What are the key policies for lacrosse officials in Georgia. How does inclement weather affect game play. What are the procedures for game cancellations and postponements. How are referees selected and what are their responsibilities.
GLOA Policies for Lacrosse Officials in Georgia
The Georgia Lacrosse Officials Association (GLOA) has established a set of comprehensive policies to ensure fair and efficient officiating of high school lacrosse games in the state. These guidelines cover various aspects of an official’s responsibilities, from pre-game preparation to post-game procedures.
Contact Information and Availability
Officials are required to maintain up-to-date contact information and availability on Arbiter, the scheduling platform used by GLOA. This ensures that assignments can be made efficiently and that communication channels remain open.
- GLOA-assigned games should be prioritized by officials
- Failure to adhere to this priority may result in suspension or expulsion from GLOA
- Umpires must contact the Referee 48 hours before a contest to arrange meeting details
Uniform and Equipment Standards
Maintaining a professional appearance is crucial for lacrosse officials in Georgia. The GLOA has set specific standards for uniforms and equipment:
- Uniforms must be clean, not discolored, and in good repair
- Officials are responsible for having all required uniform items and equipment
- The Referee determines the uniform selection in case of discrepancies (e.g., long sleeve vs. short sleeve)
For detailed information on uniform and equipment requirements, officials should consult the GLOA Uniforms and Equipment page and the GLOA Gear page.
Game Day Procedures and Responsibilities
Proper preparation and execution on game day are essential for ensuring smooth and fair lacrosse matches. GLOA officials are expected to follow specific procedures:
Pre-Game Preparations
- Crews should meet at least 45 minutes before varsity contests and 25 minutes before sub-varsity contests
- The Referee is responsible for providing Certification/Rating Cards to coaches
- Officials should identify the site coordinator for security purposes before the game begins
During the Game
Officials must be aware of and enforce specific rules during gameplay:
- Implement the NFHS Mercy Rule: switch to a running clock if one team leads by 10 or more goals in the second half
- Ensure adequate security is provided by the home team
- Prevent fans from congregating behind team bench areas
Post-Game Procedures
After the game concludes, officials should follow these guidelines:
- Report any player/coach misconducts using the Incident Report Form within 24 hours
- Leave the premises promptly without lingering on the field or in the parking lot
Handling Inclement Weather and Game Disruptions
Weather conditions can significantly impact lacrosse games in Georgia. GLOA officials must be prepared to handle such situations according to established protocols:
Lightning Detection and Safety Measures
How do officials respond to the threat of lightning during a game?
- All GHSA schools must provide an on-site lightning detector
- Play is suspended when the detector indicates a dangerous situation
- Games resume only when the detector signals it is safe to do so
In the absence of a lightning detector, officials follow the “30-30 rule” as outlined in the NFHS Rule Book:
- Suspend play immediately upon hearing thunder or seeing a cloud-to-ground lightning bolt
- Wait a minimum of 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning before resuming play
Game Cancellation and Postponement Procedures
Clear guidelines exist for handling game cancellations and postponements in Georgia high school lacrosse:
Cancellation Notification
When must schools notify officials of game cancellations?
- The cut-off time for notification is three hours prior to the scheduled start time
- For afternoon games (4:30-5:00 PM start), the deadline is typically 1:30-2:00 PM
- Schools must contact officials by phone to inform them of cancellations
Game Forfeiture
Under what circumstances is a game forfeited?
- If a team fails to arrive at the game site within 30 minutes of the scheduled start time without prior notification
- The game is considered official if called after the second quarter is complete
Postponement and Continuation
How are interrupted games handled in Georgia high school lacrosse?
- For GHSA Varsity teams in the same classification, the game must be played to completion
- Administrators may agree to postpone and resume the contest at the point of interruption
- The trailing team has the option to not resume the contest at a later date
Officials may suspend a game if administrators disagree about postponement and player safety is a concern.
Referee Responsibilities and Selection Process
Referees play a crucial role in managing lacrosse games and ensuring adherence to GHSA rules and regulations:
Pre-Game Duties
- Contact the school if there are concerns about whether the game will be played
- Notify the umpire and field judge (if assigned) of any changes or concerns
- Determine uniform selection for the officiating crew
During the Game
- Enforce NFHS rules, including the Mercy Rule
- Manage the officiating crew and communicate with coaches
- Make decisions regarding game suspensions due to weather or other factors
Selection Process
How are referees selected for Georgia high school lacrosse games?
The GLOA assigns referees based on several factors:
- Experience and certification level
- Performance evaluations from previous games
- Availability as indicated in the Arbiter system
- Geographic proximity to game locations
Insurance and Liability Considerations for Officials
Understanding insurance coverage is essential for lacrosse officials in Georgia:
GLOA Insurance Coverage
When are officials covered by GLOA insurance?
