Online Training for the 2021 Season

The Kentucky Lacrosse Umpires Board (KLUB) is tasked by US Lacrosse to provide training that will lead to certification as a US Lacrosse Girls' Umpire in Kentucky.  First, KLUB has provided new umpire orientation and all umpire training throuogh ZOOM meetings.  These meetings have taken place, but the recordings of these meeting may be viewed here (please excuse the poor video and narration quality (coughing due to COVID):

 

 

 

 

If you wish to have the PowerPoint presentation files they are available here as well:

• Download KLUB NEW UMPIRE 2021 without Shooting Space Video
• Download KLUB ALL UMPIRE 2021

The US Lacrosse Girls' Umpires online training courses are being used this year for KLUB training.  Umpires have until the end of the month to complete their specific track and pass the test.  First or second year official will need to take the Level 1 Track.  All others must take the Level 2/3 track.  All Umpires will need to take the online rules course, the five or six courses included with each track, the HS as well as the Youth rules interpretations courses, and the 2021 Girls Youth and High School Rules Exam (only one exam). For most it has been nearly two years since any of us have had games so it is vital to watch and take in as much as you can.

 

If you have any issues with logging in or your courses the number to call at US Lacrosse is: 410-235-6882, x102 (member services).

 

Rating Day will be February 28 at Sacred Heart Academy in Louisville.  Hopefully, KLUB will conduct ratings (field evaluations) on the two grass fields (the smaller Brescia grass fields used for Braveheart).  If weather is an issue ratings (field evaluations) will be on the turf field.  We are going to attempt to possibly have one field worked by a 3-person crew with the other one a 2-person crew.

 

For those taking the Level 2/3 track there is an online course on 3-person crew mechanics.  Level 2 and Level 3 umpires must be familiar with 3 person crew mechanics, because these umpires will have the opportunity to attempt a Level 3 rating.

 

If anyone has any restrictions for February 28 let Chris Niblock (see contact information below) know ASAP!

 

Here is how to get to your video tracks:

• Go to USLacrosse.org.
• Log in
• Go to the hamburger in the upper left and pull that down.
• Go to eLearning
• That will take you to the eLearning site.  There is a "rotating menu" across the top above the usual entries of "Catalogue" "Resume Courses" etc.
• On the rotating menu there is "Girls Lacrosse Officials" with a picture and lots of information.  Click on that.
• This takes you to the Rules Exams.
• On the upper right hand corner there are some tags.  Click on "#2021 ODPLearning"
• Then click on "Officials"
• Then click on "3 - Women's Game Officials"
• Then choose either Level 1 or Level 2/3 as instructed

US Lacrosse has assured KLUB that attendance reports for individual videos can be reported to KLUB.  KLUB leadership will ask for this report.

Here are the direct links - you still have to log in.

• Level 1 https://uslacrosse-nle.myabsorb.com/#/curricula/40fe3213-e1e4-4e4f-bff4-f908ebb67e7c
• Level 2/3 https://uslacrosse-nle.myabsorb.com/#/curricula/85d01e3e-cf39-41a0-ac06-dfde2874c4a1

Both tracks have...

• The online rules course
• The learning courses for that track
• The annual rules interpretation videos
• The required exam (combined Girls Youth and High School Rules Exam)

IN ORDER TO BE CERTIFIED FOR THIS YEAR YOU MUST COMPLETE ALL OF THE TRAINING VIDEOS AND TAKE THE YOUTH/HS COMBINED TEST.

 

YOU MAY NEED TO RENEW YOUR RATING OR BE RATED FOR THE FIRST TIME.  THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.

 

Need help?  Contact ...

