Tough loss for WM yesterday. Just in case anyone is interested here are the official rules....Note nothing mentioned in the rule book even close to what the ref used for an explanation. Goal was a goal! Hang in there girls!!
Section 28. At any time during the game, at the official’s discretion, time out may be called to inspect any crosse in use on the field. This does not include the sticks of players standing in the substitution box or on the sideline. The official shall also inspect the pocket of any player’s crosse upon request of the opposing Head coach or any opposing player on the field. The request must include the player’s number. Each team will be allowed two stick check requests per game.
a. Should the crosse meet specifications, the game shall be re-started by the ball being given to the player who was in possession of the ball, or closest to the ball if there was no possession, when time out was called. b. Should the crosse not meet specifications, it shall be removed from the game by the official and placed at the scorer’s table for the remainder of the half. Personnel from the team may come to the table to fix/adjust the stick but the stick may not be removed from that area. Any crosse not meeting specifications may be re-inspected (at half time or before any overtime period) by the official for use in the second half or overtime period. After the removal of a crosse not meeting specifications, the game shall be re-started with a free position to the opponent nearest the ball when play was stopped. If the illegal crosse is an offsetting foul, alternate possession will be awarded. The team requesting the stick check will not lose any of its two allowable requests if the crosse is found to be illegal. c. In the event that a goal was scored with a crosse that does not meet specifications, the goal shall not count, the crosse shall be removed, and play shall be resumed with a free position at the center line. Player positioning for the draw shall apply. Once the game is restarted with the draw, the goal shall stand. d. If after a goal is scored and before the game is restarted with the draw, any player other than the shooter is found to have a crosse not meeting specifications, the goal shall stand, and a free position will be taken at the center by the opposing team.
