- New Jersey Pride
BOSTON
— Major League Lacrosse (MLL) has announced two new rules changes which will be implemented for the 2009 season. According to Commissioner David Gross, the League will expand the number of players per team that can dress for a game to 19 and will introduce the addition of a fourth long pole for the first time.
Under previous MLL rules, teams were allowed to dress 18 players on game day. By expanding the number to 19, the goal is to improve the quality of play on the field and to involve more of the League’s elite players.
“Over the past two seasons, the four best MLL games all occurred in the semi-finals, where teams are allowed expanded post-season rosters,” said Gross. “Those were thrilling, one-goal games, two of which went into overtime. It is our hope that this move will give fans more of those exciting games, and we are looking forward to seeing these changes implemented on the field next season.”
Furthermore, the addition of a fourth long pole is expected to assist in creating closer games by helping to generate a more balanced game at the professional level. This move brings MLL rules more in-line with those at the high school and collegiate levels, where a fourth pole is allowed.
“The creation of an extra roster spot allowed for the addition of this position,” added Gross. “And with so many of today’s collegiate players specializing as long-stick midfielders, this is a move that should add a lot of excitement to the game for both our players and fans.”
The changes were proposed by the MLL Rules Committee and were presented at the League Meetings last week where MLL Team Owners voted unanimously to approve both measures.
The Rules Committee is comprised of General Managers Brian Reese of the Denver Outlaws, G.W. Mix of the Los Angeles Riptide, Scott Hiller of the Washington Bayhawks, and Jody Gage of the Rochester Rattlers. The Committee’s Players Council Representative is former New Jersey Pride member Jesse Hubbard currently with the Los Angeles Riptide.
From a recent MLL media release.
Posted by njlax 
Posted by njlax 