Become an Official
Officiating lacrosse is truly a rewarding experience. Referees and umpires are crucial to the sport - without them, we cannot play. There are many reasons why people begin officiating, and even more reasons why they return year after year. Want to play a pivotal role in the game as an official?
Here’s your starting point:
Complete Officiating Certification: Click here to register for an Officiating Clinic near you. Registration for Officiating Clinics typically begins in mid-late January of the current playing year.
The Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA) Long Term Officiating Development (LTOD) Program inspires and empowers all lacrosse officials to reach their personal career goals by providing standards-based education and a clearly-defined development pathway for officials to progress throughout the certification program.
EL: Entry Level
All new officials are certified as Entry Level referees. Entry Level referees are required to:
Be 14 years old in the current playing year
Attend an Entry Level referee clinic
Score 70% on the Entry Level referee certification exam
L1: Level 1
All second year Officials are certified as Returning Level 1 referees. Returning Level 1 referees are required to:
Be 15 years old in the current playing year
Have one year of previous lacrosse officiating experience
Attend a Level 1 referee clinic
Score 70% on the Level 1 referee certification exam
L2: Level 2
All third year officials are certified as Level 2 referees. Level 2 referees are required to:
Be 16 years old in the current playing year
Have two years of previous lacrosse officiating experience
Attend a Level 2 referee clinic
Score 75% on the Level 2 referee certification exam
L3: Level 3
Level 3 officials must receive an invitation to certify at Level 3. The invitation is obtained through successful supervision at the U17 or U22 division of the Ontario Lacrosse Festival. Level 3 referees must also:
Be 19 years old in the current playing year
Attend a Level 3 referee clinic or complete Level 3 online e-Learning
Score 80% on the Level 3 referee certification exam
3Q: Level 3Q
Level 3Q officials must receive an invitation to the Ontario Lacrosse “A” Qualifiers Program. The invitation is obtained through successful supervision by the OLA VP of Officiating. Level 3Q referees must also:
Be 19 years old in the current playing year
Attend the Level 3Q referee clinic in Mississauga
Score 80% on the Level 4-6 referee certification exam
L4: Level 4 (Board)
Level 4 officials must receive an invitation to the Ontario Lacrosse Board of Referees. The invitation is obtained through successful graduation of the Ontario Lacrosse “A” Qualifiers Program. Level 4 referees must also:
Be 21 years old in the current playing year
Attend the Level 4-6 referee clinic
Score 80% on the Level 4-6 referee certification exam
FAQs
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The minimum age in all sectors is 14. If you are 14 years old (or you're turning 14 in the current playing year), you're eligible! If you're younger than 14, get in touch with your local lacrosse association about opportunities to begin timekeeping/scorekeeping!
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We have a number of clinics planned for box, field and women's field. If you're interested in joining the team, click here to find a clinic that works for you, and then get registered to secure your spot!
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Pre-registration is important for us to be able to plan the number of clinicians and resources for each date. Each clinic closes one week before the date so that we can plan properly. Walk-ups are not permitted.
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We will supply all the materials for your clinic -- all you need to bring is a pen! Lunch is included in each session.
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Can't find the information you're looking for? Email info@ontariolacrosse.com and we'll get your question answered.
