Rules regarding loose balls, and especially crease play, can sometimes be confusing to an official

Rules regarding loose balls, and especially crease play, can sometimes be confusing to an official. The following “Do’s” and “Don’ts” of loose balls and crease play should help in eliminating some of that confusion.

Do’s	Don’ts
Loose Ball OUTSIDE The Crease	Loose Ball OUTSIDE The Crease
When the ball is loose outside the crease an attacking player can… Kick the ball into the goal Scoop the ball up Flick the ball into the goal Check the goalies stick Check a defender’s stick Flick the ball to a teammate Body check a player within 5 yards of the ball	When the ball is loose outside the crease an attacking player cannot… Cover the ball with his stick Body check the goalie if any part of his body is in the crease Step into the crease Hold a defender’s stick against his body Step on a defender’s stick Push a defender from behind
Loose Ball INSIDE The Crease	Loose Ball INSIDE The Crease
When the ball is loose inside the crease an attacking player can… Reach into the crease with his stick (remember, an attacking player’s body can’t be in the crease) to tap the ball into the goal Reach in with his stick to scoop the ball Reach in with his stick to bat or flick the ball out of the crease Reach in with his stick to bat or flick the ball to a teammate l	When the ball is loose inside the crease an attacking player cannot… Step into the crease Initiate contact with the goalie’s stick Make contact with the goalie Body check a defender more than 5 yards away from the ball Push or body check a defender into the crease from behind Hold a defender’s stick against his body Reach in with his stick and cover the ball.