New rules approved for schools and junior clubs in England

England Lacrosse can confirm that, following on from recent discussions with and feedback from the community, the following new rules will be adopted by schools and junior clubs in England for the forthcoming 2025/26 season.

There will be an opportunity to discuss these rules changes at a special Schools’ Forum in September and the Umpiring Advisory Group (UAG) will run webinars and provide opportunities for further training as required.

A link to the full rules book and detail can be found by clicking here and please do not hesitate to contact our officiating lead Wendy Reynolds on [email protected].

2025/26 New Rules

Rule 1.A.7 Field markings
Reintroduce the previous version of the 11m MA lines and markings (in addition to the current 15m line).

Rule 16 Alternate Possession
Replaces all throws.

Rule 17.A.4 Goal Circle Fouls (new 5 second rule not adopted)
Goalkeeper/defender must move the ball out of the goal circle within 10 seconds. The 10 second count begins as soon as the ball enters the goal circle.

The UAG would like to recommend trialling the new 5 second rule with 1st & U15 teams for a further vote at the end of the Michaelmas (Autumn) Term. The 5 second count only begins once the goalkeeper/defender is in ‘possession’ of the ball.

Rule 17.A.12
Attack players & the goal circle are not allowed to have their feet grounded in or on the goal circle line but may enter the goal circle once the ball has crossed the goal line. Attacking players MAY tackle defenders in the circle but NOT the goalkeeper.

Rule 17.A.14 Goal Circle Fouls
Defending players (when their team has possession) may move through any portion of the goal circle. Any defender in possession of the ball must pass the ball within 10 seconds.

Rule 17.A.17 Goal Circle Fouls
Defending players (when their team is without possession) may move through any portion of the goal circle, however, only the defender/s marking the ball carrier (within a stick length) may remain in the goal circle.

Rule 19.A.10 Minor Fouls Body Ball eliminated
Deliberate stopping of the ball, preventing it from going over a boundary and all other body balls, will be legal but a deliberate 'kicking of the ball' will be considered a minor foul.

Rule 19.A.9 Minor Fouls Empty Stick Check
Adaptation 'incidental contact' when two players are going for a ball will not be called. However, a deliberate empty stick check will be penalised (where one player deliberately denies another the opportunity to catch/pick up a ball).

Rule19.B Minor Fouls Early Entry
If a player crosses the restraining line or enters the centre circle early, this will only be called if their team gain a clear advantage.

Rule 20.B.7 Major Fouls Shooting Space
A reminder that this does not change HOW/WHEN shooting space is called.

Rule 20.B.7.a Exception If the whistle is blown for a Shooting Space violation, between:

• The moment the shot has been released, and a goal is scored the goal will count.

• The moment the shot has been released, and the goalkeeper saves the shot while in the Goal-Circle or the shot hits the post, the goalkeeper is given Possession of the ball inside the Goal-Circle and play is re-started on the official’s whistle.

Rule 20.B.8 Major Fouls Three Second marking Area
A defender must have BOTH feet wholly inside the marking area for the count to begin.

New men's rule amendments approved for use in England

England Lacrosse can confirm that the following rule amendments have been approved by England Lacrosse for the playing of men’s field lacrosse for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 seasons; for all other rules, the World Lacrosse Rule applies in its original form.

There will be an opportunity to discuss these rules changes at a special Schools’ Forum in September and the Umpiring Advisory Group (UAG) will run webinars and provide opportunities for further training as required.

A link to the full rules book and detail can be found by clicking here and please do not hesitate to contact our officiating lead Wendy Reynolds on [email protected] if you have any questions.

 Rule Amendments

Rule 29
29.1 The match shall be divided into 4 periods of 20 minutes duration each.
29.2 The game clock and the penalty clock(s) shall stop:
i.  Whenever the ball becomes dead during the last 30 seconds of the first, second, and third quarters and
ii. The last 2 minutes of the fourth quarter, and any overtime period. The game clock and penalty clock(s) shall restart whenever play is restarted.
These stoppages of play shall not be an opportunity for free substitution under Rule 46.4i. unless a Time-Out is called by a Game Official or correctly requested by an appropriate team member.

Rule 43 The Shot Clock
This rule is omitted and will not apply in domestic lacrosse games. As a result, the Stalling Rule (Rule 62) will continue to be applicable in the domestic game. The Rule is reproduced below together with the relevant AR examples. The Rule number is the number from the preceding World Lacrosse version of the Rules.