- Coverage applies only to games assigned through GLOA and the Arbiter system
- Officials working non-GLOA assigned games are not covered by the association’s insurance
Reporting Incidents
To maintain proper documentation and ensure coverage, officials must:
- Report any player/coach misconducts using the Incident Report Form within 24 hours of the contest
- Follow all GLOA policies and procedures during games to avoid liability issues
Promoting Fair Play and Sportsmanship in Georgia Lacrosse
GLOA officials play a crucial role in fostering a positive environment for high school lacrosse in Georgia:
Enforcing Rules and Managing Conduct
- Consistently apply NFHS rules to ensure fair play
- Address unsportsmanlike conduct promptly and appropriately
- Communicate clearly with coaches and players to prevent escalation of conflicts
Setting a Professional Example
How can officials contribute to a positive lacrosse culture in Georgia?
- Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times
- Arrive prepared and conduct thorough pre-game meetings with crews
- Demonstrate impartiality and integrity in decision-making
- Engage in continuous learning and improvement of officiating skills
By adhering to these guidelines and embracing their role as stewards of the game, GLOA officials can significantly impact the quality and integrity of high school lacrosse in Georgia.
Policies
General GLOA Polices for Officials
Contact Information, Blocks and Pre-Game Communication
- Ensure you keep your contact information, availability, and blocks updated on Arbiter.
- It is expected that GLOA members will make themselves available for GLOA assigned games as their priority. Repeatedly ignoring this could result in suspension or expulsion from GLOA.
- It is the Umpire’s obligation to contact the Referee 48 hours prior to contest to arrange meeting time and location.
Uniform and Equipment
- Officials are responsible for ensuring they have all the required uniform items and equipment.
- Uniforms should be clean, not discolored, and in good repair. We want to present a professional image to the teams. In case of differing selections (long sleeve vs. short sleeve or shorts vs. rain paints), the referee determines what is to be worn. Please see the Uniforms and Equipment page as well as the GLOA Gear page for more details.
Game Conduct and Responsibilities
- Crews should plan on meeting at least 45 minutes prior to game for all varsity contests and 25 minutes for sub-varsity contests.
- The referee for a given game is responsible for providing Certification/Rating Cards to the coaches.
- Note NFHS (Federation) Mercy Rule — if one team is up by 10 or more goals in the 2nd half, then go to a running clock.
- Schools must provide adequate security for officials. Find out who the site coordinator is before the game begins. The home team is responsible for security. Do not allow fans to congregate behind the team bench areas.
Insurance
- If you are officiating a game that has not been assigned through GLOA and the Arbiter, then GLOA has no responsibility to you financially and you are not covered by the Association’s insurance.
- Report any player/coach misconducts using the Incident Report Form within 24 hours of the contest. (This was formally the Game Report Form)
- Get in, do the job, then leave. Do not loiter on the field or in the parking lot following a game!
- Have fun, be safe, and think!
Inclement Weather, Postponements and Game Cancellations
In the event of inclement weather, the following procedure must be followed by officials and schools. Detailed both in the GHSA Constitution (a.k.a. “White Book) and in the NFHS Lacrosse Rule Book (see Rule 3, Section 5 and Appendix D).
Inclement Weather
- All GHSA schools are required to provide a lighting detector on site.
- When the lightning detector indicates a dangerous situation, the official will suspend play. When the lighting detector indicates that it is safe to resume play, the contest may resume.
- If you are officiating at a site with no lightning detector, follow the procedure detailed in the NFHS Rule Book (Appendix D) – “when thunder is heard, or a cloud-to-ground lightning bolt is seen, the thunderstorm is close enough to strike your location with lightning. Suspend play and take shelter immediately.” Only resume play when a minimum of 30 minutes have elapsed since the last audible thunder or cloud-to-ground lightning bolt.
Game Cancellations
- Cut off time for notifying officials of a cancellation is three (3) hours prior to the scheduled start time for the game. Since most of the games are 4:30 – 5:00 start times the cut off for an afternoon game would be 1:30 – 2:00.
- If the game is cancelled the schools are obligated to contact the officials by phone to let them know of the cancellation.
- Game is official if called after the second quarter is complete.
- If a team does not arrive at the game site for any contest without notifying the host opponent of a late arrival, that contest will be forfeited 30 minutes after the scheduled game time.
Referees
- The referee should contact the school if there is a concern regarding whether the game will be played.
- It is the referee’s obligation to notify the umpire (and field judge should one be assigned).
Postponement and Continuation
- GHSA Varsity teams are from the same classification, the game must be played to completion. Administrators from the competing schools may agree to postpone the contest and resume competition at the point of interruption at a later time. The team that is behind may choose not to resume the contest at a later date.
- Note that by rule, the officials may suspend the game – this may become necessary if the administrators from the competing schools disagree about postponing the game and if the officials are concerned for the continued safety of the players.
