Local selected for Finland lacrosse gig

BUFFALO, NY (WIVB) - When Chris Clark suits up to officiate a Lacrosse game, he's one of the best officials in Western New York.  When he suits up this summer, he'll be one of the best in the world.  Clark will be one of just three Americans selected to enforce the rules at the "Under 19 World Championships" this July in Finland.

"I'm very fortunate to have a very strong group of officials in Western New York who prepared me for it. I was very thankful to have the opportunity to show the rest of the country what I've been prepared to do," said Clark.

Clark's experience comes from a long career playing for Orchard Park High School, Syracuse University and the Buffalo Bandits.  That experience has helped make him a better official.

Clark explained, "I think it just gives me a different perspective.  When I started officiating, it was hard not to coach the kids.  But over time, with some direction, you evolve and learn how to anticipate things a little differently than someone who never played the game."

Clark auditioned for the tournament last summer long with 20 other Americans.  While only three Americans were selected for the "Under 19" games, Clark isn't the only Western New Yorker selected to officiate a high-profile game like the one in Finland.  Local referee Rob Gross has been picked as an official for a tournament in Amsterdam.  While another, Tom Sutton, will head up the World Games in 2014.