HOW TO BECOME A LACROSSE OFFICIAL

Join US Lacrosse (http://www.uslacrosse.org) -Men's Official Fee is $55.00 register online at www.uslacrosse.org. Use the email address where you will be getting your game schedule (that is through Arbiter) , contact a trainer Donovan Stamps ( dmanlacrosse@yahoo.com) and attend a training class - Training Fee is $25.00 payable to NTLOA. Training is in January. 

US Lacrosse has created a Level 1 & 2 training program for new and developing men's lacrosse officials. Training consists of clinics that incorporate the Officials Training Manual, the Officials Training Video and practical experience on the field. Although developed specifically to address the shortage of officials for the expanding youth game, the training materials are available for the use and benefit of officials training for any level of the game. 

Training is traditionally held in the fall and January just prior to the start of the spring season. Training is conducted through the NTLOA. 

Yes. You can join US lacrosse online at www.uslacrosse.org. You must bring your USL membership number to training in order to be admitted. If you officiate any other sports associated with Arbiter e.g. TASO and DFOA , please use the same email address for US Lacrosse as you do for those sports. 

Training costs $25 which includes a copy of the Officials Training Manual, a Rulebook and a trainer’s fee. A check made payable to North Texas Lacrosse Officials Association (NTLOA), or cash, are the only acceptable forms of payment for training. NTLOA dues after year 1 are $50.00 per year. 

All US Lacrosse 'official' category members whose memberships are current will receive the upcoming season's rulebook in December through USL. We use the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Rulebook. Current season rulebooks are available through the US Lacrosse online Gift Shop or the NCAA. A free pdf file is available through the NCAA but it is very long. It will fit on your phone or tablet. Note: It is important to have the current season's rulebook when training and officiating. The High School, Youth and Bantam program, follows the same NCAA rules with exceptions and modifications at each level - please see resources tab. 

Anyone interested in officiating on the field and who 1) joins US Lacrosse and 2) pays the training fee can participate in the training. Keep in mind, however, that only trainees who complete and pass the training tests, who are US Lacrosse members and NTLOA members in good standing will be allowed to officiate.
 

All game assignments are made online via Arbiter. Only trained officials who are current 'official' members of US Lacrosse and NTLOA will be receive game assignments. If you officiate other sports associated with Arbiter e.g. football with DFOA/TASO, please use your same email address with US Lacrosse, Arbiter and TASO. 

Officials who can put in longtime service to the youth game are needed, so be sure to consider your services for this level as an end as much as a means. However, if you decide to move to higher levels of the game, there are many opportunities to advance quickly into high school and/or college and post-college officiating. You will need to meet competencies designated for those levels. In some cases (college varsity) significant additional training and testing is required as well as practice, practice, practice! Ask your trainer about opportunities to prepare for and officiate at other levels of the game in your community.
 

You are required to purchase and maintain a lacrosse officials’ uniform. As a minimum, this uniform will consist of a 2" striped short sleeve shirt (with zippered neck, collar and pocket and US flag patch and US Lacrosse patch (NO TASO), a black fitted hat with white piping, black Bermuda style shorts, black belt, short black ankle socks, black running shoes or turf cleats (no markings or logos), two penalty flags, Fox 40 finger whistle, scorecard, and a pencil. The basic kit can be purchased for about $150 (minus the shoes). Good suppliers are Honigs, Officials Sports(FtW) and Officials Corner. There are shirts with the Flag and US Lacrosse Patch already dye simulated on the shirt (Smitteez and Clif Keen) It is highly recommended that you also purchase a jacket, wind pants, and a 6 ft tape measure (that will fit in your pocket). Additional items including a timer, watch and other items could bring the total cost to the $300 range. Talk to your trainer or a more senior official to see what they use over and above the essentials. 

Flag Patch: The US Flag Patch (Gold Trimmed)  is to be worn by all officials at all games (including USILA and MCLA games). This patch is worn centered on the left breast pocket and with the bottom of the patch ¾ inches above that pocket.

US Lacrosse Patch: The "US Lacrosse Collegiate Certified" Patch must be worn on the left sleeve for all collegiate games except NCAA playoff games. All other officials shall wear the "US Lacrosse Official" patch on the left sleeve for scholastic and youth level games unless directed otherwise by the local association or state association. The top of the patch should be roughly 3 inches down from the shoulder seam.

There are shirts with the Flag and US Lacrosse Patch already dye simulated on the shirt (Smitteez and Clif Keen)​

Officials are paid depending on the level of work. Currently Bantam games are $50, Youth games are $60, JV games are $85, varsity games pay $100, and men’s club games are $100. College games range pay $135-$250 depending the level of play. Payment arrangements are usually handled at the field with the exchange of a voucher. 

Lacrosse is called “the fastest game on two feet” and for good reason. The game does require the ability to run up and down a football-sized field. Above the youth level, transitions can be quick and continuous. Aerobic fitness is important. During the regular season youth games can be played as early as 4:30pm, but are normally played at 6pm and on weekends. JV and Varsity doubleheaders are played normally at 6:00 and 7:30p respectively. You need to be on the field at least 20 minutes prior to game time. College and men’s club games are usually played on weekends. Traditional High School lacrosse season in Texas is February - April and for youth the end of February-April. However there are many tournaments on weekends throughout the year.