of the foul (or laterally outside the goal area).

5. Upon recognizing a delayed substitution situation, the official should employ a “silent play-on” mechanic.

4.11 SITUATION: During a special substitution, A1 delays his entrance onto the field. The trailing official sees the delay. RULING: Silent play-on. The official will raise an arm.  If A1 gains an advantage by the delayed substitution, call illegal procedure on A1.  If no advantage is gained, drop the arm and play continues.

We trust that these clarifications are helpful and apologize for the errors.