WYLA Orientation Session Spring, 2017

Mission & Philosophy Washington Post article (“Why 70% of kids quit sports by age 13”) – June, 2016 https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2016/06/01/why-70-percent-of-kids-quit-sports-by-age-13/?utm_term=.d48fa07dfa67 Value derived from sports include: Physical activity, taking calculated risks, bouncing back from failure, getting away from electronic screens Pressure on kids to achieve at the highest possible level “I have to be the best or I’ve failed” Parenting “culture” that emphasizes achievement & success over healthy, happy kids Discourages kids from trying new things or just playing for fun Priorities change for early teenagers Time of significant physical, emotional, and social change

Mission & Philosophy WYLA Mission Statement – focus on: Equitable treatment of players Skill development takes priority over winning Every player feels like an important part of the team Learning life lessons of value beyond the field Safety, well-being, and development of ALL players is WYLA’s highest priority All should review Concussion information on WYLA website External opportunities (area teams, summer camps, clinics, etc.) for those that want more lacrosse than recreational program offers

Expectations of Players Attendance, Attention, & Attitude Demonstrate good sportsmanship – display ONLY positive support for all players, coaches & officials Remember that everyone on the field (players, coaches & youth refs) is learning! Show up to each game & practice fully prepared Equipment, water bottle, mouth guard, appropriate clothing, etc. Ask questions – coaches are there to help you learn! Try to find the “joy” in your lacrosse experience! For many, there is a strong “social” aspect of playing lacrosse Take pride in your individual self improvement

Expectations of Parents Demonstrate positive support for ALL players, coaches, and officials (everyone is learning) Cheer from sidelines – leave coaching and refereeing to the coaches and officials! Communicate, communicate, communicate Let coaches know if you’ll be late dropping off or picking up Let coaches know in advance if your player will not be at a game Help your player find the fun in his/her lacrosse experience Players that enjoy the game will continue to play the sport longer! Review “Code of Conduct & Participation” (WYLA website https://waterfordyouthlacrosse.org) with player

Expectations of Coaches Be positive, supportive, & instructive Learn the game of lacrosse: US Lacrosse Level 1 certification (required for head coaches) USL on-line coaching resources (all coaches) Teach and model: Good sportsmanship Respect for rules of the game, opponents, officials & players Focus on developing fundamental lacrosse skills for all players Treat all players fairly Communicate, communicate, communicate Players, parents, WYLA Board, etc.

What’s New This Year? New US Lacrosse age groupings: 8U (grades 1-2), 10U (grades 3-4), 12U (grades 5-6), 14U (grades 7-8) Referees: Official CLOA (CT Lax Officials Association) referees on boys side: 12U: 1 adult official, 1 youth (WHS high school) official 14U: 2 adult referees

Volunteering & Involvement WYLA solely dependent on volunteers for continuity & sustainability of the program Several vacant Board positions: President (vacant after this season), Secretary (currently vacant), Fundraising Chair (currently vacant), Volunteer Chair (currently vacant) Team-related positions: Boys high school ref coordinator (vacant after this year) Coaching staff (team dependent) Team managers (various teams – check with your player’s coach) Other roles: Organizing concession stand; baking items for concession stand Coordinate team pictures Many other ways to contribute time to youth lacrosse

Miscellaneous Wealth of information on lacrosse at US Lacrosse website (https://www.uslacrosse.org) WYLA’s Mission Statement, policies, team info at (https://waterfordyouthlacrosse.org) WYLA objective – grow a lacrosse “community” in Waterford Opportunities for players to “give back” Make it easier for families to “explore” lacrosse for their children Strong partnership between youth lacrosse program and high school programs