What are the official requirements for lacrosse officials in Michigan. How do postseason qualifications differ for boys and girls lacrosse. What resources are available for lacrosse officials in the MHSAA. Where can I find information about recent MHSAA boys lacrosse regional pairings.
MHSAA Lacrosse Officials: Requirements and Resources
The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) has established comprehensive guidelines for lacrosse officials in both boys and girls divisions. These requirements ensure a high standard of officiating across the state.
General Requirements for All Levels
- Complete or attend the current year’s rules meeting
- Officiate a minimum of 10 contests during the current season
- Be listed as a Member in Good Standing with a Local Approved Association in the sport
Are there additional requirements for officiating at higher levels? Indeed, for semifinal or final games, officials must meet stricter criteria:
- Submit a season schedule to the MHSAA for review
- Compile at least 16 ratings over the previous three years
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 three-year average rating
Resources for Lacrosse Officials
The MHSAA provides numerous resources to support lacrosse officials:
- Equipment rules for both boys and girls lacrosse
- Game suspension and inclement weather policies
- Rules changes and interpretations
- Officials bulletins (updated seasonally)
- Rating cards for performance evaluation
- Incident report forms for ejections, forfeits, and notable injuries
- School sportsmanship feedback forms
Boys Lacrosse: Specific Guidelines and Regulations
Boys lacrosse in Michigan follows specific rules and interpretations set by the MHSAA. How do these differ from national standards? While largely aligned with national guidelines, the MHSAA provides additional clarifications and authoritative rulings to address situations unique to Michigan high school play.
Key Focus Areas in Boys Lacrosse
The MHSAA emphasizes several critical aspects of boys lacrosse:
- Defenseless player protection
- Hits to the head and neck
- Cross-check regulations
To support officials and coaches in understanding these focus areas, the MHSAA provides a video rules library with detailed explanations and examples.
Girls Lacrosse: Unique Aspects and Considerations
Girls lacrosse, while sharing some similarities with the boys’ game, has its own set of rules and considerations within the MHSAA framework.
Time Factors and Overtime Procedures
The MHSAA provides specific guidelines for time management in girls lacrosse games. How are overtime situations handled? The association outlines clear procedures for overtime play, ensuring consistency across all competitions.
Equipment Regulations
Girls lacrosse equipment rules are distinct from those in the boys’ game. The MHSAA provides detailed specifications for sticks, protective gear, and other equipment to ensure player safety and fair play.
Postseason Qualifications and Tournament Structure
The path to postseason play in MHSAA lacrosse involves a structured qualification process and tournament format.
Regional Tournaments
Regional tournaments serve as the first step in the postseason journey. How are these tournaments organized? The MHSAA divides teams into regions based on geographic location and school size, with a series of games leading to regional championships.
Advancing to Quarterfinals
Regional champions move on to the quarterfinal stage. This level of competition brings together the top teams from across the state, setting the stage for intense matchups as teams vie for a spot in the semifinals.
2023 Boys Lacrosse Regional Pairings: A Case Study
The 2023 boys lacrosse regional pairings for Oakland County teams provide insight into the tournament structure and competitive landscape of high school lacrosse in Michigan.
Division 1 Region 4
Hosted by South Lyon East, this region saw intense competition with notable results:
- Brighton emerged victorious after a double overtime win against Birmingham Seaholm in the semifinals
- South Lyon secured their spot in the finals with a decisive win over Livonia Stevenson
- The regional final saw Brighton triumph over South Lyon, advancing to Quarterfinal 1
Division 1 Region 5
Troy Athens hosted this region, which featured some dominant performances:
- Detroit Catholic Central showcased their strength with a 22-2 win over Troy Athens in the semifinals
- Royal Oak narrowly defeated Detroit U-D Jesuit to reach the finals
- The regional final was a one-sided affair, with Detroit Catholic Central securing an 18-0 victory and advancing to Quarterfinal 4
The Role of Technology in MHSAA Lacrosse
Technology plays an increasingly important role in MHSAA lacrosse, from officiating to team management and player development.
Video Review and Rules Library
The MHSAA maintains a comprehensive video rules library for both boys and girls lacrosse. How does this resource benefit officials and coaches? It provides visual examples of key rules and situations, helping to ensure consistent interpretation and application across the state.
