February Meeting
Introductions of all present
Meeting called to order
January meeting minutes accepted
Treasurers Report: $48,061.73 + 10,900.00 deposits (Dick’s money etc.) – disbursements for Teams Compete fee etc. = $49,459.73 ending balance.
US Lax: Soft stick grants started this week (lacrosse grants for in school teaching of the sport). All schools urged to apply.
Boys VP: CEP trainings will be held on 3/12 at the Sage School in Foxboro, Ma., 3/19 in Exeter, NH and 4/1 & 4/2 in Portland, Maine.
Girls VP: CEP trainings on 3/12 in Reading, Ma., 3/19 in Exeter, NH and 3/25 in Groton, Ma.. The rules interpretations need to be attended by at least one person from each organization. As many as possible from all organizations are urged to go.
Boys Officials: (26) new youth officials will come from the Londonderry training. The second training in Wolfeboro has a few spots left (3/12 & 3/19). There are over (50) returning youth officials in 2017. On 3/5 is the mandatory youth referee re-fresh day. Exeter is trying to host a level 2 training on 3/18 (TBD). Presently there are six or seven locations being selected for youth rules interpretations. More will be added and posted to the web-site. The presentations will be in March / early April. See Wayne D if you would like to host one.
Girls Officials: (6) girls rules interpretation meetings will be listed on the site soon. There are still a few openings for youth official trainings. The training is two (3) hour classes and on field mentoring. See Dave P for more details and information.
President: 3/11 and 3/12 is the Dick’s Appreciation Days. Please push this opportunity to all programs as Dick’s bases there $10,000.00 commitment to NHYLA on the success of this weekend. Nashua will be staffed by Hollis Brookline & Merrimack, Salem by Londonderry and Salem, Seacoast by Hampton and Exeter, Portsmouth by Cocheco, Concord by Bow, John Stark , Concord and Hooksett and Keene will cover Keene.
There will be no “Play for a Cure” this year. This year will be “Lacrosse out Cancer”. Steve explained the switch and is available to help connect anyone interested with John W who is the researcher fighting to find a cure for cancer. Steve was very impressed with John’s lab and explained that a cure may be in sight.
Team registration is Due 3/1. Filters are available so please take your time and select as you wish. Please note that there are late fees after 3/1 with no exceptions. The Competition Committee will balance divisions after all teams are registered.
Amherst will most likely host this year’s year end festival. Discussions have been ongoing with Londonderry (usual host) and have not resulted in a suitable compromise. Kevin D. was asked to go back and give Londonderry one more chance to host. If no agreement can be made, Amherst will be awarded the games.
Youth rules discussion took place. Steve explained that spreadsheets are on the NHYLA site with a full breakdown of both the boys and girls proposed changes. Boys: changes are related to field size, # of players, game times, coaches etc. Most changes are based upon increasing touches and quality of play time with an emphasis on safety. Discussion ensued and rules were passed as presented (full breakdown on site). Girls: changes are related to cards, alternate possession, ground balls and one on one defense (no double teaming). A discussion about using soft balls ensued. A heated discussion took place regarding modified checking vs. full checking at 14U. This went to a vote. The vote was 12-11 so not 60%. 14U will have modified checking in 2017. A full breakdown of new rules are on the NHYLA site.
Nashua talked about hosting the “Nashua Turf Wars” on 3/25 and 3/26. They are looking for a few more teams to join. Amherst is hosting a pre-season tourney as well. Please email them directly for more information if you are interested in participating.
Certificates of Insurance and registrations are due by 3/1. Please comply as you will be assessed a late fee.
No new or old business. Motion to adjourn passed.