Facing Off – Procedure:

SECTION 3a Definition. Play shall be started at the beginning of each period (including sudden-victory periods) and after each goal by facing the ball at the center of the field

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Exceptions: (1) In the event of an extra-man or flag-down that creates an extra man at the conclusion of any period, the next period shall begin with the advantage team in possession at the same relative position on the field when the period ended. However, if the period ends with neither team in possession, except in the previously mentioned flag-down situation, the ball shall be faced off with all the normal restrictions. (2) If a player or team commits a foul before any faceoff, the ball shall be awarded to the offended team. (3) If a player at any faceoff delays resumption of play by any action or maneuver, such as backing out or standing up after the crosses are placed on the ground, the ball shall be awarded to the offended team (see Rule 6-6-n). (4) If a player moves his crosse or any part of his body after assuming the “set” position, the ball shall be awarded to the offended team with all previous restrictions behind the defensive-area lines remaining in force.

Youth & High School Play of the Game:

Post-whistle pertains to face-off activities only. This is meant for violations like pinning an opponent’s crosse, etc. immediately after the whistle, while the face-off men are still in a battling position. Once the ball is free from the faceoff men, normal rules apply. A push or a hold after the ball is in the open field would not constitute a face-off violation. 

During a faceoff, A1 covers the ball to draw it back. B1 clamps on top of A1’s stick and does not allow A1 to play the ball. RULING: Withholding by B1. A1 is awarded the ball on a quick restart.
  

A1 and B1 have assumed legal faceoff positions. After the official blows the whistle to initiate play, (1) Either A1 or B1 strikes the opponent in the head or above the shoulders; or (2) Both A1 and B1 strike each other in the head or above the shoulders. RULING: (1) Illegal body check. If the player speared or targeted the head of the opponent, the penalty time is nonreleasable (youth is always non-releasable). (2) Simultaneous fouls.”

https://www.thefaceoffacademy.com/faceoff-rulebook

Rules and Interpretations:

The USA Lacrosse Youth Boys’ Rules clarify faceoff positioning and mechanics, emphasizing that legal body checks (14+ only) may only be delivered when both players are upright, and contact is limited to between the shoulders and waist. Similarly, at the 12u level, stick checks can only be initiated from below both the player’s and opponent’s shoulders. No tomahawk checks are allowed.

• USA Lacrosse interpretation guides further clarify, “All players MUST play the ball before possession is gained (emphasis in original)” - USA Lacrosse Boys Lacrosse Youth Guidebook

• Further, the rule interpretation reads, “Upon the whistle-starting play, players shall not initiate a body check against their opponent: a body check against a crouched player is an illegal body check (emphasis in original) - USA Lacrosse, NFHSpage 33, rule 4-3-1

• Any "Take-out" body check or targeting the head or neck are explicitly prohibited, with automatic ejection for targeting at the youth level.

Explicit Prohibitions of Spearing (with the facemask or top of the helmet), Body Contact, and/or Body/Cross Checks on Defenseless Players are specifically referenced in the USA Lacrosse and NFHS rulebooks: Players taking a faceoff are crouched, heads down, with their hands on the ground, and in a defenseless position.

No body contact, body checks or cross checks may be delivered to a player in a crouched or otherwise defenseless position following the faceoff whistle. This is true regardless of whether the player is attempting to play the ball or execute a counter move, and none are permitted until after 1.) The referee calls possession, or 2.) The ball is in the open field.

The language of each rulebook is clear, unambiguous, and accompanied by mandatory penalties for violations.

Do Better,

• Coach Mike