March NSLOA Newsletter
March NSLOA Newsletter
As we pass March break, lacrosse season is just over a month away. The East Coast Junior Lacrosse League will be opening the season on April 27th while the remaining leagues will begin a week later. This year brings forth new technology that impacts us as officials and April will feature many training opportunities to ensure a smooth transition. We are looking forward to getting back on the floor and hopefully to continue to build the officials across the province.
2024 Officials Clinic
Important dates to mark in your calendar:
- April 6, 2024 - Female only Clinic, Sport Nova Scotia Building, Halifax
- April 7, 2024 - Level 1- 2, 234 Park Street, New Glasgow
- April 13, 2024 - Level 1- 2, Sport Nova Scotia Building, Halifax
- April 14, 2024 - Level 3- 5, Sport Nova Scotia Building, Halifax
- April 27, 2024 - Level 1- 2, Sport Nova Scotia Building, Halifax
- April 28, 2024 - Level 1- 2, Emera Centre, North Sydney
All Clinics will be from 9am until 3pm.
Registration for these clinics will be through the Lacrosse Nova Scotia website (www.lacrossens.ca).
New Nova Scotia Official Nationals Development Program
For the first time the NSLOA will launch the first Officials Nationals Development Program. This program will focus on officials who aspire to attend a national event in the next four year. In 2023, Nova Scotia sent only two officials to Nationals, but had the options for 6 officials to attend Nationals. The NSLOA looks to increase the numbers attending Nationals in future years and will look to the Nationals Development Program to pull officials when the national call is made.
What the program includes:
- Two evaluation per year (required to attend nationals)
- An assigned mentor for monthly in-season calls
- Pathway plan with milestone to achieving your goals
- Professional Development opportunities
- Opportunities to attend a Canadian National Championship
Eligibility Criteria
- Age 16+
- At least 1 year of official’s experience
- Aspiration to attend a Canadian National championship as an official
Any official that is interested in the program or questions please email Brendon Smithson at brendonlivestrong@hotmail.com . The NSLOA is excited to launch this program and provide more opportunities to attend Canadian National Events.
The program will remain open for officials until April 20, 2024, at which time we will close the program for this year.
Up-Coming RAMP training sessions
The NSLOA will also be hosting a series of training sessions on RAMP Gamesheets for officials, coaches, team managers and anyone who will be using the Gamesheet App. We have 4 times set up and users can register for the Zoom Session on the links below. All times are 7pm. The sessions are booked for 60 mins with the first 30 minutes devoted to the Gamesheet app and the second 30 minutes will be for officials, timers and scorers to go over the Assigning app. Session dates are:
Apr 16
https://kerrgroup.zoom.us/j/81175264272
Apr 23
https://kerrgroup.zoom.us/j/85947892045
Apr 25
https://kerrgroup.zoom.us/j/89767248590
Apr 29
https://kerrgroup.zoom.us/j/86477227177
For those that have not downloaded the RAMP Apps or looking for resources on the Gamesheet app click here to find them on the NSLOA website
Increased Evaluation this season
After a successful pilot evaluation program during ECJLL’s 2023 season, the NSLOA is expanding the program to all leagues in Nova Scotia. The positive impacts that evaluation have on our officials of all levels will continue to grow our officials within Nova Scotia and improve the game for all.
In 2024, the NSLOA is committed to increasing the evaluation of all our officials across the province. These evaluations provide opportunity for feedback and scenario discussions with all our officials to improve our knowledge through sharing. Evaluations are used to evaluate your game and build confidence as you grow within the sport of lacrosse. When being evaluated you have the opportunity to discuss game situations to provide opportunities to increase your experience, knowledge and confidence in your own game. Look forward to sharing knowledge across the province.
Next Newsletter
- Pre-Game Dress code
- Officials Level Pathway
- Officials Professional Development Summit
- New Officials On-Floor Development Program
