Welcome!

Welcome to the 2014 season for the Chandler Firebirds Youth Lacrosse Club. This is a very exciting time for the Chandler Firebirds. Last year we were the Junior High Arizona State Champions and this year we are adding our first ever U6 program for kids from K to 6th grade.

The Firebirds are a professionally run youth lacrosse club that participates in the Arizona Youth Lacrosse League, (ALL) – We are open to new and experienced players under the following ALL league boundary rules;

JHS:

  • Any student attending public, private, religious, charter, or home school whose residence is physically located within the following public school boundaries that feed the following; Bogle Middle School, Chandler #80, Payne Middle School, San Tan Middle School, and Willis Middle School.

U6:

  • There are technically no boundaries imposed by ALL. That said, we want you to make the choice that is easiest and best for you. If your young players elementary school does not feed into one of these JHS schools listed above, you are welcome to start their learning with us, however, we will also let you know if there are other programs in your area that are available and you can choose what is right for you.

The Chandler Firebirds are a Club CUSD program of Athletes In Training, A CUSD authorized youth sports program vendor. We will run programs for all ages from kindergarten to eighth grade. In our first season, we will have only boys, however, we will be starting a girls youth program in early 2014. Players of all experience and talent levels will be served with programs from introductory clinics for new to the game players to elite level talent teams that will compete locally and nationally. Our goal will be to provide the best possible youth lacrosse development programs running year round to help kids develop their talents, skills and abilities. As we develop these programs, you will be notified so you can register your young player in any skill developing opportunity you decide is right.

Our mission statement shows our focus as an organization and our commitment to providing the best environment for your youngster to develop as a Lacrosse player and as an energized and confident young athlete ready for the high school stage. Our coaches are among the best in youth Lacrosse in Arizona. Although we don’t see winning as the only priority, last year, our coaching staff took our Firebird team to the state Junior High championship and won! They know how to help your young player develop into a champion level player as well.

To get started, please review the attached registration package of program information and instructions. A quick summary;

  • Registration for the 2014 season begins now.
  • Our plan as of now is to have teams structured to be in line with the Arizona Lacrosse League (ALL) format and consist of K-4th, 5th & 6th, & 6th-8th.
  • Mandatory parents and players meeting Wednesday, Oct 30th.
  • First practice is Saturday, November 2nd
  • All practices will be at our home field on the North side of CTA Liberty elementary school.
  • First pre-season tournaments start in December.
  • First league games start in early January.

We are grateful you are joining with us and look forward to working with you and being a part in the development of your young player.

Thank you,

Chandler Firebirds Youth Lacrosse Club Coaches and Staff

Athletes In Training

AIT – ChandlerFirebirds Youth Lacrosse Club; Mission Statement

Growing youth lacrosse in Chandler, AZ we will strive;

  • To provide a comprehensive, year round, high quality youth lacrosse program for elementary and junior high school age boys and girls.
  • To run this program year round for constant opportunity to join and to develop playing ability.
  • To utilize expert level coaching with at least a 4 year high school or college playing background.
  • To provide well planned practices and game management for optimal team and player development.
  • To provide a best in class learning, developing, and playing experience for all age and skill levels from new to the game kindergarten age to elite level 8th grade players ready to compete on a national stage.
  • To promote an absolute and unwavering commitment to Positive Coaching Alliance – Double Goal Coaching practices and principles to ensure the Firebird Youth Lacrosse experience is a positive, encouraging, motivating, and rewarding one.
  • To support our high school program by developing in each of our rising players the right attitude, sportsmanship, self-confidence, athletic ability, and lacrosse skills they need to grow and compete at the highest levels of High School competition.

Chandler Firebirds Youth Lacrosse Club

Pre-Season & Registration Checklist

The following items must be completed prior to the first practice Saturday Nov. 2nd;

Complete US Lacrosse registration and obtain US Lacrosse member number for your player.

  • When prompted to select the team you will play on, Select “WillisJunior High School, Chandler, AZ”. Note: I have sent info to USL to change the team from Willis to Chandler Firebirds Youth Lacrosse Club. I am told this can take weeks so for now, be prepared that the Firebird team name may not be there so just select Willis.

Complete Team Registration at the Athletes in Training website. This is one of two registrations you will need to complete. This will be for the main registration fee for the season.

  • On the left of the home page go to Lacrosse under the “Register Now” program list.
  • Choose U6 or JHS.

