If you’re a lacrosse player, you know the importance of having a well-strung, legal pocket in your stick. A good pocket can make all the difference in your game, giving you better control over the ball and making it easier to pass and shoot accurately. However, if your pocket is illegal, you could face penalties and even suspension from the game.
An illegal lacrosse pocket is one that doesn’t meet the requirements set forth by the governing bodies of the sport. These requirements are in place to ensure fair play and safety for all players. If your pocket is too deep, for example, it can make it harder for opposing players to dislodge the ball, giving you an unfair advantage. On the other hand, if your pocket is too shallow, it can make it harder for you to catch and control the ball, putting you at a disadvantage.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes a lacrosse pocket illegal, including the rules and regulations set by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and the NCAA. We’ll also explore the different types of pockets and how they can affect your game, as well as the penalties you could face if your pocket is found to be illegal. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, understanding the rules and regulations surrounding lacrosse pockets is essential for staying on top of your game.
What is an Illegal Lacrosse Pocket?
In lacrosse, the pocket is the area of the stick where the ball is held. It is made up of the mesh or strings that are strung between the head of the stick and the shaft. The pocket is one of the essential parts of the stick, allowing players to catch, carry, and pass the ball. However, not all pockets are legal, and it is crucial to understand what makes a pocket illegal.
An illegal lacrosse pocket is one that does not conform to the rules and regulations set forth by the governing bodies of the sport. The rules regarding pockets are designed to ensure that the game is played fairly and that no player has an unfair advantage over another.
One of the primary rules regarding pockets is the depth of the pocket. When placed in the pocket, the top of the ball must remain above the top edge of the sidewall. If the ball is resting completely below the sidewall, the pocket is considered too deep and is illegal. The depth of the pocket is tested by placing a ball in the pocket and turning the stick upside down. If the ball falls out, the pocket is too shallow, and if it remains in place but is below the sidewall, the pocket is too deep.
Another rule regarding pockets is the width of the head. The head of the stick must be between 7 and 9 inches wide. If the head is too narrow or too wide, it is considered illegal.
The materials used to make the pocket are also regulated. The mesh or strings used to create the pocket must be made of synthetic materials and cannot be coated or treated in any way that would make them more slippery. This rule is in place to prevent players from having an unfair advantage when catching and carrying the ball.
In addition to the rules regarding the pocket itself, there are rules regarding the shooting strings and the use of tape on the stick. Shooting strings must be made of synthetic materials and cannot be coated or treated in any way that would make them more slippery. Tape can be used on the stick, but only to cover the butt end of the shaft or to secure the shooting strings.
Understanding the rules regarding pockets is essential to ensure that you are playing with a legal stick. Using an illegal stick can result in penalties, including the loss of possession and even ejection from the game. By following the rules and regulations set forth by the governing bodies of the sport, you can ensure that you are playing a fair and enjoyable game of lacrosse.
Why are Illegal Lacrosse Pockets a Problem?
Illegal lacrosse pockets can cause significant problems for both players and teams. Here are some reasons why:
- Unfair Advantage: An illegal pocket can give a player an unfair advantage over their opponents. For example, a deep pocket can make it easier to catch and hold the ball, giving the player more control and accuracy.
- Penalties: If a player is caught using an illegal pocket, they may face penalties. This can include a time penalty, where the player has to sit out for a certain amount of time, or even a game penalty, where the player is ejected from the game. This can hurt the team’s chances of winning, especially if the player is a key player.
- Safety Concerns: An illegal pocket can also pose safety concerns. For example, a pocket that is too deep can make it harder to release the ball quickly, increasing the risk of being hit by an opponent.
- Violation of Rules: Using an illegal pocket is a violation of the rules of the game. This can lead to a loss of respect from other players and coaches and damage the team’s reputation.
- Impact on Skill Development: Finally, using an illegal pocket can hinder a player’s skill development. If a player relies too heavily on an illegal pocket, they may not develop the skills necessary to succeed in the long run.
Overall, illegal lacrosse pockets are a problem because they can give players an unfair advantage, lead to penalties, pose safety concerns, violate the game’s rules, and hinder skill development. Players and teams must ensure that they use legal pockets to maintain fairness, safety, and respect for the game.
How to Identify an Illegal Lacrosse Pocket
If you’re a lacrosse player, you know the importance of having a well-strung pocket. However, it is equally important to make sure your pocket is legal. Here’s how you can identify an illegal lacrosse pocket:
Depth Test
The first thing you need to do is perform the depth test. Place a ball in your pocket and turn your stick upside down. If the ball falls out too easily, it means the pocket is too shallow and needs to be adjusted. If the ball doesn’t fall out at all, or if it takes a lot of effort to get it to fall out, it means the pocket is too deep and therefore illegal. The rule states that the pocket must be shallow enough that the ball sits at or above the bottom edge of the sidewall.
Daylight Test
The daylight test is another way to check if your pocket is legal. Place a ball in your pocket and look down from the top of your head. If you can see the ball above the sidewall, your pocket is illegal. The rule states that the ball must be completely covered by the sidewall.
Pocket Size
The size of your pocket is also important. The pocket should not be wider than the ball. If you can fit two balls side by side in your pocket, it is too wide and therefore illegal.
Shooting Strings
Shooting strings are another factor in making your pocket considered illegal or legal. The shooting strings must be within four inches of the top of the scoop on the lacrosse head. If they are too low, your pocket is illegal.
Pull Pocket
If you have an illegal pocket, you can use a pull pocket to make it legal. A pull pocket is when your bottom string is very loose to allow for a baggy pocket, but you can pull it to make it legal. Use a shooter or a leather for your pull pocket so it stays. Once you pull it, the pocket should stay legal for the pocket check.
