Layers of Lax: Recent Episodes
Jan-Michael Johnson
In this episode, Karen Blaine goes in depth with the mechanics and positioning of the three-person game. Also, she unveils a new rule change for the 2024 season.
Host Karen Blaine discusses which actions raise to the level of pulling out the red card.
In this episode, host Karen Blaine discuss the timing and circumstances of when help out your partners with a call that is not in your primary coverage area.
Host Karen Blaine revisits the finer points of managing and executing a consistently successful draw.
In this episode, host Karen Blaine teaches the basics of lead positioning in 2-person mechanics when the ball is in the Critical Scoring Area (CSA). Also covered is the positioning and responsibility of the lead and trail officials when setting up a free position on the 8-meter arc.
In this episode, host Karen Blaine teaches the basics of trail positioning in 2-person mechanics when the ball is in the Critical Scoring Area (CSA).
Host Karen Blaine revisits the foundational points of blocking fouls and picks and revisited to this short episode.
It's back to basics in this episode as Karen Blaine breaks down the key elements of the Shooting Space rule (10-1w) and how to make the call on a consistent basis.
In this episode, host Karen Blaine breaks down the updated false start rules for NCAA collegiate play. Most notably:
- A false start cannot occur outside of the Critical Scoring Areas.
- There can only be a false start when there is a defender (or her ghost, if she was carded) placed 4 meters behind the free position.
- The goalkeeper can never false start while in her circle!
In this short episode, host Karen Blaine provides vivid clarity around the term "played", which is listed in Rule 13 (Definitions) of the NFHS rule book.
Host Karen Blaine confirms the rules around boundaries, the goalkeeper being allowed to carry the ball into the goal circle, and offsides. She also makes a critical correction to the new rule change regarding the restraining line. Lastly, she clarifies confusion around three questions from the 2023 NFHS rules exam.
In this episode, host Karen Blaine kicks breaks down Rule 2: NFHS Rule 2: Equipment and Uniforms.
In this episode, host Karen Blaine kicks off the rules review for the 2023 Girls Lax season with Rule 1: The Playing Area and Goals (see 2023 NFHS Rules Book, pp. 8-13).
In this episode, host Karen Blaine previews and highlights the 2023 NFHS Rules Changes for the upcoming girls lacrosse scholastic season.
In this episode, hosts Karen Blaine and Mike Johnson speak with Coach Sean Robbins from Ohio. Coach Robbins is a former world-class track athlete who now trains athletes and officials at the collegiate and professional levels.
During this episode, Coach Sean gives us some tips on preparing for the Cooper and Sprint tests (for collegiate ratings). Specifically, he covers nutrition, training and dives into the mechanics of sprinting and long-distance running; as well as injury recovery and prevention.
In this short segment, host Karen Blaine shares a humorous anecdote to illustrate the importance of being in position to make accurate calls.
This short episode is a refresher on the rules and mechanics around the Restraining Lines and the 2022 rule changes regarding Boundary Balls.
If you have been an official for any short length of time, you have experienced situations that have tried your patience to the max (to put it mildly). This episode is about how we can maintain our composure during those challenging times on (and off) the lacrosse field.
What are the triggers that really set you off emotionally? And what tools do you have in your officiating tool kit to deal with coaches, players, parents, fans and partners in those emotionally tense situations? We discuss this and more in this timely episode.
In this episode, host Karen Blaine revisits the critical concept of advantage vs disadvantage. Mastering the nuances and details of this concept is at the crux of our on-field job as officials.
In this episode, host Karen Blaine answers questions that have come in throughout the season from umpires. Topics include:
- What is the definition of ‘played’? (Rule 13)
- Is a team ever required to have 12 players on the field?
- How do we manage stick substitutions and exchanges?
- Equipment and uniform questions
- When do we stop and not stop the clock during the last 2 minutes of each half (including if there is a running clock)?
This episode focuses strictly on the gray areas of girls lacrosse. When should officials stick strictly to the black and white of the rulebook? When should officials employ the flexibility that is built into the intent of the rules? Let’s fine tune our judgment and decision making by analyzing situations in which we should apply the science vs. the art of officiating.
