Returning Officials

Training for returning officials

Northland does annual training for all officials, with the amount and content depending on experience. This page has details and training guides for returning officials. If you have not previously completed lacrosse officials certification, please see the Training for new officials page.

We use a combination of in-person, Zoom, and on-field training to develop better officials. See below to select the correct training for you, then download the training guide and start getting ready for the spring season!

I completed Level 1 training in a prior year but will not turn 18 before the end of June

You should complete Level 1 Recert training this year, which is designed to make you a better official on youth-level games. It consists of 6 hours of classroom/Zoom training, an on-field training session, and rules tests. Please see the Level 1 Recert Training Guide for details.

I completed Level 1 training in a prior year and will turn 18 before the end of June

You should complete Level 2 training this year, which will prepare you to continue working youth games but also to begin working high school-level games, starting with freshman games and eventually moving up to varsity. It consists of some classroom/Zoom training, an on-field training session, and rules tests. Please see the Level 2 Training Guide for details.

I completed Level 2 training in a prior year

For returning adult officials—anyone 18 or older who has completed Level 2 training in a prior year—we use a tiered approach to training:

  • All officials receive training on the rule changes, mechanics changes, and Northland LOA points of emphasis
  • First-year MSHSL officials complete classroom and on-field training in three-person mechanics
  • Officials who have completed 1 to 4 years of high school officiating experience do three additional hours of classroom training from a rotating curriculum.
  • All officials can select optional training sessions from a list of 18 topics

Please see the Returning Adult Officials Training Guide for details.

Questions about training?

If you have questions about training, first check the training guide for your level. If that doesn’t answer your questions, contact the Northland LOA Training Coordinator.