CT River Lacrosse Club------Club review of playing time
Our primary purpose is to promote the game of lacrosse in a safe and sportsmanlike environment. The goal is to conduct all our activities in a manner that will set an example of good sportsmanship and friendly competition for our young players. We strive at the youth lacrosse level is to teach the basics of game the youth of the area. We strive to feed the High Schools with players who are knowledgeable and have the skills to play at the next level.
At the team level we need to encourage all players to play and improve at their potential. While some will excel and others may not, all need to be given the opportunity to reach their potential. To accomplish this we have a number of basic rules which need to be followed:
On Orange teams which are based on tryouts the emphasis should be to create a team that can best compete in their league. Playing time will be based on the skill level and the teams needs. Playing time will probably not be equal, but all will be given an equal opportunity to play.
In return for playing on the Orange team players have agreed to be at all practices and games, with the exception of church or school events. Lacrosse is their first sport during the season and they have agreed not to miss for any other sports. Violation of this can mean that the player may be moved down to the Blue team.
On a team which has a mix of A,B,& C players and on Blue teams we need to work to help each player reach their potential. We need to adjust playing time so everyone has a chance to play. Some may play more in tougher games and others in the easier games, but in the end all players will have reasonably equal playing time. Learning not winning is the primary focus of the team.
There are several exceptions to this rule. If a player misses practices, especially prior to games, they should be told they will play less or not at all depending on the reason given and whether it’s a chronic issue. Practice is important regardless of skill.
Playing up to another team
No player will be allowed to play on any team that he/she is not registered to play on. The only exception to this rule is that if a team needs players to have enough warm bodies to play. Coaches will first draw from the Blue team if they are an Orange team, and after that they may bring players up from the next level down.
No player shall play down from Orange to Blue or from a higher age team to a lower age team from the team they are registered to play on, ever
If a player is called up to an Orange team from a Blue team for a minimum of four (4) games then that player must move to that team permanently.
Goalies
Goalie playing time will be different due to the uniqueness of the position. Coaches shall try to encourage other field players to take turns in the goal when goalies are absent rather than bringing goalies from another team. Therefore the coach needs to keep extra goalie equipment for these instances. Orange teams may bring up goalies from other teams if the goalie has no conflicts with his own team.