61.18 Over and Back
This rule is retained in the domestic game as the Shot Clock rule will not apply as  stated above.
When the Offensive team has possession of the ball inside their Attack Goal Area, the Over and Back rule shall apply.
Offensive team shall not:
i. While in player-possession of the ball, initiate contact with the centerline or anything in their defensive half of the field.
ii. Cause the ball to return to their defensive half of the field or to touch the centerline.
a. Except after a valid shot on goal that is taken from above the goal line extended (GLE), that makes contact with either the goal pipe, or the goalkeeper while inside their goal crease.
Should i. or ii. occur, it shall be judged an Over-and-Back rule violation. The result is an immediate turnover and, when possible, a quick restart for the offended team.
If the ball, or the offensive player in possession of it, does not touch the centerline or their defensive half of the field, no rule violation has occurred.
Defensive players may legally bat the ball to keep it in their offensive half of the field, but if it is possessed and their feet are touching their defensive half of the field, it shall be a turnover.
Exceptions:
An Over-and-Back rule violation does not occur when a loose ball touches the centerline or the offensive team's defensive half of the field in the following situations:
iii. After a valid shot on goal as described above (ii.a).
iv. When the loose ball was last touched by the defensive team.
The Over and Back rule will no longer apply when:
v. A goal is scored,
vi. The Defensive Team gains possession of the ball,
vii. The ball touches the centerline or the offensive team’s defensive half of the field.
viii. An Over and Back rule violation has been assessed.

Specific AR relating to intention of Over and Back Rule:

AR 61.3
Red Team have possession of the ball in their Attack Goal Area. A missed pass by a Red Player touches the centerline. The Trail official blows their whistle for the Over and Back rule violation, at the same time a Blue Player Slashes a Red Player. A flag is thrown for the Slashing foul. Are these Simultaneous fouls?

RULING: No. The ball is awarded to the Red team because of the Blue Player's Slashing major foul. It is not the intent of the rule for a player to serve penalty time for an Over and Back rule violation, but for there to be a change in Team possession. If the Blue Player had been penalized for an illegal push, hold or other Minor foul, as the Over and Back occurred we do not want to restart play with a Face-Off. (Free Play should be awarded to Red). Over and Back is intended as a 'Play of the Game' rule, similar in its application to an Out-of-Bounds situation. It is temporarily located within the Illegal Procedure group of Minor Fouls until the end of 2025, after which it will reside within the Shot Clock rules in Section 6 Play of the Game.

Rule 62: Stalling
62.1 Any deliberate action on the part of a Team in possession of the ball to maintain possession of the ball outside the attack goal area by holding or passing the ball without reasonable effort to attack its opponents’ goal is a Minor foul known as “stalling”.
62.2 A Team playing with fewer Players than its opponents due to penalties cannot be guilty of stalling.
62.3 A Team that has possession of the ball in their attack goal area cannot be guilty of stalling.
62.4 Where an Official feels that a Team in possession of the ball outside the attack goal area is not making a reasonable attempt to attack its opponents’ goal, then they shall ask that Team to “Get it in”; the Team must then carry or pass the ball into the attack goal area within a reasonable time. Once the ball is in the attack goal area, then the Team in possession shall keep it in the attack goal area. If the ball subsequently leaves the stalling area (the attack goal area) before the defending Team has had possession of the ball, except as a result of a foul by the defending Team or a deflection by the defending Team or a shot, then the Team which has been asked to “Get it in” shall lose possession to their opponents.
62.5 Where an Official feels that a Team in possession of the ball inside the attack goal area is not making a reasonable attempt to attack its opponents’ goal, then they shall ask that Team to “Keep it in”; the Team must then keep it in the attack goal area. If the ball subsequently leaves the stalling area (the attack goal area) before the defending Team has had possession of the ball, except as a result of a foul by the defending Team or a deflection by the defending Team or a shot, then the Team, which has been asked to “Keep it in”, shall lose possession to their opponents.
62.6 This rule shall not prevent a Team from employing a careful passing game for the purpose of manoeuvring the opposing Team out of position.
62.7 A stalling warning ends when:
i. The defensive Team gains possession of the ball; or
ii. A goal is scored; or
iii. A period ends resulting in a face-off.

