Girls’ lacrosse in Iowa is growing, and that’s an encouraging sign for all who love the game. But Iowa also has some of the same challenges that the growing sport faces in other regions of the country, namely, a need for more certified coaches and a lack of trained officials.
The challenges are so acute in Iowa that Olivia Hardee and her Ankeny Thunder high school club team have had at least three games cancelled in the last year due to a lack of officials. That prompted Olivia’s mom, Chelsie, to step into the void.
“Lacrosse has become Olivia’s favorite sport, so it’s so disappointing for us to have games canceled,” Hardee said. “Even the games that get played always come down to the last minute. Are we going to have refs?”
Earlier this month, when USA Lacrosse hosted a new officials’ clinic in West Des Moines, Chelsie realized that the opportunity to help had arrived. Despite having no background in lacrosse, the mother of five signed up for the clinic. It was time to put an end to canceled games.
“My daughter works so hard on improving her skills, I just wanted to keep providing opportunities for her to play,” Hardee said.
Chelsie was one of 22 men’s and women’s candidates who took part in the one day training clinic coordinated through the Iowa Lacrosse Association. In addition to Chelsie, the diverse group included referees who work other sports, several local high school players who intend to officiate youth games, and a college student hoping to make some extra money.
In addition to two virtual training sessions, the 22 aspiring officials gained hands-on experience with a full day of high school and middle school games at the Mid-American Energy Rec Plex.
“I was super nervous because I am still new to the sport,” Hardee said. “But my daughter has been training me, so I figured I can make this work.”
Hardee knew that getting the proper training was an important first step before getting on the field. USA Lacrosse’s Level 1 curriculum teaches all aspects of becoming an official, providing the necessary instruction pertaining to rules, penalties, positioning, mechanics, and game management.
“I have seen games with bad referees on the field and I know that the game can turn ugly very quickly,” Hardee said.
Working under the guidance of the clinic instructors, Hardee felt her confidence growing throughout the day. As one 20-minute game morphed into the next, she started to grasp the nuances of being a member of the third team on the field.
“The trainers were so amazing and helpful,” Hardee said. “They explained everything and worked us into the games. At the end of the day, I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to just keep going.”
Hardee is now ready for the next step. This coming spring, she hopes to begin working real games and curbing the number of cancellations.
“As parents, we should absolutely fill the need for more officials,” Hardee said. “I would love to see more people stepping up. I know I was trained properly, and I am ready.”
To learn more about the comprehensive USA Lacrosse training, education, and certification for officials, please visit usalacrosse.com/become-official.
