Hampton Roads Lacrosse Coaches Handbook

Transcription

1 Hampton Roads Lacrosse 2016 Coaches Handbook

2 Table of Contents Introduction:...3 Our Mission:... 3 Philosophy: HR Lax League Officers: HR Lax League Commissioners: HR Lax Boy s Youth Board of Directors: HR Lax Boy s Youth Area Reps: HR Lax Boy s Youth Committees... 4 Registration and Team Assignments:...5 Registration... 5 Team Rosters... 5 Coaches...6 Weather Policy... 6 Practices... 7 Games... 7 Proposed 2016 Game Schedule and Field Locations*... 8 Individual Equipment... 9 Team Equipment HR LAX BOYS YOUTH LEAGUE LEAGUE RULES FOR The HR Lax Boys Youth League will make decisions regarding the following issues Rules of Play Guidance Regarding Team Splits for 2016 Season (U10, U12 & U14)...11 US LACROSSE CODE OF CONDUCT...13 Glossary of Lacrosse Terms Wall Drills

3 The Hampton Roads Lacrosse League Introduction: This Handbook is being provided to coaches in the Boys Youth Division of HR Lax to serve as a ready reference for use during the 2016 season. Additional copies are available (in pdf format) on the League website at Our Mission: HR Lax, founded in 1995, believes that our mission is to encourage, foster and promote the growth of youth lacrosse in the Hampton Roads area. We believe in placing a stick in every hand and affording all players the opportunity to participate in the experience of lacrosse. We envision a future which offers people everywhere the opportunity to discover, learn, participate in, enjoy, and ultimately embrace the shared passion of the lacrosse experience. Philosophy: Our primary goal is to teach the sport and providing a fun experience for all involved in a safe environment. We police ourselves in the effort to provide an outlet for kids that has not been swept up in the pressure filled, win at all cost mania that is too present in today s youth sports. Any conduct perceived to be contrary to the best interests of the HR Lax and its youth participants should be referred to the Rules Committee. For U8, U10, U12 & U14 divisions the league is oriented towards player development in a recreational format. Every player who attends his scheduled game will play at least 50% of the available playing time. If a team has more than 20 players, obviously this will mean it will be less than half a game, but every effort will be made to keep the playing time even. A coach of a team that is short of players for a game shall work with the opposing coach to balance the numbers of players, even if it means playing donated players from the other team for that game. 3

4 2016 HR Lax League Board of Directors: Commissioners: Boy s Youth Ben Jackson Girl s Youth Melissa Strickland Boy s HS Wayne Borchers Girl s HS John Crumpler Soft Stick Lara Lucas Operations: Boys HS Kristi Brown Executive Committee President Jess Stevenson Vice President Victor Lucas Treasurer Dave Herman Recording Secretary Bob Masters 2015 HR Lax Boy s Youth Directors: Commissioner Ben Jackson Vice Commissioner Jess Stevenson Coaches Coordinator Reagan Tieskoetter 2016 HR Lax Boy s Youth Area Reps: Williamsburg John Christman Yorktown Tom Overby Suffolk Ed Morgan Norfolk Keith Hope & Chris Smythe North Beach Jeff Jaycox East Beach Tom Lewis West Beach Steve Conklin South Beach Scott Holava Chesapeake Ryan Roasa 2016 HR Lax Boy s Youth Committees Fields Area Reps Scheduling Sandi Dittig Officials Lou Rader Coaches Reagan Tieskoetter 4