AR 62.1
Red have been warned to “Get it in”, but they have not yet done so. A Red pass is missed, but they recover the ball before Blue gain possession of it.

RULING: The stalling warning is still in effect, and Red is again asked to “Get it in”.

AR 62.2
Red have possession in the attack goal area, having been warned to “Get it in” or to “Keep it in”. A Red pass is missed, but they recover the ball before it leaves the attack goal area, and before Blue gain possession of it.

RULING: The stalling warning is still in effect.

AR 62.3
Red have been warned to “Get it in”, but they have not yet done so. Red immediately loses possession to Blue, but then regain the ball. Rules of Men’s Field Lacrosse: 2025 – 2027 Ver 1.0 Page 91

RULING: The stalling warning is no longer in effect, as a new clearing situation has been created.

AR 62.4
Red have possession in the attack goal area, having been warned to “Get it in” or to “Keep it in”. Red loses possession to Blue, but then regain the ball.

RULING: The stalling warning is no longer in effect, as a new situation has been created.

Red have possession in the attack goal area, having been warned to “Get it in” or to “Keep it in”. Red then takes a shot at goal.

RULING: If the ball goes out-of-bounds on the back line or on the sideline bounding the goal area, and Red are awarded possession, then the stalling warning is still in effect.

RULING: If the ball hits a pipe, and goes out-of-bounds beyond the goal area line, then no foul has been committed. If Red are awarded the ball, then the stalling warning is still in effect.

RULING: If the ball hits a pipe and becomes loose in the goal area, and Red recover possession, then the stalling warning is still in effect.

RULING: If the ball hits a pipe and rebounds over the goal area line, then no foul has been committed. If Red gain possession of the resulting loose ball, then the stalling warning is still in effect.

AR 62.6
Red have possession in the attack goal area, having been warned to “Get it in” or to “Keep it in”. The man in possession then steps on or beyond a line bounding the attack goal area, is legally forced out of that area, or passes the ball out of play. RULING: The ball is awarded to Blue.

AR 62.7
Red have possession in the attack goal area, having been warned to “Get it in” or to “Keep it in”. The man in possession then passes it out of the attack goal area into the midfield.

RULING: If Blue gain possession of a resulting loose ball, then play is allowed to continue. Otherwise, the ball is awarded to Blue at the point of the infraction.

AR 62.8
Red have possession in the attack goal area, having been warned to “Get it in” or to “Keep it in”. The man with the ball is illegally forced out of play over a boundary line.

RULING: The Blue Player serves penalty time, Red retain the ball, and the stalling warning stays in effect.

AR 62.9
Red have possession in the attack goal area, having been warned to “Get it in” or to “Keep it in”. The man with the ball is illegally forced out of the attack goal area and into the central zone.

RULING: A flag is thrown, and the stalling warning is repeated.

AR 62.10
Red has possession in the attack goal area, having been warned to “Get it in” or to “Keep it in”. A pass is deflected by a Blue Player and goes out of play. RULING: The ball remains Red, and the stalling warning stays in effect.

AR 62.11
Red has possession in the attack goal area, having been warned to “Get it in” or to “Keep it in”. A pass is deflected by a Blue Player and goes out of the attack goal area into the midfield.

RULING: Free ball. If Red regains possession of the loose ball, then the warning is immediately repeated

Rule 79.5
Penalty time will only be served during normal playing time. Stoppages in play for all timeouts, will temporarily interrupt penalty time. During an authorised time-out, or between periods, a penalised Player may leave the penalty box, but they must return at the commencement of play to complete their suspension.

England Lacrosse adopts World Lacrosse rulebook for women's teams ahead of 2025/26 season

England Lacrosse can confirm that the latest World Lacrosse rules will be adopted by senior women’s field teams and teams competing in British Universities and College Sport (BUCS) competitions during the upcoming 2025/26 season.

The only exception is Rule 24 regarding the Shot-Clock which we will not be adopting.

To view the full rulebook, click here.

Please note the ‘typo’ for Rule 19.B.12:
For all minor fouls that occur inside the AFA below GLE:
19.B.12.a The Free Position is set at the dot nearer to the spot of the foul.
19.B.12.b The offender will move 4m behind from the player taking the Free Position.

This should read: The offender will move 4m to the side of the player taking the Free Position.

