INDIANAPOLIS—The NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Rules Committee capped a year-long discussion and study period by proposing changes to the dimensions of the lacrosse stick, effective January 1, 2010.

The committee also approved several minor rules proposals to address concerns about the faceoff and the pace of play.

The committee’s actions must be considered by the Playing Rules Oversight Panel before final implementation. The Playing Rules Oversight Panel is scheduled to meet August 29.

In addressing the specifications of the stick, the committee considered a multitude of information provided by coaches, stick manufacturers and other outside sources. The group decided on specifications that it hopes will allow the free dislodgement of the ball, while allowing manufacturers flexibility in their designs. Additionally, by extending the effective date to 2010, the committee’s intent is to allow time for the adjustment.

“We considered a wide variety of options and ultimately have specifications that we believe will improve the game,” said Willie Scroggs, senior associate athletics director at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and chair of the committee.

The committee is proposing specifications to require the crosse to be at least three inches wide at any point along the sidewalls when measured 1 ¼ inches from the throat of the crosse. At the five-inch point, the crosse must be four inches when measured on the front of the crosse and 3 ½ inches when measured on the back. The specification at the widest point of the crosse remains the same at 6 ½ inches on the front and six inches on the back.

“It has become clear that the sticks are creating more physical play and that is a concern,” Scroggs said. “Additionally, the crosse has become a large determining factor in faceoffs and these new specifications will bring the skill back to the faceoff.”

To address the use of “pull strings” in the game, the group added an approved ruling to penalize tactics that alter the depth of the pocket at any time during the game. The committee also will limit the length of the strings hanging from the stick to two inches. The previous allowance was six inches.

“Pull strings and pocket depth are major issues along with the specifications of the crosse,” Scroggs said. “We want all players to use a crosse that would ensure the integrity of the game.”

The committee approved two other proposals to address faceoff violations and the pace of play in general. First, when a faceoff violation occurs before the whistle to start play, the offending team’s faceoff player must leave the field and a substitute must replace him. Second, the committee voted that, once the ball is in the attack area, if it leaves for any reason, a new 10-second count will start when the ball touches the ground for the offensive team to return the ball to the attack area unless possession is gained by the defensive team.

“In both of these situations, we are addressing the pace of play and hopefully creating some additional action in the game,” Scroggs said.