MEN’S GAME OFFICIALS - US Lacrosse · 4 US LACROSSE MEN’S GAME OFFICIALS STRUCTURE & GUIDELINES...

MEN’S GAMEOFFICIALS

US Lacrosse National Headquarters 113 W. University Parkway • Baltimore, MD 21210410.235.6882 • uslacrosse.org

2015

STRUCTURE & GUIDELINES MANUAL

An Official Publication of the National Governing Body of Lacrosse

US LACROSSE MEN’S GAME OFFICIALS STRUCTURE & GUIDELINES MANUALii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part 1 – Introduction ..................................................................................................... 1

Message to Officials ....................................................................................................................................1US Lacrosse Code of Ethics ..........................................................................................................................2

Part 2 – Philosophy, Goal and Structure .......................................................................... 4

Statement of Philosophy ...............................................................................................................................4Men’s Game Officials Subcommittee Structure ...............................................................................................5US Lacrosse MGOS Roles and Responsibilities ...............................................................................................6MGOS Leadership Directory ........................................................................................................................7District Coordinators ....................................................................................................................................8Sub-district Coordinators .............................................................................................................................9Officials Training Group (MOTG) Roles and Responsibilities ...........................................................................12MOTG Leadership Directory ........................................................................................................................12USL Certified Trainers Roles and Responsibilities ............................................................................................13NILOA Roles and Responsibilities .................................................................................................................13NILOA Leadership Directory ........................................................................................................................13USL Officials Education & Recruitment Subcommittee .....................................................................................14Lacrosse Officials Associations .....................................................................................................................15Assigners ...................................................................................................................................................15

Part 3 – Position Descriptions .........................................................................................

Part 4 – International Officiating ..................................................................................... 16

Overview ...................................................................................................................................................16Appointment of IR and application requirements ............................................................................................16Description of IR duties and expectations .......................................................................................................16Official selection procedures for World Championships ..................................................................................17Official selection procedures for U19 Championships ....................................................................................17Appointment of assessors .............................................................................................................................18Official selection procedures for other International Competitions ....................................................................18Requests to officiate abroad .........................................................................................................................19Memorandum of Agreement with US Lacrosse ...............................................................................................19Miscellaneous .............................................................................................................................................19

Part 5 – Lacrosse Officials Association Best Practices and Risk Management ..................... 20

Part 6 – Levels of Officiating ........................................................................................... 23

Part 7 – Officials Code of Conduct ................................................................................... 34

Part 8 – Risk Management ............................................................................................ 37

1US LACROSSE MEN’S GAME OFFICIALS STRUCTURE & GUIDELINES MANUAL

P A R T 1 : INTRODUCTION

Message to OfficialsFirst welcome and thanks for choosing to be a part of the fastest game on two feet.

The Men’s Game Officials Subcommittee (MGOS) is committed to making the game a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. The primary focus of the MGOS is supporting and developing all officials across the country that participate in games involving participants under age 19. The MGOS also has connectivity to all other aspects of officiating for the game of lacrosse.

The MGOS strongly believes and promotes the following:

• Integrity• Safety• Strong Ethics• Sportsmanship• Teamwork• Consistent enforcement of the rules• National presence• Standardized national training• Development and advancement of officials

The MGOS of US Lacrosse has written this manual to assist officials at all levels of the game to pursue officiating excellence. This manual along with all manuals referenced is intended to outline the structure of officiating from the youth official to the highest level of a collegiate official. Within its contents are procedures, guidelines, best practices, contacts and other information.

Boys’ lacrosse is one of the fastest growing competitive youth sports in the United States. As the sport grows, it is important all participants understand “how the game is played” and how sportsmanship, ethics and integrity are as integral to the sport as are the skills and tactics used in playing the game. Playing to “win at all costs” with disregard for the rules and safety of all participants is not acceptable if all participants are to be ambassadors for maintaining the integrity of the game.

We as officials are an integral and visible part of the game. Our decorum, as well as our skills, are constantly being scrutinized by coaches, players, spectators and fellow officials. Officials are expected to be professional in their duties and in spite of the pressure, they are neither adversaries nor advocates, but act as facilitators whose responsibility it is to demand and enforce fair play and sportsmanship.

The MGOS wants to make your experience of officiating lacrosse one of enjoyment and longevity.

Sincerely,

Tom Sutton MGOS Chair

US LACROSSE MEN’S GAME OFFICIALS STRUCTURE & GUIDELINES MANUAL2

The MGOS is an integral part of US Lacrosse and follows all bylaws, code of conduct, and operating procedures.

US Lacrosse Code of EthicsUS Lacrosse Mission: US Lacrosse is the national governing body of lacrosse. Through responsive and effective leadership, we provide programs and services to inspire participation while protecting the integrity of the sport.

US Lacrosse grants the privilege of membership to individuals (players, coaches, officials and leadership) and organizations committed to the tenets of its mission.

Inherent within all professional organizations is the potential for conflicts of interest, harassment, abuse of power and other forms of unethical behavior. Through the establishment of an organizational Code of Ethics, the US Lacrosse Board of Directors has established a defined a set of guidelines to promote and protect the spirit of the game, safeguard the best interest of the participants and establish and maintain standards of behavior. The Code is not intended to serve as a set of rules, but rather to outline general principles and guidelines of aspirational virtues and proper ethical standards for all members, staff, and any other individuals and organizations that choose to affiliate with US Lacrosse.

The definition of ethical behavior is having an understanding of the difference between right and wrong, and at all times choosing to do what is right. This definition should be applied at the individual level to those within the US Lacrosse umbrella: employees, volunteers or individuals who represent US Lacrosse within the community at large, as well as the corporate level, pertaining to the actions of US Lacrosse and other affiliated organizations. Ethical considerations are integral, not optional, elements of all sports activities and apply to all levels of participation.

Participation in the sport of lacrosse provides a powerful vehicle for a participant’s personal growth and development by teaching the values of respect, fairness, teamwork, communication, responsibility, truthfulness, non-discrimination, honesty and integrity. These values serve as the core ideals for the US Lacrosse Code of Ethics.

Representing the fastest growing national sport as an emerging force in sports organizations and leadership, US Lacrosse has a duty to provide positive influence over athletic administrators, programs, officials, coaches, players and affiliated individuals and organizations. The goal of US Lacrosse is to promote sportsmanship and character by teaching, advocating, modeling and enforcing ethical principles, while preserving the integrity of the game.

By affiliating with US Lacrosse, individuals and organizations agree to comply with the aspirational guidelines set forth in the Code of Ethics. Failure to adhere to this code may result in revocation of membership or affiliation. US Lacrosse encourages others involved with the sport of lacrosse to adopt and follow these important guidelines.

Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics


Respect

A key component of ethical behavior is respect, which is defined at the individual, team and corporate levels. Individuals should value the opinions, views and roles of others who work to further the mission of organization. All should safeguard the dignity, privacy and freedom of individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, socio-economic status, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or nationality. Respect defines the value that US Lacrosse, as an organization, places in honoring the history of the sport and demonstrates the regard it shows to the various and disparate constituencies that have come together to form US Lacrosse in an effort to further the growth and development of the sport.

Fairness

Fairness is making decisions without favoritism or prejudice. US Lacrosse firmly believes that the concept of fairness is fundamental to sports. Anything that creates an unfair advantage violates the spirit, as well as the integrity, of the sport of lacrosse.

Teamwork

Teamwork is a cooperative and coordinated effort on the part of a group of individuals who work collectively in the interest of a common goal. US Lacrosse believes there is a significant value in promoting teamwork, both on and off the field, in every aspect of the sport. US Lacrosse members, volunteers, staff and other affiliated individuals and organizations should adopt and promote the philosophy that greater success can be achieved when individuals sacrifice their desire for personal accomplishment in favor of the benefits of their team and the lacrosse community.

Communication

Communication is the process whereby individuals create shared understanding. It’s an active “two-way street” requiring a balance of articulating, listening, writing, reading, observing, questioning, analyzing and evaluating. Communication may be verbal, nonverbal and/or written. It can be sent through various mediums and transmits a thought provoking idea, gesture or action.

US Lacrosse members, volunteers, staff and other affiliated individuals and organizations should communicate with clarity, honesty, timeliness and openness. Communication should include all pertinent information shared transparently with all appropriate recipients. Clear, honest and timely communication allows for collaboration and cooperation, building a stronger game and community for the sport.

Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest is present in any instance in which the actions or activities of an individual, including members, volunteers, staff and affiliates representing or acting on behalf of US Lacrosse, could result in actual or perceived person gain or advantage, and/or have an adverse effect on the interests, mission or integrity of US Lacrosse. Individuals who represent and serve US Lacrosse, at the local, regional or national levels, have a duty to disclose any financial interest or personal obligation that may actually or perceptually affect the independence of their judgment.

Legality

US Lacrosse members, volunteers, staff and other affiliated individuals and organizations are obligated to comply with all applicable laws. Violation of the law is not tolerated.


