This page details the steps every official must take in order to complete your US Lacrosse certification. Officials who are between 14 and 18 years old and still in high school MUST complete USL certification in order to work. Adults (over 18 and high school graduates) are encouraged to complete their US Lacrosse certification as that will be the only insurance other than their personal insurance when they work non-GHSA games. In addition, many summer and fall tournaments now require officials have USL certification.
Classes for youth officials are only held in the Fall around the Labor Day weekend. Adults are trained in the Fall and in January prior to the Spring high school season
Table of Contents:
- US Lacrosse Membership
- Five Steps to Certification
- Learning.USLacrosse.org
- Uniform
- Payment
- Communication Policy
- Getting Games
- Recertification
It is VERY IMPORTANT that you read ALL of this information carefully.
US Lacrosse Membership
All youth officials (18 and under and not graduated from high school MUST be US Lacrosse members.
Adults who plan to do GHSA games who are not USL members are encouraged, but not required to join. Adults who only want to work youth games MUST be USL members.
Non-US Lacrosse Adult Members
Adult officials (18+ and graduated from high school) who are not USL members must take the Fall GLOA Rules Exam and pass with an 85 or higher. All Adult officials who work GHSA games are required to take the GHSA test in January prior to the Spring season.
Five Steps to Completing Certification
To become a certified US lacrosse Official you must complete ALL five (5) of these requirements.
Please click the links to learn more about each step.
- Register with US Lacrosse. Many of the problems that arise are a result of expired or linked memberships. If there is a problem you will need to call the US Lacrosse members services at (410) 235-6882, ext. #102 or email membership@uslacrosse.org.
Do not use your parent’s email address! - Complete the “Boys’ Lacrosse Rules Online Course” via the US Lacrosse Learning Platform on the USL website before the class. This course is a brief introduction to the rules and officiating. THIS IS NOT THE RULES TEST. You only need to take this online course once.
learning.uslacrosse.org go to dashboard: Catalog: Men’s Game Officials: Rules Course and Webinars: Boys’ Lacrosse Rules Online Course - Attend the Class. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early to get settled and checked in. We suggest you bring a snack and a water bottle, pen and paper. Learn the rules, mechanics, penalty administration, positioning, etc. (6-8 hours). THIS FALL ALL CLASSES ARE ONLINE.
- Pass BOTH the NFHS and Youth Tests (85% or higher) BEFORE Field Training. These must be taken online! Please wait to take these AFTER you have your rule book and have taken the class.
learning.uslacrosse.org go to dashboard: Catalog: Men’s Game Officials: Annual Rules Exams: 2021 NFHS Boys Rules Exam and 2021 Youth Boys Rules Exam - Complete Field Training. Signups for these games will be available after the class via SignupGenius and open to these who complete all requirements on a first come, first served basis. Make sure you complete the tests in time to sign up. I will remove you from a spot if you have not sent me your test scores.
Please note you MUST be in full uniform for these games. More information will be sent out once you have registered. If you are unable to do so or have a conflict we will work with you to schedule a game on another date. However, If you can’t complete this field training this fall you start the process over.
Learning.USLacrosse.org
This is the place where you can access the “Boys Lacrosse Rules Online Course” and once you have completed the class, where both tests you will need to complete can be found.
Visit https://learning.uslacrosse.org/. Select: Catalog, Officials, Men’s Game Officials, and then “Boys Lacrosse Rules Online Course.”
You must use the email you have registered with your US Lacrosse account; NOT your parents email. The course MUST be completed under your account, if not you will need to retake it.
Please complete on a laptop or desktop computer. You may experience technical issues on tablet or mobile browsers.
This course is FREE for all current USL members. If you are being asked to pay, check with member services regarding your account (see above).
Both the NFHS and Youth tests are located under Annual Rules Exams.
Please DO NOT TAKE either rules test until AFTER you complete the in person class.
DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE!
Payment
Please note that payment is required, preferably via PayPal, prior to attending class. If you are having difficulty, please contact Greg Hite at ATL.LacrosseRef@gmail.com.
Communication Policy
Becoming an official is a serious undertaking. Your child will be responsible for maintaining a safe, fair and fun contest ever time they officiate. They are in charge, not the coaches or the parents. When they join a league or association, they will be responsible for regularly communicating with assignors, league and team administrators and your fellow officials.
You must have your own email address. Parents can not share and email with their child.
If you have a question, YOUR CHILD should be the one to contact me.
Uniform

- Good hat (black with white pipe for Spring, all white for summer and fall)
- Correct short-sleeve shirt (2″ for GHSA games, 1″ for youth and/or green shirt for fall and summer games)
- Black shorts
- Black shoes
- Black ankle socks.



Getting Games


Recertification
-
- renewing your USL membership
- retaking the NFHS and Youth tests
- watching the rules changes videos
- attending a free ONLINE recertification clinic with GLOA.
Adult officials must also attend training sessions in January.
Be sure to check galaxref.com regularly for updates.