USA Lacrosse and the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) have announced four training dates for the College Player Officials Academy (CPOA), a joint venture between the two organizations designed to recruit and train current lacrosse players to become the next generation of women’s game officials.
Coinciding with three IWLCA’s summer tournaments and one other tournament, the CPOA events provide candidates with hands-on training and live game action to supplement classroom instruction.
“We are excited to continue the College Player Officials Academy and partner with USA Lacrosse in 2022,” said Liz Robertshaw, executive director of the IWLCA. “With the explosive growth of girls’ lacrosse in the U.S., there’s simply a need for more officials, and what better way to find them than by looking inwards towards our 560+ college programs and getting those players involved?”
A registration fee of $25 covers two days of training, an evaluation/rating, an official’s starter kit (uniform top, whistle, flag, and cards), and lunch during the all day on-field session. USA Lacrosse membership is also required.
The four dates and locations for the 2022 College Player Officials Academy are:
- June 3-4 in Bel Air, Md. - Register
- June 11-12 in Winston Salem, N.C. - Register
- June 17-19 in Boyds, Md. - Register
- June 25-26 in Amherst, Mass. - Register
Candidates are only required to attend one of the four CPOA events. Participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging.
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 USA Lacrosse certified officials.
“This is a great first step to becoming a 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. Joining the third team on the field is a perfect way to stay involved, build great friendships, and make some money too.”
