PRE-GAME PROCEDURES

• When possible meet your partner in the parking lot a ½ hour prior to game
• Decide who will be the referee, then that person should do a pre-game conference
• Go to the field 30 minutes before game time
• Both officials introduce yourselves to the coaches and asked for captains no.#’s, the no.# of their in-home and give the coaches their certification, "coach, are your players properly equipped?" tell coaches that you are available for equipment checks
• Give instructions to bench personnel and sign scorer’s books
• 5 minutes before the start of the game conduct coin toss: {Diagram#1}

-- Referee gets Home Team: Umpire gets the Visitors

-- Home Team faces the bench

-- Umpire should have the Speaking Captain next to the Referee

-- Referee will introduce himself, then the Umpire to the Captains

-- Referee will then have Captains introduce themselves to one another

-- Visiting Team calls coin toss before toss; catch coin and don’t flip it over; if you drop it, re-flip winner has choice of goal they wish to defend & first Alternate Possession

-- Rotate Team Captains, with the player’s backs to the goal that they are to defend

-- Referee should now, from the bench side, tap the shoulder of the captain of the team to whom will get first A.P.; give the signal to the sidelines, scorer’s table and coaches

• Now would be a good time to, first read the sportsmanship declaration to the teams and then do your equipment inspection{Referee=Home; Umpire=Visitors}
• Go check nets for holes and balls
• Meet back at the center X; blow whistle for teams to come out: {Diagram#2}

-- Team’s left shoulder is to be towards the goal that they are to defend

• Rule 4 Section 2 - The Lineup 

  Before the opening face-off, the referee shall draw up the players in line facing each other at the center of the field, with their left sides toward the goal they are defending, and explain any official ground rules. 

  This is a time when each player should reflect upon the traditions of this great game, and the confluence of cultures that has put him or her on the field.  It is a time for the participants to acknowledge the roots of lacrosse and the First Nations societies that developed this game, as well as pay tribute to the honor and spirit of the game.   

  This can be accomplished simply and eloquently.  After the officials have addressed game-day issues, the officials will ask the players to “Honor the game of lacrosse”, using the Mohawk translation of this phrase, “Te wah saw’ na yah   ne     tewaaraton”.  The players will be expected to respond back with this phrase, also in Mohawk. 

  This simple action will raise the awareness of all lacrosse players to  honor the origins of lacrosse. 

  Used with support and permission of Chief Mike Mitchell of the Cornwall Island Akwesasne Mohawk  of the Iroquois Nation.

   
• Have teams shake hands
• Begin game. And remember, HAVE FUN!

The crew that is thoroughly prepared for a game does a better job then the one that waits for problems to develop, then tries to sort them out. Situations can be anticipated because the crew has discussed them. There is less confusion on the field because the crew has discussed signals, responsibilities and mechanics. Bench personnel know their jobs, coaches are informed and the game flows better.