New Mexico Lacrosse Officials Association

Is lacrosse a sanctioned sport within New Mexico?

Not yet and will not be for some time. We currently have a handful of lacrosse teams within New Mexico which are mostly club with few school-sanctioned teams. Until more teams develop in more widespread areas, it will not be sanctioned by the New Mexico Activities Association.

Which cities play lacrosse in New Mexico

New Mexico has boys HS teams in Albuquerque, Los Alamos, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe.

New Mexico has girls HS teams in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

There are youth teams in Albuquerque, Los Alamos, Santa Fe, and in El Paso, Texas (a satellite program covered by the NMLOA).

Do I need lacrosse experience to Officiate lacrosse?

Not at all, but it will help. While most Officials come from a background playing or coaching lacrosse, there are still many who have come from playing other sports or have officiated other sports as well. We will be happy to train and develop you if you put the effort into it.

How old do I have to be to become an Official/Referee?

14 is the minimum age to work youth games.

18 and out of high school is the minimum age to work high school games.

How long does it take to become a good Official?

Training and development depends on the individual Official as it is based upon lacrosse IQ, experience, and ability to recognize calls and blow the whistle. A Jr. Official can become serviceable by the end of the season if they work hard yet a HS Official may take longer as the speed and mechanics can take time.

Typically 4-5 years for a HS Official if they get enough experience, but everyone is different.

How much will I have work or travel?

Schedules and traveling are up to you. Letting your Assigner know your availability and being proactive on working with them will take you to great lengths in your Officiating career. On the flip-side, not communicating about your availability puts strain on the Assigner and the number of games you may work will decrease.

What does it cost to get into Officiating?

There is a registration fee associated with USA Lacrosse that can range from $35 – $60, which will include insurance should something happen while you’re working games. For new Officials, we recommend black shorts, a black hat, black socks, and black running shoes: all of which can be purchased wherever you prefer to shop but could total about $50 together. The NMLA assists with providing new Officials with a pink shirt for youth games, whistles, and flags or cards for youth games. Additional items for high school games could climb between $100 – $200 total. It would be best to add items each year as you learn what you will need. Refer to Uniforms and Equipment for a guideline. You will likely make most of your money back after a game or two.

Many LOAs or Leagues will require additional fees for membership to cover basic costs; the NMLOA does not currently require membership fees but late fees may be assessed if you’re not proactive in responding to your Assigners.

How much will I get paid?

Depends on game type and length, officiating level, travel mileage, etc. Please check our Game Fees and Compensation page for more information.

How often will I get paid?

Checks and direct deposit are current administered bi-weekly (every other week) once the Spring season begins.