NOTE: Registration is closed for the 2013 Cadet Classes.
New Jersey Interscholastic Lacrosse Officials Association (NJILOA)
2013 Cadet Training Program
Dear Candidate,
Thank you for your interest in becoming a NJ Lacrosse Official. In 2012, members of the NJILOA officiated over 6,000 NJ interscholastic boy’s lacrosse games (Varsity, JV, Freshman, Middle School, and County & State Tournament Playoffs). Lacrosse has become one of New Jersey’s fastest growing sports and the NJILOA is looking to train quality referees to officiate high school level games, particularly in areas seeing the most growth.
This letter is intended to outline who is eligible to seek admission to our Cadet Training Program, how the cadet system works and what the NJILOA expects from its members.
Eligibility requirements and NJILOA expectations:
• Must be at least 18 years of age and out of high school.
• Give permission for and pass a basic criminal background check.
• Must provide a doctor’s verification of physical fitness and the ability to participate in strenuous activity.
• Must attend two years of NJILOA administered instruction; attend a yearly training clinic; attend 3 Regular Season Meetings; pass a yearly rules/mechanics exam and an eventual on-field evaluation.
• Cadets must be available during the Spring Season to officiate interscholastic boy’s lacrosse games.
• Cadet training is intended to train adults (male or female) interested in officiating HS boy’s lacrosse. It is NOT intended to train high school or junior lacrosse coaches interested in officiating only junior & club lacrosse games.
If you feel you can meet the criteria stipulated above, please complete the attached Application form and submit (either electronically or via e-mail) to the NJILOA Membership Chairperson. After your application has been received and reviewed, you will be contacted by an NJILOA representative for a brief interview and to answer any questions you may have. There is a $180.00 fee which covers your 2013 NJILOA Dues ($125.00) and two years of US Lacrosse Level 1 & 2 instruction, plus cadet training materials.
Upon successful completion of the first year of NJILOA Cadet training instruction and after passing a written rules/mechanics test, each Cadet’s name will be added to the active NJILOA roster. This will make you eligible for high school and youth level lacrosse assignments throughout the state of New Jersey. Lacrosse assignments are made only through the NJILOA high school and NJ junior league assignors/re-assignors. Our advice is to work as many JV, freshman, middle school and youth league games as you can during your first year in order to learn the sport, the rules and the officiating mechanics (positioning & signals).
As you probably already know, lacrosse is played in New Jersey all year round. It is during the spring months (March-May) that the demand for officials is at its peak. Your availability to be assigned and work games during this time of year is very important to our organization and critical to the success of lacrosse throughout the state. All cadets who qualify will be given assignments based on his or her availability.
Note: All NJILOA officials are required to accept & work a minimum of 5 MS or HS assignments per year as well as attend a minimum number of in-season meetings. In order to keep your certification up to date and remain an active NJILOA member in good standing (on an annual basis) NJILOA officials must: attend three meetings (including an annual rule interpretation meeting) and one training clinic, pass a written rules/mechanics exam, pay annual dues, provide availability to the NJILOA assignor and officiate a minimum of five games assigned by the NJILOA.
It is the responsibility of each official to make sure that they are adequately covered with liability & medical insurance before stepping on a field to officiate any lacrosse game. Active NJ officials in good standing are covered for basic liability under the NJSIAA. The NJILOA highly recommends that each official join US Lacrosse and/or NASO (National Organization of Sporting Officials) since these organizations provide additional liability insurance.
If you have any questions regarding the NJILOA, the Cadet Training Program or this application process, please contact Michael Zeldman (NJILOA Vice-President & Membership Chair) via e-mail at mzeldman@yahoo.com or phone 973 979-1960.
Good Luck to all of you. We hope you will find reffing the great game of Lacrosse as rewarding and enjoyable as does our current membership of over 450 officials.
Registration is closed for the 2013 Cadet Classes. For more information, please contact Mike Zeldman
