US Lacrosse offers training programs for both men's and women's lacrosse.
According to US Lacrosse, the national governing body of men's and women's lacrosse, since 2001 no other high school sport has grown faster than lacrosse. On the collegiate level, lacrosse has been the fastest growing sport since 2004. With so many new teams across the country, there is a demand for well-trained lacrosse referees. To accommodate growth within the sport and meet the accompanying demand for referees, US Lacrosse offers officiating instruction programs across the country for both men's and women's lacrosse.
Referee Responsibilities
Lacrosse features fast-paced games played on a 110-by-65-yard field. Referees must possess good endurance and mobility to stay on top of the action. Lacrosse referees typically work in pairs or crews of three, depending on availability. In games with only two referees, there is a head referee and an umpire. The head referee handles all pregame activities and discussions with coaches, and serves as the primary decision-maker on the field.
Communication
Whether a two-man or three-man configuration, referees must communicate with one another constantly during the course of a game. Lacrosse officiating training emphasizes the need for referees to communicate verbally and with hand signals to make game calls and to transition responsibilities as the ball changes position on the field. As part of referee training, officials learn where to position themselves on the field of play to best observe the game without interfering with players.
Training Locations
US Lacrosse lists official training sites across the United States on its website. Training dates and locations change frequently, so contact your local representative for further details. If you cannot find a training location in your area, contact US Lacrosse to inquire about potential clinics or training programs available in the near future or local representatives who may be able to help.
Training Steps
To become a lacrosse referee, contact US Lacrosse to make arrangements to complete a classroom session and on-field clinic. In the classroom, you will receive training manuals outlining the rules of the game and responsibilities of referees. From there, you will receive on-field training to simulate the lacrosse game environment.
You will earn your certification by completing two online exams on the rules of lacrosse. The exam content stems directly from the training manuals received in class. Once you become an official, you may choose to continue your education through referee clinics periodically held at local colleges or high schools. With rule changes frequent in lacrosse, referees must attend meetings before each season to catch up on new rules and regulations.
Physical Requirements
Although no physical examination exists, lacrosse referees constantly move over the course of a game. According to US Lacrosse, referees may run several miles in one game. At higher levels, quicker game speeds result in more running and frequent repositioning at a faster pace. Before any lacrosse season begins, consider a preseason workout regimen to increase stamina.
Men's vs. Women's Refereeing
Lacrosse rules differ considerably between the men's and women's games. Unlike some sports where men's and women's divisions play by similar or identical rules, lacrosse features two different styles of play. Men's lacrosse allows physical contact, similar to hockey, whereas women's does not. This rule difference causes considerable game play and strategy alterations in the women's game, and these differences require variations in referee training. As a result, US Lacrosse offers two training distinctions in men's and women's lacrosse referee clinics.
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