Please find below a summary of the major changes but please do read the full rulebook for all changes:

Rule 1.A.7 Field Markings
Reintroduction of the previous version of the 11m MA lines and markings (in addition to the current 15m line).

Rule 6.A.21
The goalkeeper must wear padded gloves and may wear shoulder/arm pads and shin guards (soccer/football style), compression shorts or football pants (American football) that conform to the body. Compression shorts or football pants may be worn with or without pads designed for the pants as designed by the manufacturer. Hard plastic pieces on goalkeeper gloves are permissible if included by design of the manufacturer.
Thumb protectors, if attached during the manufacturing process, are legal/allowed.

Rule 8.A.4 Removal of pre-game stick checks
Coaches & Team Captains will be responsible for ensuring that their players are properly and legally dressed and equipped according to Rule 3, Rule 6 and APPENDIX H and confirm this to the officials prior to the start of the game.

Rule 6.A.21 Goalkeeper Goal Score Foul Eliminated
○ If a GK throws the ball into the opponent’s goal, no foul, the goal will count.
○ If a GK crosses the attacking end restraining line, it is still a foul.

Rule 16.A Alternate Possession
Remove the throw, implement alternate possession. This is decided at the captains toss. Captains may choose which goal to defend of the first alternate possession.

Rule 16.B Coincidental Fouls

Rule 17 Goal Circle Fouls
Possession in the Circle
17.A.1 goalkeeper/defender has possession of the ball if they have one or both feet grounded in the goal circle & ball is in their stick or the ball is in the goal circle trapped under the goalkeeper’s stick.
17.A.2 when in possession of the ball in the goal circle the goalkeeper cannot be checked (stick can no longer be checked if outside sphere of circle/a defender’s stick can be checked)
17.A.4 the goalkeeper / defender must move the ball out of the goal circle within 5 seconds of gaining possession.
The official will count the 5 seconds out loud while using a visible, hand chopping motion to count each second that the ball remains in the Goal-Circle.
17.A.13 an attack player may play the ball within the goal circle but must not:

• Step on or over goal circle line to play the ball on a shot

• Step on or over the goal circle line until the whole ball has crossed the line

• Initiate contact with defender / goalkeeper

• Cause a defender to make contact with the goalkeeper

• Interfere with goalkeeper’s stick

Defence

17.A.14 Defence Has the Ball, Defence Through the Crease
○ When the defending team has possession, players on the defending team who do not have possession of the ball may move through or remain in the Goal-Circle in their defensive end of the field. Any defensive player in possession of the ball must abide by Rule 17.A.4.
17.A.17 Attack Has the Ball, Defence Through the Crease
○ Players in their Defending Area may move through their Goal Circle. Defensive Players are permitted to run through any portion of their Goal Circle while defending; however, only the defensive player(s) marking the ball carrier within a Crosse length, may remain in the crease while defending.

Rule 19 Minor Fouls
19.A.8.a “Covering”becomes “Withholding the Ball from Play”
○ A player must not trap a loose ball on the ground with their stick longer than is necessary to control the ball and pick it up in one continuous motion if an opponent is able to make a legal play on the ball. Raking the ball is permitted. A player must not withhold the ball from play with any part of their body when it prevents an opponent from making a legal play on the ball. A player must not withhold the ball from play in any other manner.
■ Exception: If the goalkeeper is grounded in their Goal-Circle they may trap the ball as per Rule 17.A.1.ii.

Rule 19.A.9 Changes to Empty Stick Check
○ A player must not check/tackle an opponent’s empty Crosse while the opponent is trying to gain possession of the ball in the air. This rule only applies when an opponent is attempting to receive a pass.
○ Guidance: Incidental contact between Crosses while playing a ball in the air is not a foul

19.B.2 & 3 Early Entry (centre-circle & midfield area)          

Rule 19.A.10 Eliminate all Body Ball fouls

Rule 20.A.20 Three Seconds
20.A.20.a Only one defender may mark the same opponent without the ball in the 11m Fan.
20.A.20.b For a defensive player to be considered “inside” the 11m Fan both feet must be fully in the 11m Fan. Once one foot is on the 11m Fan line or beyond, this defensive player is considered “out” and is no longer eligible for three seconds.

Vacancy | England Lacrosse Officiating Advisory Group Member

England Lacrosse is looking to appoint a new member of our Officiating Advisory Group (OAG) to help shape the future of lacrosse officiating in England.