5 Registration and Team Assignments: Registration Registrations for the 2016 Season will open on November 9, 2015 and close on January 18, Late registrations will be accepted from January 19, 2016 until February 15th, Late registrants will not be guaranteed roster slots, but will be assigned to teams on a space available basis.. Registration Fees are: Spring 16 Boys U or 13 years old as of 9/1/15 $ $ (after 1/18/16) Spring 16 Boys U or 11 years old as of 9/1/15 $ $ (after 1/18/16) Spring 16 Boys U-10 8 or 9 years old as of 9/1/15 $ $ (after 1/18/16) Spring 16 Boys U-8 6 or 7 years old as of 9/1/15 $ $ (after 1/18/16) Registration fees do not include uniforms; however, uniforms may be purchased separately during the registration process. Team Rosters The number of teams in each age group, their geographic affiliation (ZIP Code and closest public middle school), and size of the rosters are dependent upon the number of player registrations and available coaches. Typically, each of the following areas will field at least one team in the U10, U12, and U14 age groups: Norfolk Virginia Beach (East Beach, North Beach, West Beach and South Beach) Williamsburg Yorktown Suffolk Chesapeake In order to provide a quality coaching and playing experience for the boys, optimal team size is 15 to 20 boys, and this is what the assignment process strives for. Teams in excess of 22 players will only be assembled when no alternative assignments are practical. The ultimate goal is to place every interested player on a team. Players of all abilities are welcome and there will be no cutting of players from the roster based on their playing ability. In scheduled games, coaches will strive to provide all players equal playing time, and in the U8, U10, and U12 age groups provide them the opportunity to play all positions. 5

6 Coaches US Lacrosse Membership and registration on the Hampton Roads Lacrosse web site ( are mandatory for coaches. Registration for coaches opens by 1 November. Hampton Roads Lacrosse supports the Positive Coaching Alliance ( and requires all coaches to participate in and practice its tenets. The coaches have a tremendous responsibility as role models to their charges. An emphasis on the game s fundamentals, good sportsmanship, encouragement, character building and having fun are essential to the coaching and playing experience. All Head and Assistant Coaches are required to successfully complete the U.S. Lacrosse ( Continuing Education Program Level 1 on-line coaching course. All coaches are encouraged to attend the live U.S. Lacrosse Level 1 Clinic at least once. All head coaches are be required to obtain U.S. Lacrosse Level 1 certification. All Head and Assistant Coaches must successfully pass the NCSI background check. Coaches will be rechecked annually and must reapply bi-annually. As an all-volunteer organization, it is incumbent on coaches to constantly recruit new coaches. A pre-season coaches meeting for all coaches is held in mid-january along with a coaches clinic at a field location in January / February. This is a rain or shine event. Weather Policy All games will be played as scheduled unless canceled in advance or where the situation deteriorates rapidly and places participants and spectators in an unsafe environment, e.g., lightning. Due to the wide geographic area and possible local weather situations where the games may be scheduled for on the same day, Host field contacts are established in advance and should be contacted if there is any question regarding whether the games will be played as scheduled. It is not always a safe assumption that because the weather in Virginia Beach is bad that Williamsburg is experiencing the same conditions. Before games start, cancellation decisions will be made by the affected game facility Host or responsible Area Coordinator, in coordination with the Boys Commissioner. The League will then notify the affected coaches of all cancellation decisions. Once games have started, cancellation decisions will be made by the lead referee on the field, in coordination with the Boys Commissioner. The lead referee on the field will then notify the affected coaches of the cancellation decision. The League will schedule makeup games where and when possible. 6

7 Practices Hampton Roads Lacrosse Coaches Handbook Coaches determine their own practice schedule and work out field location and sharing arrangements with their fellow Area coaches. Generally two or three practices per week are scheduled per team and the first practice of the season usually is held in the period from late January to mid-february. Attendance is highly encouraged for all players. Infrequent misses should not adversely impact game playing time. Conversely, repeated chronic missing of practice, especially in the U-12 and U-14 age groups, may result in decreased playing time for that player at the coaches discretion. Games For 2016, the Spring Season will see the first games scheduled on 12 March at the Warhill Sports Complex in Williamsburg. Games are scheduled for all weekends through May 14th, though no games will be scheduled for Easter weekend. This year the goal is to play all Boys games on Saturdays. Game schedules detailing the dates, times, locations and opponents are usually finalized in mid-february and posted on the web site. The Season will end with a tournament style Jamboree at Warhill on 14 May. Specific information on the schedules for the Jamboree will be published later in the season. 7