P A R T 2 : PHILOSOPHY, GOAL, AND STRUCTURE

Statement of Philosophy The lacrosse official is an integral part of the integrity, flow, spirit, and safety of the game of lacrosse. In order to gain the respect of players, coaches and spectators, the official must have a current and in depth knowledge of the rules and procedures, personal integrity and the ability to maintain sustained physical effort. The official must also encourage the highest possible level of play and sportsmanship. The official should be aware and supportive of officiating standards in the sport, as well as the development and educational opportunities provided all officials. The ultimate challenge of officiating lacrosse is to let the outcome of the game be determined by the legal play of the players.

GoalMaintain and manage recruitment, retention, training, certification, education programs and opportunities for men’s game officials at all levels through the collaboration of staff and volunteers represented by the national leadership of the Men’s Game Officials Subcommittee. The MGOS provides a clearly defined national, yet regionally representative leadership structure that allows for delivering standardized and consistent content and resources to all officials and Lacrosse Officials Associations (LOA).

Keys to success of the MGOS leadership structure are open communication, greater transparency and a structure that all levels of the game understand, utilize and adhere to. This structure will allow for and encourage a systematic approach to everything involved with officiating and will ultimately help to demonstrate a clear pathway of progression for officials at all levels across the country.

US Lacrosse Committees and Subcommittees


Men’s Game Officials Subcommittee Structure

Men’s Game Officials Subcommittee Makeup

US Lacrosse Men’s Officials Subcommittee

MGOSChair

US Lacrosse Men’s Officials Training Group

District Coordinators

Eleven (11) District Coordinators

One (1) Training Group Representative

One (1) International Officials Representative

One (1) NILOA Representative

Sub-district Coordinators

Certified Trainers

Lacrosse Officials

Associations

Youth and Scholastic Assigners

Youth and Scholastic Officials

International OfficialsNILOA

Collegiate Assigners

NILOA District

Governors

LAREDO Clinicians

US Lacrosse Officials Education and Recruitment Subcommittee


US Lacrosse Men’s Game Officials Subcommittee (MGOS) Roles and Responsibilities• Serves as a Subcommittee of the Men’s Game Committee of US Lacrosse. • The number of members of the MGOS is established by the US Lacrosse Board of Directors.• All subcommittee members are volunteers and must apply to US Lacrosse to be considered for subcommittee

service, and their terms are determined by the US Lacrosse Bylaws.• The MGOS Chair is recommended by the Men’s Game Committee Chair and ultimately appointed by the US

Lacrosse Board of Directors.• To advance the work of the MGOS, its Chair will work directly with the US Lacrosse Men’s Game Director, but at

times the Subcommittee will work closely with the Sr. Manager, Officials Education Program.• The MGOS is charged with managing, maintaining and administering the business, policies and procedures for

youth and scholastic boys’ lacrosse officials in the United States. They are a regionally diverse and accomplished group of officials who have served as officiating leaders locally and nationally and likely engage in activities regarding collegiate, international and/or post-collegiate officiating, even as its primary focus supporting the needs of officials working U19 and below.

• The MGOS is primarily charged with, but not limited to:

o Determining all policies relating to men’s officiating (excluding NILOA).

o Working positively and productively with US Lacrosse staff to develop and maintain a budget and business plan to best support the needs of youth and scholastic officials, while also supporting the organization’s strategic priorities and objectives.

o Responsible for development, implementation and adoption of educational resources, training standards and communication pathways for rules interpretation to strengthen, in quantity and quality, men’s and boys’ game officials.

o Updating and maintaining the Men’s Game Officials Structure, Best Practices and Guidelines Manual

o Establishing and overseeing a method for grievances and decisions regarding men’s officials’ structure, best practices and guidelines (excluding NILOA).

o Administering awarding grants and scholarships such as Scott Boyle Memorial Observers Grant and US Lacrosse Convention Scholarships.

o Maintaining and overseeing the men’s officials’ structure and ensuring equal representation and balance across both geographic regions as well as constituencies.

o Working with the Men’s Officials Training Group and Men’s Game Rules Subcommittee when these groups periodically revise any technical materials on officiating, which are available for use at clinics or trainings, or in manuals or rule books.

o Working with Men’s Officials Training Group to support and promote the professional growth and development of officials through the use of standardized curriculum and procedures.

o Collaborate with the Officials Education Program and the Officials Education and Recruitment Subcommittee on recruitment strategies for all lacrosse officiating.

o Working with Assigners and Local Officials Associations to strongly recommend that all men’s lacrosse games be officiated by 3 trained officials. The benefits to the teams are: more field coverage, better officiated games, and most importantly, a safer contest for the players. Officials will benefit as well by being in better positions to call a fairer, safer game.

o Designating a Chapter Representative

Positions are named by the MGOS Chair and approved by the Men’s Game Committee Chair.


Men’s Game Officials Subcommittee Leadership DirectoryMEN’S GAME OFFICIALS SUBCOMMITTEE (MGOS)

Chair

Tom Sutton ‘16Eden, [email protected]

Members at Large

District 1Mike Infantino – ‘15Burlington, [email protected]

District 2Chris Clark – ‘16Eden, [email protected]

District 3Al Blau – ‘15Huntington, [email protected]

District 4Matt Davis – ‘16Stevensville, [email protected]

District 5Jody Ticer – ‘15Jacksonville, [email protected]

District 6Lee Spitzer – ‘16Columbus, [email protected]

District 7Bob Schulte – ‘15St. Louis, [email protected]

District 8Clint Bond – ‘16Cedar Hill, [email protected]

District 9David Malmquist – ‘15Colorado Springs, [email protected]

District 10Paul Kunzel – ‘16San Jose, [email protected]

District 11Don Huber – ‘15Tigard, [email protected]

Training Group Representative

Jim Carboneau ‘16Holliston, [email protected]

International Officials Representative

Rob Gross ‘15Buffalo, [email protected]

Collegiate Officials Representative

Steve Miller ‘16Cazenovia, [email protected]

As of October 1, 2014


District Coordinators ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • There are currently 11 District Coordinators. • Each coordinator is a member of the US Lacrosse Men’s Game Officials Subcommittee and their terms and

appointments are determined by the MGOS Chair and supported by the Men’s Game Committee and US Lacrosse Board of Directors.

• District Coordinators are charged with supporting and promoting the development, growth, implementation and administration of the US Lacrosse Officials Education Program certification programs within their district.

• District Coordinators communicate directly with Sub-District Coordinators throughout their district on new training and development requirements and also liaise directly with the officials education and training staff at US Lacrosse.

• District Coordinators are responsible for ensuring the accurate reporting of completed certification and training by youth and scholastic officials within their district.

• District Coordinators are also charged with maintaining open lines of communications with NILOA District Governors in order to identify potential collegiate officials.

• District Coordinators may not serve within the NILOA as a District Governor.• District Coordinators oversee the selection and ongoing certification effort of the Certified Trainers within their district.• District Coordinators designate a Chapter Representative.

US LACROSSE MEN’S GAME DISTRICT COORDINATORS REGIONAL MAP

District States Coordinator

I CT, ME, RI, MA, NH, VT Mike Infantino

II Upstate NY Chris Clark

IIICentral and Eastern PA, NJ, Long Island and Hudson Valley NY

Al Blau

IV DC, DE, MD, VA, NC Matt Davis

V AL, FL, GA, TN, MS, SC Jody Ticer

District States Coordinator

VI IL, IN, KY, MI, OH, Western PA, WI, WV Lee Spitzer

VII IA, KS, MO, NE, MN, ND, SD Bob Schulte

VIII OK, TX, AR, LA Clint BondIX CO, NM, UT, WY David MalmquistX AZ, CA, HI, NV Paul KunzelXI AK, ID, MT, OR, WA Don Huber

DISTRICT IDISTRICT I IDISTRICT I I IDISTRICT IVDISTRICT IV & VDISTRICT VDISTRICT VIDISTRICT VI IDISTRICT VI I IDISTRICT IXDISTRICT XDISTRICT XI

11

10

11

2

1

3

4

4/5

5

7

8

69 District

Coordinators Page


Sub-District Coordinators ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversees the growth, implementation and administration of US Lacrosse Officials Education Program training, education and certification programs within their sub-district and/or LOA.

• Communicates directly with the District Coordinator on ensuring they are meeting requirements for certification and standards required by officials.

• Communicates with the US Lacrosse Certified Trainers throughout their sub-district regarding training and development requirements.

• Communicates with the local US Lacrosse Chapter for assistance with recruitment, training, retention, etc. • Ensures the accurate reporting of completed certification and training by officials within their sub-district and/or

LOA. • Liaise directly with the District Coordinators and the US Lacrosse Officials Education and Training. • Oversees the selection and ongoing certification effort of the Certified Trainers within their sub-district.

