EPLA Attendance Guidelines Expectations for “A” and “B” Level Teams

Attendance Guidelines applied to “A” & “B” levels for U13 and up (encouraged but not required for U9 and U11) Practice and games are not optional (this does not include local tournaments that teams may compete in during the regular summer season). On time arrival to practice and games is required. First unexcused absence* will result in a warning. Subsequent unexcused absence(s) may result in not starting a game and not playing in the first quarter (coach’s discretion). * Examples of unexcused absences include, but are not limited to, (i) missing practice or games without notifying the coaching staff, (ii) going away on a family vacations, (iii) going to camp, and (iv) choosing to attend another sport’s practice or game. Excused absences may include (i) sickness on the part of the player or his/her family member, (ii) educational activities, (iii) religious holidays or celebrations Rationale for Attendance Guidelines The primary driver for these guidelines is ensuring the safety of the players. The EPLA and its coaches have an obligation to teach the players how to play the sport safely – from a rules stand point and execution perspective. Additional reasons for the Attendance Guidelines include ensuring that the players: a)practice as a group on a consistent basis; b)understand team concepts and plays; c)show respect for coaches and teammates; d)build their stamina for the competitive level of play during games; and e)develop lacrosse skills and knowledge.

Expectations for the “A” Level Team: practices will be conducted at a fast, intense pace; players will be pushed to achieve greater physical endurance; players will be expected to be quickly learn and apply new, more complex offensive and defensive concepts; players will be expected to watch videos and review offensive and defensive concepts outside of practice to further expand their knowledge and understanding of what their coach is teaching; there is more emphasis on developing a team that can succeed in a highly competitive league and less emphasis on equal playing time; and misbehavior or distracting other players is disruptive to the flow of practice and games, will not be tolerated, and may result in the player sitting out practice or games. Rationale for “A” Level Expectations “A” level players are expected to have advanced stick skills, lacrosse knowledge and awareness (IQ) on the field. We want to prepare the “A” level players for highly competitive levels of play during the YLM and MBSLA seasons, and where relevant, for high school success in the future. We want to prepare the growing number of “A” level players at the U13 and older age groups for the level of competition to try out and make elite travel teams and be invited to select summer camps.

Expectations for the “B” Level Team: practices will be conducted at a pace which is conducive to the overall skill level of the team; greater emphasis will be on placed on learning and developing core lacrosse skills and basic offensive and defensive concepts; coaches will endeavor to give every player on the team equal playing time; misbehavior or distracting other players is disruptive to the flow of practice and games, will not be tolerated, and may result in the player sitting out practice or games. Rationale for “B” Level Expectations We want to minimize the pressure to compete at an intense level. “B” level teams generally play in a more development focused league.