Joseph “Frenchie” Julien

{1908 – 1984 }
 

Joseph “Frenchie” Julien was born in Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada in 1908.  He became legendary for his involvement as an official, instructor and later a national administrator for the sport of lacrosse for over three generations, before retiring in 1971.

Frenchie graduated from Manual Training High School in Brooklyn in

1927 and Rutgers University in 1932.  While attending Rutgers, he earned All-American honors in lacrosse, football and swimming.  After graduation,

Frenchie served in World War II, before becoming Athletic Director at the Greenvale School in Glen Head on Long Island.

Frenchie was best known for his 15 years as the Lacrosse Chief Referee, first for the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association {USILA} and then for the NCAA when he took over administrative control of the sport.  As Chief Referee,  he supervised more than 500 lacrosse officials across the country.  He was inducted into the National Hal of Fame in 1966 for contributions as both a player and an official.

Frenchie wrote the Lacrosse Rule Book and revised each year to bring it up to date with all the new rules and officiating signals.  He Actually invented many of the officials’ signals that are used on the field today.  Coaches and players trusted him because he was not overly technical and he “let the boys play”.  The fans loved him because he was so colorful.

Frenchie was affectionately nicknamed “The Fox” because of his sly sense of humor and because he always seemed to be observing the officials when they least expected.

The officials loved and respected their mentor, even though he might criticize them after a game.  Most importantly, he taught his officials to be gentlemen to the coaches and players, on and off the field and to: 

“be proud to be an official”