Equipment and Uniforms

If you’re relatively new to the sport check out <<this post>> for some insights on various equipment.

Remember that you are a professional!

Participants and spectators in the games you officiate will form their first impression of your professionalism  on the way you look, so be mindful of your uniform and the manner in which you wear it.  By extension, this impression will also reflect well, or poorly, on all other members of our association.

Uniforms shall:

  • Fit properly.
  • Be in good repair with no rips, tears, or holes.
  • Be free of dirt, stains, and fading.
  • Be coordinated pre-game so that a working crew wears the same uniform on the field.  The Referee will be final determiner.

Required Uniform Items:

  • Officials’ hat (black baseball style cap with white piping)
  • Two Lacrosse officials’ shirts (one long sleeve and one short sleeve)
    • Shirts shall include a US Lacrosse patch, centered on the left sleeve three (3) inches below the shoulder seam.
    • Patches may either be sewn or applied to the uniform using Velcro.
  • Black shorts (minimum 6 inch inseam)
  • Black leather belt (1 1/4 – 2 inches in width) with plain buckle
  • Short black socks.  (Ankles covered)
  • Black athletic shoes with black laces.  (Officials may use a black permanent marker or “shoe black” to color over logos, stripes, or other designs on shoes.)

Optional Uniform Items:

  • Solid black nylon rain pants – no white side piping. (Sweatpants are not allowed.)  Stretchable black golf pants also work well.
  • Black t-shirt or turtleneck. (Any visible undergarments must be black.)
  • Official’s Jacket (black).  No patches needed.
  • Gloves for cold games, solid black.
  • Official’s Nylon Rain Hat (for foul weather games)
  • ILOA Uniform Patch

Required Equipment:

  • Two Black Fox-40 whistles. Finger whistles are recommended.
  • Two center weighted yellow penalty flags (15″x15″).
  • Small black six foot (6′) tape measure.
  • Coin (half-dollar size or larger).
  • Lacrosse 20-second timing device.
    • Upgrade:  a 2-way beeper for 20-seconds and  100-seconds.
  • Lacrosse scorecard and pencils.  In a pinch you can use paper, but rain or perspiration can mess it up easily.
  • Digital wrist watch (for timeouts).

Optional Equipment:

Online Referee Uniform/Equipment Stores:

  • Ump-Attire – one of the few sites that sells the lacrosse scorecards that fit into the throat of a lacrosse stick.
  • Fifth Region Officials – has a decent lacrosse selection.
  • Zebrawear – has most equipment, including starter packs for new officials.
  • Honigs Whistle Stop – A long-time vendor of gear to the lacrosse officiating community.
  • Cliff Keen – the official uniform sponsor of US Lacrosse. Carries everything you need, except does not have “starter kits” for new officials. Probably has the highest quality shirts, even though they cost a few dollars extra. It is worth it. The shirts don’t fade as quickly.
  • Smitteez – normally known for manufacturing just the officials’ clothing, this site now sells other officiating equipment and accessories, including starter packs for new officials.
  • Ready-Ref — – sells what is probably the best 20/100/120-second timer made specifically for lacrosse officials. Get the model #1155, which has both audible and vibrate. Rain case included. Has a metal ring that allows the belt to loop onto it. $89 for model 1155. All Ready-Ref timers have a lifetime warranty.
  • Purchase Officials – sells a universal timer that can be set to lacrosse mode for 20/100/120 seconds. Audible beep and vibrate. No rain case included. Clips to belt. $79.
  • Epic Sports – has low prices for basic items, such as pea-less whistles.

Black shorts are readily available at Kohl’s, Wal-Mart  and other department stores.