This section will help to answer some of the frequently asked questions you may have about becoming an umpire.  For a full description of rules and guidelines for officials go to the education and training section of the USLacrosse.org website.

I.                    There are 7 levels of umpires:

A.    Junior Umpire is 18 years or younger that can only officiate over youth games.

B.     Apprentice Umpire is in training to control a lower level game calmly, firmly, and safely.

C.    Local Umpire is secure in controlling any high school game.

D.    District Umpire is capable of umpiring most collegiate level games.

E.     National Umpire is capable of umpiring a top level game in the USA.

F.     National Emeritus Umpire is an umpire that has retired and is recognized for their exceptional service.

G.    International Umpire

II.                 Requirements of every US Lacrosse rated umpire:

A.    Hold a US Lacrosse officials membership through a local umpiring board.

B.     Pass the written examination every year at the level of her/his current rating.  Failure to pass the written test will mandate a retake of the test.

C.    Stay current with the rules and their interpretation and with umpiring techniques by attending an annual mandatory rules interpretation meeting, held at the national, regional, or local level.  Umpires are also encouraged to periodically participate in umpiring clinics.

D.    Wear the approved umpiring uniform.  See the Appendix for the US Lacrosse Approved Uniform (Part Seven-13). 

III.               Training Clinics are offered throughout Southern California. 

A.    The girls’ game is considered a non-contact sport.  Umpires for youth, middle school, or high school will participate in a 1 day training class, take a written examination, and are rated (pass/fail) at their first game. Go to the calendar section of our website for all training and testing dates.

B.     The boys’ game is a contact sport.  Officials need to attend a training class, pass the written examination, and attend field training.  Go to the calendar Section of our website for all training and testing dates.

IV.              The estimated expenses for becoming an umpire are:

A.    Insurance:  An umpire that is a member of US Lacrosse is covered by insurance to officiate at all levels (www.uslacrosse.org, $50). The National Association of Sports Officials does offer alternative coverage for CIF high school games.

B.     The umpire board fee for Los Angeles or Orange County is $60.  If an umpire joins both, the joint membership is $100.

C.    Uniform and required equipment will cost approximately $125.00- $250.00.  This estimation depends on your needs and the company used.   It includes a shirt, shorts, black running shoes or cleats, set of cards, Fox 40 whistle, yellow flag, pencil and scoring/carding card. Black kilt and black spandex (if needed) for women officiating girls game. 

D.    Assigner’s Fee $3.00 per game.  Not all tournaments will charge assigner’s fee.

V.                 Earnings differ depending on level of play, if it is a boys or girls game, CIFSS, or a club game.  The following rates are based on the previous season and are not guaranteed:

2008 Club Fee Schedule

2009 CIF REFEREE FEE SCHEDULE

CIFSS Mileage:

51 - 75 miles = $12.00, 76 - 125 miles = $18.00, 126 - 175 miles = $30.00, 176 - 250 miles = $42.00,      251-350 = $54, 351 - 450 miles = $72.  For distances beyond 450 miles, the following formula will be utilized: Begin with $72.00, which represents 450 miles round trip. Add $2.40 for every 15 additional miles traveled round trip.