District 1

Sub-district Coordinator EmailEastern Massachusetts Matt Croteau [email protected] Massachusetts Craig Brown [email protected] Island Bob Childs [email protected] Wayne Sanford [email protected] Hampshire James Reilly [email protected] Jim Manahan [email protected] Steve Hinchey [email protected]

District 2

Sub-district Coordinator EmailUpstate New York Tom Abbott [email protected] Greater Rochester Kevin Curley [email protected] Adirondack Skip Spensieri [email protected] Western New York Rob Gross [email protected] North Country Spike Decker [email protected]

Southern TierDan Miller [email protected] Anderson [email protected]

District 3

Sub-district Coordinator EmailHudson Valley Anthony Pironti [email protected] Long Island Chris Jorgenson [email protected] Central Pennsylvania JT Noll [email protected] Philadelphia Dan Ferry [email protected] New Jersey Tom Hoeland [email protected] New Jersey South John Wilson [email protected]


District 4

Sub-district Coordinator EmailDelaware Frank Fry [email protected] Delmarva Don Gallagher [email protected] Greater Baltimore Scott Rayburn [email protected] Potomac Marty Joyner [email protected] Tidewater Wes Sams [email protected] Charlottesville Michael Cross [email protected] Richmond Eric Moore [email protected] Virginia Mike Lonchar [email protected] Maryland Grant Berry [email protected] NC Rick Wooten [email protected] Southwest NC Bruce Buskard [email protected]

District 5

Sub-district Coordinator EmailSouth CarolinaW. North Carolina Bruce Buskard [email protected] Greg Kite [email protected] Florida Bob Pradella [email protected] Dave Sackman [email protected] Coast Kevin Noonan [email protected] Florida Mark Rodwell [email protected] Dave Kazmerowski [email protected]/Ala. Tom Lewis [email protected]

District 6

Sub-district Coordinator EmailIllinois Tim Kelly [email protected] Indiana Steve Hood [email protected] Kentucky Greg Schuler [email protected] Michigan Clark Bell [email protected] North Coast Ohio John Gibbons [email protected] Central Ohio Pete Bluvol [email protected] Ohio Wally Petry [email protected] Pittsburgh Andre Sanders [email protected] West Virginia Jeff Thompson [email protected] Sid Flanders [email protected]


District 7

Sub-district Coordinator EmailGreat Plains John Culbertson [email protected] Minnesota Matt Dempsey [email protected] Missouri Wally Schaefer [email protected] Nebraska Bob Hoffer [email protected] Dakotas Bob Hoffer [email protected]

District 8

Sub-district Coordinator EmailHouston Chris Menzel [email protected] North Texas Robert Rinker [email protected] Central Texas Keith Markey [email protected] Arkansas Rob Price [email protected] Louisiana – Shreveport Brian Landry [email protected] – New Orleans Patrick Fecke [email protected] Eric Nielsen [email protected]

District 9

Sub-district Coordinator EmailColorado Jack Gormley [email protected] Utah Joe Cronin [email protected] Mexico Hank Friedman [email protected] Wyoming Jack Gormley [email protected]

District 10

Sub-district Coordinator EmailArizona Steve Adamick [email protected] Hawaii Rudy Schaeferr [email protected] Greater Los Angelas Mike Avenali [email protected] Northern California Steve Verba [email protected] Orange County Sean Connally [email protected] San Diego John Bistowski [email protected] Nevada Larry Medford [email protected]

District 11

Sub-district Coordinator EmailMontana Jim Maddock [email protected] Idaho Nate McIntyre [email protected] Washington Keith MacFie [email protected] Oregon Bob Weyer [email protected]

Sub-district Coordinators Page


Men’s Officials Training Group

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES• The chair of the Men’s Officials Training Group (MOTG) serves on the MGOS.• Liaises with the officials education and training staff at US Lacrosse. • As directed by the MGOS and supported by the US Lacrosse officials education and training staff, this working

group is primarily charged with the following:

o Developing and updating content used for Men’s Game officials’ standardized training curriculum, evaluation, certification and education for all officials; at Youth, High School, Post Collegiate and International levels, across the country in order to increase the knowledge, experience and safety for all those involved in the game of lacrosse.

o The developing and updating of materials used by the US Lacrosse LAREDO program.

o Communicating with the MGOS and US Lacrosse District Coordinators, Sub-district Coordinators and/or Certified Trainers on new US Lacrosse MGOS procedures or policy regarding youth and/or scholastic training and certification.

US Lacrosse Men’s Officials Training Group Directory

Chair

Jim Carboneau ‘17Holliston, [email protected]

Members at Large

David Bagdan ‘16Walnut Creek, [email protected] Matt Dempsey ‘15Bloomington, [email protected] Hank Friedman ‘15Taos, [email protected]

Gordon Corsetti ‘15Kennesaw, [email protected] Wayne Sanford ‘15Bowdoinham, [email protected] Lee Spitzer ‘15Columbus, [email protected]

Kevin Curley ‘16East Rochester, [email protected] Michael Cross ‘16Charlottesville, [email protected] Bob Hutchinson ‘16Islip Terrace, [email protected]


Vice Chair-USILA

Brian AbbottReisterstown, [email protected]

Vice Chair – MCLA

Gary AlabasterAlameda, [email protected]

Secretary

John Hill Braintree, MA [email protected]

Treasurer

Dave PinciaroBeverly, [email protected]

Director at Large - USILA

Doug DonovanRidgewood, [email protected]

Membership

Mike InfantinoBurlington, [email protected]

Past Chair

Butch West Baltimore, MD [email protected]

Executive Director

Kevin O’Leary Gainesville, FL [email protected]

Director at Large - MCLA J.D. DoyleDenver, [email protected]

Director of Development

Tom SuttonEden, [email protected]

Rules Interpretation

Tom AbbottSyracuse, [email protected]

US Lacrosse Certified Trainers ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver, implement and administer US Lacrosse Officials Education Program training and certification within their local LOA according to national standards.

• Completes accurate reporting of completed certification and training by officials within their area. • Communicates with the Sub-district Coordinators on ensuring they are meeting requirements for certification and

standards required by officials. • Liaise directly with the Officials Education and Training staff at US Lacrosse.

Collegiate Officials Committee/National intercollegiate Officials Association (NiLOA) Roles and Responsibilities• The NILOA has an at-large position on the MGOS. • The NILOA partners under the umbrella of the MGOS; however, it operates independently.• The NILOA has its own bylaws and executive committee that runs all business.• They are represented nationally by District Governors. • The NILOA is responsible for recruiting, retaining, and training officials for all of collegiate lacrosse.• The NILOA Executive Committee is responsible for submitting 3 candidates (upon the expiration of the term of the

existing member serving on the MGOS) to the MGOS Chair.

NiLOA Directory

Chair

Steve Miller Cazenovia, NY [email protected]


District States Governor Term EmailI CT, ME, RI, MA, NH, VT Tim McCaffrey [email protected] II Upstate NY Jim O’Hara [email protected]

III Central and Eastern PA, NJ, Long Island and Hudson Valley NY Buzz Lynn [email protected]

IV DC, DE, MD, VA, NC Scott Rayburn [email protected] AL, FL, GA, TN, MS, SC David Kazmerowski [email protected]

VI IL, IN, KY, MI, OH, Western PA, WI, WV Timothy Kelly [email protected]

VII IA, KS, MO, NE, MN, ND, SD Brad Scibak [email protected] OK, TX, AR, LA Gene Brown [email protected] CO, NM, UT, WY Bill Johansen [email protected] AZ, CA, HI, NV Frank Lansner [email protected] AK, ID, MT, OR, WA Keith MacFie [email protected]

Officials Education and Recruitment Subcommittee ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Serves as a game-unified officials subcommittee of the Sport Development Committee.• Works with US Lacrosse Sport Development staff to review, enhance and expand the organization’s ability and

strategies to recruit, and retain men’s and women’s game officials at every level. With a particular emphasis on expanding the focus of recruitment to a game issue (chapters and leagues), and not just an officials’ issue.

US Lacrosse Officials Education and Recruitment Subcommittee Directory

Chair

Kendra Pearson-Scarberry ‘15Plano, [email protected]

US LACROSSE – NILOA MEN’S GAME DISTRICT GOVERNORS

Women’s Officials Subcommittee Liaison

Tyna Marie Murphy ‘16Scottsdale, [email protected]

Men’s Officials Training Group Liaison

David Bagdan ‘16Walnut Creek, [email protected]

Men’s Officials Subcommittee Liaison

Jody Ticer ‘15Jacksonville, [email protected]

Women’s Officials Training Group Liaison

Maggie Walsh ‘15Locke, [email protected]


Lacrosse Officials Association• Regional organizations that oversees the education, training, evaluating, assigning, recruitment, retention and

governance of its member officials.• Contract with local leagues and groups for officiating services.• A best practice guide can be found in Section 6 of this manual.

AssignersThe US Lacrosse “Best Practices for Assigners” is now available for lacrosse assigners at the high school and youth levels.

There are multiple levels of assigners. They range from youth, scholastic, collegiate, post collegiate, and into the professional leagues. The assigners typically are connected to an LOA or other youth Leagues. It is important to note that all assignments must come from a recognized assigner for the area to ensure insurance coverage.

Assigning officials to games is challenging. It is an essential part of allowing the games to be played safely and fairly. When done well, assigning has the most positive impact on player safety. It also is an activity that can also lead to controversy and dissatisfaction if not executed professionally and methodically.

