Defender Enters the Crease to Defend the Goal

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DuBan's Answer:

Kratz's Answer:

McCarrick's Answer:

Riti's Answer:

Paul has the rule and how to handle covered in his response.  However, we should include the rule 4.18.4  and the Situation since the latter explains how to handle the adjudication when a goal is scored.

4.18.4 SITUATION: A1 takes a shot while B1 goalkeeper is away from the crease area. While the shot is in flight, B2 non-goalkeeper-defender steps in the crease to block the shot. RULING: Play-on until the shot comes to its normal conclusion. If it is Team B's first violation of this type, (a) if the ball did not enter the goal, stop play and award ball to Team A; B2 does not serve penalty time. (b) If the ball entered the goal as a result of the shot, B2's violation is wiped out by the goal. In either case, B2 would serve a one-minute releasable unsportsmanlike conduct foul for each subsequent violation. If it is Team B's second or any subsequent violation of this type, (a) if the ball did not enter the goal, stop play; B2 will serve a one-minute releasable unsportsmanlike conduct foul. Award the ball to Team A laterally outside of the goal area. (b) If the ball entered the goal as a result of the shot, B2 will serve a one-minute releasable unsportsmanlike conduct foul. Resume play with a faceoff.

Tyma's Answer:

The officials should throw a flag as soon as they see the defensive player (not a goal keeper) defending the goal while inside the crease.  The foul is either for conduct (a technical foul) if this is the team's first occurrence, or for unsportsmanlike conduct (a one-minute releasable personal foul) if it is a subsequent occurrence.

If the shot was already on its way when the player stepped into the crease, the goal is counted.  If the timing is "bang-bang" on the play, you could consider that the shot was underway at the time of the foul.

The relevant rule is 4.18.4 (p. 46):

ART. 4 . . . No defensive player, other than a properly equipped goalkeeper, can enter his own crease with the perceived intent on blocking a shot or acting as a goalkeeper.

PENALTY: Conduct foul on the defensive player. A second violation by the team will be enforced as releasable unsportsmanlike conduct served by the offending player.

NOTE: Officials will stop play as soon as they notice the situation. However, if a shot is already in flight when this is noticed, the shot will be allowed to come to its normal conclusion before the whistle blows to stop play.

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