About Us

WALOA is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization that promotes lacrosse in the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area by providing boy's and men's lacrosse officiating services. WALOA was formed in 2012 through the unification of the Potomac Lacrosse Officials Assoc., Inc. (PLOA) and the Virginia Lacrosse Officials Assoc. (VLOA). WALOA is one of the largest lacrosse officials associations in the United States and services youth, high school and post-collegiate contests offered by clubs and schools throughout the region.

All WALOA members are cross-members of US Lacrosse. Many members also officiate Maryland Public Secondary School Athletic Assoc. (MPSSAA), Virginia High School League (VHSL), IAC and the MAC. Some of WALOA's more experienced officials are part of the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Assoc. (USILA) and officiate at the college level.

WALOA is governed by a constitution, bylaws, and Board of Directors

WALOA offers the following benefits and programs to the local lacrosse community:

  1. Inclusive organizational structure

  2. Constitution and by-laws that provide rights and benefits to its members

  3. US Lacrosse Certification for Level 1 (Youth), Level 2 (High School), and Level 3 (NILOA/NCAA).

  4. Mentor program pairing experienced officials with new officials

  5. Cross-representation on the local Potomac Chapter of US Lacrosse

  6. Direct relationships with USA Lacrosse, MPSSAA and VHSL

  7. Contract provider to local youth leagues such as NVYLL, Bethesda Lacrosse, and SMYLA

  8. Contract provider to various offseason event operators.

  9. Contract provider to a majority of IAC, DC, MD and VA high schools

  10. Online assigning, registration, dues payment and game fee payment capabilities

  11. 2023 dues are $75

  12. Current membership consists of approximately 250-300 officials.

  13. Over 11,000 game slots were assigned in 2021.

WALOA is the largest officials association in the mid-Atlantic region and hopes to greatly expand its list of benefits and programs to the local community through the involvement of other committed lacrosse officials.