1. WYLA Orientation Session
Spring, 2017

2. Mission & Philosophy
Washington Post article (“Why 70% of kids quit sports by age 13”) – June,
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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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 with player

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. Miscellaneous
Wealth of information on lacrosse at US Lacrosse website (
WYLA’s Mission Statement, policies, team info at (
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