Resources
Parent/Player Code of Conduct:
As a parent, I agree that "coaches coach, players play, and parents cheer and volunteer." I agree to be respectful in giving constructive feedback to the coaches and/or director. Disrespect, rudeness, arrogant, and condescending emails or phone calls to coaches or youth director may result in my and/or my child's suspension from practice and/or game events, up to and including being asked to permanently leave the program without reimbursement of player fee.
Playing time is always a big concern for parents. The game of lacrosse does not naturally tend to produce “equal” playing time situations. Certain positions can stay on the field longer than others. For instance, middies need to shift roughly 2 or 3 times the frequency of other players because they cover the full field. Attack and defensive players typically cover half the field and can stay on the field longer. U12/U14 teams play with penalties and “man- up” or “man-down” situations. There are times when a player who just got on the field will need to shift off to get the right player in for one of these situations. We try to keep track of these situations so no one gets shorted, but if you’ve ever seen a lacrosse game, it is managed chaos at times and the best of coaches will short a player.
U6 (K/1): This age group is instructional only. If/when there are scrimmages or games, everyone will have ample opportunity to play.
U8 (1/2): This age group is instructional along with some games and scrimmages. They will be matched-up with local teams and there may be some tournament games as well. Playing time will be equalized as much as possible.
U10 (3/4): Playing time will be equalized as much as possible.
U10 (3/4) Travel: There may be tournaments in the schedule where the competition is exceptional. Coaches will choose the most capable and durable players. Rosters may vary throughout the season depending on a player’s progress/motivation.
U12 (5/6): Playing time is not necessarily equalized at this age group and older. The goal is to get every player in the game that is suited up if at all possible.
U12 (5/6) Travel: There will be very competitive out of town tournaments. Coaches will invite players to these tournaments. The roster may vary due to injuries, illness and/or player performance throughout the season.
U14 (7/8): There are several players on this team that have been playing the sport for a long time, and a few players that are relatively new to the sport. Each of the games will be very competitive and playing time is not equal or guaranteed. It should be expected in close games, not all players will be given playing time. For other games, that are not close, every attempt will be made to allow playing time for the more novice players.
U14 (7/8) Travel: There will be very competitive out of town tournaments. Everyone is welcome to make the trip for out of town tournaments with the understanding that playing time is not guaranteed. If a parent decides to not to have their player attend a tournament, please let the coach know ahead of time.
EPL Photo Release
I consent to the use of images or likeness of my child/ward for promotional purposes by East Pride Lacrosse, including publication on the East Pride Lacrosse website, social media pages, etc.
East Pride Lacrosse Age and Eligibility Guidelines
East Pride Lacrosse (EPL) follows the age and eligibility guidelines set forth by US Lacrosse. US Lacrosse provides national leadership, structure and resources to fuel the sport's growth and enrich the experience of all participants.
EPL requires all players and coaches have active US Lacrosse membership, which provides medical and general liability insurance as well as provides youth lacrosse rules and guidelines.
US Lacrosse established these eligibility guidelines to promote a safe and sportsmanlike environment across the entire country. US Lacrosse believes that leagues, associations, and other organizers of youth lacrosse should provide playing opportunities that, as much as possible, aim to establish a "level playing field" among players of similar age. US Lacrosse membership also conducts player age verification.
For US Lacrosse age eligibility guidelines:
https://www.uslacrosse.org/sites/default/files/public/documents/rules/USL_AgeGroupChart_20_21.pdf
East Pride Teams
U14 (7/8) - Born between 08/01/2005 and 08/31/2008
These teams are comprised of 7th and 8th graders eligible for U14. These teams will play locally and some players may be selected to travel.
U12 (5/6) - Born between 09/01/2008 and 08/31/2010
These teams are comprised of 5th and 6th graders eligible for U12. These teams will play locally and some players may be selected to travel.
U10 (3/4) - Born between 09/01/2010 and 08/31/2012
These teams are comprised of 3rd and 4th graders eligible for U10. These teams will play locally and some players may be selected to travel.
U8 (1/2) - Born between 09/01/20012 and 8/31/2014
These teams are comprised of 1st and 2nd graders eligible for U8. These teams will play locally with some tournaments.
U6 (K/1) - Born between 09/01/2014 and 08/31/2015
This is an instructional team for Kindergartners and 1st graders that may not be ready to play games. This will be skill focused about learning the game of lacrosse.
East Pride Lacrosse strongly encourages players to play in the appropriate age group. At the time of registration, EPL automatically places each player in the appropriate age group based on the player's date of birth. Playing up (in an older age group) or playing down (in a younger age group) is discouraged. However, there are instances where a player’s size, talent level or other circumstances may make playing in the assigned age group less desirable. Special circumstances are rarely considered. Exceptions to date of birth team assignments will require the approval of the EPL Board President. While we welcome players from outside of the EGR School District, priority is given to players within the district when making team assignments and factors for consideration include: team size, player size, talent level and legacy within the program.