USA Lacrosse and the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) have announced six training dates for the 2026 College Player Officials Academy (CPOA), a joint venture between the two organizations designed to recruit and train current and recent college lacrosse players to become the next generation of women’s game officials.
Coinciding with select summer tournaments, the CPOA events provide candidates with hands-on officials' training and live game action to supplement classroom instruction.
“This is a great first step in the journey to becoming a USA Lacrosse certified official by getting hands-on training and instruction all in one weekend,” said Liz Brush, manager of the officials’ development program at USA Lacrosse. “These events are designed to help current and recent college women’s lacrosse players to remain active in the game. Becoming a game official is a perfect way to stay involved, build great friendships, and make some money too.”
A registration fee of $25 covers all virtual and on-field training, an evaluation and rating by certified trainers, and an official’s starter kit (uniform top, whistle, flag, and cards). USA Lacrosse membership is also required.
The dates and locations for the 2026 College Player Officials Academy are:
● May 30 --- University of Maryland Intramural Fields (Session 1) in College Park, MD
● May 31 --- University of Maryland Intramural Fields (Session 2) in College Park, MD
● June 13 -- WRAL Soccer Park (IWLCA Southeast Cup) in Raleigh, NC
● June 20 --- Maryland SoccerPlex (IWLCA Champions Cup) in Boyds, MD
● June 27 --- UMass-Amherst (IWLCA New England Cup) in Amherst, Mass.
● July 10 --- DE Turf Sports Complex (IWLCA Capital Cup) in Frederica, Del.
Attendees are responsible for their own travel and lodging. Candidates are only required to attend one of the CPOA events, however, participants will be required to attend a virtual training the week prior to the clinic.
After registering, participants will receive an email from officials@usalacrosse.com with important information regarding the clinic details. USA Lacrosse reserves the right to reschedule any session if fewer than six officials are enrolled.
After attending the in-person academy, candidates who complete the rules and penalties online courses, the annual exam, and a professional development course will become a USA Lacrosse certified official.