- All other games, GLOA will observe GHSA Constitution 2.93.c. (the “two hour-wait-rule” – i.e. the game will be stopped if the delay is two hours cumulative), except for sub-Varsity games in which the two-hours will be reduced to one-hour. Note that this applies to all leagues to which GLOA assigns officials unless there is a specific league policy superseding.
Payment
- Failure of the schools to contact the referees obligates the school for payment of the fees.Game postponed or cancelled after official is on site but before the face off, team pays travel fee.
- Game postponed or cancelled after face off but before the end of the second quarter, team pays travel and one half of game fee.
- If you as the official are scheduled for a game and you do not show up, the association is liable to monetary compensation to the school. GLOA may choose to recoup these expenses from your game fees.
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US Boarding School Association – Networking Cocktail for Leading Educational Agents Abroad
Ross School – Worcester Academy – Idyllwild Arts Academy – Hillside School – Wyoming Seminary School – The Ethel Walker School – The Hockaday School – Southwestern Academy – Villanova Preparatory School – Perkiomen School – Admiral Farragut Academy – King’s Academy – Asia Pasific International School – Darlington School
Dear Friends and Partners in education in USA VikiVisa. Ru!
On behalf of the US Embassy and the US Boarding Schools Association, I would like to welcome you warmly TABS.
The Association of Boarding Schools USA would like to invite you and your colleagues Igor Ozerin, Eduard Ozerin and Elena Moksina to a networking cocktail for leading Education Agents Abroad with participation of Representatives of 14 leading US boarding schools which will take place on in the National Hotel (Moscow, Mokhovaya St. 15/1 p. 1), “Petrovsky”
In addition, those of you, who will be in St. Petersburg , we are glad Invite colleagues for non-playing cocktail for leading agents by education abroad with the participation of representatives of 14 leading US schools, which will be held in the hotel “ Four Seasons 9000 Saint Petersburg » Education Specialists Abroad Eduard Ozerin Vasilyevich, Elena Mo ks ina Alexandrovna and Igor Ozerin Vasilyevich registration for meetings and events has been confirmed
We bring to your attention a brief description of the schools and their programs:
As part of the European tour TABS brings to Moscow 14 unique schools that are extremely popular in North America, as they are the benchmark for the quality of school education.
The geography of schools for every taste – from sunny California and the beautiful state of Hawaii to the status of Connecticut.
Ross School
Co-ed private boarding school for children aged 13 to 19years, founded in 1991 and located in East Hampton, 2 hours from New York, USA.
In addition to the classical elements of the academic program, students of the school study space, anthropology, biotechnology and many other modern innovative subjects, and often go on study trips around the world.
The school has 100 acres of land in east Long Island. The campus has science laboratories, equipped classrooms, art and creative workshops, a photo lab, a library, basketball and baseball courts, a tennis court, a gym and 3 athletics fields.
The school is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSA) and is awarded the first international credential ever issued by the MSA.
Worcester Academy
A co-educational private boarding school for students aged 12-18 located in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA. Founded in 1834, Worcester Academy is one of the nation’s oldest boarding schools, with alumni including Edward Davis Jones, Harry John Benjamin and Cole Porter. The campus of the school covers 73 acres of land, which includes a middle school with approximately 150 students from grades 6 to 8, and a high school with approximately 500 students from 9to 12th grade. Currently, 80 foreign students from 28 countries of the world study at the school.
The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 65% of all applicants.
Worcester Academy is a member of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, the New England Association of Independent Schools, and the New England Preparatory Schools Athletic Council.
Idyllwild Arts Academy
World renowned co-educational arts private school located on 205 acres of pine forest in the San Jacinto Mountains in Idyllwild, California, USA. Idyllwild Arts Academy was the first private arts boarding school in the Western United States.
Currently, the school has more than 300 students from 30 countries aged 15 to 18 years old.
Students of the school study various aspects of the arts: music, theater, visual arts, creative writing, film and media, and fashion design. Idyllwild Arts Academy graduates excel in all professional areas of the arts, including Broadway theatre, prime time television, classical and jazz music, film, graphic design, photography and more.
Idyllwild Arts Academy is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Hillside School
Compact boarding school for boys aged 11 to 15 located in Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA.
The school has 237 students, 18% of whom are foreigners. The school campus, located on a 150-acre site, is an ideal place for the academic, athletic, creative and social development of boys. The school also adheres to a policy of constant dialogue, which contributes to the formation of a warm relationship between students and teachers.
Wyoming Seminary School
Co-educational private boarding school for girls and boys ages 6 to 18 located in the small town of Kingston, Pennsylvania, USA.
