Irondequoit Youth Lacrosse, Inc. (IYL) Season Policies (for Girls and Boys Teams) Created 7/8/2016, Updated 9/8/2016 Our goal as an IYL House program is to continue to teach our players the fundamental skills and concepts of lacrosse through positive coaching, excellent communication, and fast-paced play with a strong emphasis on , good sportsmanship, and leadership. This House program is primarily for residents of the West Irondequoit School District.

The House program is designed for all players who are interested in playing (new or experienced). The game is to be played with emphasis on the proper development of individual stick skills, team play, player safety, and sportsmanship.

FEES

 Each IYL session will have a registration fee based on the number of practices, and tournaments entered. This fee also covers insurance, field costs, referee costs and other equipment expenses.  Every other year jersey kits will be included in the cost of registration. Jersey kits are used for 2 years.  IYL does make every attempt to keep expenses low.

HOUSE SEASON GAMES

 IYL competes against other town teams in the Rochester area. Typically there are 7 to 8 games scheduled per year.  IYL House Teams also participate in at least 2 “house style” tournaments.  IYL will consider past tournament experiences and competition when choosing what tournaments to play in.

GENERAL TIMELINE

 December – January: Registration built and communication sent.  February: Registration due.  March – April: Practice begins.  May – June: Games and practices. The House season concludes approximately the 2nd weekend in June.  All Year: Survey IYL members to get voice of the customer feedback on the House program.

TEAMS

 IYL will field teams for 1/2, 3/4 and 5/6 grades for both Girls and Boys.  Everyone plays and the coaches will try their best to have equal playing time for all.  IYL coaches do not keep score, as we play to get better and have fun.  IYL strives to keep balanced teams and not “stack” teams.  Ideal team size for players (subject to change from year to year): o Teams Size for 1/2: Players count between 13 and 16 (Note – 8 on the field at a time). o Team Size for 3/4: Players count between 13 and 16 (Note – 8 on the field at a time). o Team Size for 5/6: Player count between 16 and 20 (Note – 12 on the field for Girls, 10 for Boys).

PLAYING UP/DOWN  IYL follows the US Lacrosse recommendation: o US Lacrosse discourages, but does not prohibit, a player eligible to play on a team in a younger age division from “playing up” on an older age division team, within such a twenty-four month age spread. 1

o However, in no situation may a player “play down” below his appropriate age level.  Understanding family situations and other factors, IYL will consider the risks of “playing up,” including burn out, injury and the social aspects before rendering a decision.  The Playing Up form on www.irondequoitlacrosse.com needs to be filled out by a parent/guardian for IYL to consider someone playing up.

CODE OF CONDUCT

 All IYL coaches, players and /guardians are expected to read and agree to all conditions that are detailed in the IYL Code of Conduct (full version on IYL website).  IYL expects that our athletes always to conduct themselves in an exemplary fashion. It is expected that each player plays by the rules of lacrosse and behaves with good sportsmanship on and off the field.  IYL expects that parents/guardians will: o Be a good listener and a great encourager. Cheer everybody on the team. o Refrain from shouting instructions, as it might not be what the coaches have instructed. o Mistakes will be made. Be ready to forgive the referee or coach that makes the mistake. o Wait 24 hours before addressing a concern to make sure the emotions are in check. o We are all representatives of our town and each other. Bad behavior reflects poorly on all of us. o Poor behavior can have consequences, including your child’s playing time and suspension from IYL.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT (see the Mandated Equipment Policy for more details)

 Girls: o Water Bottle, Goggles or Headgear(must meet the ASTM Specification Standards), Mouth guard – must be a visible color (no clear or white allowed), Women's Lacrosse Stick, Cleats (Women’s Gloves are optional) o NOTE: NO jewelry is allowed at any time during practice or games.  Boys: o Water Bottle, Men's Lacrosse Stick, IYL Lacrosse Helmet, Gloves, Arm Pads/Guards, Shoulder Pads, Cup, Mouth Guard, Cleats - Football or soccer cleats are fine, no metal cleats (Rib Guards are optional)

COMMUNICATION

 Club communication will primarily be made via the IYL web site and email.  A Team Page complete with contacts, schedule and roster will be set up once tryouts conclude.

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