How to Join

Thank you for your interest in officiating women's lacrosse. The following has been developed to give you an idea of what officiating lacrosse entails. Hopefully, after reviewing the information, you will decide to participate in this satisfying and rewarding avocation.

Getting started as a CWLOA official will require of you the following:

• Time and Dedication to the sport and organization
• Eagerness to learn
• Application to become a new official
• Attendance at a new officials clinic
• Completion and Passing of the US Lacrosse rules test
• Become a member CWLOA
• Become a member of US Lacrosse
• Attaining a field assessment (Rating)
• Uniform and equipment - The Officials Corner
• Email address
• Cell phone
• Physical endurance
• Willingness to have FUN and ENJOY the game of lacrosse

 

Click here to begin your membership process

 

The training program consists of both classroom and on-the-field training and includes the study of rules and mechanics; observation of games and scrimmages; and participation in regular meetings. The training meetings begin in late winter and early spring and are held prior to the regular scheduled meetings.

The classes are concise and of great value. On occasion, players and coaches may also attend the training sessions to brush up on various aspects of rules and game situations.

First year officials must attend a training clinic. A fee is required to covers the cost of umpire kits (yellow flag, whistle), compensating the trainer(s) for the clinic, and for the cost of the clinic site.

Once your new official classroom clinic training has been completed, the US Lacrosse rules test will be taken on the last day. (Future rule tests are taken online).

The minimum score requirement for each rating is as follows:

• Youth and Apprentice: Open book exam; min. score: 80
• Local Umpire: Score 86 or above
• District Umpire: Score 90 or above
• National and International Umpire: score 92 or above

Upon successful completion and passing of the test, you will be scheduled for a field assessment (rating) at another date. There is usually a few weeks delay from your classroom training to when you are scheduled on the field. It is important that you continue to study your rule book/manual and to practice your foul signals and the blowing of your whistle. At some point after your classroom training, you will be contacted by a CWLOA mentor. This higher level official will be your guide, trainer, sounding board as you work your way through your new officiating experience.

 

Click here to begin your membership process

 

US Lacrosse and the Women's Division Official's Council do not approve or encourage the use of unrated umpires. As an affiliate of US Lacrosse, CWLOA requires all umpires to become US Lacrosse rated umpires.

Along with US Lacrosse, CWLOA is committed to ensuring that all umpires have proper training and the skills necessary to keep the game safe. The rating process acts as an integral part of the improvement and training of umpires. The levels of umpires (Youth, Apprentice, Local, District and National, International) and the requirements are described in detail in the US Lacrosse Women's Division Umpire Manual.

Along with your rating, you will receive a numerical value (1, 2, 3, etc) that will indicate the number of years your rating is good for (ex. Local 1 = Local rating, good for 1 year).

Apprentice ratings are pretty common for new officials. With this rating, you can be expected to work middle school and freshman games. There may also be an opportunity to work a Junior Varsity game as you develop throughout the season.

Officials with a Local rating will mostly be assigned Junior Varsity and Varsity level games. In addition, middle school and freshman game may also be assigned.

District, National and International level officials will be assigned to both collegiate and high school games. They too may also be assigned to sub varsity games. These officials will also act as mentors to new officials.

 

Click here to begin your membership process

 

Officials get paid for officiating games. And obviously there are outlays and expenses required to begin officiating. Let's begin with the outlays

As a new official, you can expect to pay approximately $235.00 - $285.00 your first year as listed below:

• New Officials Clinic - $100.00 (*includes CWLOA dues)
• CWLOA Dues - $45.00
• US Lacrosse Dues - $50.00 (*must be paid after field certification)
• Uniform & Equipment - $100 .00 - $150.00

All additional years, your expenses would be your annual dues to CWLOA and US Lacrosse, as well as, any expenses for replacing worn out uniforms and equipment.

US Lacrosse uniform requirement are very strict. Although there are a variety of vendor and local merchants that sell uniform apparel, all official will be required to have the following uniform

• Black and White striped shirt
• Black shorts, pants, or kilts
• Black Footwear
• Black accessories (hat, visor, bag)
• Whistle (Fox 40 is recommended - NO PEA WHISTLE)
• Yellow flag and cards (green, yellow and red)

As you gain proficiency and officiating expertise, you can methodically add to your officiating wardrobe.

It is important that you secure your uniform and equipment prior to your scheduled field assessment, as you will be required to be in full uniform and prepared to officiate.

Your final expense will be a 7% assignor’s fee paid to your assignor for all games assigned. This fee is required to be paid prior to the end of the season, regardless if you have received all your money from the school at that point.

 

Click here to begin your membership process

 

Game fees for the 2012 season are not available yet.

There is NO mileage paid for middle school and high school level games.

You are required to pay a 7% fee of your total game fees to your assignor.

Additional any official that works a Middle School, Freshman or Junior Varsity game alone will be paid and additional ½ fee for that game. Varsity games WILL NOT and CANNOT be worked alone, NO EXCEPTIONS.

 

Click here to begin your membership process

 

In addition to the time actually spent working the games, you'll want to attend meetings, take time to study rules & mechanics, observe veteran officials and take the time to talk to veterans and listen to their experiences. Most veterans love to share their stories and will welcome your interest!

Officiating can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding. Helping to ensure the level of officiating compliments both the players and the game of lacrosse. The camaraderie and fellowship that can be found as a member of the CWLOA also can help make the experience of officiating worthwhile.

When assigned a game and working with a partner you should arrive at the field no less than 30 min prior to the start of the game. Most games average around one (1) hour (two – 25 minute period, plus a half time up to 10 minutes), however time may vary depending on stoppage of play due to weather, injury or other related issues.

You will be required to attend a mandatory pre season /rules interpretation meeting annually. This meeting usually takes place in early March and last between three (3) and four (4) hours.

Each year veteran umpires must give 4 hours of service to CWLOA at a sponsored event. Service can include: serving as an officer of CWLOA; serving on a committee, rating umpires and any additional volunteer work approved by the CWLOA board.

The Connecticut High School Girls' Lacrosse season runs from April - June. Youth programs start later and can run throughout the summer.

 

Click here to begin your membership process