NEW ERA
1. DEVELOPING ATHLETES US Lacrosse unveiled its Lacrosse Athlete Development Model
this year. It may be the most impactful initiative yet. Early recruiting has had a ripple effect on youth lacrosse — with age-appropriate development being sacrificed for the sake of winning and getting plugged into a competitive pipeline that serves only elite players. With a focus on physical literacy and based on scientifically accepted stages of early childhood development, US Lacrosse intends to curb the trend of players opting out of the sport. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, youth ages 6 to 12 who were active through sports dropped to 26.6 percent in 2015. The strongest differentiator? Family income. Implementing small-sided (i.e., 3-on-3 or 8-on-8) practices and games on smaller fields with modified equipment —
and reinvigorating recreational lacrosse — are among the ways US Lacrosse is making the sport more accessible.
2. TRAINING COACHES AND OFFICIALS
US Lacrosse’s first strategic plan in 1998 boldly envisioned the first nationally standardized education, curriculum and certification program designed specifically for lacrosse coaches in the U.S. On the cusp of an unprecedented growth spurt, the sport needed more knowledgeable and qualified coaches at the high school and youth levels.
In 2004, US Lacrosse released the first online courses. In-person clinics followed shortly thereafter and, in 2007, the organization made history with the launch of Level 1 certification. Then came Level 2 and Level 3 programming and certification. Nearly 30,000 coaches have completed some component of the Coaching Education Program, which is nationally recognized among sports educators for its progressive model. More than 4,000 coaches are certified.
US Lacrosse has seen similar grassroots growth with the Officials Education Program, which also focuses on the recruitment and retention of officials. In 2015 alone, 260 officials attended instructional camps LAREDO (men’s game) and LEAD (women’s game), while US Lacrosse also provided $40,000 to support college officials organizations’ development efforts.
3. LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD
Should leagues and events group youth players by age or their grade in school? It’s a divisive question, with advocates on both sides. US Lacrosse believes players should be grouped primarily by age.
In March, US Lacrosse adopted a player segmentation policy that goes into effect Sept. 1, 2017, which recommends that players be grouped by 12-month age intervals (with provisions for up to 24 months for leagues in developing areas to ensure they have enough players). Three months later, US Lacrosse unveiled a secure, encrypted online age verification system to support the endeavor. “You want kids of similar physical and cognitive stages to compete against each other, because it represents competition integrity and it creates the safest environment for a child,” said Steve Stenersen, president and CEO of US Lacrosse.
40 LACROSSE MAGAZINE » September/october 2016
A Publication of US Lacrosse
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