Interview with Erik "Smitty" Smith - WALOA Founder, Official, and Lax Enthusiast

Erik, you have been at the helm of Seattle Officials for a long time, what are the aspects of Lacrosse you are most proud of?
I’d say the aspect I am most proud of is the overall professionalism that has come to the high school level.  Over the past couple of years, we have really seen not only increase in numbers, but a significant improvement in the job on the field at all levels.

In 2006, you stepped down as WALOA Chairman and handed the reins to Jim Franklin.  You remain the Assignor for the high school, and are an active member of the WALOA Executive Board.  How have these changes effected WALOA?
I think there have been very positive results from these changes.  Jimmy has really done a great job as chairman, and has been able to overcome some of the obstacles facing WALOA, BYLW, and WHSBLA.  Managing the interactions within these organizations is a full-time job, and Jimmy is retired and has the time to dedicate to these tasks.

You seem to have "Lacrosse in the Blood", is it something in the water at the Smith residence?
No, nothing in the water.  It is just the appeal of the game.  No other sport provides the dynamic play and volatility of lacrosse.  Also, since it is in such a dramatic growth curve, there are many aspects that need concentration in order to expand in a managed method.

How has Lacrosse positively impacted your family life over the time you have been involved?
As a high school player, I was able to focus on lacrosse versus other less desirable aspects.  My dad and I maintained a close relationship, and had a lot of good times playing coaching, and building lacrosse here in the Northwest.  This legacy continues with my son.  I had a ball last summer playing on Friday nights in summer league with him and his pals.  My wife and daughter have also contributed to lacrosse in many ways, and their support is fantastic.

I know several folks consider your contributions on Bainbridge to have
greatly elevated the game, can you describe what some of those contributions have been?

As with most clubs in the Northwest, few if any of the parents know about the game, how they can help, and what needs to be done.  Be it is lining the fields, buying equipment, or working with the school administration, each of these tasks needs to be attended, and the coach cannot get it all done. I think I have done a good job of balancing the parental support in the club with the maturing experiences gained by the players. In the end I think the most important thing I have tried to impart to the club is that lacrosse is a venue for young boys to become men.  High school lacrosse provides a forum for parents to contribute to the growth of their son, and at the same time allows them to step back and let him create his own opportunities.

Speaking of the major contributions to Lacrosse and it's growth, can you reflect on what Lacrosse was like growing up out here with your father?
Initially in high school, my dad thought it would be a good sport for me to take up and focus some of my energy.  Good call, Dad!  In the Northwest, he led by example, not only playing the game, but also providing more basic aspects of growth, like coaching, providing equipment, and officiating.  His example of taking on the organizational tasks of teams, leagues, and officiating showed me what it takes to grow the game.

Everet was inducted into the Washington Lacrosse Hall of Fame at the
inaugural ceremony, can you explain what that felt like?
My dad passed away January, 1, 1993.  I know a lot of folks in the lacrosse community have no idea who he was and what he did, and that the contributions that he made in the ‘80s provided a base for the programs in place today.  It was nice to have the recognition for his efforts.

With Lacrosse growing the way it has, WALOA has its work cut out for it.
What is left for WALOA to do to keep up with the growth of Lacrosse?
Recruit, Train, and Retain.  Simple mission, and one that never ends.  We still have a difficult task, keeping up with the growth.  2006 was a great recruiting year for us, and we got some great rookie talent.  Overall, the level of officiating improved a lot.  In 2007, we will focus on improving the uniformity of officiating.  I suppose you could call it Quality Control.  

Officials may sometimes get a bad rap for what we may consider "growing
pains" in Washington.  What advice do you have for new officials, or parents looking to become officials?
Officiating is actually a lot of fun.  As the coaching improves and the understanding of the game by parents and fans improves, officiating will become even more fun.

How can the community help the officials organization?
Honor the game.  Recognize the officials are doing their best, and that support for them will improve the game on every level.