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Introductions PCYLO Philosophy Coaching Requirements Important Dates League Rules Communication Expectations Curriculum Connectivity 2
Scott Coccaro, President DJ Glusker, Vice President Brad Johnson, IMLAX Representative Stephanie Kaye, Treasurer Dori Nolan, Girl s Coordinator Adam Procino, Boy s Coordinator Christine Tiranno, Co-Fundraising Chair Paul Tiranno, Co-Fundraising Chair Adrienne Woolley, Community Outreach Coordinator Colette Lynch, PCYLO Administrator Contact Information is on the Website- parkcitylacrosse.org 3
VISION Excellence through Athletics To foster an environment that promotes athletic achievement & excellence, but more importantly, the achievement of excellence in life. MISSION The PCYLO strives to Promote Interest in the sport of lacrosse in Park City and surrounding areas Increase youth participation in the sport of lacrosse in our community Provide an environment in which every youth athlete: Feels safe & welcome Experiences positive coaching and encouragement Has fun playing the game Feels like an important part of a team Learns life lessons such as sportsmanship and leadership that have value beyond the playing field Learns the skills, tactics and strategies of the game so that they improve as a player VALUES Respect Integrity Discipline Teamwork Safety 4
IMLax Coaches Registration & Level 1 Certification - click All coaches are required to complete the IMLax Registration and obtain a badge and MUST DISPLAY IT on the sidelines All head coaches are required to complete Level 1 certification, although we strongly encourage all coaches to get this training 5
Spring Season Important Dates Pre-Season Practices Begin week of Monday, February 26th (Indoor) for select divisions (Boys Thunder & Jr s / Girls Jr s & Thunder) at Basin Rec Full Indoor Practice Schedule starts March 5 th We don t have outdoor schedule yet Schedule Assessment Days IMLAX Important Dates Mandatory Coaches Meetings March 16 th Schedules released March 24 th Games Begin No Games on Saturday April 7th April 30th Weekday Games Begin May 14th-19th Last week of Regular Season May 19th-24th Playoffs (5-8 grade) 6
Divisions: Minimum of 12 boys or 14 girls are required to field a team 7th/8th Grade (14U Division): Competitive Teams 5th/6th Grade (12U Division): Competitive Teams 3rd/4th Grade (10U Division): Split Equitably K-2nd Grade (8U Division): Split Equitably Players cannot play for multiple teams Players need to be registered for a program that corresponds to the HS boundary within which they live One Head Coach per team Coaches must display their badges to be on the sideline during games. Coaches will be asked to leave if they cannot provide proof of registration/background check Playing Up? Encourage you to go to IMLAX website to review league policies and boys and girls rules 7
The Coaches Page on the website will be your primary resource for information. PCYLO will keep the site up to date. 8
As a Head Coach you Are expected to communicate to parents: Game Schedule changes Practice Changes/Cancellations Game summaries Any other relevant information Two ways to communicate You must have the Sports Engine App on your phone PCYLO website Keep a timesheet if you are getting paid Are expected to communicate to your fellow coaches: If you are going to be late or miss a practice If you are going to be late or miss a game Practice Plans Any other relevant information Are expected to communicate to PCYLO: If you are going to miss a game Any incidents with PCYLO players, fans, coaches, other team etc. Questions from parents Any other relevant information **We know that everyone is busy (including your volunteer board), but please make every effort to be responsive to the PCYLO board. 9
Game Summaries will be done no later then 2 days after a game and should include: High Level Review of Game What went well What team needs to work on next week (key takeaways) Highlight players for outstanding play, sportsmanship, respect etc. Any information for next week Sample game summary Game Balls 10
These are KIDS This is a GAME Coaches are VOLUNTEERS Officials are HUMAN 11
Players Parents Have fun! Lacrosse is a Team Sport! Be an exceptional teammate! Respect the game showing respect for all involved with the game including coaches, players, opponents, opposing fans, table crew and officials Be Accountable make every effort to attend all practices and games, be properly prepared and ready to play! Have fun! Remain in the spectator area during competitions Place the emotional and physical well-being of my child ahead of personal desire to win Support coaches and officials working with my child Make only sportsmanlike comments that encourage my child and other players on both teams during games 12
PCYLO Coaches Do what is best for the kids PCYLO will ALWAYS put the well being of our youth athletes first and foremost Clear and timely communication about important events, game & practice schedules, registration etc. Be Accountable to parent and player concerns/questions Solicit input from parents and community Make sure that the PCYLO code of conduct is enforced Set the example! 13
The coaches MAKE THE PROGRAM! As a coach you must always be aware of the tremendous influence you have on your players. Strive to be a positive role model in dealing with young people, as well as adults. Continually demonstrate positive behaviors and reinforce them to players, parents, officials and spectators alike. Encourage your players to demonstrate respect for teammates, opponents, officials and spectators and positively reinforce such behaviors 14
Arrive prior to practice start time Stay on field until last player is picked up Every head coach should create a dynamic practice plan for each practice Write it down / share it with assistants If you are bored, they are really bored! Ensure you have a schedule and keep to it. Idle players kill practices. Minimize standing around & Maximize touches I.E. Line drills should only be used for a very brief warm ups and never should there be more than 6 players total (3 on one side, 3 on the other side) in any line. 15
Stress fundamentals stickwork, cradling, stick protection, dodging etc. Emphasize Teamwork- if there are renegade players who refuse to pass, the bench is the greatest disciplinarian Make sure all players are engaged Praise in public and criticize in private Don t be afraid to engage parents They can help run drills and ensure every player gets more attention. 16
Guiding Principles: 1. If players need to learn new schemes with each new year and new team, then their growth will be stunted. PCYLO needs to ensure connectivity with what they learned last year to what they will learn next year 2. PCYLO knows not every youth player will play high school lacrosse. Yet the youth curriculum should supply a road map for coaches and players to follow to prepare youth players for the expectations of the HS program to give every player the best opportunity to play at the next level if they so desire. 3. Build a Lacrosse Community with a great culture! 17
1. Define the PCYLO Skill Fundamentals these are the pillars that support a lax player s development 2. Develop/Define Basic Situations and Expectations for Offense, Defense and Face-Offs 3. Develop a systematic process for evaluating players 4. Develop, where applicable, age appropriate versions of what the Park City HS is running 5. HS Curriculum coordinator 1. Have good understanding of what is coached at HS level 2. Point of contact for youth coaches to ask questions 3. Monitor youth teams to ensure basic compliance 6. Coaching Clinics run by HS coaches 7. Varsity players paying it forward volunteer their time to the Youth program 8. Develop an expectation guide for incoming Freshman Lax Players 9. Create events/situations (i.e. PCYLO picnic, season kickoff) where players and parents can interact with their team and the broader lax community 10. Volunteer opportunities for players/teams 18
US Lacrosse Mobile Coach LADM IMLAX PCYLO Sports Engine Contacts Scott Coccaro- 951.970.0528 Adam Procino- Dori Nolan- 19