(COQUITLAM, BC) Bob DeMarco, Chair of the Development Committee for the Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL), is pleased to announce that Kentaro Shimizu has been selected to receive a 2016 FIL International Lacrosse Development Committee (ILDC) Award.
After months of deliberation, Shimizu was selected because of his contributions as an international lacrosse referee and clinician over the past two decades.
“Kentaro has been instrumental in the development of lacrosse, not only is his home country of Japan, but throughout Asia.”
—Bob DeMarco, FIL Development Committee Chair
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DeMarco highlighted some of the reasons for Shimizu’s selection. “Kentaro has been instrumental in the development of lacrosse, not only is his home country of Japan, but throughout Asia.” He added, “Kentaro played and officiated lacrosse in college, then went on to a distinguished career of refereeing and teaching lacrosse officiating in Asia and in Europe. He’s a deserving recipient of the award.”
16 July 2016 — Kentaro Shimizu receives Development Award from FIL President Stan Cockerton during halftime of the USA-Canada championship game at the 2016 FIL U19 Men’s Lacrosse World Championship in Coquitlam, BC. Photo: Paul Yates
Kentaro Shimizu
Shimizu is proud to be one of this year’s ILDC Award recipients. “It is a great honor to receive this award from FIL. I promise to continue my work in Asia until I retire.”
Shimizu credits his knowledge and teaching skills to his mentor, the late Graham Lester, the lacrosse officiating legend from England. He says that he tries to pass on what Lester taught him about the game. He says although important, it’s not just about rules, procedures and knowing how to officiate a game. He says, “It’s much more than that. It’s about being a big brother during clinics, being a partner on the field and being a friend and having fun after the game.”
“It’s leaders like Kentaro who have helped to make Asia one of the fastest growing regions for international lacrosse.” —Tom Hayes, FIL Director of Development
Tom Hayes, FIL Director of Development, added, “We’re happy to present him with the award. It’s leaders like Kentaro who have helped to make Asia one of the fastest growing regions for international lacrosse. We look forward to see his accomplishments continue in the years to come as we work together to bring lacrosse back to the summer Olympics.”
Kentaro Shimizu’s impressive lacrosse résumé includes:
International Referee: Events
FIL Men’s World Championships: 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014
FIL U19 Men’s World Championships: 1999
17 July 2014 — Kentaro Shimizu refereeing a face-off during the Canada-Iroquois game at the 2014 FIL Men’s Lacrosse World Championship at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Denver, Colorado. Canada edged the Iroquois 9-8 in a tightly contested showdown of lacrosse powerhouses. Photo: Scott McCall
Regional Referee: Events
European Championships: 2001
Hawaii International Open: 2000
Beijing Cup: 2007
Thailand-Hong Kong Friendly games: 2010, 2011
Grow the Game in Thailand: 2011
KLA Summer League Final (Korea): 2011
Shanghai Cup: 2012
Singha Battles in Bangkok: 2012, 2013
ALA Nationals: 2013
Singapore-Thailand Friendly game: 2014
Hong Kong Open: 2015, 2016
KLA High school League: 2015
Officiating Clinician
Organized referee clinic for Hong Kong by Graham Lester: 2005
Referee Clinic in Korea: 2006
Rule and Officiating Clinic in China: 2008
Referee Clinic for Hong Kong: 2010
Referee Clinic for Level 2 Referees in Hong Kong: 2013
Japan Lacrosse Association (JLA)
1997 Regional Director for Men’s Officiating
1998-current RIC, Assistant Director of Officiating
2000-2015 Chair of Rule Committee
2012-current Board Director
Asia Pacific Lacrosse Union (APLU)
2014-current Chief Officiating Officer
Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL)
2004-2008 Member of ILF Officiating Committee
2008-current Member of FIL Men’s Rule Committee
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