• Chris Niblock (502.295.8701) - USL Level 3 and College umpire; KSSL assignor; KLUB Training and Rating Coordinator; USL certified Trainer, Observer, and Assignor
• John Slider (502.548.9712 or 502.231.8118)  USL Level 3 umpire; CL assignor; KY Officials Development Coordinator; USL Officials Education Development Team; USL certified Trainer, Observer, and Assignor

Parent and Player Introduction to Girls' Lacrosse for 2021

This video provides an introduction to the game of High School Girls' Lacrosse for spectators.  The target audiences are parents of players, High School players, and persons interested in becoming Girls' Lacrosse umpires.  A PowerPoint presentation is also provided for those who wish to use it in a classroom setting.

• YouTube Video Link: Click here to go to Video
• PowerPoint: Download Parent Player Clinic
• eBook: Click here to go to eBook
• Paperback: Click here to go to Paperback Book

New Umpire Training for the 2021 Season

The leadership of the Kentucky Lacrosse Umpires Board (KLUB) has determined that the required training for all umpires – new and returning – will be completed online.

The US Lacrosse Convention (LAXCON) will be entirely online and will offer all the classroom instruction required for your first-year training. Online attendance of LAXCON, therefore, will be mandatory, and will be the only training available for persons wanting to umpire in 2021.

LAXCON will be “live” online beginning January 15-16, but all online webinars will be available “on demand.” You may view the webinars at home on your own schedule. USL will be able to provide lists of those who have watched online.

In addition, KLUB will register you for LAXCON and pay your registration fee.

You must be a member of US Lacrosse for KLUB to register you and for you to attend LAXCON.  You will need to join US Lacrosse on your own and send your USL membership number to the training coordinator, Chris Niblock ([email protected]), not later than 28 December 2020.  

All Umpires will be hearing further from KLUB leadership regarding the pre-season training.  KLUB understands that this is an unprecedented time and the waiving of KLUB dues and subsidizing of the USL LAXCON fees shows the commitment of KLUB leadership to help to become a Girls Lacrosse Umpire.

If you need help joining US Lacrosse, please contact the state coordinator, John Slider (502.548.9712; 502.231.8118; [email protected]).

RETURNING UMPIRE TRAINING INFORMATION FOR THE 2021 SEASON

As we prepare for next year, the Kentucky Lacrosse Umpires Board needs to know if individual officials are returning for the 2021 season.  KLUB respects whatever decision individual umpires make during these times.  

 

Here is important training information for persons who will return to officiate:

• KLUB dues will not be collected for the 2021 season.
•  ALL training, except for on-field ratings, will be done online.  US Lacrosse’s Convention will be entirely online in 2021.  The USL Convention (LAXCON) will be mandatory training and will be the only training available for those wanting to umpire in 2021.  Your US Lacrosse membership must be current in order to attend/register for LAXCON.  You may register on your own for $45 or KLUB will register you as part of a group and pay your registration fee ($35). If you wish to be a part of the KLUB group and NOT pay the registration fee, please insure that your USL membership is current and send your USL membership number to the training coordinator, Chris Niblock, not later that 28 December 2020.  Once the sessions have been firmed up KLUB leadership will get back with everyone as to what sessions will be mandatory.  USL will be able to provide lists of those who have watched online.
• There will not be a 2021 NFHS Girl’s lacrosse rulebook as last year’s will be used.  There will, however, be a new test.

For now, individual umpires must communicate to Chris Niblock ([email protected]) regarding intentions for the 2021 season.

All Umpires will be hearing further from leadership regarding the pre-season training.  KLUB understands that this is an unprecedented time and the waiving of the yearly fee ($55 for returning umpires) and the subsidizing of the USL LaxCon fees shows the commitment the Board has taken to helping everyone out and ensuring we are all prepared for whatever 2021 brings.

"BEAT THE UMPIRES" CHALLENGE CONCLUDES

The local state girls Lacrosse officials organization (Kentucky Lacrosse Umpires Board) and the KY Coordinator for Officials Development concluded the "Beat the Umpires" Challenge with a drawing on Sunday, 16 May, 2020, at 6pm.

