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HOW TO BECOME A LACROSSE OFFICIAL
FAQ For Trainees What is the new MDOC Officials' Training Program? The Men's Division Officials Council (MDOC) 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. Where can I get trained? Training is held in the Fall in conjunction with the tournament season. Additional training is held in the Spring just prior to the start of the regular season. How much does it cost? The cost of training is normally between $20-$30 per trainee, which includes a copy of the Officials Training Manual and a trainer fee ($5). NCAA Rulebooks cost between $5 and $8. Some areas such as North Texas don't charge new officials for training. What about a rulebook? All US Lacrosse 'Official' category members whose memberships are current as of September 30th will receive the upcoming season's rulebook in December. 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. Note: It is important to have the current season's rulebook when training and officiating. How can I get a copy of the new training video, "The Third Team on the Field"? Your trainer has been provided a copy of the video to show during your training and you can purchase your own copy for APPROX $25 through the US Lacrosse online Gift Shop at www.uslacrosse.org. Who can participate in the training? Do I have to be a member of US Lacrosse? Anyone can participate in the training, including coaches, players and fans simply interested in learning more about the game. Keep in mind, however, that only trainees who complete and pass the training test AND who are/become 'Official' members of US Lacrosse will be able to receive some of the benefits described below. What are the benefits of the training program? The training provides a sound rules foundation and is excellent preparation for officials' responsibilities both on and off the field. Also, once you are trained and have submitted your US Lacrosse 'Official' membership, you will have the status of affiliation as an 'MDOC Official', entitling you to local game scheduling and two MDOC patches to wear proudly on the sleeves of your stripes. Members who are not trained and trainees who are not members will not receive schedules or patches. How does the testing work? You will need to pass a test at the completion of your training. Your trainer will review your answers, respond in a timely fashion and be available to help you with any questions or challenges you may have. Once competency has been met on the test, your trainer or local Officials’ Committee representative will communicate with US Lacrosse to indicate you have passed and are now a MDOC Official. I called US Lacrosse and they don't have a record for me, or my training is not noted on my record. What does that mean? Be sure you have registered your membership with US Lacrosse. Signing up for training and your membership at same time is a great way to make sure your information is noted in a timely fashion. Once you have passed your training, your trainer or Youth Officials Committee representative should let US Lacrosse know, so check in with your trainer if US Lacrosse does not have record of your training. How do I get proof of insurance as an official? Your US Lacrosse 'Official' membership includes the insurance you need to be covered on the field. Your membership number is used as proof of insurance. Visit the insurance section of the US Lacrosse website for more information on the coverage. How do I get my MDOC patches? The two patches will be presented to you after you successfully pass the rules test. Additional patches can be obtained from USL after your name has been added to the database. How do I get my game schedule for the season? Only trained officials who are current 'Official' members of US Lacrosse will be placed on the officiating schedule. Members who are not trained and trainees who are not members will not receive a schedule. How do I maintain my 'MDOC Official' status? In addition to annually renewing your 'Official' membership in US Lacrosse, you will ultimately need to pass an MDOC officiating test each year to maintain your MDOC Official status. Details will follow in the coming year. I'm starting out as a youth official, but what if I decide I'd like to officiate other levels of the game? Officials who can put in longtime service to the youth game are much 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) additional testing, and most importantly, practice, practice, practice! Ask your trainer or YOC rep about opportunities to prepare for and officiate at other levels of the game in your community. What are the uniform requirements? You are required to purchase and maintain a lacrosse officials’ uniform. As a minimum this uniform will consist of a striped short sleeve shirt (w/zippered neck and pocket), a black fitted hat with white piping, white Bermuda style shorts, black belt, black & white lacrosse socks, black running shoes (no markings), penalty flag, Fox 40 finger whistle, scorecard, and a pencil. The basic kit can be purchased for about $100(minus the shoes). It is highly recommended that you also purchase a jacket, wind pants, and a 6ft tape measure (that will fit in your pocket). Additional items could bring the total cost to the $200 range. Are there any other costs associated with officiating? In addition to joining US Lacrosse, you will also be required to join the Southwest Lacrosse Officials Association. Dues are $25 for first year officials; $75 for second year officials; and $100 for all other officials. How much are lacrosse officials paid? Officials are paid depending on the level of work. Currently youth games are $45, jv games are $55, varsity games pay $65, college games between $115-120 and men’s club games are $80. Payment arrangements are usually handled at the field with the exchange of a voucher. What else do I need to know about lacrosse officiating? 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. JV and varsity doubleheaders are played normally at 6p and 7:30p respectively. You need to be on the field at least 20 minutes prior to game time. College and Mens’ club games are usually played on weekends. Why do I have to join US Lacrosse AND SWLOA? SWLOA members voted to support the establishment of a national governing body for the sport of lacrosse. In so doing, SWLOA decided that all SWLOA members in good standing would therefore be active members of US Lacrosse. In addition, the benefits to USL membership are substantial. In addition to training, those benefits include a variety of programs and services, discounts on books, videos, educational materials and National Team merchandise; Lacrosse Magazine, comprehensive lacrosse insurance; membership in their local chapter, free admission to the Lacrosse Museum and Hall of Fame; access to national partnerships such as ConferTel, Hertz and MBNA. |
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