Parents and Players -

Registration

Opens on 10/31 for the Spring 2023 season and officially closes on January 15, 2023. We encourage families to sign up ASAP / by 1/15/2023 to guarantee a roster spot and uniform order before the season starts. See rosters section below for additional detail on our Junior and Senior level teams. Prior to registering for MLA, you will need to register or renew your child’s USA Lacrosse membership. For new players, the USA Lacrosse membership ID must be added to the player’s profile page on the MLA website. USA Lacrosse membership is mandatory to cover insurance for the league and assists with background checks of our coaches. There are merit-based scholarships available for those in need. Please reach out to the MLA President to submit your request.

Fees

The MLA Board of Directors was able to pass on a moderate reduction in the registration fees across all levels for the 2023 season. Registration costs are inclusive of winter training, the 2023 season and tournament entry. A uniform rush order fee will be assessed to anyone who registers after January 15^th. MLA has continued to offer a $25 multi-child discount and a $750 family maximum.

Refunds

The initial deposit is non-refundable. Any player that rescinds their registration prior to the season commencing on 3/25/2023 will receive their remaining balance less card fees. Any player that unfortunately sustains an injury and is unable to participate in the season is eligible to receive a pro-rated refund less card fees.

Uniforms

A link will be shared in the coming weeks and posted on the MLA website for all families to order uniforms directly from the vendor. Each player will be assigned a uniform number from the league, and we cannot accommodate specific number requests. For the 2023 season there is a redesigned uniform for all the girls. The boys’ teams (Bantam, Lightning and Juniors) will not transition to the redesigned uniform until the 2024 season, except for our Senior Boys team which will be wearing a throwback top for the 2023 season. Bantam – Junior Boys should try on their uniform from this past season to ensure it still fits. Uniform orders need to be placed by February 1^st to ensure delivery prior to the first game.

MLA Board & Coaches

Thanks to our outgoing Board members and coaches for their dedication and time spent growing Monroe Lacrosse and developing our youth players for the next level. We have added a few new volunteers to help execute on our visions. MLA is dependent on parent volunteers to provide Monroe youth players with an affordable and competitive program. Any parents that are interested in helping or coaching can contact either the Boys or Girls Vice Presidents. 2023 MLA Board Members and contact information can be found on the Association – MLA Board of Directors link.

Team Managers

Next season MLA is looking for volunteer parents for each team to be the Team Manager to alleviate the administrative burden on the coach. Responsibilities entail sending team communications via email and/or the app, confirming upcoming games with opponent, ensure players RSVP for games so the coach can plan their lineup accordingly, coordinate referee payments with MLA Treasurer, plan team events, etc. Every team will have a manager so if there any parents interested in helping, please contact the MLA Secretary.

Curriculum

As your child goes through the MLA program each year, we expect them to reach various milestones with their development. These levels are not set in stone as we understand that kids start playing at different ages but should be used as a benchmark to assess player’s development, but also to hold our coaches accountable. The MLA Board is in the process of drafting our curriculum which will be shared with parents and coaches once completed and will also be posted on the MLA Homepage.

Rosters

As the program continues to grow, MLA will attempt to create team rosters by grade, otherwise players of similar skill level will be evaluated and placed on teams. Depending on registration numbers, team rosters will be set at an appropriate level to ensure ample playing time for all players registered at the Lightning, Junior and Senior team level. For the 2023 season the Junior and Senior rosters will be capped at 22-23 to manage player growth and provide ample playing time in games.

Independent Coaches

To continue to stay competitive with our neighboring towns, MLA will hire independent coaches at certain levels. In addition to the paid coaches, we still encourage parent volunteers to act as assistant coaches. There may be certain circumstances where a paid coach is not as qualified as a volunteer and that will be assessed on an as needed basis.

Practice & Game Information

The Bantam, Lightning, Junior, and Senior teams practice 2 times a week at Great Hollow Lake with 1-2 games per week. Teams will participate in 10-14 competitive games against CONNY teams in addition to 2-3 tournaments. The Fiddlesticks clinic will convene once per weekend at Monroe Elementary School.

Fields

Practices will be held at Great Hollow Lake with home games at a combination of Wolfe Park, Great Hollow Lake, and the turf field at Masuk High School.

Winter Training

Winter training kicks off Saturday, February 4^th, running through Saturday, March 25^th. Further information including times for each team will be shared once rosters have been constructed.

Equipment

The list of equipment for both boys and girls can be found on the Association – Equipment link on the website.

Social Media / Marketing

Connect with us on social media as MLA will continue to share updates and news on our Facebook (Monroe Lacrosse Association) and Instagram (@monroeyouthlacrosse) pages.

Playing Time

MLA believes that the players who attend every practice, put forth their best effort and follow the Code of Conduct will receive ample playing time.

Code of Conduct

In addition to following USA Lacrosse and CONNY Lacrosse, the MLA Board has implemented a Code of Conduct that all players, coaches, parents, and participants at MLA sporting events are expected to adhere by. CONNY continues to encourage all programs to exhibit good sportsmanship from players, parents, spectators and coaches.