USA Lacrosse encourages all officials to be USA Lacrosse certified and for all lacrosse officials associations to follow the minimum standards for officials’ certification. It's our vision that all lacrosse contests are officiated by USA Lacrosse-certified officials for the benefit and quality of our sport and for the enhanced enjoyment for all involved in lacrosse.
The purpose of the USA Lacrosse Officials Certification Program is to develop knowledgeable and prepared lacrosse officials at every level of the game.
In order to achieve this, an official must:
- Undergo continued standardized training in order to stay current in the game
- Always consider the level of play when officiating
- Promote the safety of the participants
- Promote fair play and sportsmanship
- Work to improve their skill level as an official by moving up to higher levels of certification.
USA Lacrosse certification has been developed – and continues to improve – with these goals in mind.
In addition to the certification levels described below, USA Lacrosse has expanded its educational opportunities to include Apprentice and Advanced modules for officials.
Adult Official Certification
Level 1 Certification
Officials new to lacrosse start off as a Level 1 official and they must complete all of the requirements listed below in order to receive their certification to officiate lacrosse games.
Active USA Lacrosse Membership with Official participation
USA Lacrosse membership as an official enrolls you into the certification program, provides you with free access to online courses, rules exams recorded webinars, downloadable resources and insurance benefits.
Complete the Boys' or Girls' Lacrosse Rules Online Course
This course explains the rulebook so that new officials have a better grasp of the rules and how to differentiate between legal and illegal checking.
Annual PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE
This is an annual online learning component that must be completed by all officials.
Pass the Annual Online Rules Exam
All officials must obtain a score of 90% or higher to pass this annual exam.
Learn how to access required elements via our E-Learning overview page.
Pass the Level 1 Field Evaluation
Your local Certified Trainer or Observer will conduct this evaluation when they feel you are ready. Please check with them to secure a game to be evaluated on. The evaluation is the most critical component of certification as it ensures the official is ready to officiate games at that level and that they have learned the fundamentals needed to officiate lacrosse games.
Level 1 Annual Recertification
Officials at every level must complete recertification requirements each season to prove their knowledge of the officiating, stay current on rules changes and continue their development as an official.
- Active USA Lacrosse Membership with Official participation
- Annual Professional Development Course Completion
- Annual Online Rules Exam
Learn how to access required elements via our E-Learning overview page.
Level 2 Certification
Level 1 officials interested in earning their Level 2 certification must complete all of the requirements listed below in order to receive their certification.
- Current Level 1 Certification
- Active USA Lacrosse Membership with Official participation
- Annual Professional Development Course
- Annual Online Rules Exam
- Pass the Level 2 Field Evaluation
Learn how to access required elements via our E-Learning overview page.
Level 2 Annual Recertification
Officials at every level must complete recertification requirements each season to prove their knowledge of officiating, stay current on rules changes and continue their development as an official.
- Active USA Lacrosse Membership with Official participation
- Annual Professional Development Course Completion
- Annual Online Rules Exam
Learn how to access required elements via our E-Learning overview page.
Level 3 Certification
Level 2 officials interested in earning their Level 3 certification must complete all of the requirements listed below in order to receive their certification.
- Current Level 2 Certification
- Active USA Lacrosse Membership with Official participation
- Annual Professional Development Course
- Annual Online Rules Exam
- Pass the Level 3 Field Evaluation
Learn how to access required elements via our E-Learning overview page.
Level 3 Annual Recertification
Officials at every level must complete recertification requirements each season to prove their knowledge of officiating, stay current on rules changes and continue their development as an official.
- Active USA Lacrosse Membership with Official participation
- Annual Professional Development Course Completion
- Annual Online Rules Exam
Learn how to access required elements via our E-Learning overview page.
Junior Official Certification
Certification
Junior Official Certification is for anybody that is between the ages of 14 and 18 who wishes to officiate lacrosse games. It is recommended that junior officials only officiate youth games for players that are at least two age levels below their age.
Active USA Lacrosse Membership with Official participation
USA Lacrosse membership as an official enrolls you into the certification program, provides you with free access to online courses, rules exams recorded webinars, downloadable resources and insurance benefits.
Complete the Boys' or Girls' Lacrosse Rules Online Course
This course explains the rulebook so that new officials have a better grasp of the rules and how to differentiate between legal and illegal checking.
Annual Professional Development Course
This is an annual online learning component that must be completed by all officials.
Annual Online Rules Exam
All officials must obtain a score of 90% or higher to pass this annual exam.
Learn how to access required elements via our E-Learning overview page.
Pass the Junior Officials Field Evaluation
Your local trainer or observer will conduct this evaluation when they feel you are ready. Please check with them to secure a game to be evaluated on. The evaluation is the most critical component of certification as it ensures the official is ready to officiate games at that level and that they have learned the fundamentals needed to officiate lacrosse games.
Annual Recertification
Similar to adult officials, previously certified junior officials must complete recertification requirements each season to prove their knowledge of officiating, stay current on rules changes and continue their development as an official.
- Active US Lacrosse Membership with Official participation
- Annual Professional Development Course Completion
- Annual Online Rules Exam
- Pass the Junior Officials Field Evaluation
Learn how to access required elements via our E-Learning overview page.
Accessing Rules Exams
USA Lacrosse offers online courses and exams for members. To access the courses and exams
-- Click the "ACCESS TRANSCRIPT" button below.
-- Note: You may be prompted to login if not already logged in.
-- PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE IN YOUR PERSONAL ACCOUNT AND NOT A FAMILY MEMBER'S ACCOUNT.
-- Once logged in, click on the Transcript link on your profile
Contact officials@usalacrosse.com with any issues.
Access Transcript