MWLOA was established in the 1999’s to organize, train and provide leadership for U.S. Lacrosse Certified Umpires in the State of Michigan. We currently have 40+ members and cover most of Southeast Michigan.

Women’s lacrosse is a high energy sport played primarily in the spring that resembles a combination of basketball and ice hockey being played on a soccer field. Athletes use their lacrosse sticks, or crosses, to throw, catch, pick up the ball which spends very little time on the ground, and shoot on goal. More information about the history of Lacrosse or to learn more about the Rules of the game go to www.lacrosse.org, the U.S. Lacrosse web site.

Some information about MWLOA:

We have one mandatory Association meeting per year usually held in late January or early February. We meet to discuss and vote on business issues, bylaw changes, and generally to re-acquaint ourselves after a long off-season.

During the pre-season we have training sessions for new members which current members are welcome to attend. Every member is evaluated on-field as part of their U.S. Lacrosse Rating. The on-field evaluation is another segment of the “in good standing” requirement, as is passing the written exam and attendance at the Annual Membership Meeting.

Each member has the opportunity to start from the Apprentice Rating and work their way up through Local, District, National, and lastly International ratings.

The standard uniform for all Women’s Lacrosse Umpires is:

• Black and white striped jersey
• Black shorts, leggings, or kilt
• Black pants
• A hat or visor may be worn as long as it is black and of a soft material
• Ear warmers and gloves may also be worn as long as they too are black
• A jacket may be worn on the field as long as it is also black and white striped.

Assigned games are usually in pairs; Varsity and Junior Varsity, 7th and 8th grade etc. New officials can expect to be assigned to Varsity level play according to their proficiency. This is where attendance at clinics, pre-season scrimmages, and performance at Play Day can make a new official shine.

Game assignments are prioritized as follows:

• Varsity/Junior Varsity
• Middle School
• Club, Recreation Department, or Youth Organizations

The Executive Board of MWLOA strongly suggests new officials seek an experienced umpire to be their mentor. A wealth of information can be learned from these long time officials.