The ideal candidate will have a good all-round knowledge of officiating and the sport of lacrosse with experience of working in a committee, group, or similar forum.

Part of the role will require the successful individual to understand England Lacrosse’s strategic perspective to support the delivery of the EL Business Plan 2025-28 through officiating development, work as a member of a high performing team, and uphold the values of England Lacrosse.

The main responsibilities as an OAG member are:

• Ensure OAG builds and maintains links with NLC, UAG, RAG, Regions, Talent and Performance.

• Be a functional part of OAG meetings, reviewing all information on officiating development and performance in order to ensure sound decision making, effective monitoring and the provision of suitable advice.

• Identify and ensure adequate steps are taken to address any potential issues, as well as contribute to all matters discussed and agreements reached.

• Working with the EL Officiating leads to ensure the OAG achieves its targets set in the business plan and other plans set with statutory bodies or regions.

• Provide ad hoc support the rest of the OAG committee when necessary.

For a full role description, click HERE.

Commitment to Equality and Diversity

England Lacrosse is committed to being an equal opportunity employer, ensuring that all employees, volunteers (referred to collectively as ‘workers’), job applicants and prospective Board members, existing Board members, service users and other people with whom we serve are treated fairly and are not subjected to unfair or unlawful discrimination. EL values the diversity of our workers, Board members and service users. We aim to make our services as accessible and responsive as possible to all existing and potential service users and to provide a service to them which recognises and respects their differences. We recognise that our ability to meet their needs is improved by having a diverse workforce and board which generally reflects our service users. We also wish to provide the best opportunities to all of our workers, based on their abilities and potential.  EL has a board diversity policy, that clearly articulates the EL position on diversity, which can be found on our website: www.englandlacrosse.co.uk/policies

How to apply:
To express interest in this role please email the following documents to Abi Merrill at [email protected]

-        Cover Letter outlining your motivation for the post and relevant experience (Max 500 words)

-        A current CV

-        Complete Equalities monitoring form – via this link. - Equalities Monitoring Form

Application closing date | Friday 22 August.

Register your interest in England Lacrosse Officiating Conference

England Lacrosse is looking for officials to register their interest in a possible upcoming Officiating Conference with details to be confirmed in due course based on the results of the survey below.

The Conference would be an opportunity for officials all over the country to network, share best practice, and take part in workshops.

Provisional dates for the Conference are either Saturday 20 or Sunday 21 September 2025.

To register your interest in the Officiating Conference, click the button below.

If you have any questions about the Conference, please contact Brin Kenyon on [email protected].

12 English officials heading to Poland for Men's Euros in July

11 English officials have been selected to referee matches at the upcoming 2025 European Men’s Lacrosse Championship in Wroclaw, Poland.

Philip Pearson will be a part of the top team of officials during the competition taking place from 10-19 July, acting as an educator throughout the tournament.

Graham Blyth, Mark Buckley, Dennis Cheng, Craig Davy, Tom Hamey, James Hawksworth, Andy Higginbottom, Emma Jones, Michael Leahy, Ben Lipinski, and Craig Stephens will also feature as match officials as part of a 42-strong group of referees from all over the world.

The 2025 European Men’s Lacrosse Championship will be the first full edition of this competition to take place since 2016 when England brought home the title for the ninth time in Budapest, Hungary.

The announcement of referees for the Euros comes just two weeks after it was revealed that four English officials will participate in The World Games in Chengdu, China, and the 2025 World Lacrosse U20 Men’s Championship in Jeju, Korea, in August.

Four English officials selected for world competitions this summer

Four English officials have been selected to officiate across two international competitions later this year, World Lacrosse has announced.

Top sixes officials Michael Leahy and Lara Owen will travel to Chengdu, China in August to officiate at the lacrosse competition at The World Games 2025 and experienced field officials James Hawsworth and Emma Jones will head to Jeju, Korea later in the month for the 2025 World Lacrosse Men’s U20 Championship.

Leahy, Owen, Hawksworth, and Jones represent four of the brightest sparks in English officiating and have a wealth of experience at all levels and formats of the game.

The World Games will see teams play the sixes Olympic version of lacrosse and marks one of the final world sixes events before lacrosse makes its return to the Olympic Games in LA in 2028.

