Wait, Why'd They Blow The Whistle?

THE MOST LIKELY REASONS THE WHISTLE GETS BLOWN:

CONTACT

• Dangerous Propelling: This is a common foul, occurring when a player uses her stick in a way that could endanger an opponent. This includes underhand swinging, propelling the stick above shoulder level, or following through excessively when checking.

• Rough Checking: Checking with excessive force or hitting a player who is not in control of the ball. Checks must be controlled and made to the stick or the front of the body between the shoulders and waist.

• Slashing: A slashing foul is called when a player's stick contacts an opponent in any area other than the stick or the gloved hand holding the stick.

• Charging: This occurs when a player makes contact with an opponent while moving in an uncontrolled manner, often involving running or jumping into the contact.

• Tripping: Using any part of the body or stick to cause an opponent to trip or fall.

• Illegal Draw: During a draw, fouls can be called for illegal body positioning (e.g., stepping over the center line early), touching the ball before it reaches its apex, or contacting an opponent's stick before the ball is released.

POSITION AND PLAY

• Shooting Space: A defender cannot stand directly in front of the goal with no attempt to defend the player with the ball, obstructing the shooter's path.

• Three-Second Rule: A defensive player cannot remain within the 8-meter arc around the goal for more than three seconds unless she is actively marking an offensive player within a stick's length.

• Crease Violation: An offensive player cannot enter the crease area around the goal unless the ball enters first.

• Offsides: Each team must have a minimum number of players on both sides of the midfield line at all times.

• Illegal Pick: A pick is when an offensive player positions herself to obstruct a defender from guarding an opponent. A pick is illegal if there is contact, the player sets the pick too close to the defender (within a stick's length), or the player moves into the defender.

• Obstruction: This foul is called when a player impedes the movement of an opponent who is not in possession of the ball.

• Covering: A player cannot cover the ball with her stick or body to prevent an opponent from gaining possession.

• False Start: During a free position, a player cannot move before the whistle blows.

OTHER

• Unsportsmanlike Conduct: This includes any behavior that is disrespectful to the game, opponents, or officials, such as using foul language, taunting, or arguing with officials.

• Yellow/Red Cards: These are given for repeated fouls, unsportsmanlike conduct, or dangerous play. A yellow card results in a two-minute suspension, while a red card results in ejection from the game.

GOALIE

• Illegal Touch: The goalie cannot touch the ball outside of the goal circle with her stick or body. If she does, a foul is called, and possession is awarded to the opposing team.

• Holding the Ball: The goalie cannot hold the ball for more than 10 seconds in the goal circle. She must pass or clear the ball within that time frame.

• Kicking the Ball: While goalies can use their feet to stop shots, they cannot intentionally kick the ball to gain an advantage or clear it.

• Stepping on the Goal Circle Line: When throwing the ball, a goalie cannot step on or over the goal circle line.

DECIDING WHAT HAPPENS NEXT:

If the foul was committed by a defender inside the critical scoring area ---> 8 meter free shot, person who committed the foul 4 meters behind

If the foul was committed by the attacking team inside the critical scoring area ---> Defender gets the ball, person who committed the foul 4 meters behind

If the foul was committed by anyone that was not in the CSA  ---> The player who fouled must move 4 meters away from the player she fouled. Minor fouls the player can usually just keep going if they want. Major will have full stoppage on whistle