NOWLOA
Northern Ohio Women's Lacrosse Officials Association
Becoming an Official
Are you ready to join the third team on the field?
Officiating lacrosse is a great way to stay in shape, earn some money, and enjoy great camaraderie with your fellow zebras. NOWLOA offers comprehensive training that results in OHSAA and USA Lacrosse certification for persons wishing to start their career in officiating.
With its exciting combination of speed and finesse, lacrosse is one of the fastest-growing team sports in the country. There is a steady demand for new officials to help ensure that lacrosse games remain safe, fair, and fun at all levels. Do you think you have what it takes?
What can I expect?
The first year as an official can seem quite daunting. There are classroom sessions, on-field training, evaluations, testing, purchasing equipment, and of course learning all of the new rules. Luckily for you we've been through it before. Click on the link below to see some of the frequent Q&A's we've received from new officials over the years.
What steps do I take?
NOWLOA utilizes a proven curriculum designed with you in mind. The certification steps meet requirements for USA Lacrosse and OHSAA certification. The training offered incorporates video, interactive activities, feedback, and assessments to ensure you readiness on the field. Click on the link below to access a checklist to get started.
How do I register?
Are you ready to take the first step in officiating?
Once you have read the requirements, you'll need to register for an upcoming classroom session. Fortunately, our online registration process makes this process fast and easy for you. Use the link below to sign up for a class today.
What can I expect?
Getting started as a NOWLOA official will require time, dedication, and an eagerness to learn. As a first year official you will need to dedicate yourself to learning to the rules, honing your on-field presence, and collaborating with other officials among other things.
How do I get games?
Games are assigned by a certified OHSAA assignor. Upon completion of your certification process your name will be provided to the assignor to be added to ArbiterSports. ArbiterSports is the tool used for assigning games to certified women's lacrosse officials.
How much can I expect this to cost?
As a new official, you can expect to pay approximately $300.00 to $400.00 your first year as listed below:
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USA Lacrosse Membership - $55.00 (expires annually on anniversary date)
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OHSAA Permit - $55.00 for 1 sport, $25.00 for each additional sport (expires June 30th annually)
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New Officials Clinic - $100.00-$125.00 (NOWLOA dues are waived for the first year)
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Uniform & Equipment - $150.00 - $200.00 (see approved uniform listed in the USL Policies & Procedures Manual)
All additional years, your expenses would be your annual dues to NOWLOA, OHSAA, and USA Lacrosse, as well as, any expenses for replacing worn out uniforms and equipment.
What is the overall committment?
In addition to the time actually spent working the games, you'll need to attend meetings, take time to study rules and mechanics, observe games, and take the time to talk to veterans and listen to their experiences. Most veterans love to share their stories and will welcome your interest!
When assigned a game you should arrive at the field no less than 30 minutes prior to the start of the game. This time is needed to ensure that a proper pregame discussion takes place to help should odd things arise during the game and ensure both you and your partner are on the same page with rules. Most games average around 1 to 1 1/2 hours (two - 25 period, plus a half time up to 10 minutes), however time may vary depending on stoppage of play due to weather, injury, or other related issues.
You will also be required to attend a mandatory preseason rules interpretation meeting annually. There may also be additional mid-season meetings that can be scheduled that are worthwhile for new members to attend.
Each year veteran officials must attend at least four (4) local clinics annually per OHSAA. Credits for clinics may also be earned through service activities such as rating / observing officials, serving as a mentor to newer officials, helping with training activities, etc.
The Ohio High School Girls' lacrosse season runs from the end of March through the beginning of May. Youth and Middle School programs tend to start later and may run into June. Opportunities are continuing to grow for summer and fall lacrosse as well!
What steps do I take?
New officials must complete each of the following steps to earn a OHSAA permit and USA Lacrosse Certification
1. Register for a officials certification class approved by the OHSAA.
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Clinic fee is set by the instructor with the amount paid upon registration.
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Register for an Officials Certification Session HERE.
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Register for a profile on myOHSAA if you do not already have one or login to your active myOHSAA account.
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Continue to follow the prompts to sign up for an available class.
2. Become a member of USA Lacrosse and register with USA Lacrosse as a women’s official.
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Visit USA LACROSSE MEMBERSHIP to register.
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If you are currently a member of USA Lacrosse and registered as a coach, player or parent, you must call the Membership Department at (410) 235-6882 Ext.102 and ask them to register you as an official.
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Contact USA Lacrosse Membership Department at membership@usalacrosse.org if you need assistance.
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Please be sure to register with the email address you intend to use for your assigning. If you currently use Arbiter they MUST be identical.
3. Access and complete the USA Lacrosse online learning course.
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The online learning course must be completed BEFORE the first class.
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The course is only accessible to current members of USA Lacrosse. The class should take between 3-5 hours depending on your familiarity with the sport.
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To access the course please visit the eLearning platform from your USA Lacrosse Account Profile.
4. Complete concussion awareness course or hold an active Pupil Activity Permit.
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Ohio House Bill 143 requires all officials to hold a non-expired concussion awareness certificate.
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In order to obtain the certificate it is necessary to review a brief concussion awareness presentation via NFHS or CDC.
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If you are an active Pupil Activity Permit holder this will suffice in meeting this requirement.
5. Attend the classroom and on-field training.
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The training process consist of 15 classroom hours and 8 on-field hours.
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During your training sessions you will be provided with a training manual and workbook.
6. Pass the written test with a score of 80% or greater.
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Visit the eLearning Platform from your USA Lacrosse account Profile for access to the online rules test.
7. Set up an ArbiterSports officiating account.
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You must have completed Steps 1 – 7 above before you will receive an invitation to set up an ArbiterSports officiating account.
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After receiving an invitation and welcome from ArbiterSports:
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Visit ArbiterSports.com and enter sign-in information that was sent to you from ArbiterSports.
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Check your Profile page to make sure your personal information is complete and accurate. Your Profile information must be complete, including full address and zip code, as well as a picture of yourself.
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Block dates when you are not available to officiate by going to the “Blocks” tab and selecting the dates when you are not available.
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Check the “Ready” box on your ArbiterSports “Profile” page.
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8. Earn and subsequently maintain a USA Lacrosse rating.
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During your classroom training you will be provided a date for an in-season evaluation.
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This evaluation is designed to an event where officials are given verbal and written feedback.
Want a printable copy of the requirements? Click HERE!
How do I register?
Are you ready to take the your first step to officiating? If the answer is YES, then great! Classroom training is generally held in January each year with registration available through myOHSAA.
01
Monday January 31st
Walsh Jesuit High School
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Wednesday February 2nd
Walsh Jesuit High School
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Tuesday February 8th
Walsh Jesuit High School
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Thursday February 10th
Walsh Jesuit High School
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Tuesday February 15th
Walsh Jesuit High School
06
Thursday February 17th
Walsh Jesuit High School