Observer Certification
The goal of this program is to develop observers and evaluators, by utilizing online resources emphasizing proper mechanics, correct rule interpretation, and showcasing different methods of observing and evaluating officials. As such, Certified Observers will be trained to communicate and work with officials at all levels of play, and will be tasked with reporting observation and evaluation data to US Lacrosse.
Application
Thank you for your interest in the US Lacrosse Certification Programs. The application period for 2019 is now open and will remain open until January 31, 2020.
Interested applicants should be:
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An official with at least three years of officiating experience at the high school level in their area or someone with a deep understanding of the game of lacrosse, such as a retired and respected coach or administrator
- Past experience assisting in evaluating or observing officials is a plus, but not required
How Will US Lacrosse Evaluate the Applications?
Applications are evaluated by US Lacrosse Officials Development State and Region Coordinators as well as US Lacrosse staff and based on the following criteria:
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Quality of the application:
- All fields are complete.
- Questions are clearly answered.
- Includes two recommendations from local area officials
Certification Requirements
There are eight requirements for new certified observers. Requirements 1-4 must be completed in order. Requirements 5-8 may be completed in any order.
- Apply using the links on this page
- Have a current US Lacrosse Membership with Official Participation.
- Register into the Certified Observer program and pay the $50 one-time registration fee.
- Initiate a background check through US Lacrosse's background check provider NCSI.
- Complete the US Lacrosse Men's or Women's Rules Online course at learning.uslacrosse.org.
- Complete the US Lacrosse Certified Observer Online Course (link provided after registering).
- Participate in the annual Certified Observer Webinar (link provided after registering).
- Pass the upcoming season's rules tests (NFHS or Collegiate + USL Youth) with an 85% or better at learning.uslacrosse.org.
- Complete the US Lacrosse Cultural Competency Online Course at learning.uslacrosse.org.
Annual Recertification Requirements
Observers completing all of the requirements are automatically enrolled in the Certified Observer Recertification Program for the following season at no cost to the observer. Recertification requirements are:
- Maintain a US Lacrosse Membership with Official Participation.
- Maintain a current background check through US Lacrosse’s background check provider NCSI.
- Participate in the annual Certified Observer Webinar (live or recorded).
- Pass the upcoming season's rules tests (NFHS or Collegiate + USL Youth) with an 85% or better at learning.uslacrosse.org.
Benefits to Certification
Upon completion of all requirements trainers are granted access to the CTO Resource Library. A one-stop shop where you can download:
- Training PowerPoint Presentations.
- Electronic versions of the Training Manuals.
- Penalty videos.
- Mechanics videos.
- Evaluation Forms and examples
The CTO Resource Library also has an online store where you can buy hard copies of training materials, evaluation form packets, and more all at a bigger discount than the average US Lacrosse Official Member.
Certified Observers also receive a 25% discount code to use on US Lacrosse apparel at shop.uslacrosse.org once all of the requirements are complete. The $50 one-time registration fee helps offset the cost of developing and updating training materials each year as well as apparel orders.