Complete the second registration on the Huskies/Firebirds web site, registrations tab.

  • Go to Registrations and choose Firebirds 2014 and complete the form.

Get your Sports Physical Evaluation: Use the CUSD Pre-participation physical evaluation forms (Parent and Physician). Take the Physician form with you to the doctor for them to sign. Parents must complete and sign the parent form.

  • Submit both forms to Team administration ASAP.

Get all protective equipment including protective cup and mouth guard.

Have your stick strung correctly with a well formed pocket.

  • Call Meshed-Up, Ben Del Valle at 480-525-3810 for stringing kits

The following must be completed prior to the first league season games in January;

Complete AZ Lacrosse Registration (Expected to be available in November)

  • Submit number to team administration by first game.

Chandler Firebirds Youth Lacrosse Club

Registrations and Season Costs

This is for a 5 month long season. Practices start in November and are two or three times each week depending on grade level team and coach preference. Pre-season scrimmages and tournaments start in December. League games start in January.

Team by grade level / Firebirds Registration / USL Registration / ALL Registration / Uniform charge
Boys K-6th / $250.00 / $25.00 / $25.00 / $25.00
Boys Advanced 6th grade* through 8th grade / $325.00 / $25.00 / $25.00 / $40.00

* If your 6th grade player is given an opportunity to play up to the JHS level by the team coach, you will have to pay the registration and uniform amount difference at that time.

Evaluation of 6th grade players for use on the JHS team will be coordinated after the start of practices. We will need to see how many kids we have at each level and coaches will coordinate an evaluation scheme then. Parents will be notified when kids are being considered and you can make the choice to play up or stay at the U6 level.

Refund Policy:

There are no refunds available after Saturday, November 9th 2013.

USL & ALL Registrations:

US Lacrosse is the governing body of Lacrosse throughout the US. Through US Lacrosse, our league, Arizona Lacrosse League, and our club are provided insurance and information resources. For this insurance, the league and our club require all players be registered and that we have a record of your membership number and expiration date on file.

In addition to supporting leagues and clubs, US Lacrosse is also the premier source of information about Lacrosse for individual members and players. You have many great member benefits you will enjoy. When you register, please take a moment to peruse the web sites to see what information and resources each organization has for you.

US Lacrosse Registration Link:

  • Please provide your membership number and expiration date to team administration ASAP.

Arizona Lacrosse League Registration:

  • In lieu of an individual player registration dues system, for the 2014 season, ALL has implemented a team pay system for league registration dues. We will be collecting a pro-rated amount from each player to cover the cost of this.
  • Players will still have to be registered with the league for information purposes prior to the start of league games, however, there will be no dues paid with that registration.
  • You will need your USL member number to complete the registration with ALL.
  • The ALL registration link is not on their site at this time. We will update when they release this information.

Chandler Firebirds Youth Lacrosse Club

Participation Hazard Waiver

I will allow my child to participate in lacrosse. I release the Chandler Firebirds Youth Lacrosse Club and all of its officers, coaches, assistants and administration, Athletes in Training and all of it’s officers and employees, and the Chandler Unified School District and the City of Chandler of any liability, claims or demands which I may hereafter have as a result of my child’s participation in this recreational activity. I understand that there are risks involved with strenuous physical exertion as part of this sport, including serious injury. I certify that my child’s physical condition is satisfactory to participate in this activity and that my child has insurance coverage, should it become necessary.

All of our coaches spend many hours working with the league, parents, and most importantly, our players to keep this as safe a sport as possible. Parents are reminded that they are never to enter the coach’s box. Parents / spectators are NOT to converse with the referees before, during, or after any game. Parents are required to be six feet behind the field lines opposite the players’ side of the field.

By Accepting Terms, parents and players acknowledge and agree to abide by all of the rules and regulations set forth in the above and by the US Lacrosse. We have read and accept the Parent and Player Code of Conduct.

