March 2006 
(From Warren Kimber, NCAA National Coordinator of Officials):

In your pregame discussions please give extra attention to pages 72 & 73 in the NCAA Rules book pertaining to stalling. In our 2006 NCAA film, Chuck Winters, Don Zimmerman, and I gave special attention to keep-it-in warnings given early in the first quarter of games and the continuation of those warnings throughout the game. Remember, KEEP IT IN is NOT a penalty. Omit the verbal, "show me some offense." Just tell them to KEEP IT IN. It is apparent that players at the top of the box are stepping in the box with one foot and right out to comply with the ten second count. Please avoid telling them you are going to give them the warning. After you've communicated with your crew, once they step in just tell them to KEEP IT IN and they'll only step out once after you've taken the ball away from them. Telling them what you are thinking about could be considered by the opponent as coaching.

A stall warning can be given during the substitutions as in each transition it is apparent the substitutions are taking close to twenty seconds. You have this tool to speed up the game. The other tool is your quick restarts.Tthe only people who have to be ready for restarts are you.You are urged to continue fast restarts. There is a considerable amount of concern about speeding up the play of the game, and you have the ability to make a contribution toward that end. Please do so.

When doing stick checks take at least one long pole a game. You'll be suprised at what you find. Repeating earlier statements, there seems to be more contact in our sport this year. Remember back checks, illegal body checks, and helmet to helmet contact are serious points of emphasis in 2006. Make a serious effort to step up your on field performances during this second half of the season.

March 2006
(From Warren Kimber, NCAA National Coordinator of Officials):

Having observed a dozen or more games it is necessary that we all pay strict attention to our mechanics in the following situations. During face offs, the official putting the ball in play when he brings the players together and says "Down" is to stand so he is looking straight down on the ball with one hand up in the air and the other at his side and then blow his whistle starting the play. The other two officials are to be up to the restraining line on the center line, if possible looking straight down the line. The players should establish their positions first then you yours. If one player from each team is right up to the center line you may step back several feet to look down the line. Once you have assumed your position you are to remain there without moving. When the play starts you are to assume your next position depending on where the ball goes.

If you are the lead official in settled play you are to be on the goal line extended. If the ball goes toward the sideline behind you, you are to remain facing the goal and the trail official is to cover the plays that might occur behind you. From the far side as well as the goal line, if a player with the ball goes to the goal with the ball in his possession follow him. When you are the goal line official and a shot is taken run toward the end line to be sure you have the correct positioning to make the call. If the ball becomes loose behind the cage and is being contested by both teams the goal line official is to cover the play and the far side man is to move to cover the goal line. When you are the far side man and a player with possession of the ball goes toward the goal line, follow him quickly and be in position to cover whatever may occur in the goal crease area.

Another important point to always think about: when the ball is loose and a number of players are attempting to gain possession of the ball, get the ball up.

September 2004
In the latest US Lacrosse Collegiate Officials Committee Newsletter Rules Interpreter Walt Munze discusses the Major NCAA Rule Changes for the 2005 season. You can also view the entire 2004-05 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Major Rules Changes (PDF) for yourself.

From: Walt Munze and John Hill

1. Zone #2 Muff (Line Violation): To make this easy for everyone involved, the proper mechanic for the ball going back into Zone #1 from Zone #2: As long as the riding team causes the ball to go back into Zone #1, by contact, either in the air or rolling on the ground it shall be called a "FREE BALL." It is there for the taking by either team.

2. Center official on the face-off: At a minimum, he should be at the end of the wing line when the wing midfielders are on his side of the midline. He should be looking at the back end of the face-off stick to be sure the gloves are wrapped around the crosse and on the ground, and that he is not lifting up the butt end to gain an advantage. Based on his speed, and how the face-offs have been going, he can feel free to move up on the wing line towards the midline when the middies are on the other side of the midline. If the Center officials can get up to the intersection a couple of times during the game that would be good. We must all remember that we still have GOAL responsibility until the face off official gets back into play. Be flexible with this.

3. Trail responsibility in the Box: Officiate the box on your way up the field. Go into the box, officiate any contested substitutions, clear the box of extra players, check for secondary offside, check for possible transition, and then jog into the back of the offensive box (approximately 5 yds off). If the team is possessing the ball and they decide to substitute using the "wheel" substitution, you should back up towards the sideline, keeping the players in front of you, and glance at the uncontested substitutions taking place. NOTE: if the substitution box is going to be contested, YOU SHOULD BE THERE!