In lacrosse, the crease is the semi-circular area (usually 9 feet in radius) around each goal. It is a protected zone for the goalie. A crease violation occurs when an attacking or defending player unlawfully enters the crease area, or makes illegal contact with the goalie in the crease. This rule exists to keep offensive players from crowding the goalie and to give the goalie space to operate. Here’s what constitutes a crease violation and its consequences.

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Offensive Crease Violations

Offensive players (attackers) cannot enter the crease unless the ball is already there (and even then the ball must be touching the net to count as a goal). Specific violations include:

• Stepping into the crease too early: If an offensive player steps or lands in the crease area while attempting a shot or immediately after a shot, before the ball has gone into the net, that is a crease violation. Even diving into the crease is generally not allowed unless the ball has already been shot. For example, an attacker who dives at the goal before releasing the ball and lands in the crease would cause any goal to be disallowed.
• Contacting the goalie in the crease: If an attacking player makes contact with the goalie while the goalie is standing in his crease, that is a violation. The goalie has exclusive possession rights in the crease, so any push, block or collision initiated by an attacker can be flagged.
• Goalie Interference: This is often considered under crease violations. If an offensive player impedes the goalie (even just standing in the crease and obstructing the goalie’s movement or vision), it is ruled as offensive interference.

Whenever an offensive crease violation occurs, play is usually stopped immediately. The goal (if one was scored) is disallowed, and possession is awarded to the defending team. Typically, the ball is awarded to the goalie or defense inside the crease, or the referee will restart play with the defense picking up. There is generally no time-serving penalty (like a 30-second penalty) for a simple crease violation. It results in a turnover only.

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Defensive Crease Violations

Defenders (other than the goalkeeper) also have restrictions with the crease:

• Entering the crease: In field lacrosse, no defending player (except the goalie and the player holding the ball) can enter their own crease. A defender may reach into the crease to gather a loose ball, but cannot linger inside or enter illegally.
• Intentional infraction: If a defender deliberately enters the crease, this is also an interference foul. Depending on the situation, the referee may call “Goalie Interference” and award the offensive team the ball, often as an extra-man situation (like a 30-second penalty for the defense). If the defender’s illegal action prevents a shot or affects play, the officials might award the offense the ball or in some cases allow an advantage.
• Other rules: In the NCAA men’s game, there are complex rules (a recent rule change allows defenders to propel attackers into the crease under some conditions, not relevant here). But traditionally, defenders must clear the crease once it’s empty, and they cannot block shots from inside it.

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Consequences of a Crease Violation

• Offensive violation: Results in a turnover. If a goal had been scored on that play, it is nullified (“wiped off the board”). Play typically restarts with the defending team gaining possession in or near the crease area.
• Defensive violation: Typically results in a technical foul on the defense. The attacking team usually gets the ball and may be awarded a free position (one-on-one with the goalie from a set spot) or a 30-second penalty on the defense, depending on the league and rules. For example, in NCAA men’s lacrosse, defensive crease violations often lead to a 30-second penalty for defensive goalie interference, putting the offense on a man-up.

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When Crease Violations Happen

• Shot plays: Often a crease violation becomes apparent after a shot. For example, an attacker dives past the goalie, scores a goal, but is touching the crease after landing. The referee will then disallow the goal due to the crease infraction.
• Loose-ball scrambles: Sometimes a loose ball goes into the crease and attackers jump in after it. If the ball is not yet in the goal, an attacker being in the crease when gaining possession is a violation.
• Goalie obstruction: If a defender bumps a goalie in the crease or fouls them while standing in the crease, that’s flagged as interference.

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Summary

• The crease is reserved primarily for the goalie. No offensive player may step or land in the crease until the ball crosses the goal line (scores), and they must not contact the goalie there.
• A crease violation by offense leads to a disallowed goal (if one was scored) and a turnover to the defense.
• A crease violation by defense usually results in a foul (often a 30-second technical) and the offense retains possession.
• In all cases, a crease infraction is about protecting the goalie and ensuring fair play around the goal.

By following these rules, players avoid dangerous crowding of the crease. Lacrosse referees watch the crease area closely, because it is a hot spot for goals and fouls. Knowledge of crease violations helps players and fans understand why some goals are waved off or why certain fouls happen around the net.