(TORONTO, ONTARIO) The Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) has selected English official Philip Pearson as the Referee-In-Chief (RIC) for the 2018 FIL Men’s Field Lacrosse World Championship, July 12-21, in Manchester, England.
“I am really excited at being selected as the RIC for Manchester 2018. It is without doubt the pinnacle of my lacrosse career.”
—Philip Pearson,
RIC 2018 Men’s World Championship
Phil, who hails from Marple, Stockport, England, is a veteran of the international stage. In 2010 he was deputy RIC for the FIL Manchester Men’s World Championship, and in 2012 he served as the RIC for the European Lacrosse Championship where he managed two deputy RICs, seven assessors, 38 referees and an officiating administrator.
The former player’s lacrosse roots extend to 1970 when he joined the junior team for the Mellor Lacrosse Club, moving to the senior leagues in 1976. From 1980 to 1988 his goalkeeping for the Wilmslow Lacrosse Club helped elevate the club to the first division. In 1988 he began an eight-year career with the Poynton Lacrosse Club, again helping them gain successive promotions to the first division.
“Phil brings a wealth of experience both on and off the field to this role, which will be crucial in what will be the largest World Championship to date.”
—Don Blacklock, Chair of Men’s Officiating
After retiring as a player in 1996, Phil refereed for Poynton at the club level, and then in the North of England Lacrosse Association (NEMLA). His international officiating career started in 1999 with the Gold Medal game in Adelaide, Australia, and in 2003 he refereed the Gold Medal game at the ILF Towson (Md.), U19 Men’s World Championship. His international experience as an assessor spans numerous World and European championships, including the 2014 FIL World Championship in Denver.
“Phil brings a wealth of experience both on and off the field to this role, which will be crucial in what will be the largest World Championship to date,” said Don Blacklock, FIL’s Chair of Men’s Officiating. “His knowledge of what it takes to referee and manage a team at the top levels is just what is needed to ensure that the games will be a success. I have every faith that international officiating will move forward as a result of Phil’s appointment.”
In England, Mark Coups, Chief Executive Officer of the English Lacrosse Association, praised the selection in the following statement:
Mark Coups
“English Lacrosse is delighted that Phil Pearson has been appointed by the Federation of International Lacrosse as the Referee-In-Chief for the 2018 Men’s World Championships in Manchester, England. Phil’s appointment is especially welcome to the men’s field lacrosse game in England where he has been an advocate for improving the quality of officiating, increasing the number of people refereeing as well as mentoring and supporting those who wish to advance their refereeing career to the international level. His appointment provides England, the host nation, with a well-respected, knowledgeable and hard working individual who will be an excellent representative for the international refereeing community. We wish Phil every success as he starts his appointment, and English Lacrosse will offer him support in the buildup to, during and post the 2018 FIL Men’s World Championships in Manchester, England.”
Phil said he was honored and motivated by the appointment. “I am really excited at being selected as the RIC for Manchester 2018,” he said. “It is without doubt the pinnacle of my lacrosse career. Most of all I am looking forward to working with the hosts, English Lacrosse, to deliver an amazing experience for all the teams, referees and assessors. My team and I will work hard and look forward to meeting everyone in Manchester in 2018.”
For more information contact: Terry Harding at terry.harding@worldlacrosse.sport