This school is famous for its high quality teaching; students have access to a huge number of extra-curricular clubs and activities, and the school territory is equipped with everything necessary and modern: students can spend time in creative studios, a library, gyms, scientific laboratories, a stadium, playgrounds for various sports and so on.
The average class size is 14 and the student-teacher ratio is 8:1, ensuring a high level of attention to the individual needs of each student.
The Ethel Walker School
An independent boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18 located in Simsbury, Connecticut, USA. Ethel Walker School is also one of the only American schools for girls that offers a Postgraduate program of study, thanks to which graduates can further grow academically, personally and athletically.
The campus of the school has a highly developed infrastructure, thanks to which students have access to many offers in the field of art, including 7 music groups, 16 academic courses and more than 10 sports.
The Hockaday School
An independent boarding school for girls aged 6 to 18, founded in 1913 and located in Dallas, Texas. The school provides students with a high quality education and quality preparation for further education in a college or university.
High school students take at least four academic courses per year. Paying a huge amount of attention to academic and intellectual development, the school also does not forget about the physical development of students: on campus there are 3 basketball fields, spaces for dancing and aerobics, a fitness center, a field for hockey, lacrosse and golf, as well as a swimming pool, tennis center and 10 tennis courts.
Southwestern Academy
Co-ed private boarding school for boys and girls aged 11 to 18. Boarding students study at two campuses – in San Marino, California, USA and Rimrock, Arizona, USA.
Southwestern Academy has all the necessary infrastructure for sports and social events. A favorable environment and an individual approach of highly qualified teachers to each student contributes to the most profound development of the curriculum.
At Southwestern Academy, international students can quickly learn English through an intensive ESL (English as a Second Language) program.
Southwestern Academy is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Villanova Preparatory School
Founded in 1924, a private, coeducational Catholic boarding school located in Ojai, California. The school has over 260 students aged 15 to 18. 34% of students live in a boarding house and represent 14 different countries.
The campus covers more than 130 acres and contains many sports facilities, two residences, a gym and tennis courts.
The school is located in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles and is a member of the Augustinian Secondary Education Association and the only coeducational Augustinian boarding school.
Perkiomen School
Co-ed independent boarding school located in Pennsburg, Pennsylvania, USA. Students aged 12-18 study at Perkiomen School, and the school also has a Postgraduate training program. Perkiomen School was founded in 1875 by a descendant of an immigrant from the Schwenkfelder church and currently has about 350 students.
The campus covers 165 acres. On the campus there are 6 academic buildings, 6 residences, a canteen, a medical center and a faculty building. Sports facilities include a sports center with a swimming pool, two sports halls, a gym and a wrestling hall, 8 tennis courts, several sports fields, an indoor and outdoor basketball court.
Admiral Farragut Academy
Established in 1933, a private, co-educational military-style boarding school for students aged 14 to 18, located in St. Petersburg, Florida, USA.
In addition to classical academic education, Admiral Farragut Academy students receive additional naval education: the school has aviation, engineering, navigation, and scuba training programs.
The school has the strict rules traditionally found in military schools. This develops self-discipline, endurance and physical qualities. At the moment, more than 330 students study at the school, among which 18% are foreign, representing 27 countries of the world. There are many interest clubs on the school grounds: outside the classroom, students can play one or more of the 14 sports available, sailing, and also take part in weekend trips and other activities.
King’s Academy
A co-educational private boarding school for students aged 12-18 located in Madaba Manj, Jordan. Named after the King of Jordan, King’s Academy aims to fulfill his vision of “raising a new generation of enlightened and creative minds”. The school offers comprehensive education and development, combining a challenging science and arts curriculum with athletic programs, community service, and extracurricular activities. Also, students can join interest clubs, of which there are more than 20 in King’s Academy.
The school’s infrastructure is rich in everything necessary for the physical development of students: on the territory there are basketball courts (indoor and outdoor), a running track, volleyball courts, a fitness center, a swimming pool, a tennis court and squash and handball courts.
A sia Pasific International School
Private, non-denominational, coeducational boarding school located in Howula, Hawaii, USA. Asia Pacific International School has students from 5 years old (zero grade) to 18 years old. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and licensed by the Hawaiian Association of Independent Schools (HAIS).
The modern campus of the school is located on the north coast of Oahu on a 97-acre cliff with stunning ocean views. The beautiful surrounding nature has a direct impact on the curriculum, one of the most important aspects of which is project activity.
The low teacher-to-student ratio ensures a high level of education, along with extra-curricular education that provides real life experiences.
There are 17 interest clubs in the school. Also on site are basketball courts, a fitness center, a technology center, volleyball courts and a beach volleyball court.
Darlington School
Private, coeducational boarding school founded in 1905 and located in Rome, Georgia, USA. Darlington School has students from 5 years old (zero grade) to 18 years old.
The school is characterized by a strong academic program, numerous opportunities for creative pursuits and a rich sports program.