Why young lacrosse players should consider becoming officials
Lacrosse is experiencing an incredible surge in popularity in Mimico, particularly among younger players at the grassroots level. Our local lacrosse programs are seeing an explosion in participation year after year, with more and more children wanting to get involved in Canada’s national summer sport.
Young players now have access to a wide range of opportunities to hone their skills and compete against other teams, and as a result, there is an increasing demand for certified referees who can help officiate games and ensure that they are played fairly and safely. As lacrosse continues to grow in Mimico and beyond, becoming an Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA) official can be an excellent opportunity for young lacrosse players to develop valuable skills, give back to the sport, and earn some money.
Here are some reasons why you should consider becoming an official this season:
Gain a deeper understanding of the game
When you become an official, you will learn and understand the rules of the game at a much deeper level. This can be an excellent way to improve your own skills and knowledge as a player. By seeing the game from a different perspective, you can develop a greater appreciation for the strategies and tactics that go into a successful lacrosse game.
Develop valuable leadership skills
As an official, you will learn to make decisions quickly and assertively. You will also learn to communicate clearly with coaches, players, and other officials. These skills are essential for effective leadership, both on and off the floor/field. Becoming an official can help you develop these important skills, which can benefit you in other areas of your life, such as school, work, or other sports.
Earn some money
If you're looking for a fun and rewarding summer job, becoming an official can be a great way to earn money, especially if you are a student looking for a part-time job. As you gain experience, progress throughout the certification program and move up the ranks, you may have the opportunity to work higher-level games, earn higher game fees and officiate more games.
Make a positive impact on the game
As a young lacrosse player, you have likely benefited from the hard work and dedication of coaches, officials, and volunteers who have helped to grow and develop the game. Becoming an official can be a way to give back to the Ontario Lacrosse community and help ensure its continued success. By officiating games, you can help to promote fair play and sportsmanship, and contribute to the development of future generations.
Join a community of officials
Becoming a referee can also be a great way to meet new people and become part of a community of officials. You will have the opportunity to work with other referees, learn from their experiences, and share your own. This can be an excellent way to make new friends, have fun, and develop a sense of camaraderie with others who share your passion for lacrosse.
Learn from the best
Ontario has a long and proud history of producing some of the best referees in the game. Ontario Lacrosse officials have officiated at the top levels of the sport, nationally, internationally and professionally.
Ontario Lacrosse provides a comprehensive training program for officials of all levels. The program includes classroom instruction, training and resources that cover the rules, mechanics, and skills necessary to be an effective and confident official. The training program also provides ongoing support, including evaluations from experienced officials to help new referees develop their skills and knowledge.
The Long Term Officiating Development (LTOD) program exists to inspire and empower all lacrosse officials to reach their personal career goals by providing education and a clearly-defined pathway for officials to progress throughout the certification program.
Entry Level referees are required to be at least 14-years-old in the current playing year, attend an Entry Level referee clinic and score 70% on the Entry Level referee certification exam.
If you are interested in becoming a referee, visit ontariolacrosse.com/officiating to learn more about the process and requirements and register for a clinic.
On the fence? Join an Information Session:
Join the Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA) for one of three 30-minute webinars on the ins and outs of being a lacrosse official, followed by a Q&A where you can ask questions.
Whether you're ready to jump in or just curious, this is your chance to learn more about the world of officiating. Tune in, listen or drop a question in the chat if you have one. Your journey as a lacrosse official could start here!
February 12 at 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
February 13 at 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
February 14 at 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Sign up here with your email to get an invite to the webinar: www.ontariolacrosseuniversity.com/ref
If you have any questions about officiating, you can also reach out to our Official-in-Chief, Chris Aspros.
