Yorktown Athletic Club

2009 Boys Lacrosse Program

The YAC boys lacrosse program is designed to provide a safe, fun, developmental program for children in grades two through eight.  Each of our divisions offers a different degree of competitiveness, however we strive to develop a child’s love for the game so that he/she can truly appreciate all aspects of the sport, gain a true understanding of sportsmanship, and learn what it means to be part of a team.  Each level of the program is outlined below.  I hope that this document offers some insight into our philosophies and what we strive to achieve. 

In addition to this document, you should have also received our lacrosse code of conduct and some historical explanation of the Yorktown lacrosse community.  These documents are designed for all players, parents, and coaches so they may enter into this program with a full understanding of expectations, and of the importance the lacrosse program plays and has played in the lives of some many people in town.  The Yorktown lacrosse community is one of the strongest and most successful in the country.  Enjoy your child’s’ experience.

These are the divisions we offer:

• Pee Wee - 2nd and 3^rd grade clinic for those just starting out.
• Bantam – 3^rd and 4^th grade
• Junior – 5^th and 6^th grade
• Senior – 7^th and 8^th grade an

I will answer some general Q&A then describe the differences between the divisions:

1. When does the season start/finish?  The spring season starts as close to the beginning of April as weather and field conditions permit.  If the weather is with us we may start in late March.  The season runs until the middle of June and will end with a year-end barbeque celebration held at Sports Barn.

2.      Where and when are practices and games held?  Practices are held at a variety of locations.  Most however are held at either Sports Barn or FDR Park from 4-6pm or 6-8pm on weekdays.  We are also attempting to reserve alternate arrangements, but the status of those facilities is unknown at this time.  Home games are held at Sports Barn and on a limited basis at the Yorktown High School.  All divisions also play away games against towns throughout Westchester and Putnam with some teams playing teams in Connecticut.  Games can be played any day during the week, including Saturday and Sunday.  Weekday games start at 6:30pm.  Weekend games may start at any time.

3.      What is the required equipment each player MUST have?  Lacrosse is a contact sport and as such it is mandatory that each player have the following equipment.  The YAC does not provide any of this equipment.

a.      Helmet –

b.      Lacrosse gloves.

c.      Elbow pads

d.      Shoulder pads  - lacrosse style, not football.

e.      Lacrosse stick.

f.        Mouth guard.

g.      Athletic Supporter with cup.

h.      Rib pads – optional

i.         Cleats – optional but preferred.

4.      Why is there a separate amount required for US Lacrosse?  US Lacrosse insurance is required for each league that we play in and for all tournaments.  Without this insurance your child will not be allowed to participate.

The following is a brief description of each division:

Pee Wee (2^nd and 3^rd grade) – The Pee Wee division is operated in a clinic environment and is designed for 2^nd graders and 3^rd graders that have not played before.  Basic skills like throwing and catching will be taught, along with basic fundamentals of the game.  The clinic will be held at the Sports Barn each Sunday starting at 9am.   Weekday times may also be available but are not available at this time.  At the end of the season it is possible that the 2^nd/3^rd graders may play a modified scrimmage or two against neighboring towns.  Contact is limited at this age group though at any age lacrosse remains a contact sport.

Bantam (3^rd and 4^th Grade) – In this division, based on registration we are planning to field two teams of equal talent.  We will have all players practice together at the start of the season and create two equally talented teams.  These teams will play each other and other towns in Westchester and Putnam counties.  The target is for each team to play 8-10 games.  Fundamentals of the game are stressed, as is full participation for each player.  Each player should get an opportunity to play each position on the field.  Games scores are kept, but the winning of the contest is secondary to the development of each player.

We will also field a 3^rd/4th grade team that will play a limited amount of tournaments and games at a more competitive level.  Since these extra games are more competitive and not all of the children at this age are ready for advance level of play or wish to participate, the coaches of the two in-house teams will invite players to participate.  There will be no tryouts at this age.  Safety is the first priority always. 

Junior (5^th and 6^th grade) and Senior (7^th and 8^th grade)– This year there will be a new structure to the junior and senior divisions.  In the past we fielded three in-house teams at each level and a separate travel team at each level.  The travel teams having been picked as a result of tryouts.

This year, we will be fielding three teams at each level:

1.      In-house teams

2.      Travel teams

In House – Our plan is to field two in house teams at each level based on registration.  These teams will play in the Hudson Valley league and will compete against teams from Westchester and Putnam counties.  We will continue to stress development of the fundamentals of the games and equal participation is required. 

Travel - One team at each level will be selected as a result of tryouts and will play a more competitive schedule and participate in a number of tournaments.  Participation on this team is not mandatory but everyone who registers for the division is eligible to tryout.  Those not making this team will compete on one of the two in house teams.  These travel teams will continue to stress the fundamentals of the game, and will compete against teams in Westchester and Connecticut.  Extra fees will apply for those making the travel team.

For all junior and senior teams, winning of the contest is secondary to the development of ALL players. 

This is a quick description of our program and I am sure that certain questions have not been answered.  Additional parent meetings will be held to set expectations and to answer any questions you may have. In the meantime, please contact me directly at 914-424-3046 if you wish to discuss the program.

Thank you.

Mark Vercruysse

YAC Boys Lacrosse Commissioner