FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 31, 2019
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, USA — World Lacrosse announced today the appointment of three highly-respected officials to leadership roles within the international federation’s officiating structure. Lauren Charwat will serve as Sub Chair of Women’s Officiating, Mark Polden will serve as Sub Chair of Men’s Officiating and Tony Reid will hold the same position for Men’s Indoor Officiating.
The appointments were confirmed by World Lacrosse Technical Director Don Blacklock and Officiating Chair Tom Sutton.
Sutton and the Sub Chairs are responsible for working with Blacklock in developing and delivering programs that support international lacrosse officials in areas such as education, skill development and progression, evaluation and retention. They also oversee the assignment of officials for World Championship events organized under the World Lacrosse banner.
“World Lacrosse is fortunate to have individuals of this caliber willing to make a significant commitment to improving the game of lacrosse,” said Sutton. “I am looking forward to working with this talented group to deliver the work that is in line with the World Lacrosse vision and mission while upholding the core values of our great sport.”
“Officiating development and delivery at international events is critical to the success of World Lacrosse and its members,” added Blacklock. “The individual and collective quality of this team is fantastic, and I am confident they will have a positive impact on the officiating program. They will each bring fresh ideas and a unique perspective to their role.”
The following is a brief introduction of the new Sub Chairs.
Sub Chair of Women’s Officiating – Lauren Charwat
Lauren resides in the United States and has contributed to the game for some time. She began her career coaching and officiating in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the U.S. She has played an active role in the training and development of officials since 1999. She was a longstanding member of the Federation of International Lacrosse (now World Lacrosse) Officiating Committee in the mid to late 2000s. She was part of the FIL Competition Committee from 2013-17. In 2001, Lauren was presented the FIL award for International Development. She has spent a great deal of personal time traveling to lacrosse communities around the world to assist in the development of officials.
Sub Chair of Men’s Officiating – Mark Polden
Mark resides in South Australia and started his officiating career in 1995. He attended World Championships in 2003, 2006, 2010 and 2018. He has also officiated numerous SA and Australian Championships, and now helps mentor officials at all levels of the game. He has served as Referee-in-Chief of many events held throughout Australia. Mark is a member of the Australian Lacrosse Association’s leadership, where he currently serves as Director of Officiating for ALA.
Sub Chair of Men’s Indoor Officiating – Tony Reid
Tony resides in the Province of Alberta in Canada. He has National Championship Officiating appearances in events that include the Founder’s Cup, President’s Cup (2012, 2017) Minto Cup (2013, 2018) and World Indoor Lacrosse Championship (2015). Has served as a referee since 2000. Tony was the Referee-in-Chief for Canadian Lacrosse Association’s President’s Cup. In addition, he serves as a NOCP Committee Member – AB Representative and has done so since 2015. He is a past member of the Alberta Lacrosse Association staff, where he served as Training Facilitator Manager. His responsibilities included creating and facilitating material to train over 30 Clinic Facilitators/Clinicians, while conducting beginner to advanced full-day clinics throughout the Province.
Media Contact: Darryl Seibel
Phone: 719-374-5546
Email: dseibel@worldlacrosse.sport
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About World Lacrosse
World Lacrosse is the international federation for men’s and women’s lacrosse, responsible for providing effective leadership and governance of the sport internationally while supporting the continued growth of lacrosse worldwide. In November 2018, World Lacrosse was officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee. The President of World Lacrosse is Sue Redfern of England.