Every high school girls Lacrosse player in Kentucky was given the opportunity to take the same test as the Umpires take annually.  Players who scored eighty percent (80%) or above on the fifty (50) question test were eligible for the drawing for five (5) awards.  Players could take the test as often as they wanted, but could only qualify for the drawing once.

Each of the five awards was a check for $100.  The Kentucky Lacrosse Umpires Board provided the funds for the awards.  Five players' names were drawn on Sunday, 16 May, and their respective coaches have been informed.  The players' names have been withheld for purposes of confidentiality.  Because of the unique circumstances resulting in the cancellation of this season, checks are being sent from the KLUB treasurer to the coaches of the recipients, who will disburse the awards to their players.

One hundred and seventy-three (173) tests were taken by players (including multiple attempts).  Players from thirteen (13) teams throughout the state participated.  The average test score was seventy-two percent (72%).

Seventy-seven (77) tests had passing scores (including multiple attempts). Sixty-four (64) individual players from ten (10) different teams qualified for the drawing. Each qualifying player had a seven and eight-tenths percent (7.8%) chance of receiving an award.

The challenge was announced to players through coaches.  The challenge opened on or about 29 April and concluded on 15 May.

Of particular interest to the local officials organization (KLUB) is that twenty-five (25) players expressed an interest in officiating girls Lacrosse next year.

part of the agenda reason for the BEAT THE UMPIRES CHALLENGE was to improve sporting conduct and the flow of the game through increasing knowledge of the rules.

An analysis of the ten most-missed questions by players on the test provides information for coaching the game.

Five (half) of the top ten most-missed questions had to do with RESTARTS. Based on these test results players have some confusion concerning restarting play when a penalty is administered after a Major Foul is called in the field, after an Early Entry call, after an Alternate Possession, and after a carded Foul following an allowed goal.  There is also some confusion as to when a defender may engage a person with the ball during a self-start situation.

Two of the top ten most-missed questions had to do with the penalty administration for a THREE SECONDS call and a Major Foul that is OFF BALL.  Closely related to the confusion of this issues related to penalty administration is another of the ten most-missed questions - the clearing of the PENALTY ZONE.

Finally, there is some confusion concerning RETURNING THE BALL TO THE GOAL CIRCLE and OVERTIME PROCEDURES.

It is encouraged that coaches have a qualified umpire provide a rules seminar to players in the preseason period (January or February) or during off-season play.  These seminars could include parents and other interested persons and would be a means of also presenting the opportunity to become an official.

Hard Copy of the Test: Download 2020 Girls NFHS Rules Exam HARD COPY

The Ten Least Correctly Answered (AKA The Ten Most-Missed Questions: Download 2020 Ten Least Answered Correctly

BEAT THE UMPIRES CHALLENGE

BEAT THE UMPIRES CHALLENGE

Attention Kentucky High School girls Lacrosse players!

You are invited to participate in the BEAT THE UMPIRES CHALLENGE.

This challenge is very simple: Every High School girls Lacrosse player in Kentucky is invited to take the 2020 NFHS Girls Lacrosse Test – the same as Umpires have to take every year.

You may take the test as many times as you want.  ANY PLAYERS WHO SCORE EIGHTY PERCENT (80%) OR ABOVE WILL HAVE THEIR NAMES PLACED IN A DRAWING FOR FIVE (5) ONE HUNDRED DOLLAR ($100) PRIZES.  You may take the test as many times as you need to score 80%.

The test may be taken starting now.  The test will close on midnight Louisville/Lexington time on 15 May 2020.

The prizes in the form of a $100 check are being provided by the state girls Lacrosse officials’ association, KENTUCKY LACROSSE UMPIRES BOARD (KLUB).

The test is “open book,” you may use an NFHS rules book if you have one.  Rules books in eBook form may be used. With this email you are being provided a pdf copy of the 2020 US Lacrosse Officials Training Manual which is a good substitute for a rules book.  In addition, I am providing a list of umpires who have volunteered to be contacted to provide guidance to players taking the test. You may discuss the test with coaches or players.

