In field lacrosse the goaltender, also referred to as goalkeeper, goalie, or keeper but most often referred to as the Goalie, is the last line of defense between the opposing offense and his team's goal. The primary role of the goaltender is to defend opposing team's shots on goal. The other main role of the goaltender is to direct the defense since he has the best view of the field. The goaltenders are the only ones on the field who can touch the ball with his hands, although he is not allowed to pick up or control the ball with his hand. Each team is required to have a goaltender on the field at all times during a game. If a goaltender receives a penalty, another goaltender must go onto the field until the penalty is released.
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A goaltender is required to wear certain protective gear. Every goaltender must wear gloves, a chest protector, a helmet, and a throat guard. In women's lacrosse, thigh pads, shin guards, and elbow pads are commonly used. In men's lacrosse, a protective cup is required for all players.
The goaltender's role on the field is to prevent the ball from going into the goal. He must use both his stick and his body to block shots.
The goaltender is capable of receiving all of the fouls on the field plus an individualized one called Time Delay, which is assessed when the goaltender is in possession of the ball for more than the allotted time while in the crease or fails to clear the ball in the allotted time. The goaltender has 4 seconds to get the ball outside the crease and the rest of the team has to put the ball into play down field in the offensive box within 30 seconds. After leaving the crease with the ball, the goaltender cannot enter back into it. Otherwise it is a turnover to the other team at the top of the box.
Greg Cattrano holds the NCAA record for goals scored by a goaltender with a total of three. Brian Dougherty holds the record as a three time Major League Lacrosse Goaltender of the Year Award winner. Greg Cattrano is the only goaltender the have won the Major League Lacrosse MVP Award.