Francis Parker School Boys' Lacrosse

LAX FAQ

Why is the scoreboard used only for scoring and not for timing the game?	In a nutshell: it's too complicated for most parttimers to run, and the controls are on the opposite side of the field from the Omnipotent Stats Table. We use a special hand-held clock which makes it easy to walk the sideline, informing the referees and coaches of the appropriate time left. We can also coordinate better with timed penalties, which the refs are required to announce to recorders at the table. (Mrs. B, March 2008)
Why do parents and fans sit across the field?	My theory is parents get so excited they start yelling instructions to their sons (I was the loudest). In this fast paced, play-oriented game, the boys are constantly tuned in to what people (preferably coaches) are shouting at them. A player may make a fast clear or break away across the field and we anticipate that he will shoot for the goal. Not so. Each player has a specific role. A defenseman may carry the ball across the field but is trained to pass it to an attackman or midi who has a much better chance of making the shot. No team wants to risk a turnover which means running all the way down field in the opposite direction. So, just remember, you may be yelling at your son to Shoot, shoot! and the coach is yelling Don't shoot, pass it to . . . An "assist" scores as many points in the scorebook as the goal maker! (Mrs. B, April 2005) It helps us coach without the players hearing multiple voices and possible conflicting instructions. It is also in the rule book - don't stand behind the team and coaches or at the ends of the field. Please use the stands, the provided chairs, or go across the field at Dusty Rhodes. (from our coaches)
Wonder what a "running clock" is?	You may have heard the referee announce that the game clock was on running time. (obvious on a scoreboard). At any time a team is ahead by 12 points the game clock continues to run even though a player steps out of bounds, or another goal is scored by the team ahead, etc. A time out will stop the clock and the ref can stop the clock at any time. This shortens the game when the teams are not well matched. (Mrs. B, April 2005)
Why call time outs in the last minutes of play?	Often times it's to substitute more inexperienced players who often don't get much game playing time or to settle down the players so mistakes aren't made. (Mrs. B, April 2005)
Why is it so hard for a team to score when the team is in a "man-up" situation?	When the opposing team is in Man-down, they resort to a special "zone" defense. As in basketball, the defensive player is covering a particular zone or area, rather than following a particular player, as in a man-to-man defense. With defensemen surrounding the goalie, quick passing and fast, accurate shooting are critical. It's a stressful time for both teams. The defense can't make any mistakes on the short-handed team and the shooters can't make mistakes on catching and shooting on the man-up team. (Mrs. B, April 2005)
What if it rains?	You haven't lived as a lacrosse parent until you experience the aroma of wet lacrosse pads (and those gloves. . .) The pads can be tumbled in the dryer (very low heat) with multiple dryer sheets for a short period of time. Don't attempt this if you get distracted easily. (Mrs. B, Feb 2006)
This stuff reeks!	Parker football parents have a tip: purchase "Simple Solution" in a spray bottle at a pet store. You can lightly spray the pads and/or the inside of the bag and let it air dry. (Olsson, March 2007)
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