With that in mind, US Lacrosse has developed a “Best Practices for Assigners” guide to use when devising game assigning strategies. This is not intended to be an exhaustive guide or mandate. Rather, it is a tool to help guide assigners by providing ideas, recommendations and practices that others have found helpful.

This guide was developed for assigners and by assigners to ensure that the best practices laid out are practical and attainable while keeping player safety as the highest priority.

This guide will help Assigners….

1. Develop a method to make your assigning decisions

2. Reduce the number of complaints you receive from officials or coaches about assignments

3. Minimize and mitigate potential claims or complaints against you in your role as an assigner

Best Practices Assigners Guide


P A R T 4 :INTERNATIONAL OFFICIALS

i. Overview of international Representative (iR)The International Representative (also referred to as International Liaison) will serve as a representative of the Men’s Game Official’s Subcommittee for all events and activities involving officiating at the international level. The IR, with support from the MGOS, is responsible for coordinating the selection of officials and assessors for international championships, as well as appointing officials and assessors for other opportunities involving international competition whether in the United States or abroad.

Exception: When an International team scrimmages an NCAA team in the United States, it will be the responsibility of the appropriate DAA to assign these scrimmages. The DAA may choose to have the IR assign these games in his place. The expectation is that this scrimmage will adhere to the contract between the NILOA and USILA regardless of the rules used for the scrimmage. For charity events, officials may choose to donate their compensation to that cause.

When two international teams have a competition in the United States, requests for officials should be directed to the IR. The IR should first contact the appropriate DAA as a courtesy, to inform the DAA about the competitions in this district.The expectation is that officials will be compensated according to the contract between the NILOA and the USILA, at the rate for a Division III scrimmage fee and mileage.

ii. Appointment of international Representative and Application RequirementsThe Chair of the MGOS should solicit applications for the IR position approximately 6 months before the expiration of the current IR term. Applicants for the IR position should have participated in at least one World Championship or U-19 Championship as a representative of the United States (not as a Festival official). Additionally, candidates should have a proven record of involvement at the international level in several capacities, including officiating other tournaments and championships abroad, and showing interest in expanding international official’s opportunities around the world. Candidates should complete a brief questionnaire, provide a resume and three letters of reference specific to international lacrosse.

The MGOS Chair will review applications along with a selection committee, and a candidate will be presented to the MGOS for approval. This candidate will be required to adhere to all policies regarding US Lacrosse volunteers.

iii. Description of international Representative Duties and Expectations In addition to the duties described in Part I of this section, the IR will regularly report to the MGOS with updates and recommendations.

The IR will also send electronic updates to International Officials across the country. For the purposes of this definition, anyone who has officiated a World Championship, U-19 Championship, European Championship (not at the Festival level), or Indoor World Championship is considered an International Official.

The IR may hold a meeting at the US Lacrosse Convention as another way to update International Officials.


iV. Official Selection Procedures for World Championships The IR will solicit applications from qualified officials for the tryout process. Notification of the application process for the tryout should be posted on the US Lacrosse website, and a message may be sent using the USILA assigning website. Additionally, the IR will contact all US Lacrosse District Coordinators, asking for assistance in notifying LOA’s in their district.

The IR will assemble a committee to review applications. All candidates should be US Lacrosse members in good standing.

Officials who have worked the Blue Division at a World Championship may not apply to tryout. Any official who participated in a WC before 2010 is automatically considered a Blue official.

The IR will determine the number of officials selected to tryout based on the available tryout opportunities.

The IR will assemble a selection committee to evaluate officials.

The IR and the selection committee will designate “Blue Division” and “Red Division” officials. Red officials will be ranked by the selection committee. If the FIL requests more Blue officials from the USA, the top ranked “Red” official will be moved to Blue. This process will be repeated for each additional “Blue” request by the FIL.

No more than 13 officials will be ranked to participate in a WC at any tryout.

Additionally, the MGOS has a strong desire to work with the FIL to raise officiating quality and education throughout the world. The IR and his committee will appoint officials who have previously worked in the Blue Division at a World Championship to fill the remainder of the FIL allotment as a red division official only. This will allow experienced American international officials to work at lower levels with officials from emerging lacrosse nations-similar to the LAREDO crew chief experience. These applications will be solicited by the IR at the same time as tryout applicants. If the remainder of the FIL allotment cannot be accommodated using former “Blue” officials, The IR and his committee may then solicit applications from former “Red” division officials at a WC to fill the remaining slots. If the IR chooses to be considered for an appointed official’s position, he should remove himself from the selection process for appointed officials. (Part IX of this section).

V. Official Selection procedures for U19 Championships The IR will solicit applications from qualified officials. Notification of the application process should be posted on the US Lacrosse website, and a message may be sent using the USILA assigning website. Additionally, the IR will contact all US Lacrosse District Coordinators, asking for assistance in notifying LOA’s in their district.

The IR will assemble a committee to review applications. All candidates should be US Lacrosse members in good standing.

Officials who have previously worked a U19 Championship may not apply to tryout.

The IR will determine the number of officials selected to tryout based on the available tryout opportunities.

The IR will assemble a selection committee to evaluate officials.

The IR and the selection committee will rank the top nine officials at the tryout. This list will be used to provide officials requested by the FIL for that upcoming U19 Championship.

If an official selected to the U19 championships from the tryout chooses not to participate in the tournament and withdraws, an alternate official who participated in the tryout but was not selected will be moved up and invited to participate in the tournament.

If the FIL requests more officials than the original allotment, the ranked list of officials at the tryout will be used to fill this request. If for various reasons officials on this list are unavailable or unwilling to work, and the list becomes exhausted and the FIL allotment has not been filled, the IR may appoint an official who has previously worked a U-19 championship to fill the vacancy.

All officials who are selected to participate in a U19 Championship will be required to adhere to all sections of the Memorandum of Agreement with US Lacrosse (Part IX of this section).


Vi. Appointment of Assessors The IR will solicit applications from qualified international officials for Assessor positions. Applicants should have officiated a World Championship, U-19 Championship, European Championship, or Indoor World Championship as a representative of the United States (not at the Festival level). Additionally, candidates should have formal experience observing officials. International assessing experience is preferred but not mandatory.

The IR will appoint assessors based on the allotment provided by the FIL for a specific championship or tournament. As the MGOS representative charged with overseeing US International Officiating, the IR will have first right of refusal, and may appoint himself to assess at a championship or tournament if he so chooses.

All assessors who are selected to participate in a World Championship or U-19 Championship will be required to adhere to all sections of the Memorandum of Agreement with US Lacrosse (Part IX of this section).

Vii. Official Selection Procedures for other international Tournaments and Competitions There are several International opportunities for which officials and assessors must be selected that will require action from the IR and MGOS. The selection procedures and criteria follow:

European Championships:The IR will contact the Referee-In-Chief of the European Championship to determine if officials and assessors are needed from the United States. Officials who have tried out for World Championships and U-19 Championships as well as other certified international officials who have participated in WC or U-19 Championships may be offered the opportunity to attend the European Championship. If the IR wishes to be considered for this tournament, he should remove himself from the selection process. The European Championship should be considered as an event to develop international officiating, both nationally and internationally. Officials should note that they are responsible for their own travel costs.

Indoor World Championships:The IR will solicit applications from qualified officials for the IWC. Officials will preferably have experience officiating games using NLL rules or other box lacrosse rules. If the IR determines that a tryout opportunity is available, the IR and committee will select tryout officials to attend. The number of officials will be based on the amount of available on-field opportunities. The IR or his appointed selection committee will select officials from the tryout to attend the IWC. If a tryout opportunity does not exist, the IR and his selection committee will appoint officials to the IWC. If the IR wishes to be considered for this opportunity he should remove himself from the selection process.

Asian-Pacific Championships:The IR will contact the ASPAC RIC to determine if officials and assessors are needed from the United States. The IR will solicit applications from qualified officials for the ASPAC. The IR will appoint officials and assessors to the ASPAC. Officials and Assessors should note they are responsible for their own travel costs.


World Games:The IR will contact the FIL to determine if officials and assessors are needed from the United States. The IR will solicit applications from qualified officials for the WG. Applicants must have experience as officials at a World Championship or U-19 Championship (not at the Festival level), and will be certified FIL referees. If it is determined by the IR and MGOS that a valid tryout opportunity exists, the IR and a selection committee will select officials for the tryout. If a valid tryout opportunity does not exist, the IR and a selection committee will appoint officials to attend the WG. If the IR chooses to be considered for an appointed official’s position, he should remove himself from the selection process for appointed officials.

Other International Lacrosse Championships, Tournaments, and Competitions:If another International Lacrosse Championship, Tournament, or Competition that does not exist as of this writing (2014-15) is created or added, the same selection procedures for officials and assessors will be followed as for the World Games, unless that specific tournament dictates other procedures for qualification.

