The awards and individual honours Cheryl received during her career are a testament to her commitment and contribution to the well-being and heritage of lacrosse. These include the 2006 Roots of the Game Award from the OWFL for contribution to the development of lacrosse; the 2013 Legacy Circle – FIL, awarded for contribution to the development of International Lacrosse; the 2014 – Jane Acton Award from the OLRA for Excellence in officiating; the 2016 – Molly McIntyre Award from the OLRA Leadership in Women’s Field Officiating; the 2019 – CLA Lester B. Pearson Award; induction in 2020 to the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame (Builder); and in 2023 – World Lacrosse Official of the Year. The significant events worked (domestic and international) seem innumerable, with the list of World Events being extensive itself, including Gold Medal Head Umpire at the 2003 IFWLA World Championships, 2005 IFWLA World Cup, 2009 FIL World Cup, 2017 World Championships Gold Medal Game, 2022 World Championships Bronze Medal Game, and 2022 World Games Gold Medal Game. Cheryl MacNeill has made a significant impact on lacrosse officiating provincially, nationally and internationally, including USA NCAA Lacrosse. She played a pivotal role in building officiating programs, developing clinic materials, and mentoring officials across Canada. Cheryl built a team of officials who could lead the officiating program even when she took time away to host the 2007, 2013, and 2019 World Lacrosse Championships. Cheryl also created an elite team of university-level officials that continues to grow today, and she worked with World Lacrosse to establish an educator program to train top-tier officials. Cheryl also volunteered tirelessly to uphold the highest standards for the Sixes officiating program and continues to be an important member of the committee.