8 Proposed 2015 Game Schedule and Field Locations* * Note This schedule is NOT final, please consult the website for current version Event Location Date Registration for Players and Coaches Opens 9-Nov-15 Registration Closes Late Registration Closes 18-Jan Feb-16 Opening Day Warhill Sports Complex 12-Mar Week 2 Deep Creek Park, Chesapeake 19-Mar Week 3 EASTER NO PLAY 26-Mar Week 4 Warhill Sports Complex 2-Apr Week 5 Princess Anne Athletic Complex 9-Apr Week 6 Princess Anne Athletic Complex 16-Apr Week 7 Princess Anne Athletic Complex 23-Apr Warhill Week 8 Warhill 30-Apr Week 9 Lake Taylor HS Soccer Complex 7-May Jamboree Warhill 14-May 8

9 Uniforms & Equipment: Individual Equipment All new players must purchase a jersey and shorts from Signature Team Wear (Jersey $22 /Shorts $25). Returning players: 1. Players may choose to use their 2015 uniforms, or 2. Purchase a new one (same as last year), or 3. Replace a piece of the uniform (Jersey $22 /Shorts $25). Click on your area team to purchase a uniform. NOTE: All uniform orders placed before February 1, 2016 will received $5 shipping, and delivered directly to your address. Orders placed after 2/1/16 will incur $15 late/rush fee and will ship directly to your address. Orders placed after 2/15/2016 are not guaranteed to arrive by the first game of the season. Chesapeake - Currituck - East Beach - Norfolk - North Beach - South Beach - Suffolk - West Beach - hrwestbeach.signatureteamwear.com Williamsburg - Yorktown - If you are unsure what area team your child is registered, contact the Boys Youth Commissioner, Ben Jackson: ben.jackson@hrlax.com or the League Operations Manager, Sandi Dittig: sandi.dittig@hrlax.com Each player must provide some of his own equipment. This required equipment includes: Helmet, mouthpiece, shoulder pads, arm pads, stick, gloves and shoes. Rib pads and cups are recommended, but not required. The helmet must have the NCAA warning decal and bear NOCSAE approval. Hockey helmets and gloves are not allowed. (Note that helmets have limited life spans, usually 3 4 years, and should be replaced accordingly.) Sticks must meet NCAA rules. Shoes must be rubber soled cleats. (Metal tip cleats are not allowed.) 9

10 Typical equipment prices are displayed in the following diagram: Team Equipment Equipment the League provides each team: Goalie Equipment - Each team is given a goalie stick, chest protector and throat guard. The chest protector and throat guard are expected to last about 3 years (if not more) and are to be handed down when a coach "ages up". A stick should last 1 year or 2. Nets Nets are replaced about every 3 years. They should last that long if they are taken in and put away during the off season. Goals - Each Area is provided 2 sets of goals when they first join so they can host League games when it's their turn. Balls - Each team is given 48 balls at the beginning of the season. Field Paint - Field paint and field lining machines (1 per area) are provided for Boys game fields. Guidelines for paint usage are: o First lining for game fields should take 12 cans (1case) and 8 cans respectively. 10

11 HR LAX BOYS YOUTH LEAGUE - LEAGUE RULES FOR 2016 The HR Lax Boys Youth League will make decisions regarding the following issues Eligibility of players not falling within league parameters. Grievances that cannot be resolved between coaches. Referee complaints that cannot be handled by the leagues' head official. Violations of league rules. Rules of Play The HR Lax Boys Youth Division will follow US Lacrosse Best Practices and the 2016 US Lacrosse Rules for Boys Youth Lacrosse. NFHS rules as modified modified by US Lacrosse. Boys Youth Rules are posted on the US Lacrosse web site at : Guidance Regarding Team Splits for 2016 Season (U10, U12 & U14) The following rules will be observed for the 2016 season in cases where areas have large teams. These rules are intended to provide an optimal playing experience for the players with the combined objectives of providing even and maximized playing time for all participants, developing skills and lacrosse IQ in newer players and to increase the level of competition within HR LAX for more experienced players. 1. An Area age-group with 25 or fewer players will play as a single team with the requirement that all players receive equal playing time per HR LAX and US Lacrosse guidelines. a. Coaches having players are encouraged to move a few players from their team to an adjoining area if there is a smaller team within a reasonable driving distance to practice; such player moves must be done with parental consent and agreement of the gaining coach. Targeted optimal team size is players. 2. Teams with 30 or more players shall be split into two teams in one of two ways: a. An equal division by age group (e.g., split at the median birth date regardless of player experience on either side of the age band); or, preferably divided by school zone. b. Each team must have a minimum of 15 players. c. No player may appear on more than one roster. 3. Teams between 26 and 29 players may, either split into two teams at the beginning of the season, or chose to play as one large team while observing the equal playing time guidelines. a. Such splits will be done using the same method outlined in section 2a. 11

