Refs

[jmplax31]

Is any one here a ref, if so how do you become certified?

[CDLax2]

refs always ruin games... i hate them
during one o my fall ball games they called over 40 penalties that had nothing to do with the developing play but off ball stuff that was just stupid
-sorry had to vent somewhere

[Lax39]

Jmplax31, I don't know how much of this would apply to you, since I was a referee for high schools in New York State, but here's how I did it.

During the late winter, there was an announcement in the local newspaper that the Section (NYS Public High School Athletics is organized geographically by sections) was looking for lacrosse referees, so I responded. After about a half-dozen evening classes run by the Section Interpreter and several senior referees, I participated as a referee during local scrimmages, and was observed by senior referees. At that point, I was "certified." In the beginning, I mostly had junior varsity games, but in time, I was given varsity games.

My advice to you is that you might want to make your intentions known to the Athletic Director at a local high school. Usually they know about these opportunities, so you won't have to count on seeing it in the newspapers.

I found that refereeing improved my game, because I learned just exactly what I could get away with before refs would call something. As a former defenseman, that was important.

Good luck,
Rick

[jmplax31]

Thanks that will help a lot, because New York is where I would like to ref.

[BuckWyld]

http://www.lacrosse.org/ <-- you can probably get some good information here

[stegmakk]

i thought about it too...but I dont think I could get away with leaving so early on game days...

[Snake~eyes]

I'm a referee and to be certified most Associations require you to take and pass the NFHS test for the sport you'd like to do. Just a note, you don't have to be certified to ref little leage. Certification is usually required for High School.

Since you're looking into New York, you want to contact the New York State High School Atheletic Association which can be found at http://www.nysphsaa.org/ . Click on "Association Programs" then once that page loads click "Officials Coordinating Federation". Then scroll down to boys lacrosse, send them an email.

To be certified you will probaly be required to be atleast 18, attend Rules interpretation meetings, pass the NFHS test and pay for a registration fee.

Good luck! Start studying those books! :D

[jmplax31]

Thanks for the help guys, I'll look in to some of this stuff.

[Lax39]

Thanx, Snake~Eyes, since you're currently a ref, your info is more up-to-date.

Rick

[LaxRef]

Originally posted by Snake~eyes
To be certified you will probaly be required to be atleast 18, attend Rules interpretation meetings, pass the NFHS test and pay for a registration fee.

Good luck! Start studying those books! :D

It varies by area, but you can often start officiating before age 18. We have high school kids doing JV, Middle School, and Youth games.

No matter what, you'll have to join USLacrosse as an official or "cross-participant." There should also be some classroom training on rules and mechanics, a rules test, and a scrimmage. The easiest way to get into it is to talk to a school with lacrosse and find out where they get their officials, then talk to the assignor.

[GeorgiaMiddie2]

also, your state should have some kind of website where you can get in contact with the head of the reffing in the state. if you talk to that person they can let you know when and where the clinics are running... im actually goin to get my certification today so i can do more the youth ball, and earn more money for college next year.

[Snake~eyes]

GeorgiaMiddie2, if you read above I've posted the New York Association's website and if anyone needs to know any other dstates just let me know and I will post it.