As a bonus, we are sharing the audio portion of a presentation given by host Karen Blaine to a local group of girls lax officials. During this session, you will learn about what the goalkeeper can and cannot do, which pieces of equipment she must and may wear; as well as the new rules regarding this unique position. This episode is geared strictly to NFHS rules.
You can access the 2022 Rule Updates- Goalies worksheet by clicking the link.
During this episode, hosts Karen Blaine and Mike Johnson begin with a review of the basics of understanding boundary balls and the boundary lines. Then we’ll dive a layer deeper into the 2022 new rule updates regarding boundaries:
- Any player from the team awarded possession on a boundary ball may restart play; no longer must it be the closest player (new NFHS rule now aligns with NCAA rule).
- As soon as the player in possession steps onto the field, play has restarted; no option to pause and wait for a whistle (new NFHS rule now aligns with NCAA rule).
- If a player in possession restarts play with a pass from out of bounds, it is a turnover; it is no longer a reset. In NFHS, this turnover will be classified as a minor foul (there are no minor fouls in NCAA play).
- All boundary restarts occur at the boundary line; even when the goalkeeper while in her circle is the closest player to the ball where it exited the field. If she is the player who restarts play for her team, she may not carry the ball back into the circle unless she rolls it in first, then follows.
In this episode, host Karen Blaine previews the high school rules changes for the upcoming 2022 season. Listeners will be introduced to the first layer of these changes in this preview. Please note that this podcast is not intended to pre-empt nor replace any state or local association interpretations or the upcoming LaxCon 2022 event (Jan. 14-16).
Click this link to access the NFHS Girls Lacrosse Rules Changes- 2022 (published 8/12/21).
During episode 3 and episode 4 of season 1, we learned about the specific rules, mechanics, positioning and responsibilities in regards to the draw. In this episode, we dive a layer or two deeper to understand the importance of staying tuned in during the draw in order to efficiently rule on the legality of the centers’ actions and who may be advantaged or disadvantaged.
In this episode, hosts Karen Blaine and Mike Johnson wrap up the tournament season and look forward to the upcoming year by discussing the importance of supporting our partners on and off the field. You will learn from stories of positive and uplifting examples of crew support and encouragement. You will also hear of unfortunate examples in which partners’ actions can strip confidence and credibility from the individual and the officiating team as a whole.
This episode's special guest is Patty Daley,the founding executive director of the Collegiate Women's Lacrosse Officiating Association (CWLOA). Patty shares lessons from her 29 years of officiating; as well as observations as a current women's lacrosse club coach and tournament director.
In this episode, we take time to recap and reflect on the first full NFHS season since the start of the global pandemic. We recollect on the areas where officials consistently got it right; and we break down some key areas for improvement going into summer tournament season and into next spring 2022.
This bonus episode covers what each official needs to know in preparation for postseason play. Click this link to access the Table Official Game sheet.
In this episode, you will learn about positioning and key responsibilities for the Lead (A or B), Deep Trail (A or B) and Center (C) positions in three-person mechanics. Click the links to watch accompanying training videos: Three-Person Positioning: Part 1 and Part 2.
In this episode, hosts Karen Blaine and Mike Johnson address the listeners' questions and game situations, which include:
- What is the penalty for a suspended player who re-enters the game?
- What is the proper restart after an illegal equipment violation (e.g. jewelry) ?
- What type of foul is it when there are more than 3 players from one team within the restraining lines immediately after the official has her hands on sticks for the draw?
- How should we enforce inadvertent contact to the head on a player with or without a helmet?
- When should table officials allow players into the sub box area? Appendix C (pg. 97 of rulebook)
- What is the signal and penalty enforcement for a 10 second violation on the goal keeper?
- If a ball goes out of bounds on the draw is the result always a re-draw?
- Can you set up a free position on the hash mark(s) that are located on the goal line extended (GLE)?
In this episode, hosts Karen Blaine and Mike Johnson address the listeners' questions and game situations, which include:
- How should we restart play after an early entry violation from the sub box?
- Can a goal be scored with anything other than a crosse?
- Is it dangerous propelling when a missed shot hits a player who is located below the goal line extended?
- What is the penalty if a suspended player re-enters the game?
- How should we handle the increasing level of flopping in the girls/women's game?
