The TMLOA develops lacrosse officials to officiate games from youth to high school varsity.  Like most areas of the country, and most sports, we have a shortage of officials due to the explosive growth of lacrosse and population expansion in the Triangle region.  As a result of this, several high school games could not be played last year as there were not enough available officials (note: officials are required for teams to play).

 

The experience level of our officials ranges from brand new officials to top-tier NCAA  collegiate officials. We pride ourselves in developing all to become the best official they can be.

 

TMLOA's primary focus is training officials, with courses conducted using USA Lacrosse and NFHS training materials. 

(NFHS = National Federation of state High School associations)

 

A prospective official can expect to participate in introductory, new officials, clinics consisting of (3) 2-hour sessions well in advance of the season, designed to help you become familiar with the basics of lacrosse officiating.   After those session you will join the weekly pre-season clinics with current officials.  These clinics will be a combination of online and in-person. 

 

The clinics will cover: rules, game situations, game management, professionalism and more. 

 

In mid to late February, just before the start of the season, all officials participate in on-field training via pre-season scrimmages. Newer officials are paired with, and “shadow”, experienced officials to continue their development in this “live” situation.  Immediately following each scrimmage, all officials are critiqued by one of our veteran officials.  Three pre-season scrimmages are required for all officials each season.

 

The final step of certification is passing a NFHS rules test (open book) prior to the start of the regular season.