US Lacrosse has released its newly created "Men's Game Officiating" and "Women's Game Officiating" online courses as well as its freshly redesigned US Lacrosse Coaching Education Program (CEP) Level 1 online courses, "Men's Fundamentals of Coaching" and "Women's Fundamentals of Coaching." These courses are a free benefit to all current US Lacrosse members.

The officiating courses apply to both officials and coaches education. The officiating courses' main focus is on the rules of each game, while also providing video clips that demonstrate fouls and other calls in lacrosse. The coaching courses have been revamped from the original courses created in 2004 and cover the basics in how to coach and teach skills and techniques to players of all ages and talent levels.

"We wanted to provide a comparable online course for the officiating community like we did for the coaching community so that we could share the same information with every official across the country," said Erin Smith, director of education and training at US Lacrosse, who worked with many of the game's top coaches to develop and implement the CEP in 2005. "Educating officials and coaches is a major component in maintaining player safety and providing a quality experience for all involved."

All four courses are interactive, have quizzes throughout, and are required for coaches and officials who wish to be certified through US Lacrosse.

"We put a significant amount of time and resources into creating these courses and are excited to offer all four of them free of charge to our members, enhancing the value of membership in US Lacrosse. We encourage all members to take both courses to learn or review important aspects of each game," Smith said.

For more information about the online coaches and officials courses free to US Lacrosse members, visit usl.ebiz.uapps.net/personifyebusiness/OnlineCourses.aspx.

For more information about the US Lacrosse Coaching Education Program, its certification requirements and other educational resources, visit www.uslacrosse.org/CEP.

For more information about the US Lacrosse Officials Education Program, its certification requirements and other educational resources, visit www.uslacrosse.org/officials.