Viii. Requests to Officiate Abroad There are dozens of other international competitions and tournaments worldwide. If an official would like to officiate one of these tournaments not mentioned in Section VII of this document, a formal request should be made to the IR. Additionally, the official must have the RIC of that particular competition contact the IR in advance to formally invite the official to participate. This procedure will insure that there will be proper communication between all parties and eliminate potential conflicts.

iX. Memorandum of Agreement with US Lacrosse Attached as separate document- pending MGOS approval

X. Miscellaneous If an unforeseen situation occurs that is not covered by this document, the IR and MGOS will develop a policy to address that specific scenario.


P A R T 5 : LACROSSE OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION BEST PRACTICES

introductionLacrosse Officials Association (LOA) best practices can play an important role in risk management. With the safety of lacrosse participants a high priority of lacrosse officials, LOAs administratively should put in place practices that best support the development and assignment of certified officials. Associations should be mindful of legal and ethical organizational requirements as well as operational best practices. This means that associations should strive to have their administrative house in order, as well as its official recruitment, training, development and accountability processes.

The best “risk management” for local associations entails proper association organization and reasonable management of its officials. Local Officials Associations face very little legal exposure. For an association to have legal liability, the claimant must prove that the association did or failed to do something that caused or contributed to their injury. This could only be demonstrated in unusual circumstance such as association failure to require reasonable official training, performance assessment or strongly ill-advised official assignment. Nonetheless, if an injury to a lacrosse participant occurs, assessment of potential liability will most certainly include investigation into the official conduct and may include scrutiny of LOA practices. This section provides helpful guidance for preventing and managing this situation.

LOA Formation and OrganizationLOAs should incorporate as a non-profit organization. Most Secretary of State Offices in each state make non-profit incorporation relatively easy with forms and guidelines available online and by mail. Ideally, your association may engage a lawyer on a volunteer basis to help with incorporation requirements. Proper board organization is necessary from a state incorporation standpoint but additionally serves to demonstrate a proper organizational approach to official management.

Each state has varying organizational and annual filing requirements that must be followed for proper non-profit treatment. Non-profit status allows for favorable tax treatment and some modest insulation from legal liability (not absolute). Local associations should additionally consider filing with the Internal Revenue Service for 501(c) (3) status. If your LOA can qualify, this status provides for significant tax free operation.


LOA should have a corporate organization “plan” in place to make sure:

• Incorporation is complete and on file with the corporations department within your Secretary of State Office• The non-profit organizational requirements are understood by board officers and/or volunteers. Requirements

typically includeo The election of competent and dedicated LOA executives (which vary by title and minimums).

o Maintenance of the organization’s incorporation documents, charter, etc.

o Minimum meeting requirements (some states allow unanimous adoption or voting in lieu of meetings)

o Annual report filing with appropriate fees

• Term limits for association officers is a widely-accepted best practice and may be instituted• The LOA president should be an active member of the LOA and should reside in the local areas the LOA serves.

Only under circumstance where no individual living in the area is willing and able to serve as the LOA president should an association consider allowing an out of area president. Local residence is strongly recommended for all officers.

Additional organizational considerations for LOAs include:

• Coordination or integration with the local and/or regional US Lacrosse Chapters• Communication with existing model LOAs• Communication with US Lacrosse volunteers and staff with potential LOA resources

LOA Operational Best PracticesA goal of the MGOS, rules, interpretation and official training is to allow fair and fun competition while minimizing the risk of injury to game participants. LOAs play a role in minimizing the risk of injury to participants by proper oversight of officials. This in turn minimizes the association’s exposure to potential liability. To that end, the following “best practices” should be undertaken by LOAs:

1) Compliance with training requirements as set forth in this manual. Requirements for LOAs and SDCs to facilitate consistent rules interpretation and well-developed official training throughout the country.

2) Recruitment of “willing and able” official candidates. Seek out interested and capable candidates. Candidates should be diverse in race, gender, age, ethnicity, religion, and socioeconomic status. The costs, US Lacrosse membership, training and service requirements should be discussed.a. If costs to participation are prohibitive for trainees, LOAs should consider grants, sponsorships, and alternatives

to allow training and development of interested candidates. The connection to the USL Chapter can help offset these costs.


3) Management of Officialsa. Strongly encourage US Lacrosse membership. Membership in the lacrosse national governing body (USL) is to

provide officials with US Lacrosse resources including Lacrosse Magazine (with informative and educational information), access to ‘gold standard’ training – including a state of the art online course, electronically transmitted official newsletters, injury and liability insurance coverage, etc….

b. Recommend US Lacrosse official training and certification. LOAs should provide or gain access to training with skilled clinicians. Additionally, training and certification records for each official trainee should be created and maintained. LOAs should create a training and certification record repository so that the certification of each official can be verified if necessary. This information must regularly be transmitted to the SDC so that it can be accurately reported to USL. Officials should not take the field until trained, certified and prepared. This rule should be communicated to all trainees and enforced by the LOA and its representatives. Failure to require training and certification can expose an LOA to legal liability.

c. Award official on-field evaluation substantiated with demonstrated skill and aptitude. This manual provides the skills required for each on-field evaluation level. It is important the LOA clinicians and evaluators assess official trainees by closely adhering to these standards and skills.

d. Provide officials with access to essential tools and information. This includes US Lacrosse, NFHS and/or NCAA rulebooks (if not received through USL membership), official manual – both mechanics and policies, uniforms and equipment, clear training requirements, additional training opportunities, US Lacrosse convention learning opportunities etc….

e. Provide officials with frequent pre-season and during-season communication. Topics should include rule clarifications and emphasis, “lessons learned” items, Q and A opportunities, learning opportunities, mid-season meetings and encouragement to attend local contests assigned with experienced official teams.

f. Utilize an appropriate system for assigning officials. The assignor/assigning authority should have a clear understanding of each official’s certification and experience coupled with knowledge of school/team playing levels, cultures, and rivalries. Officials should be assigned to games only within their experience range. The ability to maintain control of the game and safely manage play is an important risk management factor. If officials are given officiating learning opportunities outside of their experience range, more experienced officials should be paired.

g. Comply with US Lacrosse and/or state reporting requirements. LOAs should require and monitor official knowledge and compliance with reporting requirements related to misconduct, cards, injuries and other reportable events.

h. Develop feedback opportunities for officials. LOAs should consider a system that allows coaches and fellow officials the opportunity to give valid feedback on official conduct and competency. While this could be a good practice, from a risk management standpoint, it likewise can be a source of liability exposure. If a board learns of poor official performance, either through a grievance or through regular evaluation practices that jeopardizes participant safety, it must respond. Develop a process to deal with underperforming officials and adhere to that process. If an LOA fails to further educate/train an underperforming official or limit the official’s officiating, and an injury occurs while the official is officiating, the LOAs response could be scrutinized.

i. Develop a system of communication and collaboration with the local USL Chapters, youth programs, high school association and coaching organizations. Working relationships with high school associations and coaches can serve as a check on official compliance issues and provide an opportunity to share best practices.

j. Appoint an “ethics advisor” or “ethics committee.” The advisor should not be the assignor. If there is a committee, the assignor can participate but should recuse themselves if the raised issues involve assigning.


P A R T 6 : LEVELS OF OFFICIATING & CERTIFICATION

Levels of OfficiatingUS Lacrosse and the MGOS do not approve or encourage the use of non-certified officials, nor do they deem it appropriate for probationary officials to officiate games unless they are supervised by a certified official. Officials are expected to evaluated and certified or resolve their probationary status before being contracted for services. It is important to ensure that all officials have proper training and the skills necessary to keep the game safe for all participants.

Probationary Official • Anynewofficialwhohasnotcurrentlymetand/orpassedthemen’sofficials’certificationandtraining

requirements for initial certification.

Junior/Youth Official•Anyofficialundertheageof18whohasmet,passedand/ormaintainedthemen’sofficialscertificationand

training requirements for junior/youth officials. Is eligible to only officiate youth games for players 2 years or more below the official’s age level.

Level 1 Official • Anyofficialovertheageof18,whohasmet,passedand/ormaintainedthemen’sgameofficials’certification

and training requirements for ‘Level 1’ officials. Primarily officiates youth and sub-varsity games but may officiate varsity games with a stronger partner depending on location and need all in the two-man mechanics system.

Level 2 Official• Anyofficialovertheageof18,whohasmet,passedand/ormaintainedthemen’sgameofficials’certification

and training requirements for ‘Level 2’ officials. A ‘Level 2’ official must have been certified as a ‘Level 1’ official before being eligible to be certified at ‘Level 2.’ Primarily officiate varsity and sub-varsity games in the two-man mechanics system.

Level 3 Official •Anyofficialovertheageof18,whohasmet,passedand/ormaintainedthemen’sgameofficials’certification

and training requirements for ‘Level 3’ officials. A ‘Level 3’ official must have been certified as a ‘Level 2’ official before being eligible to be certified at ‘Level 3.’ Primarily officiate varsity contests in the three- man mechanics system and is often the referee in both varsity and sub-varsity contests.

US Lacrosse Official Certification Path

Level 1Certification

Junior Officials

Level 1Recertification






Certification RequirementsThese requirements for certification are the minimum requirements. A local association may require additional requirements for certification.

Note: If an official wishes to be US Lacrosse Certified, membership of US Lacrosse is a requirement at all levels.”

