NFHS shares new rules, faceoff changes to stay in place

Last year’s change to high school boys lacrosse faceoffs will stay in place, one of over a dozen rules changes announced by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).

The rule firms up the change that a player won’t be allowed to use a “motorcycle” grip on a faceoff and instead, on the hand closest to the head of his stick, must have the palm facing up. Players can’t kneel at the draw, either.

The rule followed a similar change in college lacrosse.

“I know it brings more people into the faceoff fray. It’s not just a FOGO game,” Fairfield Prep coach Graham

Niemi said before the season, using the lacrosse acronym for a pure faceoff player: “Face Off, Get Off.”

That’s exactly what happened in Connecticut, though many top faceoff guys remained top faceoff guys.

Darien football fullback Tighe Cummiskey became an unexpected standout. Some long-stick players got involved; Ridgefield used Kai Prohaszka, the GameTimeCT Player of the Year, as a difference-maker at the X.

The new rules say that players at the X must play the ball before attempting to bodycheck their opponents, and wing players can’t bodycheck faceoff players still contesting the draw.

“These major changes to the faceoff rule were very well received by the lacrosse community,” James Weaver, NFHS director of sports, said in an article on the NFHS website. “They will ultimately serve to keep the faceoff fair, while also reducing the risk of injury during the faceoff.”

Among other changes, the NFHS will require players to wear a protective cup or other approved protection for that area. That equipment had been recommended.

Running time in games with a 12-goal differential will continue even if the trailing team cuts the lead below 12.