Lacrosse Parent Intro

Introduction

To assist parents and players in understanding the sport of lacrosse, the Canadian Lacrosse Association has developed the Parents and Players Guide to Lacrosse.
This guide will provide you with general information to help you and your child get the most out of participating in lacrosse. As a parent, you will:

1. understand how this truly ‘Canadian game’ is played;
2. grasp the basic skills;
3. comprehend what your child needs to fully enjoy playing the sport;
4. find out where you can obtain further information on programs and competitions.

Lacrosse is about having fun. As a parent you can play a vital role in the development of your child while having fun. Be positive about your child’s participation. Encourage. Support. Volunteer. Listen. Pay attention to your child’s progress. Be a positive role model. Remind your child, and yourself, that winning isn’t everything.

History of Lacrosse

• Lacrosse is also known as Baggataway or Tewaarathon.
• Lacrosse was a deeply spiritual activity, played by natives to bring glory to their tribes.

• In the 1840s, the first games of Lacrosse were played between the townsfolk and the Native People.
• Lacrosse was named Canada's National Game by Parliament in 1859.
• In 1867, the National Lacrosse Association became the first national sport governing body in North America dedicated to the governance of a sport.

• Lacrosse was the dominant sport in Canada at the turn of the 20th century.
• In 1901, Lord Minto, the Governor General of Canada, donated a silver cup which today symbolizes junior lacrosse supremacy in Canada.
• The 1930s saw the creation of Indoor Lacrosse, also known as Box Lacrosse or Boxla.
• Canada joined in the International Women’s Field Lacrosse scene participating in the first World Championships in 1982, and has competed at every World Championships since.
• Lacrosse was re-confirmed by Parliament as the National (Summer) Sport of Canada in 1994.

How Parents Can Help

• Support your child by giving encouragement and showing interest in their participation. Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are more important than victory - that way your child will always be a winner despite the outcome of the game!

• Be a positive role model for your child. Applaud good plays by your child’s team as well as good plays by the opposing team.

• Let your child establish his/her own goals - to play the game for themselves. Don't put too heavy a burden on your child to win games.

• Offer positive reinforcement to help your child achieve their goals and overcome their natural fear of failure. If your child makes a mistake, remember it's all part of learning, so encourage your child's efforts and point out the good things that your child accomplishes.

• Refrain from coaching or refereeing from the sidelines as these officials are usually parents just like you. They volunteer their time to help make your child's lacrosse experience a positive one. They need your support too.

• Offer your services as a volunteer - a fundraiser, driver, timekeeper, scorekeeper, manager of equipment, board member, etc.

A Checklist for Parents and Lacrosse Players

• Always play by the rules.
• Don't lose your temper.
• Cheer good plays made by either team.
• Don't talk trash or tease or goad the opponent.
• Win or lose, be sure to shake hands with the opponent and officials after a game.
• Don't yell at teammates for making a mistake. Never criticize teammates or coaches on the sideline.
• Admit your mistakes instead of making excuses or blaming others.
• Try your hardest on every play, even if your team is losing by a large margin of goals.
• Point out incorrect calls when they go in your favour.
• Don't argue with calls that go against your team.
• Don't show off.

Box Lacrosse Programs

Each provincial association has jurisdiction over clubs, leagues and associations but typically share a common structure as follows:

Age Category

Participation Leagues (House Leagues)
• at the grass roots level of an organization, teams are formed to organize recreational play.

• the objective is fun, fitness and skill development.
• depending upon the age level, contact may or may not be involved.

• modified rules in younger age categories may include: players are rotated in 3 minute shifts; when the ball is turned over, the attacking team must clear the offensive zone; shootouts; 5-second possession rule; a minimum number of passes must be attempted before a shot on goal, etc.

• the season usually begins in the spring and ends in late summer.

• skill levels will vary and teams are usually balanced to encourage skill development. Example of age categories:

Competitive Program

The next level involves the organizations’ best players competing as a select, all-star or rep team.
• various levels of competitions exist and can be defined by skill level - A, B, C, etc. or by age. • National Championships occur annually - Minor (under 16), Junior, Senior.

Elite

The award for the premiere junior (17-21) National Championship is the Minto Cup.
• the best senior player teams in Canada (over 21) play for the Mann Cup.
• opportunities exist for elite athletes to secure athletic scholarships to American universities.

• the vast majority of players on Canada’s national field team played box lacrosse.

Professional League

After an absence of a professional league in North American since the 1970s, the National Lacrosse League (NLL) is experiencing a huge resurgence in Canada. • the league is comprised of Canadian and American teams, Including the Halifax Thunderbirds
• it is not uncommon for teams to play in front of crowds of more than 18,000 spectators.