North District News

Attached is a document with an update on the NCAA rules changes and how the officials are to interpret them. This should be helpful for you to review as well. Included is information on the rules themselves and on rule mechanics for the officials.

Please note changes in the following areas:

STICK SPECIFICATIONS
Sticks must have manufactured end cap
Player may not saw the head at the throat
ADDED STICK CHECK FIELD TESTS

TAPE ON SHAFTS AND HEADS (New Section)
Officials will no longer check the back of the stick on a stick check. This was originally proposed at the beginning of the year but has since been reconsidered.
No tape on plastic (except goalie)
Traditional shaft-taping methods (including "donuts") are allowed

TAPE ON THE FACE-OFF STICKS
Clarifies taping requirements- One significant change is the length of the FO middie's tape. The tape on the handle of face off players must extend from the bottom of the head and run 6" down the handle. Circumference should not exceed 3 3/4 inches. This aids officials in their insuring that a middie doesn't grab the head of the stick.Tape on the head is a 3 min NR.

SUGGESTED FACE-OFF MECHANICS
After faceoff violation, faceoff official should signal violation and violation count to benches and partners.

RULES ONCE THE ATTACK AREA HAS BEEN GAINED
Added "In the above 4 situations, a new 30 second clearing timer will begin upon possession (with "RESET" signal)"

RESTARTS
Added language for restarts at the substitution area. Take note of the guidelines for restarts and the direct path to the goal.

GUIDELINES FOR OPEN FIELD RESTARTS (New Section)
Provides guidance for adjudication of 5 yard restart buffer.

STALLING
A valid shot must be initiated with the head of the stick at or above the GLE

PENALTIES AND TIMER-ON
Clarifies flag down Timer On situations.

TIMEOUTS, INJURIES, EQUIPMENT ISSUES, AND INADVERTENT WHISTLES DURING
TIMER-ON (New Section)
Provides mechanic for each of these scenarios

PENALTY ENFORCEMENT RULEBOOK ADJUSTMENTS
Corrects original memo regarding slow whistle technique

SLOW-WHISTLE TECHNIQUE
Further clarifies slow-whistle technique