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posted 01/01/2010 Attention all 7/8 Grade Parents and Players: Here is an update on the Division
This year we had 70 + kids register for the Boys Lacrosse 7/8 Grade Division. We have never had this many players in a division, however since 70+ kids registered we decided not to cut-off the registration. This includes both new and experienced players.
Potentially this is enough for 4 teams. We have considered a bunch of different options for this age group and at this point we have decided that we will have a Green AA Level Team, a White A Level Team and a combination schedule for a Black and Red team. All teams will have 2 practice nights and will play an 8-10 game schedule and at least two tournaments. This formula has worked in the past with three teams and we expect it will work this year with four teams.
Splitting Teams:
In order to be fair and respectful to our experienced players, we will schedule our games based on the three divisions (AA, A and B) in the Hudson Valley League that we play in.
We expect a good number of kids to tryout for the Green Team and only a few will make it. Therefore, we plan on holding a second tryout for the White team and then evaluations to split or combine the Black and Red teams. We will not make a separate AA 8th grade team and 7th grade Green Team as we feel that limiting a players team options based on a player’s grade is unprecedented and would not be fair to anybody.
Keep in mind that we will need coaches for each team at all levels, however at this point we are not asking our experienced player/parents to commit to a team before the Green and White Team tryouts take palce which should be in early March.
Also, regardless of the team your son will play on, the goal of our youth program is to provide each player with the opportunity to practice and develop their individual and team skills.
To Our New Parents:
Lacrosse is not the type of sport where a player can jump right in and play at any level. We do not have a YAC in-house program and we schedule games against other Towns (we play in the Hudson Valley League) based on the potential skill level of the players and teams. Our primary concern is for our kids safety especially at the 7/8 grade level when the kids are so physically diverse. Our goal will be to develop your son’s individual skills first and then introduce them to game situations.
Generally, we do not separate our teams until late in March and the season usually starts with practices in April. The Green & White Team tryouts will take place in March and we continue to separate players and teams after that. You should also know that we do not have an abundance of coaches at any grade level in the program. Therefore, at this point we are asking our new player parents to volunteer to help coach ASAP so we can plan the season correctly. We will help mentor our coaches in any way possible but please do not wait to volunteer. If you are interested in coaching or learning how to coach please email Mike Nolan at:
Finally, to all parents we will have our Mandatory Parents meeting that will take place on February 24th at Mohansic Elementary School from 8:15-9:15pm and will provide an update at that meeting.
Thanks,
Mike Nolan & Mark Vercruysse
YAC Volunteer’s