Online Reporting and Schedule Management
Officials can submit reports and manage their schedules online through MHSAA platforms. This digital approach streamlines administrative tasks and improves communication between officials, schools, and the association.
Community Engagement and Sportsmanship in MHSAA Lacrosse
The MHSAA places a strong emphasis on community engagement and sportsmanship in all its sports, including lacrosse.
Social Media Guidelines
Recognizing the pervasive influence of social media, the MHSAA provides specific guidelines for officials regarding their online presence and interactions. These guidelines aim to maintain the integrity of the sport and protect officials from potential conflicts of interest.
Sportsmanship Feedback
The association encourages feedback on sportsmanship through its School Sportsmanship Feedback form. How does this process contribute to the overall quality of MHSAA lacrosse? By allowing officials to report on the conduct of teams, coaches, and spectators, the MHSAA can address issues promptly and promote a positive sporting environment.
In conclusion, the MHSAA’s approach to lacrosse demonstrates a commitment to fair play, safety, and continuous improvement. From detailed officiating requirements to comprehensive resources and a structured tournament system, the association provides a solid foundation for high school lacrosse in Michigan. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, the MHSAA’s guidelines and support will play a crucial role in shaping its future in the state.
Lacrosse Officials Information | Michigan High School Athletic Association
Boys
MHSAA Interpretations, Guidelines and Authoritative Rulings
- MHSAA Equipment Rules
- Game Suspension and Inclement Weather Policies
- Rules Changes & Interpretations
Boys Lacrosse Officials Bulletins
- (to come Spring 2021)
Postseason Requirements
General Requirements (all levels): To be eligible for tournament consideration, an official must have completed or attended the current year rules meeting, have officiated a minimum of 10 contests during the current season and be listed as a Member in Good Standing with a Local Approved Association in the sport.
Semifinal or Final level(s): An official must submit a season schedule to the MHSAA for review, have compiled at least 16 ratings over the previous three years and have (at minimum) a 3.
0 three-year average rating.
- Availability and Conflicts
- Member in Good Standing Status (MIGS)
- Ratings
- Schedule for Playoff Consideration | Postseason Checklist
Tutorial for Submitting Season Schedules
Game Cards
- Boys Lacrosse Officials Rating Card
Cards will be filled in duplicate (one for home and one for visitor). For tournaments where the teams are not known, officials should print a number of blank cards to be completed prior to the start of each game.
Girls
- MHSAA Equipment Rules
- Game Suspension and Inclement Weather Policies
- Rules Clarifications
- Time Factors
- Overtime Procedures
Girls Lacrosse Officials Bulletins
- (to come Spring 2021)
Postseason Requirements
General Requirements (all levels): To be eligible for tournament consideration, an official must have completed or attended the current year rules meeting, have officiated a minimum of 10 contests during the current season and must submit a season schedule to the MHSAA for review.
Semifinal or Final level(s): An official must have compiled at least 16 ratings over the previous three years and have (at minimum) a 3.0 three-year average rating.
- Availability and Conflicts
- Member in Good Standing Status (MIGS)
- Ratings
- Schedule for Playoff Consideration | Postseason Checklist
Tutorial for Submitting Season Schedules
Game Cards
- Girls Lacrosse Officials Rating Card
Cards will be filled in duplicate (one for home and one for visitor). For tournaments where the teams are not known, officials should print a number of blank cards to be completed prior to the start of each game.
