South District News

January 11, 2005 The 2005 orientation class for new and prospective boys' lacrosse officials in south Texas will be this Wednesday (tomorrow) from 6:30-8:30 PM. The class will be in the team classroom in the Crum Fieldhouse (main gym) at Episcopal High School in Houston. [My apologies to those of you who are not in the greater Houston area.] Anyone who has ever thought about becoming a boys' or men's official is welcome. This meeting is NOT a commitment to officiate; it is an orientation for those who want to learn more about it. DIRECTIONS Episcopal HS is at the intersection of the 610 West Loop and Bissonnet in Houston, just south of the Galleria area. The gym is on Fournace Place, which forms the north boundary of the campus. For a map, visit www.swloa.org, or use the following address in Mapquest: 4600 Fournace Place, Bellaire TX 77401 THE NEED FOR OFFICIALS Lacrosse is a fast-paced and fast-growing sport with a great need for officials. You do NOT need to know the rules already – that will be part of the training. You do NOT need to have played lacrosse – some of the best officials in the world never played the game. Experience with other sports is helpful but not required. What you need is a willingness to learn, to hustle, and to be decisive. Formal training runs from late January through April and will include both classroom and on-field sessions. THE REWARDS OF OFFICIATING Officiating is a great way to stay in shape, earn extra income, and make a critical contribution to one of the world's most beautiful games. If you cannot attend the orientation but want to learn more about officiating, please contact Mike Alsobrooks at (281) 324-3442 or mike@itsofficial.org George Webb, Clinician Southwest Lacrosse Officials Association 713-529-6762 gwebb@alumni.rice.edu