The World Lacrosse Men’s U20 Championship showcases the best young talent in the world playing the traditional 10-a-side version of the sport.

England Lacrosse would like to congratulate all four officials and wish them luck as they prepare for and officiate at the competitions later this year.

For more information about all officials selected for this summer’s world competitions, click HERE.

England Lacrosse to host series of women's playing rules webinars

England Lacrosse is hosting a series of webinars in June to explain and discuss recommended changes to the women’s rules as played in England.

The webinars come after the England Lacrosse Umpiring Advisory Group (UAG) recently recommended that all clubs and schools adopt the latest 2025/2026 World Lacrosse women’s playing rules for the forthcoming season, with the following exceptions/guidelines:

• No shot-clock

• Clubs/schools continue to adapt the field dimensions to suit the size of the ground/field

The webinars will take place online from 7pm on Wednesday 4 June, Thursday 5 June, Monday 9 June, and Tuesday 10 June with members of the UAG in attendance to explain the new rules in greater depth.

Ahead of the webinars, the UAG would like attendees to pay particular attention to the following rules:

1. Return to a 15m arc and 11m marking area (advantage of being able to call shooting space earlier) (Rule 1)
2. New shooting space rule (this has now been played by all schools at National Schools/Senior Regionals) (Rule 20.A.19)
3. No restriction of colour of mouthguard (Rule 6.A.5.a)
4. Defenders may run through any portion of the goal circle (Rule 17.A.14-17)
5. Goalkeepers may NOT be tackled/checked once in possession of the ball when grounded in the goal circle regardless of whether stick is outside the goal circle sphere (Rule 17.A.1-11)
6. Goalkeepers may only hold the ball for 5 secs (count does not start until the ball is in the stick) (Rule 17.A.5)
7. Attacking team may play a ground ball inside the goal circle from outside the goal circle (Rule 17.A.12-13)
8. Alternate possession (no throw) (Rule 16)
9. No body ball (Rule removed – see withholding Rule 19.A.8)
10. No empty stick check on ground balls (Rule 19.A.9

To register for one of the four upcoming women’s rules webinars, click the button below.

Registration for latest England Lacrosse Level 2 Refereeing Course now open

England Lacrosse is delighted to announce that registration is now open for our latest Level 2 Refereeing Course.

The England Lacrosse Level 2 Refereeing Course requires individuals to attend one online webinar and one practical training day alongside a complete game assessment.

Our latest Level 2 Refereeing Course webinar will take place online on Tuesday 3 June from 6:30pm-8:30pm with the practical element to be arranged with each participant individually.

To embark on the Level 2 Refereeing Course, individuals must have a valid Level 1 certification and England Lacrosse membership.

For more information about officiating, click HERE.

Officiate at 2025 National Schools Lacrosse Championships

England Lacrosse is looking to recruit umpires for the 2025 National Schools Lacrosse Championships set to take place at Aldershot Garrison Sports Centre, Aldershot from 8-11 March next year.

Over the four days of the Championships, England Lacrosse employ a team of over 50 officials of different ages and abilities offering a great opportunity for umpires to connect, network, and learn from each other.

Those Level 1 officials looking to make the step up to Level 2 will also have the potential to be assessed while working at National Schools.

If you’re interested in taking part and officiating at the 2025 National Schools Lacrosse Championships, please click the button below and fill in the Expression of Interest form.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Helen Amos at [email protected].

Wendy Reynolds appointed England Lacrosse Officiating Lead

England Lacrosse is delighted to announce the appointment of Wendy Reynolds as Officiating Lead, working in a freelance capacity alongside newly appointed Officiating Administrator Brin Kenyon.

Wendy will work with Brin to manage England’s officiating workforce as well as national and domestic rules and committees.

Bringing over 20 years of officiating experience to the role, Wendy will also co-ordinate England Lacrosse’s international relationships with World Lacrosse and the European Lacrosse Federation.

Finally, she will co-ordinate and implement the deployment of England’s officials at a national and international level.

Assistant Head at Heathfield School, Ascot, Wendy began playing lacrosse in 1978 as a goal-keeper and represented England for 14 years picking up a World Cup silver medal (1993) and bronze medal (1997) in the process.

After retiring from playing, Wendy had a desire to remain involved in lacrosse at a high level and eventually moved into umpiring, representing England once again at every U19 and senior World Championship between 2003 and 2013 and being a part of the umpiring teams in two gold medal games.

