World Lacrosse officially launched the Educator Academy as part of its coaching and officiating education programming.
The Educator Academy is designed for those who aspire to deliver coaching and officiating education within World Lacrosse programs. Additionally, the course supports individuals working in existing WL member National Governing Body education programs. Participants complete several weeks of training through asynchronous online coursework and virtual meetings.
Rob Gross, WL chair of education and training, said: “It is imperative that the education coaches and officials receive is delivered to a high standard, to provide the best experience possible for all lacrosse athletes. This academy helps ensure that WL and NGB curricula is delivered within the best practices of education.”
Rick Mercurio, WL development committee chair, said: “With the exponential growth lacrosse has seen in the past four years, having qualified people on the ground to train coaches and officials is paramount to the success, development and sustainability of the sport.”
The curriculum combines work in educational theory, content delivery, feedback and evaluation, and practical applications. Participants are evaluated against a set of competencies for professional educators and via submission of assignments.
This first iteration of the academy is a pilot program, with invitations being provided to individuals already involved in existing WL educational initiatives. Currently, the participants representing coaching and officiating are from the Asia Pacific Lacrosse Union, European Lacrosse Federation and Pan-American Lacrosse Association regions.
Future academies will be populated via NGB nominations, with invitations to nominate candidates coming in 2024.
To learn more about World Lacrosse virtual education offerings, visit the WL Virtual Training Center.