I have read, understand, and agree to all terms and conditions above ______(Initials of Parent /Guardian)

Parent or Guardian Initials for Consent to Participate______

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Signature of Parent/Guardian / Date Printed Name of Parent/Guardian

Chandler Firebirds Youth Lacrosse Club

Code of Conduct Agreement

Players, coaches, spectators and parents are to conduct themselves in a manner that "Honors the Game." All are expected to demonstrate respect for teammates, players from other teams, coaches, game officials, and spectators. In becoming a member of the lacrosse community an individual assumes certain obligations and responsibilities to the game of lacrosse and its participants. The essential elements in this "Code of Conduct" are the same found in the “Character Counts” pillars of Good Character taught in school; Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, & Citizenship. Those who conduct themselves in a manner that reflects these elements will bring credit to the sport of lacrosse, themselves, their team and their organization. It is only through such conduct that our sport can earn and maintain a positive image and make its full contribution to youth sports. Chandler Firebirds Youth Lacrosse Club enforces the following behaviors for those participating or involved in any way with our teams:

Sportsmanship and teaching the concepts of fair play are essential to the game, and must be taught and developed both at home by parents and on the field during practices and games by coaches.

The emphasis on winning should never be placed above the value of good sportsmanship, the concepts of fair play, or the development of experience and skills of the game.

Parents attending games must never shout at, harass, or threaten a game official. No on field ruling has ever been overturned due to fan criticism from the sideline. However, many teams are assessed penalty minutes that can change the course of a competitive game because of it.

All players will conduct themselves in a manner that positively represents the Chandler Firebirds Youth Lacrosse Club at all times - on and off of the field.

Parents are reminded that they are never to enter the coach’s box. Parents / spectators are NOT to converse with the referees before, during, or after any game. Parents are required to stay at least 5 yards behind the field side line opposite the players’ side of the field.

Players will show the utmost respect to their coaches, their teammates, game officials, parents, opposing teams and all other individuals at games and practices.

  • Examples ofDisrespect not tolerated:
  • Talking back, arguing with, or refusing to follow a direct instruction from a coach or official. Teasing, insulting, or fighting with any teammate or player from another team or any spectator.

Fighting will not be tolerated at any time.

Obscene and/or vulgar language will not be tolerated at any time.

Any player who violates our code of conduct will be subject to disciplinary actions including removal and suspension from practices, removal and suspension from games, or dismissal from the team. All disciplinary decisions will be handled on a case-by-case basis by the coaching staff and handed down by the head coach of the team.

“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”

- John Wooden

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Signature of Parent/Guardian / Date Printed Name of Parent/Guardian

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Signature of Player / Date Printed Name of Player

Chandler Firebirds Youth Lacrosse Club Player Handbook

Equipment:

All players will be fully equipped at all games and practices by league rule:

● Mouth guard

● Helmet with chin strap

● Stick

● Gloves

● Shoulder pads and arm pads

● Cup

● Mouth guards will be worn during all contact drills.

● All players should have sticks ready to go with properly strung and formed pockets.

● Players should not expect coaches to provide tape, mouth guards, or screwdrivers.

Tardiness:

Practice time management is essential for coaches to develop the team cohesively. All players need to be on the field for all drills to advance the practice agenda effectively.

Players must be FULLY dressed and ready to play at the scheduled practice time. If you know your player will not be dressed and ready to play at the pre designated time, please notify a coach ahead of time. Because of the advanced nature for their practice agendas, JHS and Elite Late players absent or late with no notice may receive additional conditioning upon arrival.

Cancellations:

If practices are cancelled, coaches will usually make a formal announcement. Never listen to other players regarding this issue. If bad weather is present, players should still show up at the fields unless told otherwise.

Lacrosse practices are held in 30 degree weather and snow in Maryland. Be glad you’re not on a team there!

Absences:

● Players are expected to be at every practice, meeting and team function. Coaches plan practices and offense and defense team play concepts are taught and practiced.

● If a player is going to miss practice, please try to notify coaches a day before so it can be factored into drill selection and practice planning.

● If a player is going to miss a game, the coaches need to be notified ASAP so line ups and game plans can be modified in advance.

● Missing a practices without notification is something coaches notice and take into consideration in game line ups and planning. Playing time can be affected.

Injured players: (Depending on the severity of the injury)

● Injured players should still show up to practice ready to learn.

● They must be on time and are expected to stay the entire time.

● Pay attention at all times and look for ways to contribute to the practice; shagging balls, fixing sticks, setting up cones, goals, etc.

Unity and Conduct: (See Code of Conduct Agreement)

● No derogatory actions towards teammates, coaches, spectators, officials or opponents shall be tolerated at any time.

● No swearing at any time by any players!

● Offenders will be punished accordingly with conditioning and a loss of play time.

● Players will be removed from game play after first unsportsmanlike conduct foul. They will not return until the next game.