JUNIOR/YOUTH OFFICIAL

Initial Certification • Under18yearsofageandhavemembershipwithinarecognizedofficialsorganization.

• CompletetheappropriateOfficialsEducationcourse

• PassanannualRulesExam

• ClassroomTraining(6hoursminimum) Best practice is over 3-4 sessionso 3 hours minimum devoted to two-man mechanics

• 1hourshouldbedevotedtoon-fieldstations

o 3 hours minimum focused on rules and player safety

• TechnicalandPersonalFouls

• PenaltyEnforcementandAdministration

• Currentyearruleinterpretation

• Rules1,2,3and4

• USLacrosseconcussionvideo

• On-fieldEvaluationSee ‘Part 3’ for detailed on-field evaluation informationo Pass the US Lacrosse ‘Junior/Youth Officials’ on-field evaluation

Annual Recertification• Beunder18yearsofageandhavemembershipwithinarecognizedofficialsorganization.



• ClassroomTraining(6hoursminimum)Bestpracticeisover3-4sessionso 3 hours minimum devoted to two-man mechanics






• Rules1,2,3and4


• On-fieldEvaluation–Optional but highly recommended

• AdditionalClassroomtime– Optional but highly recommended


LEVEL 1 OFFICIAL

Initial Certification• Beover18yearsofageandhavemembershipwithinarecognizedofficial’sorganization.



• ClassroomTraining(8hoursminimum)Best practice is over 3-4 sessionso 3 hours minimum devoted to two-man mechanics



• Rules1,2,3

• Rule4–PlayoftheGame





• On-fieldEvaluationSee next section for detailed on-field evaluation informationo Pass the US Lacrosse ‘Level 1’ officials on-field evaluation

Annual Recertification• Maintainmembershipwithinarecognizedofficialsorganization.



• ClassroomTraining(6hoursminimum) Best practice is over 3-4 sessionso 2 hours minimum devoted to two-man mechanics


• Rule4–PlayoftheGame





• On-fieldEvaluation–Optional but highly recommended


• Activeparticipationtime– Optional but highly recommendedo Games worked, training, observing youth officials, mentoring etc….

o LOA should define exact requirements


LEVEL 2 OFFICIAL

Initial Certification • Holdsacurrentorhelda‘Level1’certificationwithinthelastcalendaryear

• Maintainmembershipwithinarecognizedofficialsorganization.




• Rulesreview

• Simultaneousfouls

• Gamemanagementandprofessionalism

• Playersafety,multipleminutefouls,ejections



• On-fieldEvaluationSee next section for detailed on-field evaluation informationo Pass the US Lacrosse ‘Level 2’ officials on-field evaluation

Annual Recertification• Maintainmembershipwithinarecognizedofficialsorganization.




• Rulesreview






• On-fieldEvaluation– Optional but highly recommended


• Activeparticipationtime– Optional but highly recommended. Best practice is once every two years minimumo Games worked, training, observing youth and ‘Level 1’ officials, mentoring etc….

o LOA should define exact requirements


LEVEL 3 OFFICIAL

Initial Certification• Holdsacurrentorhelda‘Level2’certificationwithinthelastcalendaryear

• Maintainanactivemembershipwithrecognizedofficialsorganization

• PassannualRulesExam

• ClassroomTraining(6hoursminimum)Best practice is over 3-4 sessionso 2 hours minimum devoted to three-man mechanics


• Rulesreview






• On-fieldEvaluation See next section for detailed on-field evaluation informationo Pass the US Lacrosse ‘Level 3’ officials on-field evaluation

Annual Recertification• Maintainanactivemembershipwithrecognizedofficialsorganization

• PassannualRulesExam

• Activeparticipationtimeinpreviouscalendaryearo Games worked, training, observing youth, ‘Level 1’ and ‘Level 2’ officials, mentoring etc….

o LOA should set exact requirements

• ClassroomTraining(6hoursminimum)Best practice is over 3-4 sessionso 2 hours minimum devoted to three-man mechanics


• Rulesreview






• On-fieldEvaluation– Optional but highly recommended



On-field EvaluationsOn-field evaluations are often times the last requirement that an official needs to complete before being certified. Recommendation would be that an official pass an on-field evaluation before being certified at Level 1 and again as they move to Level 2 and 3.

Even though these guidelines do not require officials to be re-evaluated for recertification at any particular level; however it is highly recommended local associations do so depending on the level and abilities of the official. Written feedback is also critical to the overall development of an official and all evaluations should be made available for the official to have and utilize as a resource for improvement.

Junior/Youth On-field Evaluation

The ‘Junior/Youth On-field Evaluation Form’ can be found in the appendix as well online on the ‘Men’s Officials Resources’ page on www.uslacrosse.org. The form should be filled out in its entirety and provided to the official being evaluated upon completion.

In order to be fully certified, the evaluation, if passed, must be reported to US Lacrosse in the Certification Administration Portal on www.uslacrosse.org.

Keys to Junior/Youth On-field Evaluation • Maybeascrimmageorregularseasoncontest

• Shouldbeatthelevelofplaytheofficialwillbeprimarilyofficiatingattheyouthlevel

• Maybeashortenedfieldwithlessthanfullteams(i.e.7v.7)butideallyisfullfieldwith10v.10ifthatiswhatthe official is primarily officiating

• Gameshouldbeaminimumof40minutesofplay

• TheevaluatorshouldbeatleastcertifiedasaLevel1officialorhigher

• Junior/youthofficialsshouldbere-evaluatedannually

Level 1 On-field Evaluation

The Level 1 on-field evaluation can be found in the appendix and also online in the ‘Men’s Officials Resources’ page on www.uslacrosse.org. The form should be filled out in its entirety and provided to the official being evaluated upon completion.

In order to be fully certified, the evaluation, if passed, must be reported to US Lacrosse in the Certification Administration Portal on www.uslacrosse.org.

Keys to Level 1 Evaluating • Gamelevelshouldbeatthelevelofplaytheofficialwillbeprimarilyofficiating

o Ideally at the U15 level or above

• Gameshouldbefullfieldwithfullteams(10v.10)

• Gamemaybeascrimmageorregularseasoncontest

• Gameshouldbeaminimumof45minutesofplay


• Level1officialsshouldbere-evaluatedannually



The ‘Level 2 On-field Evaluation’ can be found in the appendix as well as online at the ‘Men’s Officials Resources’ page on www.uslacrosse.org. The form should be filled out in its entirety and provided to the official being evaluated upon completion.

Officials being evaluated at ‘Level 2’ must have already been evaluated at ‘Level 1’ and fulfilled ‘Level 1 Certification’ requirements.

Keys to Level 2 Evaluating• GamelevelshouldbeattheVarsityorJuniorVarsitylevel

• Gamemustbefullfieldwithfullteams(10v.10)

• Mustbeagameconsequence(scoreiskeptandtheoutcomecountstowardssomething)

• Gameshouldbeaminimumof45minutesofstop-timeplay


• Level2officialsshouldbere-evaluatedatminimumeveryotheryear


The ‘Level 3 On-field Evaluation’ can be found in the appendix as well as online at the ‘Men’s Officials Resources’ page on www.uslacrosse.org. The form should be filled out in its entirety and provided to the official being evaluated upon completion.

Officials being evaluated at ‘Level 3’ must have already been evaluated at ‘Level 2’ and fulfilled all ‘Level 2 Certification’ requirements.

Keys to Level 3 Evaluating • Mustbeusingthree-manmechanicsinthegame

• Mustbeafullfieldwithfullteams

• Mustbeagameofconsequence(scoreiskeptandtheoutcomecountstowardssomething)

• MustbeNFHSorNCAArulesattheVarsityorhigherlevel

• Evaluatorsshouldbeatleastacollegiatelevelofficial

o If not then should have at least 5 years of experience as a Level 3 official

• Level3officialsshouldbere-evaluatedataminimumonceeverythreeyears


initial Certification and Training Grid

Level Trainer Level Minimum Classroom Time On-field Evaluation Written

RulesExamAdditional Requirements

Junior/Youth • Level 1 official or higher 6 hours

• Primary level working• May be short field• May be 7 v. 7• Min. 40 minutes of play

Pass – approved test

US Lacrosse On-line course

Level 1

• Level 2 official or higher

• Should be a USL Certified Trainer*

8 hours

• Primary level working• Must be full field• Must be 10 v. 10• Min. 45 minutes of play


US Lacrosse On-line course

Level 2

• Level 3 official of higher

• USL Certified Trainer

6 hours

• Varsity or JV contest• Must be full field• Must be 10 v. 10 • Min. 45 minutes of play


Hold a current Level 1 Certification

Level 3

• USL Certified Trainer

• Should be college official*

6 hours

• Varsity or higher contest• Must be full field• Must be 10 v. 10• Min 45 minutes of play


Hold a current Level 2 Certification

Annual Re-certification and Training Grid

Level Minimum Classroom Time

On-field Evaluation*

On-line Rules Exam

Additional Requirements

Junior/Youth 6 hoursIdeally required annually by local association

Pass – approved test None

Level 1 6 hoursIdeally required annually by local association


Level 2 6 hoursIdeally required at minimum every other year


Level 3 6 hoursIdeally required at minimum once every three years

Pass – approved test20 hours of active participation in previous year

* Not required by US Lacrosse but highly recommended

Men’s Officials Certification Process


Mentor Program The US Lacrosse Men’s Game Officials Subcommittee endorses and is committed to training and evaluating officials and a part of this is the development of a mentor program at the local level.

