An official shall not referee a sibling, parent or immediate relation involved in a game at all levels except in extenuating circumstances, and agreed to by both teams.

• Both coaches must sign the top of the score sheet to verify agreement prior to the start of the game. (2019-2020 BCLA Operating Policy – Section 5.03)

For Minor Box Lacrosse only, during all league and post season play, visiting teams may not bring a referee from outside the home team’s association without prior consent from the home association obtained at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the scheduled game time.

• If consent is granted, visiting teams may contact their local head referee or BCLOA minor zone coordinator to have a referee assigned.
• Visiting teams that bring a referee to a road game will be responsible for that referee’s game fees and any appropriate travel expenses
• Under NO circumstances may team personnel choose or contact referees on their own.
• Referees who accept a game assignment offered directly from a team may be subject to disciplinary action.

Note: Home associations are under no obligation to accede to requests of this kind and may decline.

Note also that in some regions, referee assignments for zone play downs are made directly by the BCLOA Minor Zone coordinator (2019-2020 BCLA Operating Policy – Section 5.09).

30 Second Shot Clock Operator

In the Novice division and above, 30 Second Shot Clock Operator are provided for each home game.

The operator is booked by the Referee Allocator.

These operators are certified referees and by operating the shot clock, they have the opportunity to watch older referees during the game.

Team

Any team failing to appear for a game at the appointed time and place is responsible for paying the referee fees for all assigned referees present at the game and for any facility rental charges.

The commissioner will be notified of the situation as soon as possible and will report the incident to the Lower Mainland Minor Lacrosse Commission Executive for further action. (as per Lower Mainland Coaches Handbook).

If the visiting team doesn’t show, contact them to see if they are at the wrong arena or not coming at all.

The referees can be asked to stay if the visiting team is on route but the referees are not expected to stay later than the scheduled end time.

• They may have other commitments or arrangements for transportation

As home team you are to pay the referees immediately – whether the visiting team is late or doesn’t show at all.

If the visiting team does not show or there is not enough floor time available to play the game, the visiting team will be required to pay the referee fees.

• The visiting team should make the cheque payable to LMLA
• You will collect these funds prior to playing the rescheduled game

If the game does not proceed, the manager or coach is responsible to stay with the referees until they have made arrangements to be picked up

• Young referees should not be left alone at an arena
• Use common sense for each situation

Referee

Referees should arrive 30 minutes prior to the game.

If a Referee does not arrive within 20 minutes of the game start, contact the Referee Allocator to arrange for a replacement, if possible.

The attending referee can select a qualified referee from the stands – if one is present and both coaches agree.

This agreement must be recorded on the game sheet.

• Both coaches must sign the top of the score sheet to verify agreement prior to the start of the game

If neither of the appointed referees are present at the start of the game, the coaches of the two clubs shall agree on substitute referees.

• If the regularly appointed referees appear during the progress of the game, they shall at once replace the temporary referees. CLA Rule Book Section 23(k)

One referee is not permitted to officiate a game alone in any division, at any level.

If only one referee shows up, regardless of whether or not you are able to get another referee from the stands, the referee present and the shot clock operator are paid immediately.

If the original referee arrives after a replacement has been contacted, the original referee may not be eligible to referee the game.

• Common sense needs to be used in this circumstance
• A substitute referee may step in to get the game started until the other referee arrives
• A late referee should compensate the substitute referee

The Referee Allocator will deal with tardy or absent officials.

Verbal Abuse towards officials at both home and away games is NOT to be tolerated.

• This includes before, during and after games

Parents are NOT to approach referees.

• Let parents know to channel their comments and concerns through you and you will speak with the Head Referee to have their concerns dealt with
• Record concerns or issues – make note of the game number and keep for your records

A referee has the authority to suspend play of the game until an abusive spectator is removed from the arena upon their request.

• The home team is responsible for this removal

In some incidents a referee is required to write a “Game Report” to clarify the situation/penalties assigned.

Any report covering the explanation of a Match Penalty or other serious offences shall be written on the Official's Game Report and forwarded within twenty-four (24) hours to the appropriate league official for action.

Any such explanation shall be confidential and shall not be made public other than for discussion by the appropriate league official (2019-2020 BCLA Operating Policy – Section 12.01).

This infraction must be immediately telephoned to the minor association Head Referee.

It is the duty of the Head Referee to notify the League Commissioner within 24 hours of the game.