Been sitting in the stands thinking "I can do that".  Now's your chance?

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR?

Each year, WALOA accepts a limited number of ADULT and JUNIOR officials.   New ADULT officials generally have a lacrosse background OR an officiating background in another sport.  JUNIOR officials are generally high school lacrosse player in their junior or senior year.  All JUNIOR officials MUST have their driver's license and reliable transportation by March 1st of the upcoming season.  All we ask is that you have a willingness to learn and a good attitude.

GETTING STARTED

All officials being their career at the youth level officiating games from 8U through 14U.  Many father/son combos enter the officiating world together covering youth games on the weekends while watching and participating in high school games during the week.  Once their high school player graduates, many "dads" move to the high school level to begin the next stage of their career.  "Dad Refs" as we affectionate call them sometimes have no background in the game other than what they have learned as a lacrosse parent.  They often become some of our best long-term officials.

FastTrack Program (Adults only)

Are you interested in hitting the ground running and moving directly to high school officiating?  You may be a candidate for our FastTrack Program.

The WALOA FastTrack Program is design for adults who are either experienced officials in another sport OR experienced lacrosse players and coaches who would like to wear the stripes.  If you fall into one of those two categories, you "may" qualify.

The FastTrack program operates in the offseason (June-February using local leagues as training.  As part of the program you will be on the field in Week 1 with an experienced official or trainer. You will not receive game fees but will have the training and experience to start as a paid official the following spring, possibly sooner.

Reach out to marty.joyner@waloa.org to see if you qualify!

MOVING UP

For officials looking to move up, the sky is the limit.  WALOA has a rich tradition of preparing officials for the next level.  This can lead to a long career at the college, pro and international level.

If you have what it takes, we'll let you know!

OK...let's get you started.  Follow the steps below!!

1. Become a member of USA Lacrosse AS AN OFFICIAL! 

Even if you are already a member, you MUST have OFFICIAL added to your MEMBERSHIP TYPE.  Call USA Lacrosse Membership Services at (410) 235-6882 x102 for help.  Email marty.joyner@waloa.org if you need immediate help

2. Complete the Boys Apprentice Level Certification ($35)

   • On your USA lacrosse Member Profile Page, click on the TRANSCRIPT button to access E-Learning

   • Scroll down to the BOYS OFFICIALS APPRENTICE MODULE and click UPGRADE to access.

   • This will provide you with basic-level officiating information.

3. Next, Complete the USA Lacrosse Annual Certification!

   • Return to the TRANSCRIPT section and click on BOYS OFFICIALS ANNUAL CERTIFICATION (2024).

• COMPLETE THE BOYS' LACROSSE RULES ONLINE COURSE

  • This course explains the rulebook so that new officials have a better grasp of the rules and how to differentiate between legal and illegal checking.

• ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE

  • This is an annual online learning component that must be completed by all officials.

• PASS THE ANNUAL ONLINE RULES EXAMS - High School & Youth

  • All officials must obtain a score of 90% on both exams or higher to pass.

4. Please complete and submit the Interest form.  We will be in touch with the next steps!

5. Contact marty.joyner@waloa.org with any additional questions!