12 b. Players may be floated between the two teams as follows; i. No more than 15 players may be on the player side of the field at the start of a game (e.g., a team with 13 players on its fixed roster may have a maximum of 2 additional players from the other split team) ii. The fixed roster team members will be started to the extent possible and their playing time given priority iii. Player rosters using floated players must be submitted to the Coaches Coordinator and the opposing coach by Thursday evening prior to the affected game, clearly indicating which players are to be floated. iv. Coaches must ensure a fair rotation of players being floated each week. v. Each team must have a minimum of 13 players on its fixed roster. vi. No player may appear on more than one fixed roster. 4. In every case, each team must have an individually designated Head Coach with valid HR LAX BYL coaching credentials. 5. Players are not allowed to float between age groups in any circumstance. 6. Although the scheduling committee will take split teams into account during the planning process, there is no guarantee that games for a split team will be held at specific times or locations. a. Split teams within the same division may opt to not play each other. 12

13 US Lacrosse Code of Conduct Players, coaches, officials, parents and spectators are to conduct themselves in a manner that "Honors the Game" and demonstrates respect to other players, coaches, officials, parents, spectators and fans. In becoming a member of the lacrosse community an individual assumes certain obligations and responsibilities to the game of lacrosse and its participants. The essential elements in this "Code of Conduct" are HONESTY and INTEGRITY. Those who conduct themselves in a manner that reflects these elements will bring credit to the sport of lacrosse, themselves, their team and their organization. It is only through such conduct that our sport can continue to earn and maintain a positive image and make its full contribution to amateur sports in the United States and around the world. US Lacrosse supports the following behaviors for those who participate in the sport or are involved in any way with US Lacrosse. The following essential elements of the "Code of Conduct" must be followed: Sportsmanship and teaching the concepts of fair play are essential to the game and must be taught at all levels and developed both at home and on the field during practices and games. The value of good sportsmanship, the concepts of fair play, and the skills of the game should always be placed above wining. The safety and welfare of the players are of primary importance. Coaches must always be aware of the tremendous influence they have on their players. They are to strive to be positive role models in dealing with young people, as well as adults. Coaches should always demonstrate positive behaviors and reinforce them to players, parents, officials and spectators alike. Players should be specifically encouraged and positively reinforced by coaches to demonstrate respect for teammates, opponents, officials and spectators. Players should always demonstrate positive behavior and respect toward teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, parents and spectators. Coaches, players, parents and spectators are expected to demonstrate the utmost respect for officials and reinforce that respect to players/teammates. Coaches are also expected to educate their players as to the important role of lacrosse officials and reinforce the ideal of respect for the official to players/teammates. Grievances or misunderstandings between coaches, officials or any other parties involved with the sport should be communicated through the proper channels and procedures, never on or about the field of play in view of spectators or participants. Officials are professionals and are therefore expected to conduct themselves as such and in a manner that demonstrates total impartiality, courtesy and fairness to all parties. Spectators involved with the game must never permit anyone to openly or maliciously criticize, badger, harass or threaten an official, coach, player or opponent. Coaches must be able to demonstrate a solid knowledge of the rules of lacrosse, and should adhere to the rules in both the letter and the spirit of the game. Coaches should provide a basic knowledge of the rules to both players and spectators within his/her program. Attempts to manipulate rules in an effort to take unfair advantage of an opponent, or to teach deliberate unsportsmanlike conduct, is considered unacceptable conduct. Eligibility requirements, at all levels of the game, must be followed. Rules and requirements such as age, previous level of participation, team transfers, etc, have been established to encourage and maximize participation, fair play and to promote safety. 13

