Lacrosse, as a contact sport, has strict rules to protect the safety of players and ensure fair play. One of the most common fouls in men's lacrosse is "holding", which refers to when a player illegally grabs, holds, or blocks an opponent or their crosse. Below, we explore the different forms in which "holding" manifests in lacrosse, its types, and the consequences of each infraction.
"Holding" in lacrosse refers to any action where a player illegally grabs, holds, or restricts the movement of an opponent or their crosse. Depending on the severity and situation, this foul can be penalized in various ways. It is important to note that "holding" doesn’t necessarily have to be aggressive or violent; it can simply involve restricting movement or using the hands or crosse illegally.
The most basic form of "holding" occurs when a player grabs an opponent illegally, either by holding them directly or using their crosse to restrict their movement. This can happen anywhere on the field, whether in the defensive or offensive area.