Celebrating over 35 seasons of service to the game of Lacrosse (1990-2025)
"One child makes you a parent... two children make you a referee"
David Frost
About Us
Our History
The Rhode Island Lacrosse Officials Association was founded in 1990, as the sport began to gain momentum in the state. A sport once exclusive to the Prep and Private schools, became available to students at schools statewide.
Since then, this fast paced and exciting sport, has exploded in our area and our need for officials has grown with the game.
We are always looking for new officials and if you want the best seat in the house, continue to scroll down and complete a New Official Application Form.
Someone from our organization will be in touch with you. We have great mentors in our organization, who work the varsity and college level, and can help you develop your skills and be part of this fast-growing game.
Important Dates, Announcements, & Information
RILOA Meeting Schedule for 2026
RILOA Meeting Schedule for 2026
RILOA Meeting Schedule for 2026
All meetings are mandatory. If you are unable to attend, you must contact our Secretary Joey Neiderberger at riloaboard@gmail.com.
All in-person meetings will be begin promptly at start time
Location(s) listed below:
- Meeting #1 - 3/1/26 - In Person - 9am JWU - 2nd Flr. Lounge
- Meeting #2 - 3/8/26 - CANCELLED
- Meeting #3 - 3/22/26 - In Person - 9am JWU - 2nd Flr. Lounge
- Meeting #4 - 4/12/26 - In Person (Board Nominations) - 9am JWU - 2nd Flr. Lounge
- Meeting #5 - 5/10 or 5/17 - In Person (Elections) - 9am JWU - 2nd Flr. Lounge
- Meeting #6 - (If necessary) TBD
In-Person Meeting Location for 2026:
Johnson & Wales University
Wildcat Center - 2nd Floor Lounge
600 Harborside Blvd.
Cranston, RI
(GPS Address)
***(Use 600 Harborside Boulevard, Cranston RI to access campus via GPS)***
This address will take you to the top of our campus and you will turn onto Harborside Boulevard. After you pass through the (unmanned) security gate, you will continue straight to the intersection of Harborside and Shipyard. At the intersection, you will turn left towards the Wildcat Center. You can park in parking lot F or any spots directly in front of Wildcat Center (see attached for a campus map).
NOTE: Please do not enter campus through Shipyard Street it is a closed entrance and you need to swipe in with a JWU ID and we will not have the location staffed.
Upon entering the Wildcat Center please proceed to the 2nd floor lounge via the main stairs directly in front of you or by using the elevator to the left of the lobby.
RILOA Training Schedule
RILOA Meeting Schedule for 2026
RILOA Meeting Schedule for 2026
Classroom Training
- Meeting # 1 - 2/2/26 - Teams Meeting (Link will be sent)
- Meeting # 2 - 2/9/26 - In Person - CCRI Warwick
- Meeting # 3 - 2/23/26 - Teams Meeting (Link will be sent)
- Meeting # 4 - 3/9/26 - In Person - CCRI Warwick
Field Mechanics Training
- TBD
- TBD
- TBD
- Mandatory classroom attendance for ALL new officials, and 2nd and 3rd year officials
- Full Uniform is required for outdoor mechanics training
- Please confirm your attendance with Joey Neiderberger @ joey.niederberger@gmail.com
Rules Videos
Rules Videos
Rules Videos
NFHS Rules Presentation Video for 2024 - Click Below
https://youtu.be/hbcCoGGkzlo?si=nUK1aCdDhYAhTWyb
NCAA Rules Presentation Video for 2025 - Click Below
https://youtu.be/ExS3ykJBozw?si=wjoDpxI5vA0V9TCy
2025 Boy's Youth Rule Presentation
2025 NFHS Boys Rules Presentation https://www.usalacrosse.com/sites/default/files/documents/Rules/2025-Boys-HS-Rules-Interps.pdf
How to Get to the USAL / NFHS Exam
RILOA News
Rules Videos
Rules Videos
Check here for news updates on all things RILOA and local lacrosse
Educational Offerings Expand for USA Lacrosse Officials
Click the link to find out more
If you wish to be evaluated, please reach out to Cosimo D'Elia or John Scoliard, so that we can arrange for the evaluation
Cosimo - cdelia@gopella.com
John S. - oilman454@gmail.com
New Member Requirements
1. Join USA Lacrosse
Become an active member of US Lacrosse. To register as a new official, click the logo above
2. Background Check
Submit a free background check via USA Lacrosse. Click the logo above
3. Get Certified
- Get certified at USA Lacrosse as a Level 1 Official
- Complete and pass the USAL/NFHS exams
4. Uniform Requirements
- 2” Stripe Shirt (long and short sleeve)
- All Black Shorts, Pants, Belt, Ankle Socks, and Shoes
- Black Hat w/ white piping
- Fox 40 Finger whistle
- Penalty Flags
- Coin
- 20 second timer- beeper
- Digital watch
- Scorecard
- Tape measure
RILOA Awards
Scott A. Shemenski Distinguished Service to Lacrosse Award 2023
John Rosato
Ted Gilmartin Sportsmanship Award 2023
Smithfield High School
LCPL Eric Valdepenas Unsung Hero Award 2023
Luca Frattore - LaSalle Academy
2022 NFHS State Official of the Year
John Scoliard
Contact Us
If for any reason you wish to reach us, please leave a message here, and someone from our membership will be back in touch.
Send us a message here, we'd love to hear from you!
RI Lacrosse Officials Association
Links to Lacrosse Gear Sites
Ump-Attire
ABOUT UMP ATTIRE™
You have come to the right place. We offer the best online shopping experience for umpire and referee gear and apparel. Thanks for making us the #1 officials' sporting goods retailer worldwide.
Zebra Wear
ZebraWear is your source for lacrosse referee clothing, gear and accessories. We offer high quality products at no nonsense prices.
Honig's
Honig’s has been providing top of the line umpire and referee gear, equipment, and apparel For OVER 30 years. Our easy-to-use, brand new online store provides a safe, quick and hassle-free shopping experience for officials from virtually every sport and every level of play.
All Sports Officials
OFFICIAL SUPPLIER FOR UMPIRES, OFFICIALS & REFEREES FROM THE NCAA, HIGH SCHOOL & YOUTH SPORTS SINCE 2011!
Our Partners