14 Glossary of Lacrosse Terms The following is a list of terms you may frequently hear while watching a lacrosse game. Some, you may be familiar with, others, may sound a little odd at first. But all are part of knowing the game of lacrosse. Attack Goal Area: The area defined by a line drawn sideline to sideline, 20 yards from the face of the goal. Once the offensive team crosses the midfield line, it has ten seconds to move the ball into its attack goal area. Body Check: Contact with an opponent from the front, between the shoulders and the waist, when opponent has the ball or is within five yards of a loose ball. Box: An area on the sideline used to hold players who have been served with penalties, and through which substitutions "on the fly" are permitted directly from the sideline onto the field. Check-Up: A call given by the goalie to alert the defender to find his man and call out his number. Clamp: A face-off maneuver executed by quickly pushing the back of the stick on top of the ball. Clearing: Running or passing the ball from the defensive half of the field to the attack goal area. Crease: A circle around the goal, nine feet in radius, into which only defensive players may enter. Crosse (Stick): The equipment used to throw, catch and carry (cradle) the ball. Defensive Clearing Area: The area defined by a line drawn sideline to sideline, 20 yards from the face of the goal. Once the defensive positioned correctly, usually due to a loose ball or an unsuccessful clear. Extra Man Offense: A man advantage that occurs following a time-serving penalty. Face-Off: A technique used to put the ball in play at the start of each quarter, or after a goal is scored. The players squat down and the ball is placed between their sticks. Fast-Break: A transition scoring opportunity in which the offense has at least one man advantage. Ground Ball: A loose ball on the playing field. Handle (Shaft): The pole connected to the head of the stick. 14

15 Head: The plastic or wood part of the stick connected to the handle. Loose Ball: A situation in which neither team has control of the ball. Man Down Defense: The situation that results from a time-serving penalty which causes the defense to play with a least a one man disadvantage. Midfield Line: The line bisecting the field of play. On-the-Fly Substitution: A player substitution made during play. Usually executed while the ball is being handled offensively. Pick: An offensive maneuver in which a stationary player attempts to block the path of a defender with his body. Pocket: The strung part of the head of a stick which holds the ball. Rake: A face-off maneuver in which a player sweeps the ball to the side. Riding: The act of trying to prevent a team from clearing the ball. Release: The term used by an official to notify a penalized player in the box that he or she may re-enter the game. Unsettled Situation: Any situation in which the defense is not positioned correctly, usually due to a loose ball or an unsuccessful clear. 15

16 Drills May be Found using the US Lacrosse Mobil Coach App. Wall Drills A lacrosse player, a lacrosse stick, a ball and a wall can improve a player s stick skills tremendously. The wall acts as a tool to make one's stick skills excel. The wall provides another person who can catch almost all passes and complete almost any drill with ease. First year players who faithfully practice these drills can make dramatic improvement in a very short period of time, and some can virtually catch up with experienced players in stick skills over the course of a single season. Some great walls can be found at racquetball courts, tennis courts, parks and the backs of schools. Look for a wall that does not have any windows or anything nearby that could break. Switch Hand Drill - The first drill that one can do with a wall is the switch hand drill. Throw the ball against the wall and catch the ball with the opposite hand. Do this for about 5 minutes, continually switching hands. Roll Dodge Drill - The next drill one can do is the roll dodge drill. Throw the ball with your strong hand and do a fast roll dodge- as well as fully changing hands. If you wish to become good with both hands do this drill from both sides or do this drill exclusively from your weak hand to your strong hand. Quick Stick Drill - The next drill that the wall is great for is the quick stick drill. Throw the ball against the wall ten times with your strong hand. The trick to this drill is that you do not cradle the ball after the catch - just catch and throw. This drill is especially important for the attackman who has a split second to shoot and score. Definitely do this drill with both hands. Ground Ball Drill - Another drill one can do is the ground ball drill where one throws a low pass to the wall and does a quick scoop. Do this with both hands and one will see the difference in his game time ground balls. Practicing this drill with both hands will improve your confidence in the weak hand. Shooting Drill - The shooting drill involves picking a point on the wall- a mark or a line and firing the ball at it. This drill will improve accuracy, but beware. The ball will bounce back so make sure to do this drill far enough from the wall so you don t get hurt after the shot. Passing and Catching Drill - The last drill involves running along the length of the wall and throwing the ball as you run. The wall will act as a running player. This drill will only work with a moderately long wall as one cannot run along a wall below 20 feet long. 16