MLUA ADVANCED TRAINING NOTES
Below are some general reminders for the High School game.
Rule Changes 2020
To be updated
Professionalism/Pregame
Getting to the game early. Lots to do!
Dressed appropriately when coming to the field.
Have long & short sleeve jerseys, pants ready. Black everything. You should all have the same uniform.
Greet timekeepers. You are all on the same team. Review card procedures, stop time, running time. After a goal, clock shouldn’t stop until we signal the goal.
Run captains/coaches meeting and stick checks in a timely manner. 10 & 5 minutes before game time.
Captains meeting should not last more than a few minutes. No need to keep them there for extended period.
Remaining calm during the game.
Good communication with coaches. Number two complaint about lacrosse umpires.
Dressed appropriately when you leave the field.
Signals
We all need to do better. Number one complaint about lacrosse umpires.
Big stadium signals are needed. Not only for players, for coaches and fans too.
Stand. After you blow your whistle, you are now on display. Walking looks too informal.
Slow down. Blow whistle, wait a brief moment and then start your signals.
Direction, signal, direction. What Is the purpose of this? Answer: communication with partner and others.
Shooting space. Maybe making this call from by restraining line but remain still. Hold that signal for little longer.
Rules Interpretation Video – can find on Central Hub
Calling fouls that aren't fouls
Use verbiage from the book if you need to verbally explain your call to players or coaches.
Not a foul: Playing the ball between the legs, unless you deem it is dangerous
Not a foul: Upward stick check
Not a foul: Empty stick check when the ball is on the ground being pushed by player.
Not a foul: Attempting stick check and following through to the ground.
Not a foul: Checking from behind
Not a foul: Body Ball unintentional
Carding Players / Coaches
We will back you 100%.
Not enough cards are given out.
Need to keep the play safe for the players.
#1 thing to remember: Stay Calm. "You need to remain calm when no one else is"
Witnessed wrong way: Very stressed out umpire, raising voice, reprimanding players harshly, chaotic tone. Things just got worse.
Witnessed correct way: Very calm umpire, almost matter-of-fact. Communicates to everyone involved that the umpires are in control and are confident in their decision. Reeled game back in.
Shooting Space Issues
Need to read and understand the shooting space section in your policy manual. Lists shooting space calls to be made vs shooting space calls not to be made.
Ask for any questions for the class and address those.
Otherwise, go to the manual and pull up examples.
2 person mechanics -- Areas of responsibility. Who makes the call?
3 person mechanics -- Areas of responsibility. Who makes the call?
Restraining line handoff, attack offside when shorthanded – setup and go
Re-start play
Cardable fouls out of area
Reminders:
Get into your rule book and manual. Be proactive. Don't wait for things to happen on the field before you know what the rule is.
Start working out now. Don't wait for your first game to realize you need to drop a few pounds. Injuries can happen (especially to us older folks) when we just try to start running/sprinting with no prior conditioning. We Need You Healthy!