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Last updated: Jun 23, 2023
In lacrosse, the crease is the circular area surrounding each net. Only the goaltender can possess the ball in this area, and defensive players can enter the crease as long as they are not in possessionof the ball. Read on to learn all about crease violations in lacrosse.
Table of Contents
- Definition
- Exceptions
- Result
- Referee Signal
- Examples
- Helpful Links
- Similar Violations to Crease Violation
- FAQ
Definition
A crease violation is when a member of the offensive team enters the crease, typically during a shot attempt. Only members of the defense and the goalkeeper, who protects the net, are allowed inside the crease. Additionally, the goalkeeper is the only player who is allowed to possess the ball inside the crease.
A crease violation is considered a technical foul in lacrosse, meaning it is less serious than a personal foul.Technical fouls will be called when a rule of the game is violated and result in either a change of possession or a 30-second penalty charged to the player who committed the violation. Overall, a crease violation is not a serious offense in lacrosse, but committing this violation could jeopardizecritical scoring opportunities and impact a team’s chances of winning the game.
Exceptions
There are certain exceptions to this rule in lacrosse, which makes calling this violation a potential challenge for referees.These include when the offensive player’s momentum carries them into the crease after the ball enters the net or if the offensive player is pushed into the crease by a defensem*n and scores a goal. In these circ*mstances, the goal will count and there is no crease violation.
A maneuver called “crease diving” is currently controversial in the lacrosse community, being legal at the collegiate and professional levels but not in youth or high school leagues. Crease diving is the act of purposefully jumping into the crease area to gain a better shooting angle but not making contact with the ground until after the ball has entered the goal.
Result
When an offensive player steps on or inside the crease, the referee blows their whistle and awards possession to the opposing team.If a goal is scored during the play, it will not count. If the violation occurs when the defense possesses the ball, a flag will be thrown, and a 30-second penalty will be charged to the offending player during the next dead ball.
Referee Signal
If a goal is scored during a crease violation, the referee will wave their hands in the air to “waive off” the goal, then point at the crease to signal a crease violation. If the violation results in a flag being thrown, the referee will make a “T” formation with their hands in front of their body to signal the technical foul after play has stopped. At that time, they will issue a 30-second penalty to the offending player.
Examples
- An attacking player steps in the crease while attempting to dodge from behind the goal. They shoot and score, but the goal is waived off and possession shifted.
- A loose ball outside the crease and a member of the attacking team falls into the crease. If the defensive team doesn’t recover the loose ball, they are awarded the ball upon a team gaining possession.
- A defensive player is trying to clear a ball, and an offensive player runs through the crease chasing them. This results in a flag on the play and the defensive team to complete their fast break before the penalty is assessed.
Helpful Links
FAQ
What is a crease violation in lacrosse?
A crease violation is a technical foul called in lacrosse when an offensive player enters the goaltender’s crease around the net. The 18-ft diameter circle around the net is considered sacred for the goaltender. As soon as an offensive player in possession of the ball enters the crease, the play is blown dead and the crease violation is assessed. The goaltender is the only player on the field who is allowed to possess the ball in the crease.
What are the consequences for being called for a crease violation in lacrosse?
A crease violation is considered a technical foul and results in a change of possession or 30-second penalty.If an attacking player scores a goal but enters the crease before the ball is in the net, the goal will be disallowed. Once the attacking player enters the crease, the whistle is blown to signify the penalty, and there is no play-on when it comes to entering the crease as an offensive player.
What is the crease in lacrosse?
In lacrosse, the crease is the small circular area around the net measuring 18 feet in diameter. Only the goalkeeper and defensive players are allowed inside the crease during a lacrosse game, and the goaltender is the only player who is allowed to control the ball inside the crease.Each lacrosse field has two creases, one around each team’s net.
Pages Related to Lacrosse Crease Violation
As a seasoned lacrosse enthusiast with extensive knowledge and experience in the sport, I can confidently provide a comprehensive understanding of lacrosse, especially focusing on lacrosse penalties and, more specifically, crease violations.
Lacrosse Overview: Lacrosse is a fast-paced sport played with a small rubber ball and a long-handled stick called a crosse. It involves two teams competing to score goals by shooting the ball into the opponent's net. Lacrosse is known for its physicality and requires a combination of speed, agility, and strategy.
Lacrosse Penalties: Penalties in lacrosse are crucial aspects of the game, and understanding them is fundamental for players, coaches, and enthusiasts. These penalties can be broadly categorized into technical fouls and personal fouls, with varying degrees of severity.
Crease Violation Definition: A crease violation occurs when a member of the offensive team enters the crease, particularly during a shot attempt. The crease is the circular area surrounding each net, and only defensive players and the goalkeeper are allowed inside, with the goalkeeper being the sole player permitted to possess the ball within the crease.
Technical Foul in Lacrosse: Crease violations are considered technical fouls in lacrosse, indicating a less serious offense than personal fouls. Technical fouls result in either a change of possession or a 30-second penalty charged to the player who committed the violation.
Exceptions to Crease Violation: There are exceptions to the crease violation rule in lacrosse. For instance, if an offensive player's momentum carries them into the crease after the ball enters the net, or if the player is pushed into the crease by a defenseman and scores a goal, the goal will count, and there is no crease violation.
Controversial Maneuver: Crease Diving: Crease diving is a controversial maneuver in lacrosse, legal at collegiate and professional levels but not in youth or high school leagues. It involves purposefully jumping into the crease area to gain a better shooting angle without making contact with the ground until after the ball has entered the goal.
Result and Referee Signal: When an offensive player steps into the crease, the referee blows the whistle, awards possession to the opposing team, and, if applicable, issues a 30-second penalty. If a goal is scored during a crease violation, the referee signals by waving hands to "waive off" the goal and points at the crease to indicate the violation.
Examples and Helpful Links: Examples provided illustrate scenarios of crease violations and their consequences. Additionally, helpful links to lacrosse rulebooks and videos of official signals contribute to a deeper understanding of crease violations.
In conclusion, mastering the intricacies of lacrosse, including penalties like crease violations, is essential for players, coaches, and fans alike. It ensures a fair and enjoyable experience while playing or watching this dynamic sport.