Since 2014, Wendy has been a member of the World Lacrosse Officiating Committee and a World Championship Lead Mentor/Assessor and in 2017, she was awarded the World Lacrosse Emeritus Award for Women’s Officiating.

To contact Wendy directly, email [email protected].

Three English officials awarded World Lacrosse Level 1 status

England Lacrosse is delighted to announce three English officials have been awarded one of World Lacrosse’s highest officiating qualifications: the Level 1 Award.

Paul Jenkins, Annabel Campbell, and Helen Mavin were all awarded the qualification following their performances at the recent 2024 ELF Women’s Championship in Braga, Portugal.

England Lacrosse would like to congratulate Paul, Annabel, and Helen on this fantastic achievement as they continue to represent England at the highest level.

Three English officials heading to Utica for World Lacrosse Box Championships

England Lacrosse is delighted to announce three English officials have been selected to officiate at the upcoming 2024 World Lacrosse Box Championships in Utica, New York, USA.

Taking place from 20-29 September, Michael Leahy, Emma Jones, and John Pordum will travel across the pond for the inaugural women’s competition as well as the sixth edition of the men’s and will take charge of games across both codes.

All three officials have extensive international experience with all having attended previous World and European tournaments across the box, field, and sixes formats.

In 2022, Leahy was the first person to be awarded World Lacrosse’s prestigious Level 3 Officiating Award and, until recently, he was the only official in the world to hold the award.

England Lacrosse would like to wish the three officials all the best over the next couple of weeks!

Seven English officials heading to the Women's Euros

Seven English officials have been selected as part of a 34-strong officiating team to umpire at this year’s 2024 ELF Women’s Championship in Braga, Portugal.

Paul Bibby, Annabel Campbell, Helen Mavin, Paul Jenkins, Paul Monaghan, David Morris, and Wendy Reynolds have all been chosen to take part in the European Championship that takes place from 10 to 20 July.

All eight umpires represent some of the best officiating talent in England and together have extensive experience wearing the black and white stripes at top-level international competition.

The full 34-person list of officials sees 11 nations represented, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czechia, England, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Netherlands, Switzerland, and United States.

2024 ELF Women’s Championship Officials

Sèraphine Aelterman (Belgium)
Paul Bibby (England)
Jessica Borghoff (United States)
Annabel Campbell (England)
Marco Daniele (Belgium)
Renske De Heuvel (Switzerland)
Judith Fritz (Switzerland)
Bohdan Fuka (Czechia)
Marietta Gedding (Germany)
Elena Heller (Germany)
Paul Jenkins (England)
Ake Kriwall (Germany)
Anke Leibfarth (Germany)
Annika Lie (Netherlands)
Antonia Luetgebrune (Germany)
Annika Mangold-Döring (Germany)
Helen Mavin (England)
Aya Miyazaki (Japan)
Paul Monaghan (England)
David Morris (England)
Pianne Oostwoud Wijdenes (Netherlands)
Natalie Jane Owens (Australia)
Lenka Peskova (Czechia)
Wendy Reynolds (England)
Lucie Ruzkova (Czechia)
Joyce Tai (Hong Kong, China)
Stephen Taylor (Canada)
Pavel Urban (Czechia)
Tammy Varga (Australia)
Sanne Visser (Netherlands)
Lisa Volland (United States)
Mara Wager (United States)
Jen Whelan (United States)
Rena Whitehouse (United States)

English officials selected for 2024 World Lacrosse Women's U20 Championship

Two English officials have been selected as on-field officials for the 2024 World Lacrosse Women’s U20 Championship, World Lacrosse has announced.

Paul Bibby and David Morris are part of a 38-strong team of officials travelling to Hong Kong, China for the competition that’s set to take place from 15-24 August.

Both Bibby and Morris are highly experienced officials having taken charge of matches at various international competition around the world as well as some of the most high level domestic games in England.

The 38 officials represent 12 nations and three Continental Federations with World Lacrosse’s Officiating Committee helping to select the group of officials in consultation with National Governing Bodies and Continental Federations based on the officials’ quality and past performance in internationally sanctioned events.

The group of officials will be supported through the championship by a team of educators who will mentor, evaluate and assess their performance.

