Current chapter leaders also will
identify, recruit and train new volunteers for specific roles within the expanded chapter base. “We know that there are people out there who want to be involved,” Old said. “It’s just a matter of finding a way to connect with them.”
US Lacrosse now will require chapters to undergo annual evaluations, rotate board members regularly, adhere to US Lacrosse’s national certification requirements and demonstrate a commitment to best practices.
“This is an important
“We know there are people out there who want to be involved. It’s just finding a way to connect
opportunity to extend the reach of our organization,” said Steve Stenersen, president and CEO of US Lacrosse. “Chapters are intended to be ‘us’ on the local level.” “Chapters should be a source of tremendous experience that can serve as an asset to the local lacrosse community,” said George Leveille, a longtime volunteer with the Adirondack (N.Y.) Chapter and CES member. Key performance indicators within each of the four strategic areas will be used as tools to assess a chapter’s strengths and weaknesses. US Lacrosse will earmark funds from the national office to support weaker initiatives. Chapters also will be called upon to engage local organizations in
with them.” — Jim Old, Hampton Roads Chapter
determining annual budget priorities. This funding, provided by the national office, will be used to support the efforts of local leagues and groups that manage play consistent with USL best practices and its national guidelines.
Said Leveille: “Chapters must understand the needs of local leagues and youth organizations to provide the best possible support.” The revised chapter revenue model has been crafted to now include a three-
step annual process. Each chapter will receive a $2,500 baseline stipend from US Lacrosse at the start of the calendar year to cover basic operating expenses, and will receive additional funds based on both a self-assessment and the membership density of the chapter. The third recourse will allow chapters to submit grant requests twice per year for expenses associated with special events and initiatives.
One of the long-term goals of reform is to get chapters to think regionally and enhance the collaboration between them. A new eight-region model groups the chapters together based on common geographical and
WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?
How USL members will benefit from chapter reform
US Lacrosse has started the most comprehensive reform of its chapter network in the history of the organization to better deliver resources to you, our valued members.
PLAYERS AND PARENTS
Chapters will be charged with collaborating more intensively with your local lacrosse leagues and organizations to enhance the youth playing experience. Educational opportunities will offer parents training on US Lacrosse youth rules and best practices, as well as access to Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) workshops and webinars that highlight character-building practices. And expect to hear more from us: Stronger chapter communications will facilitate access to national programs such as the First Stick Program and physical education clinics.
Chapters also will work with leagues to assess coaching needs in your area, including the viability of
62 LACROSSE MAGAZINE April 2013>>
developmental characteristics. Among the factors that determine these shared regional profiles are growth rates for the sport, percentages of certified coaches, number of officials and state sanctioning of high school lacrosse. “We hope that chapters will collaborate on how to allocate resources, not just locally, but regionally as well,” said Sara Noon, managing director of membership at US Lacrosse. “We are looking for the strong self-sustaining chapters to support and mentor developing chapters in the same region.”
Staffing changes have already begun at the national office to support these reforms. In 2012, US Lacrosse hired a director of regional development and two new associate directors of regional development, serving the eastern and western regions of the country. US Lacrosse also plans to hire field managers for each of the eight sub- regions, starting with a Northeast region manager in 2013.
Overall, US Lacrosse expects its financial investment in the chapters network to double by 2014. “This will be very much of an evolving process,” Kirr said. “There is no expectation that it will happen overnight. The national office and chapters are partners in this.” LM
Coaching Education Program clinics. Chapters also will host supplementary training events and seminars, plus rules interpretation sessions.
OFFICIALS
Chapters will coordinate training opportunities for both men’s and women’s game officials, and work with local leagues and programs to identify and recruit officials. Scholarship opportunities also will help offset expenses for selected officials to attend the US Lacrosse National Convention.
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATORS
Stronger chapter communication platforms will assist you in understanding the local and national services provided to your leagues. Chapters will help guide new programs through the available US Lacrosse resources — such as AED grants, insurance and safety developments — that ultimately enhance the experience as offered by leagues.
A Publication of US Lacrosse
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