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BOYS PROGRAMS | GIRLS PROGRAMS
Our goal is for athletes to have fun while learning the game of lacrosse. Sportsmanship and teamwork is emphasized at ALL levels. Beginners are taught basic skills and a broad sense of positioning. Experienced players are taught advanced skills, tactical play and specific positioning. Athletes in grades two through four play intramurals and local teams. Travel teams are organized for athletes in grades five through eight to play teams in the Southeastern Pennsylvania League (SEPYLA) and the Delaware League (DYLA).
Grades Two through Four
An athlete’s development at this stage is the key to a successful lacrosse experience in his later years. Boys can expect to learn:
The basic rules of lacrosse
Skills --- cradling, passing, catching and scooping up those ground balls
To play all positions
Understand simple game plans
Boys in Grades Two through Four play at their grade level.
Beginning in early March, the boys practice on Sunday afternoons.
From April through May, the boys practice one or two weekday evenings.
And
play every Saturday or Sunday afternoon except Easter weekend.
Weekend intramural games are played at all levels until mid-April, after which
games and play-days are scheduled with Delaware and Pennsylvania teams.
All boys are invited to play in the TGH Tournament at Radnor in early June.
Play seven on seven on a short field to maximize ball handling. Game days with local teams will be scheduled beginning in late April.
Not all second graders are physically and emotionally mature enough to play in a competitive lacrosse program. Parents must try to make an objective appraisal of their son’s athletic maturity. Key indicators are physical development (e.g. ability to keep his head straight while wearing a helmet) and emotional maturity (e.g. ability to maintain focus). We want your son to develop a life-long love of lacrosse. It's okay to wait a year!
Full field play. Third graders play intramurals through mid-April, at which time they ease into a game and play-day schedule.
Full field play. The strength of the fourth graders will be assessed as a group to determine if a team can be formed to compete in the SEPYLA League. If the coaches determine that the boys need more time to develop, they will play intramurals until mid-April, at which time they will ease into a game and play-day schedule.
If a decision is made not to enter a fourth grade team in SEPYLA, advanced fourth graders may try-out for a fifth grade team in late February.
Grades Five through Eight
In grades five through eight, the teams play a travel schedule. Travel teams play in SEPYLA* with a possible tournament and/or add-on games with Delaware teams. 7/8th graders play at the A Level and 5/6th graders play at the B Level. A1 and B1 teams play the most competitive teams in SEPYLA; therefore, the boys trying out for these teams should be committed to playing lacrosse as their first spring sport. Boys who are unsure of their commitment to lacrosse or who play a second sport should make this known to the Director of Coaching during evaluations. These boys are encouraged to try-out for an A2/3 or B2/3 team. A key component for A2/3 and B2/3 teams is equal playing time, although athletes who persistently miss practice without excuse may have their playing time affected.
Level of Play Guidelines
A1 Most skilled and experienced 8th graders.
A2 Most skilled and experienced 7th graders and less experienced 8th graders.
A3 7th and 8th grade athletes who are first year players or who need more work on fundamentals.
B1 Most skilled and experienced 6th graders.
B2 More skilled and experienced 5th graders and less experienced 6th graders.
B3 5th and 6th grade athletes who are first year players or who need more work on fundamentals.
Evaluations --- Grades 5 - 8 Only!
Evals are conducted in late February to determine the best team placement for each athlete. Skill, experience and athleticism are the essentials to determining team assignments. Friendships and carpool circumstances may be considered ONLY when organizing teams at an equal level of skill and experience, e.g., when there are two teams at the B3 level.
Schedule
During March, athletes have one weeknight and one weekend practice each week. From April through early June, teams practice two evenings each week and play weekend games. Generally, B level (5/6) games are played on Sundays and A level (7/8) games are played on Saturdays. Game schedules are posted in mid-March.
Equipment
Stick, lacrosse helmet with NOCSAE approved safety seal, mouth guard, shoulder pads, arm pads, gloves, cup, cleats and sneaks (for indoor).
Participation Policy
Our primary objective is to teach the game of lacrosse, teamwork and good sportsmanship. Toward this end, recognizing the commitment that each individual (players, coaches and parents) makes to the program is crucial to the long-term success of the program. A few important points to keep in mind when registering your child for the Wilmington Lacrosse Association (“WLA”) program:
The entire program is supported by volunteers who give of their time unsparingly.
Wilmington Lacrosse works hard to make the team evaluations as objective as possible. If there is a question about team assignments, parents are encouraged to contact the Coaching Director.
We look to our parents for additional volunteer support, not only with organization and team help but also with positive reinforcement for their young athlete.
Each team’s roster is limited in order to maximize playing time for each child.
In order to accommodate as many players as possible and to address the conflicts inherent in our children’s lives, WLA has maintained three levels of teams in the 5th/6th and 7th/8th grades. A1 and B1 teams play a highly competitive schedule and therefore require a greater commitment from their players. With sufficient participation levels, there are two A2/3 and three B2/3 teams. The A2/3 and B2/3 teams are prepared to accommodate players who have occasional conflicts (other sports, music lessons, church, scouts, and other outside activities). Coaches will try to allocate playing time more evenly across all players on the A2/3 and B2/3 teams.
Out of respect for others (including your children, coaches and other parents), if you and/or your child are unable to make a complete 100% commitment to the WLA program, please do not encourage your child to occupy a spot on the A1 or B1 team. Players are required to list all activities that may pose conflicts with lacrosse at the time of registration.
If you are concerned about equal playing time for your child or wish to emphasize the development of fundamental skills, an A2/3 or a B2/3 team is the best choice for your son.
Final say in team selection will rest with the WLA Coaching Director. WLA reserves the right to make roster changes once the season commences if players have persistent unexcused absences from games or practices.
*SEPYLA: Southeastern Pennsylvania Youth Lacrosse Association |
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