TRAINING

FALL 

Our general training for the 2024 season begins on October 25, 2023. The other dates and locations can be found on the Training Page. We typically have approximately 4 classroom trainings in the fall/winter that includes both classroom sessions and on-field training. Officials do not necessarily need to attend every single meeting but must accumulate at least 9 hours of training each year to officiate youth level games, and at least a total of 18 hours for high school level games. SOCALOA Officials must pass a current rules test.  

For New or Prospective SOCALOA Members, please register* for the fall meeting below so we can properly prepare for you and get your contact information to make sure your receive all the updates and information. The form is not an Application for Membership but a way for us to know what new or prospective members will be attending, and it allows us the opportunity to answer any questions that you may have about membership before the meeting, if needed.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: November 6, 2023

New Member Checklist

Everything you need to do before the first meeting:

• 1) Register for Training

• 2) Fill out an Application for Membership

• 3) Pay Membership Dues (Dues have remained consistent since 2018 - no increases this year!)

• 4) Read SOCALOA Membership Handbook

• 5) Become a member of US Lacrosse

• 6) Complete the US Lacrosse - 2024 Boys' Lacrosse Rules - Online Course  - Level 1

• 7) Complete the US Lacrosse - 2024 Rules Changes Course

• 8) Complete the NFHS Test and Youth Rules tests (depending on level)

SUMMER (TENTATIVE DEPENDENT ON DEMAND - CURRENTLY ON HOLD)

The Summer Jumpstart Training session on (TBD) is intended for new adult officials or transfer officials that have just moved into town and want to get started with the local association. The first session will be an informational meeting with classroom training followed by an on-line rules test and field training at a later date. The purpose of this training is to get officials trained and ready to begin working games as soon as possible. Our focus for this training is for adult officials. Junior officials will need to sign up for the Fall training sessions. Here is a copy of the handout from the meeting. 

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: TBD

FAQ

Q: What is the time commitment?

Training meetings will start at the end of October and go through January for 1-2 nights a month depending on your ability level. New officials will need to complete at least 9 total hours of classroom and on-field training to begin working youth games. 

The youth season runs from the first weekend in January through June. The high school season runs from March to May. Tournaments are conducted year-round with most of them occurring in November/December/January and the summer months of June/July. SOCALOA runs on a merit-based system, so the more time you put into improving your officiating skills, the quicker you will advance in your training levels, and in effect expand the opportunities you have to officiate games at all age levels.

Please go to the Training page for more information and to view the dates of training events.

Q: How is officiating boy's lacrosse compare to other sports?

Lacrosse attracts many converted officials from other sports such as soccer, basketball, and football. Soccer officials usually do well because they are used to running up and down the field all game. Basketball officials notice the very similar officiating mechanics for 2 or 3 officials on the court (field). Football officials pick-up the similar flag tossing mechanics, calling out penalty signals, and working with a crew of officials. 

Q: How do I sign up?

Every returning SOCALOA member and new member will need to fill out an Application for Membership annually. A completed application will let us know that you want to work in the upcoming season.

Q: What if I missed the deadline, can I still sign up?

Depending on how many meetings you have missed, a new official may still be able to join the training class. If you have missed the deadline to register then please email board@socalaxrefs.org to check on the availability of joining the training classes. For transfer members, the deadlines do not apply. Please email the Board when you move into town and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Q: Does SOCALOA only officiate BOYS' lacrosse games?

Yes, we only train and provide referee services to boys' lacrosse games. If you would like to referee girls' lacrosse games then you will need to consult the Southern California Women's Lacrosse Officials website. While boys' and girls' lacrosse share the same name, they use a completely different set of rules which requires different training. The stark contrast between the two sports is similar to the differences of ice hockey and field hockey which also share the same name.

Q: How much are membership dues to SOCALOA?

A: Membership dues are $75 each year for adult members, and $35 for junior members to help offset the costs of operating SOCALOA. Each new member is supplied with a SOCALOA hat and officiating t-shirt.

New members are to pay a one-time $45 training fee to offset the cost of running the classroom and field training.

Membership Dues:

• • Returning members: $75

  • Returning Junior Officials: $35

  • Affiliate members: $35

First year members: 

• • New Adults: $75 + $45 training fee = $120

  • New Juniors: $35 + $45 training fee = $80

Dues and training fees are collected by the Treasurer and the deadline for payment is by Classroom Training Session 1.

Q: Where can I find more details on being a SOCALOA boys lacrosse official?

Please consult the SOCALOA Membership Handbook for a complete guide on being a boys lacrosse official for SOCALOA. It includes all the details you need to know like uniform requirements, training tips and more...

Q: Who can I contact for more information?

Please email board@socalaxrefs.org