The Allegheny Lacrosse Officials Association (ALOA) is dedicated to promoting the sport of men’s lacrosse in the Allegheny region by providing qualified and experienced officials for high school and youth games. Established to support the growth of lacrosse in Western Pennsylvania, ALOA focuses on training, certifying, and assigning officials to ensure fair and competitive play.
Our Mission
- Provide Certified Officials: Ensure all games are officiated by individuals who are thoroughly trained and certified, maintaining the integrity of the sport.โ
- Educate the Community: Offer resources and guidance to players, coaches, parents, and fans about the rules and spirit of lacrosse.โ
- Promote Sportsmanship: Uphold the values of fair play, respect, and integrity both on and off the field.โ
- Support Lacrosse Development: Collaborate with local programs to foster the growth and popularity of lacrosse in the Allegheny region.
Our Services
- Officiating: Assign trained officials to high school and youth lacrosse games across Western Pennsylvania.โ
- Training Programs: Conduct annual training sessions led by experienced officials to certify new referees and provide ongoing education for current members.โwmloa.net
- Mentorship: Pair novice officials with seasoned mentors to enhance skills, confidence, and knowledge of the game.โ
- Community Engagement: Participate in local lacrosse events, workshops, and seminars to promote the sport and educate the community.
FAQs
How do I become a lacrosse official with ALOA?
To become an official, you need to complete our training program, pass the necessary exams, and attend on-field training sessions. Visit our Join Us page for more details on registration and upcoming training sessions.
What qualifications do I need to officiate games?
No prior officiating experience is required! However, you must have a strong understanding of the game, complete our certification process, and be physically capable of managing the pace of play.
What levels of lacrosse does the ALOA officiate?
ALOA provides officiating for youth, high school, and club-level lacrosse across the Allegheny region.
How are officials assigned to games?
Game assignments are handled through our scheduling system based on availability, experience level, and game location.
Do I need my own equipment to officiate?
Yes, officials are required to have the proper gear, including a black-and-white striped referee shirt, black pants/shorts, a whistle, flag, and appropriate footwear. These items can be secured at either local sporting goods stores, mail order suppliers, or by ordering from the PIAA Officials’ Equipment Center, Officially Sports.
How much do lacrosse officials get paid?
Payment varies based on the level of play and league. Officials are compensated per game, and rates are outlined in our Officials’ Handbook.
How does ALOA support new officials?
We offer a training and mentorship program where experienced referees guide and support new officials through classroom, on-field training, and feedback sessions.
What rules does ALOA follow for officiating games?
We follow the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) rules for high school games and USA Lacrosse rules for youth leagues.
How do I report a game issue or rules violation?
If you encounter an issue during a game, please submit a report via our Incident Report Form or contact an ALOA board member immediately.
Who can I contact for more information?
For any questions or concerns, please reach out to Contact Us or email [email protected].
Join Us
If you’re passionate about lacrosse and interested in officiating, the ALOA welcomes new members. Whether you’re a former player, coach, or someone new to the sport, our comprehensive training programs will equip you with the necessary skills to excel as an official.โ