ILLEGAL DEFENSIVE POSITIONING - While “illegal defensive positioning” is not a distinct foul, it is a term intended to improve the understanding of the fouls of Obstruction of Free Space to Goal and Three Seconds. Defenders within the critical scoring area are responsible for their legal position in both the 8-meter arc and the 12-meter fan and must abide by the Obstruction of Free Space and Three Seconds rules. Officials should be diligent in penalizing defenders who put themselves in, or fail to remove themselves from, the shooting lane when the attack has the opportunity to shoot safely if the free space to goal were clear.
Defenders who illegally occupy space within the 8-meter arc and violate the Three Seconds rule are occupying a space to which they are not entitled. In doing so, defenders unfairly take away cutting and passing lanes. This illegal position denies the attack the ability to legally execute their offense and may also eliminate opportunities to shoot safely.
Penalizing illegal defensive positioning quickly and early keeps the game safe for all players and allows officials to better manage the risk of attackers shooting at unprotected players in the critical scoring area. Note: Failure of an official to recognize or call illegal defensive positioning does not relieve an attack player of her responsibility to pass or shoot safely.
GAME MANAGEMENT - Good officiating is more than calling fouls and setting up penalties. Each game is an opportunity for coaches and officials to model good sporting behavior. Management of the game, coaches, players and partners starts the moment an official arrives at the field (on time) with professional interactions. Open communication between officials, coaches and players strengthens the teamwork to promote a safe, fair and fun game. An official’s preparation and the tone he or she sets upon arrival often influences the tenor of the game.
Rough and dangerous games do occur, and officials must also be prepared to manage these with the use of all tools to control a game:
• Sacrificing flow/making necessary calls to keep the game safe • Upgrading penalties when warranted • Partner/player/captain/coach teamwork to re-establish appropriate play
• Use of all cards – mandatory and discretionary • Ability to anticipate and diffuse dangerous situations
GIRLS’ YOUTH RULEBOOK | 7
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