Many Lacrosse Officials Associations have mentor pairing programs. Mentoring is a key component to retaining the officials your LOA has worked so hard to recruit. People will stick with something new as long as they feel supported. What follows are just some simple suggestions for successful mentoring:

Pre-season:

• Establishthelogisticsofmentor/menteerelationship:howoftenandbesttimetotalk,contactinformation,any off-limit times, etc…

• Reviewanypaperworkfromrecentevaluations,whathasbeendocumentedastheircurrentstrengthsandweaknesses

• Requestacopyoftheirgamescheduleandofferthemacopyofyourgameschedule

• Setspecificgoalstogetherandlistwaystoreachthesegoals

• HighlighttheUSLacrosseNationalConventionasalearningandnetworkingopportunity

• Discusstheirgamescheduleandassignedpartners:levelofgames,partnerswhomightbehelpfulteachers, fitness, attitude etc…

In-season:

• Performamid-seasonevaluationwiththem.Useappropriateevaluationformsasastartingpoint

• Setnewgoalsascertaingoalsareachieved

• Observeon-fieldperformanceifpossibleanddiscussspecifics

• Invitethementeetowatchyouofficiate

• Attendagametogethertowatchanddiscuss

• Listencarefullytowhatyourmenteeissaying

• Discuss:rules,interpretations,judgments,gamesituationsfromyoursandyourmenteesgames.

• Breakgamesintocomponentparts:Whatlevelwasthecompetition?Whatwasthedemeanorofthecoachesandplayers?Whatactionsoccurredandunderwhatgamecircumstances?Whatrulingsorjudgmentsweremadeinresponsetothesevariables?

• Performanendofseasonevaluation.Makealistoftheiraccomplishmentsandthechallengestheyneedtowork on.

Generally, as a mentor, be human; admit to your own mistakes in games. Share these shortcomings with them often; tell stories of your own learning experiences. Keep your mentee enthusiastic.

More specifically talk about:• Mechanics

• Pre-gamecontent

• Rulesquestionsandclarifications,specificallynewrulesfortheseason

• Gamesatdifferentlevels

• Using“rulebooklanguage”withpartners,playersandcoaches

• Gamemanagement:pressuresituations,tightgames,rivalries,diffusingpotentialcoach/officialconfrontations

• Communicationwithpartners,assignors,coaches,playersandfans

• Understandingtheofficialteamconcept:whenandhowtoofferhelp

• Theimportanceofsafetyandhowitisinterpretedinaggressiveplay


Other suggestions: • Theintangiblesofofficiating(havingapositiveattitudeandwillingnesstolearn)

• Thingstheycancontrol(uniform,fitnesslevel,attitudeandprofessionalism)

• Understandingandprocessingfeedback

• Pointoutexcessiveexplanationofactionsinresponsetonegativefeedback

• Introduceyourmenteetootherofficials

• EncouragementeetobecomeinvolvedwithLOAactivities

• Discussandencourageoff-seasonand/oroutofareatrainingandtournamentopportunities

Reassure them and praise them whenever possible. Do not focus solely on performance that needs improvement. Tell your mentee when they do things well. Refrain from giving advice. Instead suggest other ways to look at the situation. Suggest the range of responses available to them.

Hints on Evaluating OfficialsAt some point in an official’s career they may be called upon to observe or evaluate another official. Watching and evaluating other officials is beneficial for all of us, as no official ever stops learning. By watching and teaching other officials we continually redefine our own officiating personalities and styles while improving upon our own officiating procedures and techniques.

Evaluation by one’s peers can be an intimidating experience so when meeting a candidate be sensitive and supportive. Ask about his officiating history. Give him the opportunity to ask questions. It is important that trainees, especially those at Level 1 and 2 know that this is a learning situation and that evaluators are there to help them get better. Take a sincere interest in what the candidate is doing and how he is reacting. Watch official carry out his pre-gameresponsibilities.Doeshesetagoodtoneforthegame?Isheprofessionalandfriendlyoroverlyofficiousandcontrolling?

As the game begins, watch for a while before writing comments. Let the trainee get settled into the game, but note if it takes too long to respond to the tempo of play. As the evaluator, you must evaluate the tenor of the game. Is it a roughgame?Aretheteamsskilledorunskilled,equallymatched?Isitalowkeygameoranintenserivalry?Youmustdetermine what conditions confront the trainee before you can fairly judge his response to the game.

Next,watchhowthetraineemovesonthefield.Isheinpositiontoseetheball?Isheintheplayers’way?Doesheanticipateplay?Isheinquietcontrolofthegame?Isthereapurposeforhispositioning?Whatcanheseeandwhatcan’theseebecauseofhismechanics?

Evaluate his whistle use, whistle tone, arm signals and use/quality of his voice. Do all players respond to his whistle oronlythoseplayersnearby?Ishisvoiceeffectiveincommunicatingwiththeplayers?Dohismechanicscommunicateconfidenceinthecallsheismaking?Isplaystoppedorstartedefficiently?

Mentor Information Mentee Information


Evaluating an official’s foul recognition is important. Are his calls and interpretations correct, and more importantly consistent?Ifyoudisagreewithacall,besuretocheckhispositioning.Hemayhavemisseditbecauseofpoormechanics. He may also be correct and you may be wrong because of what you can and cannot see from where you are standing. Be sure to give an official the opportunity at half time or at the end of a game to explain the call and why he made it. Don’t simply write him off as an unqualified official.

How you actually do the evaluation is based on individual preference or local practice. Some evaluators mark down every penalty, both missed and called. Others will write when there is a pause in the game and give general impressions with few specifics. However you use the form, be sure to identify specific weaknesses and strengths both for the official’s benefit and to assist the individual who must give the official a verbal and/or written report.

If there are multiple evaluators confer prior to meeting with the official. During halftime only one of the evaluators should talk with the official. Give him the opportunity to convey his own reactions to the game. This may be helpful to you. Give your impressions of what he did well and offer your suggestions for improvement in the second half. Try not to distract the official with too many details. If you offer a few suggestions and he copes well with them in the second half, this will indicate his willingness to risk change and his potential for continued growth. Discuss both the official’s strengths and weaknesses. Be honest in indicating mistakes but also suggest ways to improve. Remember that you are not only an evaluator but a teacher.

Finally,beforewritingyourformalevaluation,stopandthinkaboutthegameyoujustsaw.Wasitsafe?Wasitfair?Didtheplayersandcoachesrespondwelltothegame?Didyouseeanyofthegameordidyouonlyseetheofficial?Doestheofficialpossesseachofthequalitieslistedforthelevelheisattempting?Completeallthenecessaryformsand submit them to whoever in your area is collecting them. If you feel the game was not challenging enough, or that the official had little action in key areas of the field, indicate this. Be certain to include as much written feedback as possible. It is important that trainees receive the feedback in writing so they can continue to reference the evaluation in future games.

Junior/Youth On-Field Evaluation Form

On-field Evaluation Worksheet

Level 1 Evaluation Form




P A R T 7 : CODE OF CONDUCTMen’s Game Officials Subcommittee (MGOS) Code of Ethical ConductThe intent of this guideline is:

1) To establish standards of ethical behavior for officials.

2) To provide an avenue for grievance against officials at the youth, scholastic, and post collegiate levels.

3) To provide officials with due process when a grievance is brought against them.

Officials Shall:1) Not use language or conduct themselves in a manner, or, during a contest, permit players, coaches,

or spectators to conduct themselves in a manner that discriminates on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, and marital status or against a qualified person with a disability.

2) Be neutral, honest, and fair and not demonstrate any bias for or against a team, individual players, coaches, or team personnel.

3) Not be under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol while on assignment.

4) Not use inappropriate physical contact towards players, coaches, or spectators.

5) Take responsibility for their decision making role which includes proper application of the rules.

6) Not make statements about players, coaches, spectators, or other officials that detract from the spirit and respectability of the sport.

7) Not have a criminal conviction involving inappropriate behavior with a minor. No person with such a conviction may hold a US Lacrosse official certification.

Grievance ProcedureGeneral

1) Any person may report any official who violates or who is suspected of violating this Code of Ethical Conduct to the President of the official’s LOA, or the USL District Coordinator. If the violation involves an official known to have an NILOA designation, they should be referred to the NILOA District Governor. If the official involved in the incident is the LOA President, SDC or DC, such violations may also be reported directly to the MGOS Chair.

2) Absent allegations of bias or dishonesty, complaints of misapplication of the rules will not be accepted. In no event will any grievance under this procedure change the outcome of a contest.

3) The Sub-district coordinator shall determine the certification level of the official accused of the violation.

4) Accusations regarding officials with a junior/youth, level 1, 2, or 3 certifications shall first be handled at the LOA and District level.

