Holding in Men's Lacrosse: Rules and Types
Holding in Men's Lacrosse: Rules and Types
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.
1. What is "Holding"?
"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.
2. Rule #1: "Holding" the Player (Player Holding)
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.
When is it considered a "holding" foul on the player?
When a player grabs their opponent's arms, torso, or any other part of their body illegally.
When a player uses their crosse to hold or block an opponent without the ball.
Consequence: When a player commits a "holding" foul on another player, the penalty could be a loss of possession or a one- or two-minute penalty, depending on the severity of the foul.
3. Rule #8: "Holding" the Crosse (Crosse Holding)
A less common but equally important form of "holding" occurs when a player grabs their opponent's crosse illegally. This action prevents the opponent from using their crosse freely, limiting their ability to play the ball.
When is it considered a "holding" foul on the crosse?
When a player grabs their opponent's crosse in a way that interferes with play, such as holding it or grabbing it intentionally.
If a player holds their opponent's crosse while the opponent is trying to pass, shoot, or move toward the ball.
Consequence: This infraction is usually penalized by loss of possession or a one- or two-minute penalty. If it is a repeated or particularly violent "holding" foul, it may result in a greater penalty.
4. Rule #13: "Holding" in the Face-Off (Face-Off Holding)
During face-offs, where players fight for possession of the ball at the start of each quarter or after each goal, "holding" plays a significant role. During a face-off, players are in a vulnerable position, so the rules regarding "holding" in this situation are strict.
When is it considered a "holding" foul in the face-off?
If a player grabs or holds their opponent's crosse illegally during the face-off, it is considered a "holding" foul.
It is also considered "holding" if a player retains their opponent’s crosse illegally to prevent the other player from gaining possession of the ball.
Consequence: "Holding" during a face-off generally results in a one- or two-minute penalty, where the offending player must serve time in the penalty box.
5. Different Types of "Holding"
There are several forms of "holding" in lacrosse, and these are classified into different types depending on the situation and the player’s actions:
Player Holding (Holding the player): Involves grabbing or blocking an opponent's movement without the ball.
Crosse Holding (Holding the crosse): Occurs when a player grabs or restricts an opponent’s crosse illegally, preventing them from playing the ball.
Face-Off Holding: Refers to "holding" that occurs during the face-off, when players fight for possession of the ball.
Goalie Holding: At times, a player may hold an opponent inside the goalie’s crease area, which is also considered illegal "holding."
6. Consequences of "Holding"
"Holding" is penalized in various ways depending on the type and severity of the infraction:
Penalty Box Time: "Holding" fouls generally result in one or two minutes of penalty time in the box. The team of the offending player plays with one fewer player during this time.
Loss of Possession: In some cases, such as when "holding" occurs during a face-off or to prevent an opponent from advancing, the offending team loses possession of the ball.
Temporary or Permanent Ejection: If the "holding" is excessive or repeated, the referee may impose more severe penalties, such as a temporary or permanent ejection from the game.
Conclusion
"Holding" is a common infraction in men’s lacrosse that can occur in various forms: holding a player, restricting their crosse, or even during the face-off. The rules surrounding "holding" are designed to maintain fair play and prevent players from illegally restricting others' movements. The consequences of this type of foul vary depending on its nature and severity, but in all cases, the goal is to protect both player safety and the dynamic flow of the game.
Understanding the different forms of "holding" is crucial for players, coaches, and fans, as it helps ensure fair and competitive play while preventing the violation of the basic rules of lacrosse.
