Sycamore Youth Boys' Lacrosse
This page contains information about practice and game times/dates, equipment requirements, Mission, Goals/Philosophies, and Issue Resolution Policies
The Youth program is comprised of boys and girls from grades K through 6. The season will run from the third week of February to the end of May. The breakdown of general information and teams will consist of the following:
General Information:
US Lacrosse Membership Requirement:
Each player will register for a US Lacrosse membership which will provide a secondary/supplemental medical insurance policy to potentially aid a player who's injuries result from a US Lacrosse recognized practice/game/tournament. They also provide funding, organization, and guidance to our Southwest Ohio Chapter of US Lacrosse.
Uniform & Equipment: Each player is required to purchase a team uniform consisting of a reversible jersey, shorts and helmet. Goalie equipment is provided for use by the team.
Boys
Each boy needs a stick, gloves, helmet, shoulder pads, arm pads, mouth guard, protective cup, and proper footwear (rubber cleats). K-2nd Grade (Boys Lightning Players) will be provided loaner helmets, arm pads, and shoulder pads. 3rd - 6th grade boys need all their own equipment.
Fields: Sycamore Lacrosse association is not affiliated with the Sycamore Schools however we are permitted to use many of the fields for games and practices. The Sycamore High School practice fields, Greene Intermediate, and occasionally the Sycamore Junior High Stadium. Away games will be played throughout the Greater Cincinnati area.
Play: The spring youth schedule consists of weekly practices and weekend games against other local teams. Typically each team plays around 10-15 games per season. The teams will generally participate in at least one tournament either during the season or perhaps at the conclusion of the regular season.
Our main focus with the youth is to develop proper lacrosse fundamentals and techniques. We try to enjoy the process, and hope to be competitive along the way.
Boys Teams:
Lightning Program(K-2nd) - Modified body contact, teaches the basic lacrosse fundamentals, play on a shortened field. This program generally starts in mid-March, depending on weather. Games start late March/early April lasting until mid-May. Historically practices are held at Greene Intermediate School. This year there will be 2 practices days per week and times/days will be established by our parent coach's availability. Games are generally played on Saturday or Sunday mornings within the Cincinnati area.
"C" and "D" Teams(3rd-4th) - This level will focus mainly on the basic fundamentals of the game that include passing, catching and ground balls along with understanding the rules and having fun. They are not allowed to use full body contact or rough checking. Practices will occur either at Sycamore High School or Green Intermediate School. This year there will be 2 practices days per week and times/days will be established by our parent coach's availability. Games are generally Sunday early afternoon within the Cincinnati area.
"A" and "B" Teams(5th-6th) - This level will focus on improving the fundamentals and understanding of the game along with play sets on both offense and defense and having fun. Slightly more body contact and checking is permitted but the focus is primarly player and skill development. Practices will occur either at Sycamore High School or Green Intermediate School. This year there will be 2 practices days per week and times/days will be established by our parent coach's availability. Games are generally Sunday mid-late afternoon within the Cincinnati area.
Mission, Goals/Philosophies, Issue Resolution:
Mission: To have a positive effect on the lives of our players by teaching them the game of lacrosse and sharing the many lessons available through playing team sports.
Goals/Philosophies:
· Develop the proper techniques (fundamentals first) for playing lacrosse.
· Adhere to the “Honor the Game” Philosophy as stated through
US Lacrosse – Respect the “ROOTS” of positive play:
o Rules: We refuse to bend the rules to win
o Opponents: A worthy opponent is a gift that brings out our best
o Officials: Show respect even when we disagree
o Teammates: Never do anything to embarrass our team
o Self: We live up to our own standards even when others don't
· Encouragement is at the forefront of all messages we send the kids
· Keep it FUN for players and coaches – if it’s not, they won’t come back
· Stay “Light-hearted” as coaches, share laughs, don’t take it all too serious
· Ask for each player’s “best”, understanding everyone’s “best” is relative
Issue Resolution Policies:
· If a non-critical issue (i.e. playing time, position played, etc.) arises for a player or a player’s parent/guardian, 24 hours should pass before addressing the issue with the coach.
· If a critical issue (player or coach game misconduct, abusive fan, etc.) arises for any player, coach, parent/guardian, or visitor the SYL Board will use their discretion to address the issue in a timely manner, immediately if needed.