5) Accusations involving officials with NILOA designation shall be referred to the District Governor to the NILOA as the NILOA administers all grievances related to them per their by-laws.

6) Accusations involving the Chair of the Ethics Committee for the Men’s Game Officials Subcommittee may be reported to the Chair of the MGOS.

7) All grievances must be submitted in writing on the prescribed grievance form which is available on the USL website at www.uslacrosse.org. No oral grievances will be considered until submitted in writing.

8) Incidents should be reported within 10 calendar days of the incident giving raise to the grievance. Grievances first reported beyond that time may be accepted if it is determined that reasonable grounds exist for delay.


LOA Procedures for Officials with Junior/Youth, Level 1, 2 or 3 Certifications

1) The LOA President will convene a three-person Ethics Committee as soon as practical of the date of the grievance and will serve as head of the Ethics Committee.

2) The Ethics Committee shall comprise the LOA President and two individuals appointed by the President.

3) The purpose of the initial meeting is to determine whether there exists reasonable basis to conduct an inquiry into the grievance. After the Ethics Committee has made a determination, both the grievant and the accused official will be notified in writing whether the grievance has been accepted or denied.

4) If the grievance is denied, the person may appeal in writing to the MGOSC, who shall conduct an inquiry into whether the denial was warranted.

5) If the grievance is accepted, the official will be given the opportunity to respond to the grievance in writing within a time set by the Ethics Committee.

6) When it deems it appropriate or necessary, the Ethics Committee may take written or oral statements from any witness, including the official, the grievant, other officials, coaches, players, or spectators; may procure game tapes or other evidence; or may take other actions to obtain information relevant to the grievance.

7) If the Ethics Committee determines that a violation of the Code of Ethical Conduct occurred, the Ethics Committee shall determine the appropriate penalty which may include, for example, suspension, reduction, or termination of the official’s certification.

8) The Ethics Committee shall notify both the grievant and the involved official the outcome of the grievance in writing within thirty (30) days of the date of the grievance. The Ethics Committee shall also provide a copy of the written notification to the MGOS Chair and the official’s District Coordinator.

9) Any official found to be in violation of the Code of Ethical Conduct by an Ethics Committee of a LOA who is a USL member may appeal the outcome by sending written notification of intent to appeal to the Chair of the MGOS within ten days of the written notice of the outcome by the LOA.

10) To the extent possible, grievances will remain confidential. However, the Ethics Committee may contact individuals with knowledge relevant to a grievance. In addition, the outcome of a grievance may become public or may be shared with others if the Ethics Committee determines disclosure would be appropriate. If the decision involves suspension or termination of an official’s rating, the Ethics Committee may also notify other LOAs and Sub-District Training Coordinators in areas where the official has been known to official or belong to LOAs.

Procedure for Officials with NiLOA designation1) If, the incident occurred before, during or after a collegiate contest the grievance should be referred

directly to the NILOA District Governor. If, the incident involved the District Governor the grievance should be referred directly to the NILOA Executive Committee.

2) If, the incident occurred during a youth or scholastic contest than the grievance procedure outlined above for Level 3 officials should be followed.


Appeal Procedure to Decision When Found in Violation1) The Chair of the MGOS shall receive all appeals from decisions by a LOA Ethics Committee.

2) The Chair of the MGOS may also receive appeals from any person whose grievance was denied at the LOA level.

3) In the written notification of intent to appeal (“Appeal”), the official shall indicate if he requests an oral hearing.

4) Upon receipt of a timely request for appeal, the Chair of the MGOS will appoint an Appeals Committee, as soon as practical of receipt of the Appeal. The Appeals Committee shall comprise the MGOS Ethics Chair and two Men’s Game Officials who did not take part in the inquiry into the initial grievance.

5) The Appeals Committee will attempt to conduct a hearing within ten (10) days of appointment, subject to the availability of the Appeals Committee members and the official. At the hearing, the Ethics Chair will present the evidence and findings of the Ethics Committee but is not required to present witnesses in person. If the official requested an oral hearing, the official may attend and present testimony, other evidence, or argument on his behalf. At the hearing, the official may be represented by legal counsel or another advisor. The Appeals Committee may be assisted by legal counsel who may attend but need not be a voting member of the Appeals Committee. The Appeals Committee may establish other rules for the conduct of the hearing to ensure that the hearing is fair, timely, and not burdensome to anyone.

6) Within ten days after the hearing, the Appeals Committee will issue a written decision that will be final and not further appealable.


P A R T 8 : RISK MANAGEMENT

introductionSafety of lacrosse participants is paramount within the responsibilities of officials. Prioritizing the safety of players, coaches, fellow officials and spectators is the most effective form of “management” of risk. Official exposure to legal liability stems almost exclusively from physical injury suffered by an individual while participating in, or attending a lacrosse game. Officials can manage risk by: (a) identifying the risks inherent in the sport of lacrosse; (b) avoiding those risks through effective officiating; and (c) by minimizing the impact of unavoidable risks. This section provides helpful risk management guidance.

A seminal goal of the rules, interpretation and official training is to allow fair and fun competition while minimizing the risk of injury to game participants. Minimizing the risk of injury minimizes the exposure to potential liability.

For an official to be found liable in a lawsuit for the player/participant/spectator injury, the injured person must demonstrate that the official did or failed to do something that caused or contributed to the injury. This “exposure” extends far outside the field boundaries and for the most part begins with the appropriateness of training. The range of conduct for which an official may be scrutinized includes but is not limited to rule knowledge, training (or lack thereof), assignments, field conduct, professionalism, communication, rule enforcement (or lack thereof), judgment, rule compromises and player/coach/spectator interactions. Although potential litigants initially will observe only on-field official behavior in considering liability, the competency of the official, the appropriateness of the assignment, and every aspect of how the official came to do what he did (or not do what he allegedly should have) will be examined.

Lawsuits against officials are very uncommon for many reasons, not the least of which is that participants assume some level of risk to themselves by participating in the sport. If someone is hurt however, anyone who contributed to or could have prevented the injury may face some level of inquiry and a rare few may face legal liability. Officials should know that an injured participant may investigate potential liability against you and your partners, the school/venue, the coaches, other players, your local official board, assignor and/or US Lacrosse. You should also know that as an official member of US Lacrosse, you are provided with liability insurance coverage if you are sued. Whether you ever face questions or a lawsuit, the best management of your legal exposure is to have adhered to the rules, guidelines and safety-based decisions.

The US Lacrosse Men’s Game Official Manual – in its entirety – provides extensive general and specific guidance, which if followed, will limit potential risk. This section of the policy manual intends to emphasize those points and provide officials with a few summarized best practices to limit liability.

Official COMPETENCYIn order for youth and scholastic men’s lacrosse officials to demonstrate their competency, they must commit to learning and understanding the rules of the game thoroughly and regularly and undergo the necessary training as established by US Lacrosse. Men’s Game Officials must then complete the classroom training, on-field evaluation process and obtain certification before they are allow to officiate unsupervised. Thereafter, the official must remain in good standing by meeting all annual certification requirements. The annual requirements are provided in Part 3 of the US Lacrosse Men’s Game Official Policy and Procedure Manual.

The training and assessment of official candidates should be well-designed and reasonably standardized. US Lacrosse youth/boy’s game rules, training and assessment methods are evaluated at least annually and have been increasingly standardized. From a risk management standpoint, the rules, training and rating process available to US Lacrosse officials is reasonably prudent. An official’s potential exposure will be lessened considerably simply by successful participation in training with thorough knowledge and enforcement of the rules.


If Suit is Filed Against You1) Notify your LOA and/or US Lacrosse

2) Notify your US Lacrosse liability insurer or broker (the US Lacrosse broker is Bollinger (bollingerlax.com) who can be contacted at 866-267- 0093, and any other insurance carrier with which you have liability coverage

3)Wholocatesandpaysforthedefenseoftheofficial?

a. NO – School, Association, US Lacrosse, Home insurance

b. POSSIBLY – Official insurer (US Lacrosse Insurer, NASO, Local Board etc.)

4)Whopaysifanofficialisfoundliabletoaplaintifffordamages?

a. NO – School, league, local board, US Lacrosse

b. YES – Official liability insurer (When the liability insurance is exhausted, an official’s personal assets are exposed but this is very rare.)

Some states have immunity laws that protect officials from liability for game-calling decisions. This varies state by state and laws are ever-changing.

Conflicts of interest – Do’s and Don’ts ConsiderationsAvoiding conflicts of interest is part and parcel of risk management. Although engaging in a conflict of interest rarely results in legal liability, it “exposes” officials and may be considered as evidence of poor judgment in a legal liability setting. The rules are simple. Do not engage in anything that can give even the appearance of impropriety.

MEN’S GAME OFFICIALS - US Lacrosse · 4 US LACROSSE MEN’S GAME OFFICIALS STRUCTURE & GUIDELINES...

Documents

Transcript of MEN’S GAME OFFICIALS - US Lacrosse · 4 US LACROSSE MEN’S GAME OFFICIALS STRUCTURE & GUIDELINES...