Minor Fouls in Women's Lacrosse: Rules and Consequences
Women's lacrosse is a fast-paced and action-packed sport that demands technical skills, agility, and teamwork. While major fouls are essential to ensure safety, minor fouls also play a crucial role in keeping the game flowing, fair, and safe. Minor fouls are less severe infractions than major fouls, but they can still influence the course of the game. Below, we explore some of the most common minor fouls in women's lacrosse, with specific examples provided by expert coaches, along with the penalties associated with these infractions.
1. Covering the Ball with the Stick (Covering the Ball)
A very common minor foul in women’s lacrosse occurs when a player covers the ball with the head of her stick while going for a "ground ball" (ball on the ground). In lacrosse, when attempting to recover a loose ball, a player is not allowed to cover the ball with her stick; instead, she must play the ball by running through it and gaining possession without covering it.
Example:
If a player, for example, Katie, tries to recover the ball from the ground and uses her stick to cover the ball entirely, this is considered a minor foul. In this case, possession of the ball would be awarded to the opposing player, Kaitlyn, and Katie would be required to move 4 meters to the side before play resumes.
Consequences:
Possession of the ball is given to the opposing player.
The infringing player must move 4 meters back and the game resumes.
2. Empty Stick Check (Checking an Empty Stick)
Another common minor foul is the "empty stick check." This infraction happens when a player attempts to check the opponent's stick when the opponent is not holding the ball in her stick. It is important for the defender to wait until the opponent has possession of the ball before attempting to check it.
Example:
If Kaitlyn tries to check Katie’s stick when Katie is not holding the ball in her stick, this would be considered a minor foul. In this case, possession of the ball would be awarded to Katie, and Kaitlyn would be required to move 4 meters to the side to resume play.
Consequences:
The infringing player loses possession of the ball.
The opposing player receives the ball and the infringing player must move 4 meters back.
3. Illegal Holding (Minor Holding)
Holding or grabbing illegally is another common minor infraction in women's lacrosse. This happens when a player uses her body or stick to impede the movement of an opponent without attempting to gain possession of the ball.
Example:
If a player uses her stick or body to block the opponent’s movement, preventing her from playing the ball, without attempting to gain possession, it would be considered minor holding.
Consequences:
Possession of the ball is awarded to the opposing player.
The infringing player is penalized with a brief 1 to 2-minute suspension.
4. Ball Touched by the Body (Body Ball)
In women’s lacrosse, it is a minor foul if a player intentionally uses her body to control the ball. While the ball may touch a player's body accidentally, using the body to manipulate or play the ball is considered a violation.
Example:
If a player, accidentally or intentionally, touches the ball with her body while attempting to intercept a pass or recover the ball from the ground, it would be considered a minor foul.
Consequences:
Possession of the ball is awarded to the opposing player.
No severe penalty is applied, but the infringing player loses possession.
5. High Stick (Raising the Stick Above the Head)
A high stick is a minor foul that occurs when a player raises her stick above her head in an uncontrolled manner. This can create a safety hazard for nearby players. While limited contact is allowed in women's lacrosse, the reckless use of the stick is penalized.
Example:
If a player raises her stick above her head while trying to intercept the ball or is involved in a stick check, this would be considered a minor foul.
Consequences:
A penalty of 1 to 2 minutes.
The opposing player receives possession of the ball.
Conclusion
Minor fouls in women’s lacrosse are infractions that, while not as severe as major fouls, can still impact the flow of the game and, if left unchecked, may escalate into more serious situations. Referees are always vigilant to ensure the game remains safe, fair, and enjoyable for all participants. These fouls help maintain the integrity of the sport, ensuring players respect the rules and each other.
The penalties for minor fouls usually involve a brief suspension and the awarding of possession of the ball to the opposing player. However, the main objective of these penalties is to preserve safety and sportsmanship during the game.
