|
MDOC Officials Training Program - FAQs for Levels 1 and 2 Trainees
Questions
1. What is the MDOC Officials' Training Program?
2. Where can I get trained?
3. How much does it cost?
4. When do I get my training materials?
5. What about a rulebook?
6. How can I get a copy of the training video, "The Third Team on the Field"?
7. Who can participate in the training? Do I have to be a member of US Lacrosse?
8. What are the benefits of the training program?
9. How does the testing work?
10. US Lacrosse doesn’t have a record for me, or my training is not noted on my record. What does that mean?
11. How do I get proof of insurance as an official?
12. How do I get MDOC patches?
13. How do I get my game schedule for the season?
14. I’m starting out as a youth official, but what if I decide I’d like to officiate other levels of the game?
1. What is the MDOC Officials' Training Program?
The Men's Division Officials Council (MDOC) has created a training program for new and developing (Level 1) and intermediate (Level 2) men's lacrosse officials. Training consists of clinics that incorporate the Officials Training Manual, the Officials Training video and practical experience on the field. Although developed specifically to address the shortage of officials for the expanding youth game, the training materials are available for the use and benefit of officials training for any level of the game.
Top
2. Where can I get trained?
Identify your area's Youth Officials Committee (YOC) representative by contacting your local US Lacrosse chapter or officials@uslacrosse.org. The YOC rep will be able to tell you when and where local training sessions are taking place.
Top
3. How much does it cost?
The cost of training varies in different areas based on training variables but the baseline cost for your materials is $20 per trainee, which includes a copy of the Officials Training Manual, a rulebook and your two initial patches. This excludes a trainer's fee and other costs involved in the training such as any local fees such as meals, facilities charges, association dues. In some instances, your US Lacrosse chapter may offset the costs of training to help grow the number of qualified officials in your area.
Top
4. When do I get my training materials?
You will receive your training manual and rulebook at the first training class. You receive your two initial patches from your trainer upon successfully completing the training and having current 'Official' category membership with US Lacrosse.
Top
5. What about a rulebook?
If you are new to the officiating community, you will receive a rulebook at your training as part of the training package. Currently, US Lacrosse 'Official' category members whose memberships are current as of the fall receive the upcoming season's rulebook in December. Current season rulebooks are also available through the US Lacrosse online Gift Shop. Note: It is important to have the current season’s rulebook when training and officiating.
Top
6. How can I get a copy of the training video, "The Third Team on the Field"?
Your trainer has been provided a copy of the video to show during your training and you can purchase your own copy through the US Lacrosse online Gift Shop.
Top
7. Who can participate in the training? Do I have to be a member of US Lacrosse?
Anyone can participate in the training, including coaches, players and fans simply interested in learning more about the game. However, only 'Official' members of US Lacrosse receive some of the benefits described below. As a note, it is currently under review for all US Lacrosse men's 'Official' category members to complete an annual online officiating competency test.
Top
8. What are the benefits of the training program?
The training provides a sound rules foundation and is excellent preparation for officials' responsibilities both on and off the field. Also, once you are trained and have submitted your US Lacrosse 'Official' membership, you will have the status of affiliation as an 'MDOC Official', entitling you to local youth game scheduling and access to MDOC patches to wear proudly on the sleeves of your stripes. Members who are not trained and trainees who are not members will not receive schedules or access to patches.
Top
9. How does the testing work?
You will need to pass a written test at the completion of your training. Your trainer will review and grade your answers and be available to help you with any questions or challenges you may have. Specific requirements for on-field experience and testing and will vary by location; please refer to your trainer. Once competency has been met through your testing, your trainer or YOC representative will communicate with US Lacrosse to indicate you have passed and are now an MDOC Official.
Top
10. US Lacrosse doesn’t have a record for me, or my training is not noted on my record. What does that mean?
Be sure you have registered your membership with US Lacrosse. Signing up for training and your membership at same time is a great way to make sure your information is noted in a timely fashion. Once you have passed your training, your trainer or YOC representative should communicate this information to US Lacrosse, so check in with your trainer if US Lacrosse does not have record of your training within a month of its completion.
Top
11. How do I get proof of insurance as an official?
Your US Lacrosse 'Official' membership includes the insurance you need to be covered comprehensively on the field. Your membership number is your proof of insurance. Visit the insurance section of the US Lacrosse website for more information on the coverage.
Top
12. How do I get MDOC patches?
Your initial two patches are provided to you based on two criteria: 1. Successful completion of your training and 2. Verification of current 'Official' category membership with US Lacrosse. You are then eligible to purchase up to four more patches each year as long as your membership remains current. Patches are only available to members who have been trained and designated so in the US Lacrosse database. If you have received training in this timeframe but are not registered as so in the database, please contact your trainer to verify that your training notification form was sent in.
Top
13. How do I get my game schedule for the season?
It is intended that only trained officials who are current 'Official' members of US Lacrosse will be placed on local officiating schedules. Members who have not been trained or passed a competency test and trainees who are not members will not receive a schedule by their local assigning authorities. Your local assigning authorities are the individuals who create the officials' schedules for your area. Your trainer can give you information about contacting this individual once your training is complete.
Top
14. I’m starting out as a youth official, but what if I decide I’d like to officiate other levels of the game?
Officials who can put in longtime service to the youth game are much needed, so be sure to consider your services for this level as an end as much as a means. However, there are many opportunities to advance. If you you'd like to add high school games to your schedule, Level 2 training will offer solid preparation. In the case of college club and varsity and post-college, additional training, testing, and most importantly, practice, practice, practice will help you to get there. Ask your trainer or YOC rep about opportunities to prepare for and officiate at other levels of the game in your community.
Top | 
