USA Lacrosse is proud to work with the leading event operators in the country on our events sanctioning program.
Sanctioned event operators are committed to following a framework of best practices covering the following five areas:
- Venue
- Game Format
- Risk Management
- Event Administration
- Certified Officials
When adopted in their entirety, these standards, based on high yet attainable goals, will help create the most positive tournament experience possible. The result is a safer and more consistent event that provides the best lacrosse experience for all participants. For more information about the sanctioning program, please contact Mark Eissele.
OFFICIALS: Interested in officiating at a USA Lacrosse sanctioned tournament? Click the link below to see opportunities in your region.
Participating Organizations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is event sanctioning?
Sanctioning is a designation given to events that have adopted a set of operational and safety standards set forward by USA Lacrosse. These tournament standards are a set of best practices that cover five main areas of an event: game format, venue, risk management, event administration, and certified officials. When these practices are adopted in their entirety, events create a more positive experience for participants while receiving insurance and marketing benefits from USA Lacrosse.
What is the purpose of USA Lacrosse event sanctioning.
The purpose of sanctioning is to provide a more consistent playing experience for participants across the lacrosse tournament landscape. Today, many lacrosse tournaments are running by different rules and game formats which leaves players, parents, and spectators adjusting from event to event. When a tournament is sanctioned, the event operator guarantees participants what they can expect from the event.
Why should my team attend a USA Lacrosse sanctioned event?
Have you ever been to a tournament and been left guessing: What rules are we playing? Are there certified medical professionals here? How do I find out schedule information and field maps? A sanctioned tournament guarantees that the event has done its due diligence to ensure that you, the participants, have the most positive experience possible. Sanctioned tournaments guarantee there will be athletic trainers on-site, that there will be an information tent with staff present, and that there is a clear communication plan for schedules and any updates. Sanctioned tournaments have taken the extra step to make sure each participant has a great lacrosse experience.
How do I get my event sanctioned?
The primary requirements are requiring USA Lacrosse membership from head coaches and players, using USA Lacrosse certified officials, and the use of USA Lacrosse rules. You can contact Caitlin Kelley via email or 410.235.6882 for more information.
Are there any costs to get my event sanctioned?
There is no cost to have your tournament sanctioned through USA Lacrosse.
How do I know if a tournament has been sanctioned?
There are two ways to know if a tournament is sanctioned. A USA Lacrosse Sanctioned Tournament will have rights to the USA Lacrosse Sanctioned Tournament Logo and use that logo to acknowledge that they are a part of the program. Additionally, you can go to the sanctioned tournaments page to see a listing of all currently sanctioned tournaments.
What if I need help attaining the sanctioned tournament standards?
The USA Lacrosse staff is more than happy to help evaluate your event and identify how you can achieve sanctioning status. Because the goal is to provide a more consistent event experience nationwide, USA Lacrosse is willing to assist each event to achieve sanctioned status.
How can I submit feedback for my experience at a recent sanctioned tournament I’ve attended?
If you would like to contact USA Lacrosse about the Sanctioning Program or provide feedback about a particular event, please send your message to Caitlin Kelley at ckelley@usalacrosse.com