Becoming a lacrosse referee is a rewarding path for those who love the game and want to stay involved. Officials are an essential part of lacrosse at all levels. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to become a certified lacrosse referee.

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Learn the Game

First, get familiar with lacrosse rules and gameplay. This can come from playing the sport, watching games, or studying the rulebook. Understanding the mechanics—like how draws, offsides, fouls, and scoring work—is crucial. Many successful referees have experience playing lacrosse. If you have played, use that experience to anticipate common plays. If you haven’t played much, study videos or shadow officials at local games to see how rules are enforced.

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Join a Governing Association

In the U.S., referees usually affiliate with USA Lacrosse and their state or local lacrosse officiating association. USA Lacrosse offers resources for officials (rulebooks, training). You should become a member of USA Lacrosse if possible, as some clinics and insurance are only available through membership. Contact your state lacrosse referees association or local lacrosse officials group. These organizations coordinate referee assignments for youth and high school games. They also handle the registration and training of new officials.

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Get Certified

Most lacrosse referees begin by obtaining a certification at the entry level. The process typically involves:

• Attending a clinic or course: You will learn the rules, mechanics, and signals. Many states require officials to attend an officiating clinic each year (often in spring before the season).
• Rulebook study and exam: Read the official rulebook (US Lacrosse publishes one for field or box lacrosse). After study, you’ll usually take a written test on rules. Passing this test (commonly online these days) is needed for certification.
• On-field evaluation: Some programs include a field component where new officials are tested on mechanics, positioning, and signals during live or simulated play.

For example, USA Lacrosse has an “Officials Certification Program” that provides training modules and exams for different levels (some states have their own system too). Successful completion earns you an official’s certification for youth and high school level (often called “Level 1” or similar).

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Start Officiating Games

Once certified, begin gaining experience by working games. Referees often start with youth and junior high school games to build confidence. You’ll usually begin as a two-man crew (home and away official) at that level. Focus on positioning, call consistency, and working cooperatively with your partner. With more practice, you can move up to high school games, and eventually college if you continue.

Key tips:

• Be punctual and professional. Arrive early to meet coaches, inspect the field, and check equipment.
• Build judgment skill. As a new ref, be consistent and let advantage or advantage-of-the-doubt play out a bit. Don’t be too quick to blow the whistle every time.
• Communicate clearly. Use whistle and arm signals. After play, explain calls calmly if asked.

Consider teaming up with a mentor – an experienced official who can give tips. Many associations have mentorship programs pairing veterans with newcomers on crews.

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Pursue Advancement

In lacrosse, referees advance by gaining experience, attending higher-level clinics, and possibly attending special referee camps. Demonstrate good performance and dedication, and you may be invited to referee higher-profile games (varsity high school, college, or club). Each state or conference has its own certification levels (for example, Level 2, 3, or Elite official status). These usually require refereeing a number of games at lower levels, passing more rigorous exams, or being evaluated by officiating supervisors.

If college officiating interests you, you might pursue collegiate certification through organizations like the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) or NCAA-certified camps (though NCAA college referees in the U.S. typically come from top high school refs who were scouted).

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Ongoing Education

Even after becoming a certified referee, continue learning:

• Attend annual rules meetings. Lacrosse rules can change (e.g., illegal contact, slow-whistle rules). Many places have a yearly clinic to discuss rule changes and case plays.
• Seek feedback. After games, ask partner or officials coordinator for areas to improve.
• Stay fit. Lacrosse is fast. Being in good shape helps you keep up with play and make better calls.
• Maintain passion. The most respected referees love the game and the challenge of officiating.

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Summary

1. Study the rules and game: Read the lacrosse rulebook and watch games.
2. Register and train: Join USA Lacrosse or your local officials’ organization, attend clinics, and get certified by passing exams.
3. Start officiating: Begin with youth or middle-school games to build experience, then move to high school games.
4. Advance and specialize: Attend higher-level clinics, earn advanced certifications, and work your way up to college or select tournaments if desired.

Becoming a lacrosse referee takes time and commitment, but it is a highly rewarding way to stay involved in lacrosse. Referees develop a deep understanding of the game, get to travel to different schools or fields, and contribute to fair play. Many former players find refereeing allows them to stay close to the sport they love. With dedication to learning the rules and improving each season, an aspiring official can build a long and respected lacrosse officiating career.