The drawing for the prizes will take place on 16 May 2020. 

You enter the BEAT THE UMPIRES CHALLENGE by simply going online and taking the test.

Here is the link for the test: TAKE THE TEST NOW

At the end of the test there is an opportunity for you to express your interest in becoming a girls Lacrosse umpire next season – either as a high school student or graduate.  WE NEED MORE UMPIRES!

WE HOPE YOU WILL ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE!

Commonwealth Lacrosse League and Kentucky Scholastic Lacrosse League Cancelled through 12 April 2020

The Commonwealth Lacrosse League and the Kentucky Scholastic Lacrosse League have cancelled all games until 12 April 2020.  These leagues follow the policies of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association and the school systems where teams are located.

Games are also cancelled for the Middle School leagues in Kentucky until 12 April 2020.

League administrators will determine at a later date when or if the season will resume.

Umpires should maintain their blocks on Arbiter.  In order to be proactive umpire assignments will be made for the remaining scheduled games.  Rescheduling of games is yet to be determined; but if the season remains, priority will be given to district games.

Umpires should do what they can to maintain their skills and conditioning.

Commonwealth League and Lexington Middle School Umpire Fee Update

Umpire fees for the 2020 Commonwealth Girls Lacrosse League and the Kentucky (Lexington) Youth (Middle School) Girls Lacrosse League are set for the season as follows ( Download 2020 Commonwealth Fee Structure):

COMMONWEALTH LEAGUE AND LEXINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL LEAGUE UMPIRE FEE SCHEDULE

LEVEL	GAME LENGTH	LAST 2 MINUTES	UMPIRE FEE
VARSITY	50 min running clock (25 minutes halves)	Stop clock on every whistle in each half	$60.00
JV	50 min running clock (25 minutes halves)	Stop clock on every whistle in each half	$55.00
JV (3rd Game)	40 min running clock (20 minutes halves)	Stop clock on every whistle in each half	$50.00
MS	40 min running clock (20 minutes halves)	Stop clock on every whistle in each half	$45.00

Instructions for Taking the Required Tests for US Lacrosse Umpires

Here are the instructions for taking the two required tests for US Lacrosse Umpires.  Also included are the hard copies of both the 2020 NFHS test and the 2020 USL Youth test.

• Download Exam Instructions

• Download 2020 Girls NFHS Rules Exam HARD COPY

• Download 2020 Girls Youth Rules Exam HARD COPY

Approved Eyewear for US Lacrosse (2020)

MEMO ON GIRLS’ LACROSSE EYEWEAR COMPLIANCE

SEI CERTIFICATION AND MARKINGS FOR 2020 PLAYING SEASON

Effective January 1, 2020 all eyewear must be SEI certified to the current ASTM F3077 standard and listed on the SEI website (SEI Link) to be legal for play for the 2020 season, for both youth and high school level play.

All manufacturers must mark product produced on and after January 1, 2020 with the appropriate ASTM standard requirement and SEI mark (see below).

At the High School level, eyewear worn on the field must be SEI certified and listed on the SEI site, however it does not have to have the SEI mark on it for the 2020 season.

At the Youth level, the eyewear worn on the field must be SEI certified and listed on the SEI site and must have the SEI mark of certification for the 2020 season.

For a list of products that meet the F3077 standard and are SEI certified go to SEInet.org/search.htm and use the pull-down menu for US Lacrosse and look under Eye Protection for Women’s Lacrosse.  SEI Link for list of Girls LAX approved eyewear: https://www.seinet.org/search.htm#&section=  (Expand "US Lacrosse;" then expand "Eye and Face Protect;" then expand "Eye Protection for Womens Lacrosse (ASTM F3077-2017): then click on "Eye Protectors for Women's Lacrosse - Type III."

Certified Model ASTM F3077-17