Allegheney Lacrosse Officials Association

Uniform & Equipment Requirements

Getting the Right Gear

Officiating requires more than just knowing the rules—it also demands professionalism in appearance. A clean, well-maintained uniform not only ensures consistency among officials but also reinforces credibility on the field. While much of the necessary gear can be purchased online, planning ahead is crucial to allow for shipping times. Local stores like Walmart, Target, TJ Maxx, or Amazon can also be good sources for essentials like socks, shorts, and running shoes.

That said, you don’t need to spend a fortune to look professional. Functionality and uniformity are key. If you’re ever unsure about what to wear, stick with all black.

For new officials, focus on assembling the core uniform and equipment:

  • Hat – Black with white piping
  • Undershirts – Solid Black short sleeve
  • Shirts – Short and long sleeve striped One-inch referee shirts
  • Shorts & Pants – Solid black (no white stripes), belt loops required
  • Shoes – All black (logos must be blacked out)
  • Socks – Black ankle-length or crew-length
  • Jacket – Black for cold or rainy weather (no logos larger than 2 inches)

All members of the officiating crew must match in their uniform choices. This is a requirement under NFHS and PIAA policies. If conditions call for jackets, pants, or other modifications, the entire crew must dress identically. The Referee has the final say on uniform choices, so bring all of your gear to every game to be prepared.

Regular Season Uniform Requirements

Shirt & Outerwear

  • Primary Shirt – One-inch black-and-white striped referee shirt (short or long sleeve, with a black collar and black cuffs)
  • Undershirt – Solid black t-shirt or turtleneck (no logos; any visible undergarments must be black)
  • Jacket – Black for cold weather (worn only if all officials wear one)

Pants & Shorts

  • Shorts – Solid black, must have belt loops (no mesh lacrosse or basketball shorts)
  • Pants – Solid black for cold weather (no white stripes)

Shoes & Socks

  • Shoes – All black; basketball shoes, turf shoes, or cleats (logos must be blacked out)
  • Socks – Black ankle or crew-length socks (no logos)

Hat & Accessories

  • Hat – Black baseball-style cap with white piping (must be clean and in good condition)
  • Belt – Solid black (1¼” – 2″ wide) with a plain buckle

Required Equipment

Officials should always carry at least two of the most essential items. It’s a good practice to have backups to avoid issues during a game.

Game Essentials

  • Whistles – Two Fox 40 whistles (finger grip or lanyard)
  • Penalty Flags – Two yellow flags (black ball preferred, but standard yellow is acceptable)
  • Scorecards – Plastic scorecard or printed index card
  • Pencils – Two (preferably with extra erasers; golf pencils or bullet pencils work best)
  • Coin – At least quarter-sized for pre-game toss
  • Six-foot mini tape measure – Compact, for measuring sticks

Time Management Tools

  • Digital Wristwatch – Must have a countdown timer function
  • 20-Second Timer – Required for all high school games
    • Basic 20-second timer – Standard option for most officials
    • 20/100-second timer – Recommended for those officiating multiple sports (useful for managing timeouts and intermissions)

Additional Recommended Gear

  • Notebook – Waterproof “Rite in the Rain” recommended (you will be in the rain at some point)
  • Gloves – All black for cold-weather games
  • Rain Gear – All black jacket (logo smaller than two inches)
  • Gear Bag – Small bag to keep whistles, flags, scorecards, and other small items organized
  • Extra whistle and flag – In case of loss or malfunction
  • Zip ties & magic eraser – Helpful for quick fixes on the field
  • Sunscreen – Essential for outdoor games, especially during late spring tournaments

Where to Get Equipment

Online Vendors

  • Officially Sports– Specializes in referee gear and uniforms
  • Smitty Officials Gear – Offers a variety of packages and individual items
  • All Sports Officials – Official supplier of National Intercollegiate Lacrosse Officials Association (NILOA)
  • Amazon/Walmart/Costco– Useful for basics like socks, shorts, and running shoes

Many retailers offer starter packages that include most of the essentials if you’re new to officiating. If you’re unsure where to start, ask a veteran official or board member for guidance.

Final Notes

  • Always bring your full uniform and all necessary equipment to every game. You never know when the weather may change or a crew member may forget a critical item.
  • Coordinate with your crew before the game to ensure everyone matches—especially regarding jackets, pants, and undershirts.
  • Keep your uniform clean and in good condition. A professional appearance commands respect on the field.
  • Maintain a well-organized gear bag. It should contain backups for whistles, flags, and scorecards, along with any other essentials you may need.
  • Check delivery times when ordering new gear. Don’t wait until the last minute, as shipping delays can leave you unprepared.

By following these guidelines and making sure you’re fully equipped, you’ll be setting yourself up for success as an official. If you have any questions or need recommendations, reach out to a chapter leader or experienced official.