THE CHALLENGE of officiating can provide some great personal rewards. As an official you must make instantaneous decisions, resolve conflicts and deal with stress and pressure. You are in a position to be a positive role model around children and young adults.

Today, the need for Lacrosse officials is great. While more than 30 people currently officiate, high school, youth leagues and recreational programs throughout New Hampshre we still need officials. With the increase of towns recreational programs and high schools adding at every level, more games are being scheduled at every year. Now more than ever, there is a need for competent officials at every level.

Most officials start at the youth and recreational program level. As you improve your skills and gain confidence you'll begin to ascend the ladder and work middle school and high school level games. From there, you may choose to seek advancement into the small college and major college programs where officials are "scouted" by assignors, league commissioners or coaches. The final step for a fortunate and successful few is the NCAA Division 1 leagues. Only after many years of hard work and selfless dedication official might reach this pinnacle.

Lacrosse officials must be able to bring control to chaos; understand fairness; promote safety and encourage good sportsmanship. A sports official must have the positive characteristics of a police officer, lawyer, judge, accountant, reporter, athlete and diplomat.

A Lacrosse official is also someone who can be put in a position of authority and handle the responsibility without being overbearing. As a Lacrosse official, you're in charge, but it's the players who the fans have come to watch.

IF YOU'RE SERIOUS about becoming an official, then consider these important questions before you begin your career:

• Are you physically fit? Officiating most Lacrosse requires some running and endurance. As an active sport Lacrosse officials are required to be in constant motion.
  
  
• Are you emotionally prepared? Lacrosse officials are placed in highly charged situations that are stressful. Are you calm under pressure? Can you take verbal criticism without becoming defensive? Can you stay calm when confronted by others who are not in control of themselves?
  
  
• Are you intellectually fit? Knowing the rules is a small part of the overall responsibilities of an official. Do you understand the rules and how to apply them fairly?
  
  
• Do you have the time to commit to becoming a qualified and competent official? Reading a rulebook isn't all it takes. A good official truly understands the nuances of the game. While you may never have played the game competitively yourself, you should have a "feel" for the flow and spirit of the game. Are you able to work games when the opportunity arrives? Are you committed to attending association meetings and training clinics designed to help you improve?
  
  
• Do you have the right perspective to do the job? If you think officiating can be fun, you're right. Lacrosse officials get so much more from officiating than a paycheck. If your perspective is in the right place, you'll find officiating to be a great way to make new friends, learn important people skills and much more.
  

IF YOU CAN ...

• Know and understand the rules as well as develop solid officiating mechanics.
  
  
• Maintain a strong body and stay in good health.
  
  
• Invest financially in the equipment required for your sport.
  
  

What's The Next Step

For More Information Contact:

New Hampshire Lacrosse Officials Association

Chairman: chairman@nhloa.org
General Info: info@nhloa.com

[Home] [Up] [Bylaws] [Member Application] [Mechanics Manual] [Becoming An Official] [Uniform]

Send mail to webmaster@nhloa.org with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2002-2007 New Hampshire Lacrosse Officials Association
Last modified: January 18, 2008