Training for New Officials
The UMLOA offers one of the best and most extensive training programs in the country. Even if you have no prior experience with lacrosse or officiating, we can teach you everything you need to know to get started and then will help you continue to improve each year. This page has all of the information you need to get started as a boys lacrosse official.
If you are interested but not ready to sign up for training please click here and fill out the form.
If you are ready to sign up for training please click here and fill out the form.
Your first year training will include both classroom and on-field training. Based upon your age and level, 10-15 hours of training per year is required, as well as an on-field training session new officials and returning junior officials. Returning adult officials complete at least 10 hours of training annually, and newer officials are paired with more experienced officials for ongoing training through mentoring. In addition, our field observation program sends experienced observers and clinicians to watch officials work. The observers meet with the officials during breaks and after the game and then send them a written report of what they do well and what areas they need to focus on in order to continue to improve.
Officials are tested extensively on rules and mechanics. New officials must take and pass three written tests (in addition to online quizzes) before being able to officiate MSHSL high school games, and returning officials are tested annually on NFHS rules, NCAA rules, or both.
There are two levels of training, shown below:
Level 1 Training
Level 1 Training is required for all new boys lacrosse officials, and will allow you to officiate youth games. You must be at least a high school freshman to take the class. New youth officials (working 14U and lower games) complete 15 hours of classroom and online training, followed by on-field training where newer officials are paired with experienced officials.
Click for Level 1 Training Guide.
Click for Level 1 Recertification Guide (for returning 9th, 10th, and 11th graders)
Level 2 Training
Level 2 Training is required in order to officiate games at the high school varsity level and lower. You must be at least a high school senior, and have completed Level 1 training prior to taking the Level 2 class. New high-school level officials complete 19 hours of classroom and online training. Adults completing all requirements will be eligible to work high school varsity and lower levels, while high school seniors will be able to officiate high school freshman (9/10) games and lower levels. If you are an adult, and if you have not previously taken Level 1 Training, you can take both Level 1 and Level 2 in the same year for a reduced rate.
Click for Level 2 Training Guide.
Click for Level 1+2 Training Guide.
Returning Adult Officials Training
New adults generally go through the Level 1 & 2 training. Returning adults (anyone who has officiated at least one year and is no longer in high school) should become a UMLOA member and follow the Returning Adult curriculum.
Interested in officiating? Contact us using our web form.
FAQs
For questions about boys lacrosse officiating and training for new officials, see the Prospective Official FAQ page.