English officials shine on the international stage

English officials have proven their credentials on the world stage this summer with a host of championship selections and appointments to Gold Medal matches.

With the return of international lacrosse and the first World and European Championships since 2019, it’s been an incredibly busy period not only for our England national teams, but also for the officiating crews that take to the field for each fixture.

There were 18 English appointments across four major championships, including eight at the Men’s Under 21 World Championship, making up the largest single country contingent at the event.

In addition to their selections, the English officials were further recognised for their performances during the tournaments with multiple appointments to medal matches and finals.

Paul Bibby (Women’s WC), Peter Davidson (World Games Men), Lara Owen (World Games Women) and Mike Leahy (Men’s U21 WC) were all appointed to the gold medal matches at the respective Championships, while Leahy (Box Euros) and Davidson (Men’s U21 WC) also officiated on bronze medal matches.

Selection for the championships require high levels of fitness from all of the officials with fixtures coming thick and fast, added to the need to make accurate decisions in often high-profile, high-pressure environments.

England Lacrosse Officiating Coordinator, Ryan Griffiths, said: “It’s been wonderful to see so many English officials out on the field at major tournaments this summer and is deserved recognition for all the hard work these officials have put in leading up to the events.

“In addition to our experienced officials who have deservedly been awarded medal match appointments, it’s been brilliant to see officials taking charge of their first matches at major championships.

“These appointments have demonstrated the strength and depth of English officiating and show that the pathway is very much open for new and upcoming officials.”

England Lacrosse would like to commend all the officials that have represented England at major championships in 2022.

English officiating championship selections


Women’s World Championship

Paul Bibby, David Brucie Morris, Paul Monaghan

Lead Officiating Group: Wendy Reynolds


World Games

Peter Davidson, Mike Leahy, Lara Owen

Officiating Coach: Phil Pearson
Shot-clock timer: James Lofthouse


Men’s Box Lacrosse European Championship

Mike Leahy 


Men’s Under 21 World Championship

Mark Buckley, Peter Davidson, Thomas Hamey, James Hawksworth, Andrew Higginbottom, Emma Jones, Mike Leahy, Dean Mohareb

Deputy Referee in Chief: Phil Pearson

Officiating Coaches: Gregg Irwin, Ian Ashworth

Referee Liaison: Graham Blyth

Edwin Leung (also pictured above) represented Hong Kong, but officiates SEMLA fixtures