Recruiting

2023 Training and Rating Dates Set by KLUB

Here is the schedule.  Returning umpires need only attend the rules interpretation and a breakout session for recertification.  A returning umpire need only to attend a field evaluation (rating event) if his or her rating will lapse before or during the season. Returning officials do not need to attend New Umpire Orientation, though newer officials may find if helpful.
 
New Umpires must attend a New Umpire Orientation as well as the Rules Interretation Clinic and a Breakout Session.  New Umpires who have already attended a NUO need not attend another.
 
ELIZABETHTOWN POD
Saturday, 21 January at Elizabethtown HS
9:00AM New Umpire Orientation
10:00AM Rules Interpretation Clinic (with coaches)
11:30AM Break Out Session for Level 1 and 2 Umpires
 
LOUISVILLE POD
Sunday, 29 January at Sacred Heart Academy
12:00NN New Umpire Orientation
1:00PM Rules Interpretation Clinic (with coaches)
2:30PM Break Out Session for Level 1 and 2 Umpires
2:30PM Break Out Session for Level 2 and 3 Umpires
Level 2 Umpires may choose either session based on experience
 
LEXINGTON POD
Saturday, 4 February at Sayre School Main Campus
9:00AM New Umpire Orientation
10:00AM Rules Interpretation Clinic (with coaches)
11:30AM Break Out Session for Level 1 and 2 Umpires
 
There will be two field evaluation (rating event) opportunities:
 
VERSAILLES POD
Saturday, 25 February at Falling Springs Rec Center in Versailles, KY
For Levels 1 and 2 ratings and any Juniors in the Lexington area
This is a part of the 24-26 February preseason Woodford Jamboree.  I can get raters and ratees paid for games.
 
LOUISVILLE POD
Sunday, 26 February at Sacred Heart Academy
For Level 3 ratings and any Juniors in the Louisville area (No Level 1 or 2)
Level 3 ratings require a three person crew on games.  I will not make Louisville Juniors go out of town.

ATTENTION COACHES - UMPIRES ARE NEEDED

HomerCOACHES! As you know, there are usually barely enough officials to cover the number of games in our leagues in Kentucky.  Additionally, locally and nationally there has been a HUGE decline in the number of available officials and fewer officials seeking to join the "team."  In order to fulfill the basic number of games and to be able to address the needs of tournaments, make-up games and add ons, WE NEED MORE OFFICIALS! Download KY LAX OFFICIALS FLYER
  
The Kentucky Lacrosse Umpires Board (KLUB) is working to provide more training opportunities and broaden our reach to seek out new officials. We are contacting various organizations and others to try to grow our list of officials.  
 
This issue will DIRECTLY AFFECT YOU - SO WE NEED YOUR HELP....
 
First, we want to challenge each team to submit 2 names to go through NEW OFFICIALS ORIENTATION/TRAINING.  THERE WILL BE A PRIZE FOR THE TEAM PROVIDING THE MOST PROSPECTS.
 
Here is the New Officials Checklist that you are welcome to share with people and to help get new officials started.  Download NEW OFFICIALS CHECKLIST 2023. While current players may be helpful at the MS game, we are really looking to grow the potential HS Officials. 
 
So, who is a good candidate to officiate HS GIRLS LACROSSE? 
  • Graduated Former HS Girls Lacrosse players - college or post college students who no longer play for a local team
  • Parents of graduates or current players 
  • Teachers at your affiliated schools
  • AD Contacts - Do your ADs know officials in other sports or other sports parents who may be interested?
  • Other sports league officials - church league officials, non-school affiliated players/parents/officials for other sports, collegiate intramural players/coaches?
Please send your list of prospects (name, phone and email) and any info you can provide about each person to John Slider.  We will evaluate the number of names/people who attended training for each school. A prize will be given at the Rules Interpretation meeting in January or February to the team who has the most prospective HS officials who completed the NEW OFFICIALS ORIENTATION.    We welcome current HS players to go through the training, but recognize that they have game and school constraints that may limit their availability during the spring season.
 
THE MOST IMPORTANT WAY YOU CAN HELP:
Please evaluate your coaching style, behavior, language and tone during games and communications with officials before and after games.  NFHS and NASO (National Association of Sports Officials) have released several studies and articles regarding the rapid decrease in the number of officials. (Download Officials Retention Survey) One of the biggest reasons officials leave the sport or don't continue to higher levels is because of the team bench and spectator behavior. This is a BIG reminder for all coaches to evaluate their own behavior as well as the behavior of their bench personnel and parents.  Officials understand that occasionally people get emotional, but personal attacks, repeated situations of questioning of calls and hostile tone, criticism, or harassment will make officials NOT come back to your field or games.  Officials have a right to DECLINE any games they are assigned and THEY ARE DECLINING games due to the behavior of Kentucky coaches and spectators. Please hold each other and yourself accountable.  Our officials put in a lot of time training and preparing for your season.  But, just like you and your players, people are not always perfect and each game is a learning process for everyone involved.  Be respectful of the officials' time and effort.  Please feel free to reach out to John Slider if you would like some assistance on appropriate communications with officials.
 
SO START TALKING LACROSSE TO EVERYONE AND SEND US YOUR NEW POTENTIAL HS OFFICIALS!  LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ON THE FIELD!

Interested in Becoming Girls Lacrosse Umpire?

KSLL Final
Officiating is a great way to stay actively involved in the game and enjoy great camaraderie.  It is also ideal for persons who have not played Lacrosse, but who want to be involved with the development of young persons through a growing sport.  The officiating community is the “third team” on the field and through officiating you can develop friendships and connections with others committed to the game.

For more information go to "Become an Official: at the US Lacrosse site: CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION

You may complete a brief form that will go directly to the State Coordinator for Officials Development, who will in turn contact you and pass your interest on to the recruiting coordinator for state's local officials organization: CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE BRIEF FORM

We look forward to YOU becoming a part of the "Third Team on the Field."