Officials
Become an Official
Ontario Lacrosse offers a wide range of officiating clinics each spring, designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to excel on both the field and the floor. Our programs are developed alongside some of the top officials in the world, ensuring you receive the best certified training to take you to the next level. Learn everything from the basics of officiating to advanced mechanics and concepts from experienced and certified senior members of our leadership team.
Officiating Requirements
These are the minimum requirements for all OLA officials:
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The minimum age in all sectors is 14. If you are 14 years old (or you're turning 14 in the current playing season), you're eligible! If you're younger than 14, get in touch with your lacrosse association about opportunities to begin timekeeping/scorekeeping
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Officials are required to maintain their certification with annual registration and attendance at a clinic.
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Officials over the age of 18 must complete a Criminal Record Check (Vulnerable Sector) before attending their clinic in accordance with Ontario Lacrosse's Screening Policy to ensure a safe and secure environment for all participants.
How it works/Submitting your CRC
If you have a valid CRC on file, you may submit an Offence Declaration form to verify that it is still valid. Completed CRCs (with Vulnerable Sector Screening) should be emailed to privacyofficer@ontariolacrosseofficials.com
Important: Officials who do not submit a valid CRC cannot be assigned games and will not be considered members in good standing until one is received.
For questions about the CRC process or policy, please contact the OLOA Privacy Officer.
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Pre-registration for clinics is important for us to be able to plan the number of clinicians and resources for each date. Each clinic closes one week before the date so that we can plan properly. Walk-ups are not permitted.
Officiating clinics
We're excited to announce that registration is open for our upcoming officiating clinics.
Here are the dates and locations:
Box Clinics
Date
Registration
Mississauga
Sunday March 1
Cornwall
Saturday March 7
Windsor
Saturday March 7
Nepean
Sunday March 8
London
Sunday March 8
Whitby
Saturday March 28
Six Nations
Sunday March 29
St Catharines
Saturday April 11
Owen Sound
Saturday April 11
Cambridge
Sunday April 12
Sudbury
Saturday April 18
Orillia
Sunday April 19
Kingston
Saturday April 25
Thunder Bay
Saturday April 25
Sault Ste Marie
TBA
Kahnawake
TBA
Men’s FIeld Clinics
Need Assistance?
No matter where you are on your officiating journey, Ontario Lacrosse is committed to providing the resources, guidance, and support you need to succeed. If you have questions regarding officiating please feel free to contact Ian Garrison, VP, Officiating at any time for guidance and support.
More information
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Officiating Pathways →
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Clinic Registration →
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Evaluation Portal →
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Travel Request Forms →
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Officiating Awards →
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Rules →
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Effective Communication →
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Officiating in the NLL →
FAQs
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The minimum age in all sectors is 14. If you are 14 years old (or you're turning 14 in 2025), you're eligible! If you're younger than 14, get in touch with your lacrosse association about opportunities to begin timekeeping/scorekeeping!
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Yes, officials are required to maintain their certification with annual registration and attendance at a clinic.
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We have a number of clinics planned for box, field and women's field this year. If you're interested in joining the team, click on one of the links below to find a date that works for your schedule, and then get registered to secure your spot!
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Each clinic for Minor Box officials who are Entry Level or Level 1 will be in-person from 10am to 3pm.
Each clinic for Minor Box officials who are Level 2 or Level 3 will be 3 hours long. Officials will attend in-person 9am - 12pm or 1pm - 4pm with sign-in beginning 45 minutes before your clinic. Prior to your in-person clinic each official must complete the on-line learning modules.
Each clinic for Minor & Men's field is 3 hours long. Officials will attend either 9am - 12pm or 1pm - 4pm with sign-in beginning 45 minutes before your clinic. Prior to your in-person clinic each official must complete the on-line learning modules.
Late arrivals and early departures are not permitted.
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Pre-registration is important for us to be able to plan the number of clinicians and resources for each date. Each clinic closes one week before the date so that we can plan properly. Walk-ups are not permitted.
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We will supply all the materials for your clinic -- all you need to bring is a pen! Remember to dress comfortably -- you will be asked to move around as part of your clinic.
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Can't find the information you're looking for? Email neil@ontariolacrosse.com and we'll get your question answered.