As the 2015 men’s season approaches it’s important to take note of some recent NCAA rule changes. In September, the playing rules oversight panel (PROP) approved some stalling rules and faceoff tactics rule changes. Visible clocks displaying the 30 second stalling segment will be required by the 2016 season. Some pretty gnarly faceoff rules and other violations have been added to the men’s lacrosse scene. Here they are:

1. Players can no longer pick up or carry the ball in the back of their stick without a violation being called immediately.

2. In addition to the illegality of stepping on or kicking an opponents stick, it is now illegal to use a body part to initiate any contact.

3.Dead ball time outs in which the restart is in the field of play can only be called by the team with possession.

4. Goal and stall procedures are now met on the release of the ball instead of the ball crossing the goal line.

5.If a player releases the ball before landing in the crease, the goal will count.

6. After the ball is cleared, the clock is no longer reset. Instead, the defensive team gets a turnover and quick restart.

7. By 2016 uniform numbers must clearly contrast uniform color.

Keep an eye out for some of these tricky little rule changes when watching this upcoming season. Best of luck to the NCAA men’s lacrosse Division 1 teams and be sure to check back for updates and hotties of the week as the spring 2015 season kicks off.

Source: NCAA.com