Adult Officials Training Information 2022

Thank you for your interest in training to be an umpire for women’s lacrosse.  This job is physically challenging and requires a commitment to learn the rules to a somewhat complicated game.  Once you have training you will find you will feel comfortable umpiring games this spring. 

Please RSVP TO THIS EMAIL IF YOU ARE GOING TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCESS.  Bert Butler butlerfhlax@gmail.com

You are required to obtain membership in both US Lacrosse as well as state certification via PIAA.org

In order to get you prepared, we follow US Lacrosse rules and training procedures.  This requires 6 hours of classroom/on field training.   I would suggest you do the video training and take the US L test first. This is the same test used by PIAA.  If you take this test, print it out and use it as a study guide.  Once you have the answers you can go to the PIAA test.  They scramble the questions but it is possible to use this to help pass the PIAA test.

If you have not yet taken the Pennsylvania (PIAA) state certification, you can accomplish by going to PIAA.org to sign up.  They will send you a practice test and a rule book.   

Every school in PA is required to obtain background checks for every person who has contact with students.  These background checks are good for five years.  It is essential that you provide proof of these background checks to PIAA once you obtain them. Some schools will also require you to send them copies of the documents, so keep copies and download them to your computer once you have obtained them.  These credentials can take time so please file your applications for the three clearances as soon as you can.  The links to the agencies for the checks is on the PIAA.org web site.  Follow the instructions to the links. The FBI check requires fingerprinting.  This is done through an agency electronically which has locations throughout Pennsylvania to have your fingerprints taken for the purpose of this check.

The training sessions cost are free.  This includes:  Handouts, extra rule book, coin, cards, and flags.

Our sessions for training will be as follows:

1.      Initial Classroom session- 40 min

2.      U S Lacrosse Education Modules, 2 sessions 40 min each

3.      Meet and greet in King of Prussia to provide your equipment/or shirts if you need them

4.      Live on field sites TBA 3 hours of on field training/shadowing

The classroom sessions will be zoom meetings. You must attend 3 zoom meetings

In addition to classroom sessions, you are required to shadow on three games with a trained and certified official.  These sessions would be posted on arbiter (assigning program) as a Varsity/ JV game starting at 3:30 or 3;45, however you should arrive around 4:30 or 4:45, for the JV game. You should arrive prepared to work the game (whistle, stripped shirt, dark bottoms) to learn from the official assigned to the game.  Full instructions are provided below.

Initially, you are required by ME to observe/shadow on three live game events.  These events are meant for training and are not official games.  You will be assigned to the game at the regular game time, however, you do not have to arrive until the second game starts.  I would suggest arrival time as 1 hour after the game is listed on arbiter. You will not be paid, but you will be able to view your partners on arbiter.  It would be helpful if you would email or phone an official before the game to introduce yourself. 

You should arrive, watch a bit of the first game, and then proceed to the officials table before the start of the JV game.  The time between games is very short so make your way there quickly.  Introduce yourself.  Be ready to WORK.  This means, whistle, shirt and dark bottoms depending upon the weather. You will be able to run with one of the officials on field and then if you are ready, they will help you start to call the game.  Ask questions.  Observe field positioning- this is important. Stay ahead of the play.  

This is a great opportunity for you to learn the game so use it to improve what you learn in the classroom.  Good luck this season and always remember I am around to help mentor and keep you involved in this game.  I value your participation.

I have some stripped shirts and other equipment that I will provide at a mutually convenient time.  The shirts you will have to pay for, a very discounted rate.

DATES AND TIMES

There are two optional times for each session.  They are listed below.  You must do 3 zooms and one meet and greet. You must do the zooms in sequence.

Zoom Meetings

1.      Introduction to officiating and Women’s lacrosse- Dates: Jan 12 Wed  8 pm  and Jan 16 Sunday 8 pm

2.      Game procedures and rules Class 2   Date:  Jan 20 8 pm

3.      Pick up rule book, shirts, whistles and equipment Meet and Greet, Date Jan 29 2 pm.  King of Prussia Mall

4.      Game Procedures and rules Class 2  Date Jan 31 8 pm

5.      Game rules and field proedures   Class 3   Date Feb 2 8 pm, Feb 6  8pm

6.      Rule Interpretation Meeting   This is MANDATORY   ZOOM TO BE ANNOUNCED.

7.      Pick up rule book, shirts, whistles and equipment Meet and Greet, 2/10 time and place to be determined.

8.      Training playday-Save this date You must attend for coaching and training and rating.  This session is March 19 at Academy of Notre Dame from 9 am- 1 pm

Once you have signed up you will receive zoom invitations for each class, hand outs and educational materials and be added to the class list so you can be approved and trained before the season begins.  You will also receive the appropriate handouts for each class and other educational materials in a packet.

Please ask questions all the time.  It is the only way to learn.  I am happy to answer any questions you have.  Call or email or text.

Roberta Butler, MLA, M.Ed., AT RET.

butlerfhlax@gmail.com

215-570-1390