Braveheart Explanation

Explanation of Braveheart ruling in 2012 SOLL Playoff game:

Checking with the head official in northern Minnesota, he explained how the call should have been made. Essentially, the call on the field was correct. Just because it was Braveheart wouldn't mean that the call would be different than a call made during regular play in a game. Braveheart is not an official way to determine overtime and would not be covered in an official rulebook and is in fact discouraged by US Lacrosse. So, it would be the same as if the head came off the stick during regular time in a game. As in hockey, if a stick is broken, the player should drop the stick or shaft and go to the sideline for another replacement stick. Or, carry the broken stick or shaft to the sideline and get a new one. As long as the player doesn't try to play with the shaft without a head, it wouldn't be considered a weapon. If the player would continue to play with the shaft without a head on it, it would be considered an illegal procedure and a technical foul. Since the player on the other team had possession at the time, no whistle should have been blown for a technical foul. The player that lost the head in this case should have run to the sideline to retrieve another stick as quickly as possible and returned to play.

The reality is, since there are really no official rules for Braveheart since it is discouraged by US Lacrosse, the official made the best call in his judgement. Based on what would be called during regular time in a game, he made the correct call.

Regardless, it was an unfortunate way to end a really good game. Perhaps Braveheart should not be the way to decide a game in the future, especially the playoffs.