Safety

Ensuring the safety of players, coaches, officials, and spectators is a top priority. This page provides an overview of essential safety protocols, including concussion management, emergency procedures, heat and weather policies, and proper injury response.

Concussion Protocols & Injury Management

Head injuries are a serious concern in lacrosse, and officials play a critical role in recognizing potential concussions.

Signs of a Concussion:

Dizziness, confusion, or disorientation
Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
Headache or nausea
Difficulty concentrating or memory issues
Sensitivity to light or noise

What Officials Should Do:

Remove the Player from the Game – If a concussion is suspected, the player must be removed and cannot return.
Inform the Coach & Athletic Trainer – Let the appropriate team staff know that the player may have suffered a head injury.
Follow League Protocols – Most leagues require written clearance from a healthcare professional before the player can return to play.

Read the Full Concussion Protocol

Heat & Weather Policies

Weather conditions can impact the safety of players and officials. All games should follow proper heat management and severe weather protocols.

Heat & Hydration:

Officials should monitor extreme heat conditions and watch for signs of heat exhaustion in players.
Encourage water breaks if conditions are excessive.
If a player shows signs of heat illness (dizziness, confusion, excessive sweating, cramps), notify the coach and stop play if necessary.

Severe Weather:

Lightning Policy – If lightning is observed or detected within a 10-mile radius, play must be suspended immediately.
30-Minute Rule – Play cannot resume until 30 minutes have passed since the last lightning strike.
Field & Playing Surface Conditions – Games should not be played on fields that are unsafe due to standing water, excessive mud, or dangerous debris.

Read the Full Heat & Weather Policy

Emergency Game Procedures

In the event of an emergency, officials should follow a clear protocol to ensure the safety of all participants.

Steps to Take in an Emergency:

Assess the Situation – Determine if immediate medical attention is required.
Stop Play – If a serious injury occurs, stop the game immediately and notify coaches.
Call for Medical Help – If necessary, request emergency medical services (EMS) and provide clear directions to the field.
Clear the Area – Ensure players and coaches give space for medical personnel to work.
Incident Reporting – If the injury or incident requires an official report, complete the necessary documentation after the game.

Ejections & Disqualifications

While safety is often related to injuries, game management and discipline also play a role in preventing unsafe situations. Officials must strictly enforce rules regarding dangerous play, unsportsmanlike conduct, and violent behavior.

Ejections – When a player or coach exhibits flagrant misconduct, they must be ejected for the remainder of the game.
Disqualifications – If a player accumulates excessive penalty minutes, they are removed but may not face additional suspension.
Reporting Incidents – All ejections or major safety-related incidents must be documented and reported to the league.

Read the Full Ejections & Disqualifications Policy

Final Thoughts on Safety

As officials, it is our responsibility to create a safe environment for everyone involved in the game. Be proactive, enforce the rules, and follow the proper protocols to ensure that every game is played under safe conditions.

For any safety concerns or clarifications, reach out to a board member or your assigner.