Frequently Asked Questions

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We are the organization that trains, develops and provides Boys Lacrosse Officials for high school sanctioned games across the state of South Carolina. We also provide officials for middle school and grade  school competitions for organizations that wish to use our organization. We are a not-for-profit organization, governed by an  elected Board of Directors, and administered by Association Officers.

Register with the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) (fees apply), pay your dues to SCLOA & USA Lacrosse, attend training class(es) and scrimmage(s), and pass open-book USA Lacrosse exams.  

Yes, we comply with USA Lacrosse standards,  which mandates a minimum number of classroom hours: 8 for first-time  certification, 6 for re-certification. During these meetings we teach you how to apply rules to game situations, along with positioning, signaling and game management — what we call “mechanics.” SCLOA holds multiple online and classroom clinics throughout the State, usually in January.

There are two required open-book exams for NFHS rules and USA Lacrosse  Certification. These tests are administered by US Lacrosse on their Central Hub website (see the Become an Official page for information on how to access and take them).

The short answer is Yes. We will assign you to a scrimmage where you will work alongside experienced officials to get a feel for being on the field. We’ll help with your positioning, foul recognition, and basics like blowing a whistle, throwing flags and signaling penalties.

Next we will assign you to “shadow” one of two officials on an actual game. At some  point you will exchange positions and the  experienced official will follow you. Eventually, they will observe from the sideline to evaluate your abilities and to provide feedback.

After successfully shadowing, you are eligible for paid game assignments. If you are not yet comfortable being on the field, or if your observer  believes you need more work, you may have an additional shadowing  assignment. Please note that shadow assignments are not paid.

Current game rates and mileage reimbursement info can be found after registering.

You will never be assigned to “out of region” games without your prior approval. (Assigners will generally ask for volunteers.) We use the ArbiterSports online service to assign games, which gives you the ability to define maximum travel distances in your account profile. Be aware, however, that setting a low value may severely limit available assignments for you.

Yes, High School League games pay a minimum of $11 + $.55/ mile for anything over 20 miles.

ArbiterSports has a calendar feature that allows you to enter  “blocks” on your schedule. These blocks can be for certain days or  times, for both regular and one-time events. In fact, our Assignor(s) send frequent reminders to members to keep their availability up to  date. If you keep declining games, Assignors will assume your interest in or commitment to officiating is low, and will decrease the number of  games offered to you.

SCLOA dues are $50, plus a small transaction fee for electronic payment. USA Lacrosse membership is $55 for adults. Combined, these dues  cover your training, evaluations, ArbiterSports fee, rule book,  liability insurance, and make you eligible to receive game assignments  from the Association.

You are responsible for your uniform, equipment, and travel expenses.