JOIN. CONNECT. GROW.
The Northern California Lacrosse Referees Association welcomes officials of all experience levels. Become a member to access training, mentorship, and game assignments across the region.
Join one of the premier lacrosse officiating associations in the country. Whether you’re a student, parent, coach, or former athlete, becoming a lacrosse official is a rewarding way to stay involved in the game while giving back to your community. The NCLRA offers certification and support to new and returning officials across all levels of play. We’ll guide you through every step—from first-time training to certification and game assignments.
Who can join
THE NCLRA?
Adults and youth (age 16+) interested in officiating boys’ lacrosse
Experience levels:
- Level 1: 0–3 seasons experience (including all youth officials)
- Level 2 & 3: Experienced officials with more than 3 seasons
What are the steps to
BECOME AN OFFICIAL?
- Register with both NCLRA and USA Lacrosse
- Register with Arbiter Sports
- Sign the DocuSign document sent to your email
- Complete mandatory 18 hours of CIF training and certification
- Pass rule tests appropriate to your level
- Have a full and approved uniform and officiating equipment
What are game
PAY RATES?
Youth Games
- Youth Official: $70 per game
- Adult Official: $75 per game
High School Games
- JV & Varsity: $94 per game
What is the official
UNIFORM?
All NCLRA officials must have the proper uniform and equipment before stepping on the field. Wearing the correct gear ensures professionalism, safety, and compliance with USA Lacrosse standards.
Tip: Many officials keep a small gear bag with extra whistles, flags, and scorecards so they’re always prepared.
The official’s uniform should fit properly and be clean. All officials working the game are to be dressed the same. The recommended uniform for officials shall include:
- Striped Referee Shirt – Black-and-white vertically striped long- or short-sleeved collared shirt (any undergarments, if visible, should be black)
- Black Baseball Style Hat with White Piping – No logos; wear bill facing forward.
- Black Shorts or Pants – Weather-appropriate; shorts for warmer games, pants for cold conditions.
- Black Belt- Solid, no logos.
- Black Socks – Short covering ankle, no visible logos.
- Black Shoes – With black laces.
- Black Gloves – Solid, no visible logos. (if worn)
- Black Jacket – Solid, no visible logos. (if worn)
Officials shall have the proper equipment; essentials are:
- Stopwatch – Or other 20 second timing device.
- Scorecard & Pencil/Pen – Used for recording game details.
- Penalty Markers (2) – Light yellow or gold flags (15×15 inches) weighted with sand or beans.
- Flip Coin – For a pre-game or overtime coin toss.
- Tape Measure – Used to conduct mandatory equipment checks on players’ sticks.