Major League Lacrosse Approves Rule Changes for 2007
Published on November 16, 2006 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL) News Release
Boston, MA (November 15, 2006) - Major League Lacrosse (MLL), the premier professional outdoor lacrosse league, announced three rules changes that will be in effect for the 2007 season, according to MLL Commissioner David Gross.
"Our goal is to keep Major League Lacrosse the most unique and intriguing brand of lacrosse played for both our fans and players," said Gross.
The three rule changes are below:
∙ Move the two-point arc back to 16 yards away (currently 15).
∙ Create the same new stick dimension requirements as NCAA.
∙ Enforce "pull-strings" as making a stick illegally altered and thus cannot re-enter the game.
The Rules Committee, which included Rochester GM Jody Gage, Bayhawks Head Coach and GM Scott Hiller, Riptide GM G.W. Mix, Outlaws GM Brian Reese, came up with the suggested changes after much internal discussion and input from fans, players and coaches. All three suggested changes were voted almost unanimously by the 10 teams in a conference call vote.
"We went into this year's rules committee meetings confident the MLL game is in very good shape. We received very positive feedback from our polling of our fans, players and coaches," said Mix. "That being said, we were charged with the task of making recommendations to improve the overall quality of the game and see what we might be able to do to make it even more exciting."
In moving the two-point arc back three feet, the committee is keeping an exciting element of the MLL game, while creating a bit more transition by making it more of a true shooter's shot.
"The decision to adopt the NCAA stick regulations was simple and two-dimensional. The MLL's offensive players are the best in the world, so there is no need for them to have more of a ball control and retention advantage than collegiate players," said Mix. "Secondly, we believe this added advantage had led to a higher level of frustration among our talented "takeaway" defensemen. This frustration led to more slashing and overaggressive play at the defensive end."
Major League Lacrosse Stories from November 16, 2006
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