The Level One Training program was initially developed in 2002 to provide a common introductory curriculum for all US Lacrosse officials nationwide. Consistency in lacrosse officiating has been one of the critical factors in bring the country together as a national sport. The common rules interpretations and standardized mechanics that are taught in Level One training classes by qualified MDOC clinicians represent significant steps in the goal of national consistency. We have already witnessed the remarkable influence that Level One training has had on new lacrosse officials throughout the country. Your participation in this program insures that you will be receiving a rock-solid foundation in officiating the sport that will follow you throughout your career.
 
Level One Training Program
All new US Lacrosse Officials must take Level One Training. But Level One training can mean many different types of officiating. Given the diversity of lacrosse development, this first experience may imply officiating in midget (generally, U-9); elementary school (U-11); or middle school (U-15) lacrosse programs. Additionally, in some parts of the country, where youth lacrosse has not been established, Level One training can be the initial orientation at the scholastic, or even college levels of the game.  Level One Training is specifically designed to get you through your first five or six games, after which time, you will build upon this training to develop  a deeper understanding of the rules and mechanics of the game. Level One concentrates on 1-man, and 2-man mechanics.

MDOC Level Two Training is a more sophisticated curriculum of instruction that will introduce you to 3-man mechanics, and position you to excel at refereeing high school lacrosse. If an official is joining US Lacrosse with significant lacrosse officiating experience, he or she may petition the District Liaison to the Training Committee to use Level Two Training as an appropriate initial certification.
 
Scheduling Level One Training
The US Lacrosse Men’s Division Officials Council (MDOC) is divided into eleven national districts. Each district has a District Governor (see MDOC Governors), and a District Liaison to the Training Committee (DLTC) that is responsible for coordinating training efforts in each district. Each MDOC District is further subdivided by state, and by US Lacrosse Chapters within each state. There are over 55 Youth Officials Committee Representatives  (YOC Reps) many of whom are connected to a specific US Lacrosse Chapter in order to coordinate  training in these growth areas. YOC Reps are also qualified MDOC Clinicians who coordinate and conduct training at the state or local levels.

In many districts, Level One Training takes place throughout the year. However, it is not cost-effective to order materials and conduct Level One training for very small classes, so your name may be placed on a waiting list for a time when a sufficient number of trainees can be congregated. Depending upon where you live, the lacrosse season generally runs from March to June, with concentrated preparation beginning two months beforehand. To determine when and where training will be held, please contact the designated YOC Rep for assistance.

The cost of the Level One Training Program includes: a Level One training manual; a Level One, true/false training exam; US Lacrosse Membership and certification forms; and two MDOC patches (to be distributed when training, testing, and membership requirements  have been fulfilled). Additional education requirements (such as appropriate clothing) will be explained to you by your local trainer.
 
Career Progression
It is only necessary to take Level One training one time in your lacrosse officiating career. Once the initial course has been passed, it is up to you how rapidly you progress through the officiating ranks. Level Two training can be taken at any time after you have completed the Level One program. Generally, the profile for advancement in lacrosse officiating follows the 90-90-9 Rule: approximately ninety percent of lacrosse officials, can reach ninety percent officiating proficiency, within nine years. Depending upon where you live, and the level of lacrosse in your area, strong officials can rise to the top of the scholastic ranks and apply for membership in the College Officials Committee within approximately nine years.

Annual Testing
An annual rules test is currently being developed for all US Lacrosse officials working at the youth and scholastic levels. This exam will be an open-book, multiple choice exam that covers the core rules that are common to both the NCAA Rule Book, and the NFSHSA Rule Book. Anyone can take this exam at any time. It is a "timed exam" so it is highly recommended that you download the exam, answer all questions, and then fill out the exam on-line. Your test score will be posted immediately after submission.

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