Leading up to the event, the individuals will continue to officiate in their home countries, attend online workshops, undergo fitness testing and take rules exams ensuring that they are best prepared for the championship.

Each official selected for the championship has a World Lacrosse 1 or higher certification, in line with World Lacrosse’s recent efforts to develop an officials’ certification program to ensure a consistent standard across world championships.

England Lacrosse launch Coaching & Officiating Survey

England Lacrosse is pleased to launch its 2024 Coaching & Officiating Survey as it seeks feedback from those involved in the game to give it a full picture of the current landscape in England.

Feedback is welcome from any and all coaches and officials involved in lacrosse in England from all age groups and abilities.

The survey responses will allow England Lacrosse to better understand the experiences of coaches and officials within the sport, particularly after the turbulent past few years.

England Lacrosse will then be able to provide support in the right areas and help make a positive difference to coaches and officials within England.

Please note, the survey closes at 5pm on Monday 15 April.

Join men's rules webinar for developing officials

North of England Lacrosse Officials Association (NELOA) and North West Lacrosse Association will be hosting a men’s rules webinar on Tuesday 5 March at 7pm.

The webinar will include a brief presentation followed by a Q&A session which can cover any aspects of the rules, their application or mechanics.

The webinar is open to all but is primarily aimed at club officials with Level 1 & 2 refereeing qualifications. The webinar also welcomes officials from outside the North-West as well as players and coaches who have rules questions or would like to better understand the rules and functions of officials during matches.

If there are specific topic areas within the rules which attendees would like to be addressed, please email in advance of the webinar to Peter Davidson ([email protected]) and NELOA will try to incorporate the relevant information within the presentation.

 Officials Mentoring

If your club has any new or aspiring officials who need a little support to help them on their officiating journey, NELOA would like to hear from them (or you) to discuss how best to offer guidance.

Again contact Peter Davidson at the email address above.

Officiating Advisory Group releases 2024 reading list

England Lacrosse can confirm our Officiating Advisory Group (OAG) has released its annual reading list for 2024.

The list aims to allow all officials in the English game to continue their professional development off the field with a view to overall continued improvement on it.

With different media types, insights into different sports, and a range of different approaches, the texts in the list gives officials the opportunity to become more rounded in the role and offer other insight inanition to the rules manual.

To view the 2024 reading list, click the button below and click HERE to access the 2022 version.

England Lacrosse announces winter officiating course schedule

England Lacrosse has announced its officiating course schedule for winter 2024 with six dates aimed at Level 1 and 2 officials who want to continue their umpiring or refereeing journey.

Taking place between Tuesday 23 January and Tuesday 20 February, there are four Level 2 umpire, one Level 2 referee, and one Level 3 referee courses.

The umpire courses are split across two webinars while the Level 2 referee course consists of a single webinar to be delivered online between 7:30pm and 9pm on the designated dates; the Level 3 referee course requires participants to attend an online webinar followed by a single training day.

Dates for the training days are still yet to be confirmed but there will be one in Manchester and another in the Greater London area in April 2024.

Umpire courses
All webinars take place from 7:30pm-9pm

Tuesday 23 January 2024 | Webinar 1
Thursday 1 February 2024 | Webinar 2
Thursday 15 February 2024 | Webinar 1
Tuesday 20 February 2024 | Webinar 2

Referee courses

Thursday 25 January 2024 | Level 2
Tuesday 20 February 2024 | Level 3

For more information about the courses and to book your spot, click the relevant button below.

Be an official at 2023 BUCS Lacrosse Sixes

England Lacrosse is searching for individuals to officiate at the annual British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Lacrosse Sixes at Nottingham Trent University on Sunday 15 October 2023.

Taking place at Nottingham Trent’s Clifton Campus, the BUCS Lacrosse Sixes competition features university teams from all over the country, playing the new six-a-side version of lacrosse.

It is a fantastic opportunity for officials early in their journey to begin officiating Sixes Lacrosse, with experienced Sixes officials attending to help develop emerging talent; officiating coaches will also be in attendance to provide further coaching and development.

Officials who take part will receive a £75 match fee and up to £50 in travel for the day of attending with officials needing to be on-site no later than 9:30am and the final games finishing at around 6pm.

Any officials wishing to attend the event should click the button below and complete the form.

Please note, applications will close at 9am on Tuesday 3 October.