In this episode, we peel back the layers pertaining to the distinction between an offsetting foul versus a subsequent foul. Understanding the “freeze frame” metaphor, offsetting fouls are fouls that occur within the same “snapshot” of time. Subsequent fouls occur in separate snapshots. We also learn that fouls that occur by both teams during a slow whistle (i.e. yellow flag) situation, will offset and why. The show closes with a case play from a listener regarding this higher-level topic.
**This episode focuses strictly on Rule 7: Goal Circle, Goalkeeper and Deputy rules. Host Karen Blaine explains why this position is so unique that it warrants its own separate rules. She details what the goalie is allowed to do while in her circle, and how her player status changes when she decides to come out of her circle. Also discussed are the definition and rules regarding the deputy and the special free position setup for when a deputy commits a goal circle violation.
Lastly, we will learn how to set up free positions for when the goalie commits a major foul (including cardable fouls), a minor foul or a goal circle violation. These setups can vary depending on the spot of the ball and the goalie’s status; whether she is in, out or partially in the circle.**
In this bonus episode, host Karen Blaine details the NFHS procedure for handling overtime periods. Note that some state associations may have a limit on the number of overtimes allowed for regular season games. Be sure to understand your state’s rule adoption.
Also, timeouts remaining from regulation play do not carry over into overtime. Each team is afforded one (1) timeout per overtime period (Rule 4-3-1)
In this episode, host Karen Blaine conducts an in-depth breakdown of the large and small differences between the NFHS and NCAA rules codes. For umpires who work both levels, be sure to give this specific episode multiple listens.
The information presented is valuable not only for umpires who officiate both levels, but also for those who officiate high school and below only and work with officials who may unintentionally make calls or have fans and coaches yelling for calls that only apply to the higher level. This episode covers approximately 20 rules contrasts, but there are many more.
In the second episode of the In the Line of Fire series, Liz Brush (US Lacrosse Game Manager) is our special guest. Liz officiates all levels of the game, including international play. Of her many achievements, she has officiated multiple Women’s Lacrosse NCAA Championship games. During this interview, Liz draws from her vast experiences to share game management and awareness insights; including interesting stories and situations regarding pre-game, partners, and coaches.
In Part 2, host Karen Blaine trains the listener on the official’s duties and mechanics for penalty administration and player positioning for free position (FP) setups in the Critical Scoring Area. Also explained is how free movement applies during an 8m or 12m FP. Additionally, the hosts discuss the nuances of handling false starts (i.e. whistle start violations) by the attack and defense.
The show recaps the recent rule changes allowing players to run directly onto the field after a boundary ball and the resetting of self-start violations. Lastly, the listener will learn how to determine which team is awarded possession after a shot or deflected shot that crosses a boundary.
During this show, hosts Karen Blaine and Mike Johnson cover the elements of starting and restarting play. When can a player self-start (Rule 5-4)? What are the 6 game situations in which a self-start is not an option (5-4-4)? How should officials handle false starts this year? Should they blow the whistle and reset play? Or turn the ball over to the opponent? In this episode, these questions and more will be addressed regarding this critical facet of the game.
Part 2 of the major fouls topic focuses specifically on misconduct fouls; the type of fouls that rise to cardable foul status. We will learn about the 5 mandatory cardable fouls: Dangerous Propelling, Follow Through, Contact, Slash & Check to the head. Then, host, Karen Blain, walks the listener through the proper mechanics of serving a card. The show wraps up with a couple of questions from the listener.
This week's episode focuses on major fouls (ones which do not rise to the level of misconduct). Host Karen Blaine briefly details fouls by the defense, including illegal checking (10-1r), in the sphere (10-1d1.), 3 seconds violation (10-1y), and reach across the body (10-1u). We also touch upon fouls committed with the body; including blocking (10-1a), holding (10-1m), and pushing (10-1t).
The major portion of the episode dives deeper on fouls by the attack; such as illegal cradle (10-1d2.), charging (10-1b), forcing through (10-1k), and illegal picks (10-1q).
Additionally, Karen breaks down the mechanics and timing of the slow whistle (i.e. yellow flag- Rule 11). The show concludes with questions from the listeners.
