15 Tips to the Newer Official

Originally given at 2007 USL National Convention by: Eric Evans

Reworded by: Joe Perez


  1. Good physical conditioning (or appearing to have it)

    1. Officiating is 80% mental but…

    2. Most refs in poor shape

    3. Perception vs. reality

    4. Avoid injury

    5. Be in position

    6. Specific training


  1. Packing the gear bag

    1. Pack from bottom up

    2. Don’t get distracted before you finish

    3. Bring plastic bag for wet/dirty shoes/gears

    4. Cell phones and important numbers


  1. Uniform

    1. White cotton shorts (avoid polyester)

    2. Use sock garters and show less black

    3. Hide compression shorts (NO BLACK!!)

    4. Avoid disco ref (AKA jewelry and unzipped shirt)


  1. Watch an experienced ref

    1. Avoid watching ball

    2. Watch the refs (positioning, mechanics and delivery)


  1. Seek advice from experienced refs

    1. In the pre-game conference (if you are lucky enough to have one)

    2. Be seen, not heard in intros

    3. Be receptive even if you disagree

    4. Post-game; e-mail or phone a mentor


  1. Befriend the table personnel

    1. Is there a table, horn, visible clock and adult to run it?

    2. Clock issues?

    3. Penalty logistics (print NFHS Clock info from glloa.com)

    4. Make sure everyone is clear and answer questions

  2. The 3 Stages of New Officials

    1. First, you don’t call anything

    2. Next, you call EVERYTHING all over the field (Dreaded Ball Watcher)

    3. Finally, watching your primary area (on-ball vs. off-ball)


  1. The Whistle Blower

    1. Choosing the right whistle (Fox 40 finger suggested)

    2. The Small Tweet -

    3. The Normal Tweet -

    4. The Loud Blast -

    5. Multiple Blasts –


  1. Working hard during dead balls

    1. Eyes on players after whistle

    2. Timeouts, watch teams cross

    3. After a goal, NO taunting or over-celebration


    10. Body language is HUGE!

  1. Deer in the headlights

  2. Gunslinger

  3. Stand tall and relaxed/ready


    11. Remember mistakes
             a. Note the game/date/mistake in the rulebook next to rule or AR

             b. Carry over from year to year


    12. Clinics

a. LAREDO; through US Lacrosse. Big one usually in Vail, CO near the end of June. Contact David Seidman at (215) 545- 2233 or davidseidman@mac.com.

b. ZLAX referee camp in Boston usually held in mid-July. Contact John Hill at (339) 235-0368 or zlaxref@verizon.net


13. Politics

a. Officiating is a “people” business, be a people person. Use common sense.

            b. Be known as some one who gives something back

            c. Help the assignor (Hank is busy and needs your help)


     14. Use the Internet

            a. Use for rules from NFHS

            b. USLacrosse.org

            c. Lacrosseforums.com

            d. Zlax.com

            e. glloa.com


     15. Most important thing for a newer official:









and most importantly