Boys & Girls
Officials Reports
- Officials Incident Report (ejections, forfeits and notable injuries)
- School Sportsmanship Feedback (Officials Event Report)
Important Forms, Documents and Links
- Social Media Guidelines for MHSAA Officials
- Registered Assigner Directory
- Local Approved Association Directory
- Officials Directory
- Officials Incident Report Writing Guide
- Ratings Reminder for Schools
Lacrosse Video Rules Library
Boys
- Video – Defenseless Player
- Video – Hits To Head & Neck
- Video – Cross Checks
MHSAA 2023 boys lacrosse regional pairings for Oakland County’s teams – The Oakland Press
Here is where and when Oakland County’s boys lacrosse teams will be playing in the MHSAA regionals, starting this week:
DIVISION 1
Region 4
(Hosted by South Lyon East)
Regional First Round
(At host sites)
Thursday, May 18
G1: Brighton 18, Farmington 0
G2: Birmingham Seaholm 10, Howell 9
G3: South Lyon 12, Novi 3
Monday, May 22
G4: Livonia Stevenson 12, Northville 6
Regional Semifinals
(At South Lyon East)
Wednesday, May 24
G5: Brighton 10, Birmingham Seaholm 9 (2OT)
G6: South Lyon 11, Livonia Stevenson 4
Regional Finals
(At South Lyon East)
Wednesday, May 31
G7: Brighton 8, South Lyon 6
(Brighton advances to Quarterfinal 1)
Region 5
(Hosted by Troy Athens)
Regional First Round
(At host sites)
G3: Detroit U-D Jesuit 15, Chippewa Valley 0
Monday, May 22
G1: Troy Athens 14, Detroit Cass Tech 5
G2: Royal Oak 1, Utica Ford 0
Regional Semifinals
(At Troy Athens)
Wednesday, May 24
G4: Detroit Catholic Central 22, Troy Athens 2
G5: Royal Oak 4, Detroit U-D Jesuit 3
Regional Finals
(At Troy Athens)
Tuesday, May 30
G6: Detroit Catholic Central 18, Royal Oak 0
(Detroit Catholic Central advances to Quarterfinal 4)
Region 6
(Hosted by Romeo)
Preregional
G1: Macomb L’Anse Creuse North 13, St.
Clair 3
Regional First Round
(At host sites)
Saturday, May 20
G2: Macomb Dakota 6, Rochester 5
G3: Romeo 4, New Baltimore Anchor Bay 2
Monday, May 22
G4: Birmingham Brother Rice 30, Macomb L’Anse Creuse North 2
G5: Port Huron 13, Utica Eisenhower 1
Regional Semifinals
Thursday, May 25
(At Romeo)
G6: Birmingham Brother Rice 22, Dakota 4
G7: Romeo 5, Port Huron 4 (OT)
Regional Finals
(At Romeo)
Tuesday, May 30
G8: Birmingham Brother Rice 28, Romeo 0
(Birmingham Brother Rice advances to Quarterfinal 1)
Region 7
(Hosted by Bloomfield Hills)
Regional First Round
(At host sites)
Thursday, May 18
G1: Lake Orion 16, Waterford Kettering 2
G2: Bloomfield Hills 8, Lakeland 4
Monday, May 22
G3: Oxford 5, Troy 4 (2OT)
G4: Walled Lake Northern 11, West Bloomfield 7
Regional Semifinals
Thursday, May 25
(At Bloomfield Hills)
G5: Lake Orion 17, Oxford 1
G6: Walled Lake Northern 14, Bloomfield Hills 6
Regional Finals
Tuesday, May 30
(At Bloomfield Hills)
G7: Lake Orion 17, Walled Lake Northern 7
(Lake Orion advances to Quarterfinal 2)
Region 8
(Hosted by Clarkston)
Regional First Round
(At host sites)
G1: Clarkston 22, Bay City Central 0
G2: Ortonville Brandon 5, Davison 4
G3: Grand Blanc 17, Lapeer 2
G4: Saginaw Heritage 11, Swartz Creek 4
Regional Semifinals
(At Clarkston)
Thursday, May 25
G5: Clarkston 21, Ortonville Brandon 0
G6: Grand Blanc 13, Saginaw Heritage 8
Regional Finals
(At Clarkston)
Tuesday, May 30
G7: Clarkston 15, Grand Blanc 1
(Clarkston advances to Quarterfinal 2)
——————————
DIVISION 2
Region 12
(Hosted by Ann Arbor Skyline)
Regional First Round
(At host sites)
Friday, May 19
G1: Portage Northern 20, Pinckney 2
G4: Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard 18, Chelsea 4
Saturday, May 20
G3: Walled Lake Western 19, Ann Arbor Greenhills 1
Monday, May 22
G2: Ann Arbor Skyline 7, Dexter 6
Regional Semifinals
(At Ann Arbor Skyline)
Wednesday, May 24
G5: Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard 15, Walled Lake Western 14 (OT)
G6: Portage Northern 16, Ann Arbor Skyline 1
Regional Finals
(At Ann Arbor Skyline)
Wednesday, May 31
G7: Portage Northern 8, Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard 5
(Portage Northern advances to Quarterfinal 5)
Region 14
(Hosted by Pontiac Notre Dame Prep)
Regional First Round
(At host sites)
Friday, May 19
G2: Orchard Lake St.
