NLL announces rule changes for 2012 season
Published 6:55 pm Saturday, September 24, 2011
The National Lacrosse League announced rule changes effective for the 2012 season on Friday. The league said they expect the rule changes to improve game flow, player safety and allow goaltenders more mobility.
The first rule change involves major penalties. When a player commits a major penalty, his team will be short-handed until the five minute penalty expires or the opposing team scores three power-play goals, a change from the penalty ending previously after two power-play goals were scored.
The second rule change is that a team must advance the ball over the center line within eight seconds just like in the NBA. Under the previous rule, teams had 10 seconds to advance the ball over the center line. Under the new rule, if a team calls timeout while the eight second count is underway, a new eight second count will begin when play resumes.
Another new rule will effect the speed of change of possession. When game officials blow the whistle to indicate a loss of possession, the player possessing the ball from the offending team must put the ball down immediately. If the player does not, a minor penalty for delay of game will be called.
Goaltenders will also see a change in the upcoming season in the form of slimmer equipment. A reduction of the maximum size of goaltenders arm, chest and shin pads by one inch has been put into effect. The league says the changes are expected to improve goaltender’s mobility, while not affecting the amount of padding that covers their bodies for safety.
The final rule change effects player substitution. Players waiting to enter the game must now keep both their feet within the boundaries of the team’s substitution area. The substitution area for each team is the area of the playing surface that is directly in front of the team’s bench. Players were previously required to keep only one foot in that area.