Men’s lacrosse official, Gordon Corsetti, is the first special guest of the podcast. Gordon shares how officiating has helped in his personal life; and conversely, how the coping mechanisms he has developed have fueled his growth as an official. In 2018, his personal and officiating story was highlighted in US Lacrosse Magazine.
As officials in all sports, we understand the importance of mastering the rules and mechanics. What often gets lost is the mental and psychological aspect of our avocation. In this episode, Gordon delivers stories and lessons that we can all learn from to raise our own level of mental performance.
In part 2, Gordon Corsetti details the tenets of his mental agility practice. These tools are valuable to all officials and every area of life that involves performance or navigating stressful situations. For more information on how to take your game to the next level, visit Gordon’s Mentally Agile site for Sports Officials.
In Part 2 of the Youth Game episodes, the show focuses on the rules for U12 and U14. Additionally, we will peel back layers of minor (i.e. empty stick check, cover) and major fouls (i.e. 3 seconds on defense, shooting space), as well as the youth mercy rule. For your reference, be sure to check out the 2020 Youth Girls Rules Chart.
This episode is geared towards the younger (i.e. high school age) and newer umpires officiating the youth game. The hosts focus on the key similarities and differences between high school rules vs. youth rules. We’ll specifically learn about 3 seconds closely guarded; modified checking; and transitional checking for youth age levels U6 , U8 and U10.
This episode will get you prepped for the upcoming girls lacrosse season; highlighting parts of the game that have been updated, or are new. These items include the stick inspection, equipment and eyewear, FREE MOVEMENT, running in from out of bounds, check to the head/neck, and much more! Also, as supplements to the 2020 Rule book, be sure to review the 2020 Rule book Interpretations, Corrections and Edits; as well as the Boundary Balls FAQ.
In this episode, Karen Blaine answers questions sent in by the listeners. This show provides a refresher on the differences between early entry vs illegal sub. It also recaps the positioning concept of swim lanes; and addresses the “coffin corner”. Mike Johnson shares a game situation that happens only a couple of times per season; and Karen breaks down the call and proper penalty administration.
The conversation continues regarding positioning and responsibilities for the trail and lead. You will learn about the key elements of restarting play when the ball is in and going out of the Critical Scoring Area (CSA). Other topics include offsides (i.e. counting players), restart communication protocols, false start enforcement, and defining playing distance.
Officiating girls lacrosse (and any other sport) is like a three-legged stool. If one leg is broken, it can leave the rest of your game wobbly and unstable. Most officials understand that the first two legs are critical to success: rules knowledge and mechanics/positioning. In this episode, we dive deep into the equally important third leg; effective game management.
In this episode, you will learn about the key aspects of positioning and responsibilities for the trail and lead in two-person mechanics. This includes the general movements and positioning immediately after the draw, onto when the ball settles below the restraining line. You will also receive a crash course on the “Quadrants” method of umpire positioning. Click the link to access the US Lacrosse two-person positioning slide deck.
In Part 2, Karen Blaine (host) and Mike Johnson (co-host) recap the key points regarding the administration of the draw. Then, the discussion turns to understanding the importance of the field lines that come into play before, during, and immediately after the draw (i.e. center circle and center line, restraining lines, and boundary lines). Click this link to access a field diagram.
Karen Blaine (host) and Mike Johnson (co-host), dive into the nuances of one of the game’s most important facets, the draw. In this episode, we learn about the key draw responsibilities for both umpires in two-man mechanics; as well as the distinctions between early entry and illegal entry.
In Part 2, girls lacrosse umpires, Karen Blaine and Mike Johnson, continue the discussion about the umpire’s responsibilities prior to the start of the game. This episode focuses on checking in with the timer and scorekeeper, proper stick and equipment checks, and players’ and officials’ uniform requirements.
**In this inaugural episode, girls lacrosse umpires, Karen Blaine and Mike Johnson, discuss the official's responsibilities prior to the start of the game. These critical duties include the field inspection, equipment inspection, and the coaches and captain’s meeting.
Send rules questions, case plays and comments to the show at: layersoflax@gmail.com; @laxlayers on Twitter**
Trailer for podcast to promote consistent officiating calls and perspectives in girls lacrosse.