Coaches FAQ
We will cultivate an environment in which our players will acquire the requisite lacrosse knowledge and skills to effectively compete at their respective age levels. Just as importantly, through teaching the game of lacrosse we will create learning opportunities for our players to develop confidence, resilience, team play and interpersonal skills; important character traits that will prove invaluable as our players develop as adolescents into young adults.
Frequently asked questions
The Wings Program thrives on volunteers who are generally parents of the players. Each team will have a designated Head Coach who has primary responsibility for maintaining the team schedule, communicate with families, and manage their team. Each team will have a varying number of Assistant Coaches – and volunteers are always welcome – who assist with practices and game management. All of our coaches receive at least minimum training from the league and from US Lacrosse (the national governing body for the sport). Our Program Coordinators for both the boys and girls programs oversee all aspects of our programs – the Coordinators are Board members, as well.
Please consider volunteering so the program can continue to grow and be successful. If you are interested in coaching, please email the Coaching Director -
Coaches will need to complete an NCIS background check and SafeSport Certification. Both can be completed through the USLacrosse membership account. As well, we expect coaches to be Level I USLacrosse certified. However, if you are not able to meet this requirement, you will be given the proper resources to allow you to develop your skills as a lacrosse coach. If an opportunity arises for you to attend a Level I US Lacrosse clinic, we expect you to become certified.
Starting in January, coaches are asked to attend our Coaches Training meeting. This day provides insight into the Wings program, our coaching philosophy as well as specific details about the age groups. In February, coaches are expected to attend evaluations either to participate as an evaluator or help with drills. Starting in March through the end of May practices run two days a week for an hour and a half. Coaches will have approximately 8-10 games and 1 play day.
Teams are determined following evaluations. It is our first priority to make fair and balanced teams. If you have any specific team requests, we will take them into consideration.
Coaches will receive coaching equipment from their programs’ coaching director. Equipment will be handed out before your first practice. You are responsible for the equipment throughout the entirety of the season as well as returning it to your programs’ coaching director at the end of the season.
The Wings Program uses the SI Sports App. The app can be used to communicate with your team directly. All practices and games will also be visible on the app.
Coaches are expected to send an initial welcome email to players and their parents once practices have started. This email should include information regarding practice and game dates/locations and your contact information. We also encourage coaches to include a brief overview of team goals for the season and the Wings program philosophy, including sideline behaviors for both parents and players. You should be providing updates to your parents throughout the season in regards to games/practice changes and overall team progress.
Erin Walther (girls@wilmingtonlacrosse.com), girls’ co-program director, will decide on practice cancelations.
Issues with parents or players should be addressed to myself, Our contact info as follows:
Erin Walther, erin@wilmingtonlacrosse.com
Coaching director is your source for helping to develop and grow your coaching skills in order to create a positive learning experience for your players. US Lacrosse provides numerous resources online geared specifically to the age group you will be coaching (https://www.uslacrosse.org/). As well, the US Lacrosse Mobile Coach App is an excellent resource for individual skills and team technical and tactical development.