By following these guidelines, you can make sure that your lacrosse pocket is legal and avoid penalties. Remember, a legal pocket not only keeps you in the game but also ensures a safe and fair play for everyone.
Consequences of Using an Illegal Lacrosse Pocket
Using an illegal lacrosse pocket can result in serious consequences. The lacrosse rules are enforced to ensure fair play and player safety. Violating these rules can lead to penalties, suspensions, and even disqualification from games. Here are some of the consequences of using an illegal lacrosse pocket:
Penalties
If you are caught using an illegal lacrosse pocket during a game, you will be penalized. The severity of the penalty depends on the type of violation. For example, if your crosse has an illegal deep pocket, the penalty is one minute, and the crosse can be used if the pocket is corrected. Any other violation results in a three-minute penalty, and the offending crosse cannot be used in the remainder of the game. In US Youth Lacrosse, the penalty for an illegal stick is two minutes regardless of the violation.
Disqualification
Repeated violations of the rules can result in disqualification from games. If you continue to use an illegal lacrosse pocket even after being penalized, you may be disqualified from the game. In severe cases, you may be suspended from future games or even expelled from the league.
Reputation
Using an illegal lacrosse pocket can damage your reputation as a player. Coaches, teammates, and opponents may view you as someone who does not respect the rules of the game. This can make it difficult for you to find a team or be taken seriously as a player.
Safety
Using an illegal lacrosse pocket can also pose a safety risk. A pocket that is too deep or too narrow can make it difficult to catch and throw the ball, increasing the risk of injury to yourself or others. A pocket that is too shallow can make it difficult to control the ball, leading to turnovers and lost possessions.
In conclusion, using an illegal lacrosse pocket can have serious consequences. It is important to respect the rules of the game and play with a legal crosse to ensure fair play and player safety.
How to Avoid an Illegal Lacrosse Pocket
To avoid having an illegal lacrosse pocket, you need to follow the rules and regulations set by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and the NCAA. Here are some tips to help you avoid having an illegal lacrosse pocket:
- Check the pocket depth: The pocket depth must not be deeper than one lacrosse ball. To check the pocket depth, place a ball in the center of the pocket. If you can see daylight above the ball, then your pocket is too deep and will be considered illegal.
- Use legal stringing: The stringing of your lacrosse head must be legal. The sidewall strings must not be too loose or too tight, and the pocket must be evenly strung. If you use illegal stringing, your pocket will be considered illegal.
- Avoid using pull strings: Pull strings are illegal and cannot be used in your lacrosse pocket. A pull string is a loose string that is used to tighten the pocket during a game. If you are caught using a pull string, your pocket will be considered illegal.
- Use legal mesh: The mesh in your lacrosse head must be legal. The mesh must be evenly strung, and there must not be any gaps between the mesh and the sidewall strings. If you use illegal mesh, your pocket will be considered illegal.
- Don’t alter your lacrosse head: You must not alter your lacrosse head in any way. This includes drilling holes in the head or shaving down the sidewalls. If you alter your lacrosse head, your pocket will be considered illegal.
- Check your pocket regularly: It’s important to check your pocket regularly to make sure it’s legal. You can use the “daylight test” to check the pocket depth, or you can use a pocket gauge to check the pocket depth, width, and length.
By following these tips, you can avoid having an illegal lacrosse pocket and stay within the rules and regulations set by the NFHS and NCAA. Check your pocket regularly and ensure it’s legal before each game.
How to Fix an Illegal Lacrosse Pocket
If you find your lacrosse pocket illegal, don’t worry; there are ways to fix it. Here are some steps you can take to make your pocket legal again:
- Check the rules: Before you start fixing your pocket, make sure you know the rules for legal pockets. The pocket must be shallow enough that the top of the ball is visible above the sidewall when placed in the pocket. The ball must also be able to come out of the pocket easily.
- Adjust the strings: If your pocket is too deep, you can adjust the strings to make it more shallow. You can do this by loosening the sidewall strings and tightening the bottom strings. You can also adjust the shooting strings to help control the depth of the pocket.
- Use a pocket pounder: If your pocket is too shallow, you can use a pocket pounder to stretch it out. A pocket pounder is a tool that is used to stretch the mesh and create a deeper pocket. Be careful not to overstretch the pocket, as this can make it too deep.
- Replace the mesh: If your pocket is too deep or too shallow and you can’t fix it with adjustments or a pocket pounder, you may need to replace the mesh. Make sure you use legal mesh that meets the requirements for pocket depth.
(Related: Why People Love ECD Lacrosse Hero 3.0 Mesh) - Test your pocket: Once you have made the necessary adjustments or replaced the mesh, test your pocket to make sure it is legal. Place a ball in the pocket and make sure the top of the ball is visible above the sidewall. The ball should also come out of the pocket easily.
Remember, using an illegal pocket can result in penalties and even ejection from the game. It’s important to make sure your pocket is legal before you take the field.
Final Thought
An illegal lacrosse pocket can result in penalties and even disqualification from the game. It is important to ensure that your pocket is within the legal limits set by the governing bodies of the sport.
Remember, the top of the lacrosse ball must be above the bottom edge of the sidewall. The head of the stick must be between 7 and 9 inches wide. The depth of the pocket is not dictated by an exact measurement but by the test of the head to the lacrosse ball. If the top of the ball is below the bottom edge of the sidewall, the pocket is illegal.
If you’re unsure about the legality of your pocket, it’s always best to have it checked by a coach or official before the game. It’s better to be safe than sorry and avoid any penalties or disqualifications.
To avoid having an illegal pocket, make sure to use legal heads, shafts, and pockets. Be aware of the rules and regulations set by the governing bodies of the sport and follow them accordingly.
In summary, having an illegal lacrosse pocket can have serious consequences. Play fair, play by the rules, and have fun!
