Cross-Checking in Men's Lacrosse: Rules and Penalties
In men's lacrosse, cross-checking is a common penalty, but it is also one of the most dangerous fouls. The rule surrounding cross-checking is meant to protect players from unnecessary contact and injuries while maintaining the flow of the game. This article will explain what cross-checking is, how to avoid it, and the penalties associated with this infraction.
What is Cross-Checking?
Cross-checking is defined in lacrosse as using the shaft of the crosse (stick) to push or strike an opponent in a manner that is dangerous or illegal. Unlike a regular check, where the crosse is used in a controlled and legal manner to disrupt the opponent, cross-checking involves using the stick in a way that can create excessive force or cause injury.
According to the National Federation of High School Lacrosse rulebook, cross-checking occurs when:
A player uses the shaft of the crosse to forcefully push or check an opponent, typically with both hands on the stick. This can be done in a variety of areas on the opponent’s body, and it is considered a foul when executed in a dangerous or reckless manner.
What Does Cross-Checking Look Like?
Cross-checking often occurs when a player is trying to gain position or stop an opponent’s movement. However, it becomes a penalty when done with excessive force or in a reckless manner. Here are some examples of what cross-checking might look like in a game:
Forceful Check to the Back or Chest:
A common form of cross-checking is when a player uses both hands to drive the shaft of their stick into an opponent’s back or chest. This type of contact is usually done to push the player off or disrupt their movement, but if it’s too forceful or hits an illegal area, it becomes a cross-check.Cross-Checking to the Neck or Head:
Any cross-check to the neck, head, or face is particularly dangerous. Such checks can cause serious injuries and are highly penalized to protect player safety.Using the Shaft for an Illegal Push:
A player may also use the shaft to push an opponent off, but if the force is too much, or if the check is done recklessly, it will be considered cross-checking. A controlled push with the crosse (using the “butt end” or the “shaft” in a legal manner) is legal, but a violent or out-of-control push is not.
When is Cross-Checking a Penalty?
While pushing an opponent with the crosse is a legal and common defensive move, cross-checking becomes a penalty when it is excessive, reckless, or done with the intention to harm. Here’s when cross-checking is most commonly called:
Two-Handed Cross-Check:
If a player uses both hands on the crosse to push or check an opponent, especially when the force used is too much or if it’s done from an illegal angle, it’s considered a cross-check.Dangerous or Reckless Force:
Even if a player is using a legal cross-check motion, if they apply too much force—particularly in a dangerous area like the neck, head, or back—this will be penalized.Cross-Checking from Behind:
Cross-checking from behind is especially dangerous because the opponent may not be prepared for the contact. This can lead to injury, and the rules of lacrosse strictly penalize this type of play.
Penalties for Cross-Checking
Cross-checking is considered a personal foul in lacrosse, and players who commit this foul will be penalized with time in the penalty box. Here’s how the penalty system works:
One- or Two-Minute Penalty:
If the cross-checking foul is deemed to be minor or less severe, the player will typically serve one to two minutes in the penalty box. The team will play one player short during this time. If the penalty is a minor cross-check, one minute is common. A more serious or dangerous cross-check may result in a two-minute penalty.Three-Minute Penalty or Ejection:
For a more violent or reckless cross-check, particularly if the opponent is injured or the foul is seen as malicious, the player may receive a three-minute penalty or even be ejected from the game. This is usually the case for cross-checking to the head or neck, or any contact that is considered excessively forceful.Flag Down with a Goal Scored:
If a cross-check occurs while the team is attempting to score a goal and they succeed, the goal counts, but the player who committed the foul will still have to serve the penalty. The game will continue with a short-handed face-off, with the offending team playing a man down.
How to Avoid Cross-Checking Penalties
To avoid committing a cross-checking foul, players must focus on using their crosse in a controlled and legal manner. Here are a few tips to avoid cross-checking:
Use One-Handed Checks:
Instead of using both hands to push or check an opponent with the shaft, players should focus on one-handed checks. These are easier to control and less likely to result in a penalty. Additionally, one-handed checks can still be effective when trying to disrupt the opponent’s play.Focus on Legal Areas:
Make sure you are checking your opponent in legal areas of their body, such as their stick or arms. Avoid making contact with the head, neck, or back, as these areas are more vulnerable and can lead to dangerous penalties.Maintain Control of the Stick:
Players should always keep control of their stick during the game. Reckless swings or pushing with excessive force often result in penalties. Always ensure that you’re checking with intention and precision rather than trying to “push” your opponent off recklessly.Proper Coaching:
Coaches should emphasize controlled checking techniques in practice, such as poke checks and lift checks, that don’t involve the high-risk movements associated with cross-checking. Teaching players to check in a controlled and non-dangerous manner will help reduce penalties and injuries.
Conclusion
Cross-checking is a serious infraction in lacrosse, and it’s penalized to ensure the safety and fairness of the game. It involves using the shaft of the crosse to push or strike an opponent in a dangerous or reckless manner, and it can lead to time in the penalty box or even ejection from the game. To avoid cross-checking penalties, players should focus on legal checking techniques, use one-handed checks, and always maintain control of their sticks. By following these guidelines, players can keep themselves and their opponents safe while playing the game at a high level.
