Kicking the ball

[LaxTastic]

What's the ruling if somebody purposely kicks the ball into the goal?

[Jolly Roger]

Goal counts

[laxfan25]

What's the ruling if somebody purposely kicks the ball into the goal?

Might I recommend picking up a copy of the rulebook? It is a very handy resource, and you can even download copies for free.
The first section of the first page would answer your question;

RULE 1
The Game, Field
and Equipment

The Game
SECTION 1. Lacrosse is played by two teams of 10 players each. The purpose
of each team is to score by causing the ball to enter the goal of its
opponent and to prevent the other team from securing the ball and scoring.
The ball is kept in play by being carried, thrown or batted with the
crosse, or rolled or kicked in any direction,

[LaxRef]

Interestingly, if A1 kicks the ball into the goal, the goal is awarded, but if coach B calls for an equipment check on A1 before the faceoff and A1 has and illegal crosse, the goal is disallowed.

We had a good time with this one on another forum:

A1 very clearly and deliberately kicks the ball at the goal. The ball narrowly misses the goal and rolls directly out of bounds (most likely on an artificial surface). A2 is the closest to the ball when it rolls over the endline. Who gets the ball and why? Be prepared to support your answer with NCAA rules.

[laxfan25]

Ah, I remember that one! We'll see if any others chime in here on the play.
I just did a re-read of various sections of the book, and while I have my personal opinion of what should be called, I also have a thought on what would be the easiest call to defend...

[shrekjr]

I remember that one too.

If Laxfan25 and I spent as much time studying NCAA football teams as we do lacrosse rules, maybe one of us could win the bowl selection pool in the Watercooler.

[laxfan25]

It sure is a lot easier when you have the PDF of the rule book on your computer - easier to browse while on-line and easier to cut and paste replies.
Shrek, I guess we won't be seeing you in Philly? I was able to work a few days of work around this, so now I get to have the company pick up my hotel and rental car. Now I can drive to some of the better cheesteak places...
I pretty much sucked at the Bowl Pick-em on here, did a little better in my own pool, but still not in the money. The best thing was I actually got to see some great bowl games, even some of the minor ones were fun, once you were rooting for a team - agree?

[shrekjr]

The best thing was I actually got to see some great bowl games, even some of the minor ones were fun, once you were rooting for a team - agree?

Definitely agree. Makes it more fun and if you have an interest in the game!

No I won't be in Philly, maybe next year. Too much expensive traveling already each of the past three months. Since you'll be saving money on your "business trip", have a couple of extras beers for me.

[tamu33]

A1 very clearly and deliberately kicks the ball at the goal. The ball narrowly misses the goal and rolls directly out of bounds (most likely on an artificial surface). A2 is the closest to the ball when it rolls over the endline. Who gets the ball and why? Be prepared to support your answer with NCAA rules.

I always try to stay out of these because I don't want to look silly by messing up; but why not... its a new year.

Ok assuming there are no fouls. To me "very clearly and deliberately kicks" means I am going to define that as a shot. When the ball crosses the endline as a shot and A2 is closest, A2 is awarded the ball. Unlike some on this board I don't have my rulebook in my holster so I am going to say that it is backed up by Rule 4 (gameplay).

[LaxRef]

To me "very clearly and deliberately kicks" means I am going to define that as a shot.

Here's the real question: do the rules define a ball kicked with the intent of scoring as a "shot." The answer is not at all straightforward.

[tamu33]

Rule-4, section 5, sub-section i. shot: a ball thrown at the goal with the intent of scoring, as judged by an official.

Well it doesn't exactly say kick but thrown is a generic term. Just because you throw something doesn't mean it has to be with the arm/hand.

The second and third definitions of "thrown" that pulled up on my computer were as follows:
2. To discharge into the air by any means: a machine that throws tennis balls; ash that was thrown by an erupting volcano.
3. To hurl or fling with great force or speed: threw themselves on the food; jetsam that had been thrown up onto the shore.

(Just for the record) The first definition: To propel through the air with a motion of the hand or arm.

I think that the official(s) would be correct with whatever call they make on the field because of the "judgement of a shot". Whether it be a shot or an errant kick out of bounds either seems ok in this situation. I would have to argue that A1's kick would be a shot.

[LaxRef]

To further confuse matters, Appendix II (Record Keeping) says:

e. Shot—A ball propelled toward the goal by an offensive player, either by being thrown from a crosse, kicked or otherwise physically directed. A shot can be awarded only when possession of the ball can be reasonably said to have occurred, by ricochet or when a controlled effort can be construed (similar to a controlled tip in basketball). A ball that enters the goal as a result of being propelled by the offensive team must be credited as a shot. A ball that ricochets off another player and scores will be awarded as a shot by the player deemed to have scored the goal. In the case of an own goal, no shot is awarded.