Illegal Screen in Men's Lacrosse: What It Is and How to Avoid It

In lacrosse, an illegal screen or interference is a foul that occurs when a player illegally obstructs the movement of an opponent, typically to help a teammate gain an advantage. While screens are an important part of the game, allowing players to set up plays and free up teammates, they must be executed within the rules. Understanding what constitutes an illegal screen and how to avoid it is essential for maintaining a clean and effective game.

What Is an Illegal Screen?

An illegal screen occurs when a player uses their body to block or obstruct the movement of an opponent in an illegal manner, typically to prevent the defender from guarding their teammate. The screen must be set in a way that adheres to certain rules for it to be legal. If a player sets the screen improperly—such as making illegal contact with the defender or positioning themselves incorrectly—it results in a penalty for interference.

According to the National Federation of High School Lacrosse rulebook, an illegal screen is defined as:

"A player is guilty of an illegal screen if they obstruct an opponent’s path or disrupt their movement with their body or stick in an illegal manner, typically to provide an unfair advantage for a teammate."

What Does an Illegal Screen Look Like?

An illegal screen can occur in several ways, but here are the most common situations where players commit this infraction:

1. Moving While Screening:
   A screen becomes illegal if the player setting it moves or shifts while they are in the process of blocking an opponent. A legal screen requires the player to remain stationary until the defender has time to react. If the player moves to create the screen, this becomes interference.

2. Making Contact with the Defender:
   If the player setting the screen makes illegal contact with the defender—whether by pushing them, impeding their path, or causing them to fall—this is considered an illegal screen. It’s important that the player setting the screen maintains a safe distance and avoids initiating physical contact with the defender.

3. Setting the Screen Too Close:
   For a screen to be legal, the player must give their defender enough space to avoid obstruction. Setting the screen too close to the defender, especially in an area where the defender can’t easily move around, is considered interference.

4. Setting a Moving Screen:
   The screen must be set when the player is stationary. If a player sets a screen and moves while the defender is trying to get around them, it’s considered a moving screen, which is an illegal obstruction.

5. Screening without a Clear Path:
   When a player sets a screen, they must ensure there is a clear line of sight for the defender to avoid unnecessary obstruction. If the screen is set in a way that completely blocks the defender’s movement, preventing them from following their assignment, it becomes an illegal screen.

When is an Illegal Screen Called?

An illegal screen is called when a player impedes the movement of an opponent in a way that prevents them from performing their duties or positions. This can occur in various scenarios, and here are some key situations that typically lead to a penalty:

1. Obstructing a Defender's Path:
   If a player sets a screen that blocks a defender from guarding their teammate or prevents the defender from chasing the ball, it’s considered an illegal screen. The defender must be given a chance to avoid the screen and pursue their assignment.

2. Setting a Moving or Illegal Screen:
   If the player setting the screen moves or makes illegal contact with the defender, the referee will call the foul. This can happen if the player pushes the defender with their body or makes an illegal move while attempting to screen.

3. Screening in a Dangerous or Reckless Manner:
   Players must always set screens in a manner that is safe for both themselves and their opponents. A reckless or overly aggressive screen—one that involves a forceful hit or creates a dangerous situation for the defender—will be penalized.

Penalties for Illegal Screen

An illegal screen is a technical foul, and it results in a penalty for the team that committed the infraction. Here’s what you can expect when an illegal screen is called:

1. One-Minute Penalty:
   In most cases, an illegal screen results in a one-minute penalty. The player who committed the foul must serve time in the penalty box, and their team will play one player short for the duration of the penalty. If the opposing team scores during the penalty, the player will still serve the full minute.

2. Possession Change:
   In some cases, a team may lose possession of the ball when an illegal screen is called. This is particularly common if the infraction happens while the offensive team has the ball and is trying to set up a play. The referee will award possession to the other team.

3. Flag Down:
   In rare cases, if the illegal screen is particularly dangerous or egregious, the referee may call a flag down. This indicates that the team is being penalized, and the opposing team will receive possession or have a short-handed advantage.

How to Avoid Illegal Screen Penalties

To avoid committing an illegal screen, players must focus on maintaining proper technique and positioning. Here are some tips to help players avoid setting illegal screens:

1. Stay Stationary:
   The key to a legal screen is that the player must remain stationary. They should not move once the screen is set, allowing the defender the opportunity to maneuver around them. Movement while screening is a sure way to commit a foul.

2. Avoid Contact:
   A screen should never involve making physical contact with the defender, such as pushing or holding them back. The player setting the screen should focus on positioning themselves between the defender and their teammate, without using force.

3. Give Space to the Defender:
   Always give the defender enough space to move around the screen. Setting the screen too close to the defender is considered interference and will likely result in a penalty.

4. Be Aware of Your Position:
   Set screens in areas where they won’t obstruct the defender’s ability to perform their duties. Be aware of the field and position the screen in a way that doesn’t trap the defender or prevent them from getting to their assignment.

5. Teach Proper Screening Techniques:
   Coaches should emphasize the importance of setting legal screens during practice. Players should understand the difference between a legal screen and an illegal one and practice controlling their bodies to avoid penalties.

Conclusion

An illegal screen is a common penalty in lacrosse, but it’s also one that players can easily avoid with proper technique. By remaining stationary, avoiding contact, and positioning themselves correctly, players can set effective screens while staying within the rules. This helps maintain the flow of the game and ensures fair play for all teams. Coaches and players alike should focus on understanding the nuances of this rule to avoid unnecessary penalties and keep the game moving smoothly.