Summary

SCYL Admin presented an overview of the South Carroll Select Lacrosse Club, emphasizing its community focus, year-round commitment to skill development, and cost-effective approach compared to larger clubs.  Key discussion points included team dynamics, playing time (earned, not guaranteed), a simplified payment plan, and communication via Team Link.  Next steps include finalizing coaching staff for the 2033 boys' team within 1-2 weeks,  earlier evaluations for the 2036 girls' team, and implementing a summer evaluation schedule in June and July, alongside website and social media updates.

Details

• South Carroll Select Lacrosse Club Overview: SCYL Admin provided an overview of the club, highlighting its eight teams (four boys, four girls) spanning age groups 2035-2030.  They emphasized the club's manageable size and its aim to foster community and lasting relationships among players (00:01:11).
• Club Mission and Values: The club's mission, vision, and values were discussed, emphasizing sportsmanship, respect, and fun. SCYL Admin stressed the importance of maintaining positive conduct for both players and parents, avoiding negative reputations associated with other organizations (00:03:44).
• Select vs. Recreational Lacrosse:  A key distinction was made between recreational and select lacrosse programs.  Select lacrosse has higher expectations, requiring year-round commitment and earned playing time (00:04:45).  SCYL Admin stressed that participation is not solely about winning games, but also about team development and personal growth (00:07:16).
• Year-Round Commitment and Skill Development:  The importance of year-round participation for skill development was highlighted.  SCYL Admin emphasized the significant difference between playing only during the recreational season (March-May) versus year-round participation, which leads to faster improvement and enhanced enjoyment of the sport (00:06:02).
• Team Dynamics and Playing Time: SCYL Admin explained that playing time in select lacrosse is earned, not guaranteed, and depends on the player's contributions to the team, including support and encouragement.  They underscored that the club aims to build well-rounded players, not just those solely focused on individual achievements (00:07:16).
• Local Focus and Cost-Effectiveness: The club's focus on local participation and affordability was emphasized.  SCYL Admin distinguished their approach from other clubs with high costs and a focus on winning at all costs. They emphasized community building and long-term player development over excessive travel or tournament play (00:09:54) (00:12:16).
• Seasonal Structure and Tournament Participation:  SCYL Admin outlined the typical seasonal structure, including summer evaluations, fall and spring practices and tournaments, and summer tournaments, with the number of tournaments varying based on age group and coach discretion (00:13:19) (00:16:33).  They emphasized prioritizing practice and skill development, especially for younger age groups (00:14:22).
• Simplified Payment Structure: A simplified, single payment plan spread across the year was introduced, aiming to make participation more manageable for families (00:17:57) (00:34:36).  This structure is intended to cover fall and summer tournament costs, with additional tournament costs covered separately by the team (00:19:05).
• Team Communication and Platform: SCYL Admin highlighted the shift to Team Link to streamline communication and reduce costs compared to other platforms.  They mentioned the app's features, including material distribution, team-specific communication, and fundraising tools (00:32:01) (00:35:50).
• Coaching Quality and Community Involvement: SCYL Admin addressed concerns about coaching quality, emphasizing the volunteer nature of the coaching staff and their commitment to fostering player development. They highlighted the club’s efforts to create resources like coach toolkits and drill libraries to support coaches (00:11:12) (00:38:25).
• Team Roster Management and Supplemental Tryouts: SCYL Admin clarified the process for supplemental tryouts, emphasizing that they are for filling gaps in existing rosters, not for entirely new teams (00:21:17) (00:41:06).  They explained that full team evaluations will occur in June and July (00:42:20).
• Payment Schedule and Tournament Registration:  SCYL Admin clarified that the new payment structure enables the club to better manage tournament registration, particularly for summer tournaments that require payments months in advance (00:43:28).  They highlighted how the phased payments are beneficial to both parents and the club in terms of payment planning and timing (00:44:32).
• US Lacrosse Membership and Age Verification: SCYL Admin explained the importance of US Lacrosse membership for age verification and insurance coverage (00:47:54) (00:58:27).  They mentioned that while some local leagues don't strictly adhere to US Lacrosse's age guidelines, tournaments generally do (00:48:59) (00:55:02).  They also discussed the possibility of waivers for some situations (00:47:54).
• Free Agent Opportunities: SCYL Admin suggested that players who are not selected for a team can register as free agents for summer tournaments.  This allows them to participate in tournaments even if their primary team doesn't have openings (00:50:07).
• Additional Summer Opportunities: SCYL Admin highlighted summer lacrosse camps and skills clinics as additional opportunities for players to improve their skills outside of team practices (00:52:01).
• 2033 Boys Lacrosse Team Status SCYL Admin stated they are working to secure a coach for the 2033 boys team, aiming for an 85% probability of forming a team.  They expect to have a definite answer in one to two weeks (00:59:48), and a spot is reserved for the team at a June tournament.  The possibility of multiple teams per graduating year was discussed (01:01:24), with the admin confirming they would form another team if sufficient interest and coaches are available (01:02:47).
• 2036 Girls Lacrosse Team Planning Nisa&Miles Morris inquired about player number requirements and deadlines for the 2036 girls team (01:03:43). SCYL Admin suggested an earlier evaluation than July to establish a roster and continue open practices until the fall deadline (01:04:57). They also plan to promote evaluations through various channels (01:06:28).
• Summer Evaluation and Practice Schedule SCYL Admin announced plans for summer evaluations spanning June and July, acknowledging potential variations in team schedules due to volunteer coach availability and personal commitments. They highlighted the differences between SCYL and larger, paid clubs (01:07:50).  They also mentioned the creation of a website and social media updates for information dissemination (01:06:28).

• SCYL Admin will post the meeting recording, notes, and the presented PDF online.
• SCYL Admin will create a coach's toolkit with a drill library and coaching resources.
• SCYL Admin will finalize and publicize the dates and location for June/July evaluations via Facebook and mass email.
• SCYL Admin will post the link for the summer camp (Mondays-Thursdays, 6-8 PM at Crimold Park) and the schedule for trilax events.
• SCYL Admin will provide a definitive answer regarding the 2033 boys team coach within two weeks.
• SCYL Admin will provide a definite answer regarding team registration for at least one end-of-season tournament within one to two weeks and will then email all 33 former team members, opening tryouts for the end-of-June tournament at Talson University.
• Jordan will form additional teams if sufficient player interest and a coach are available.
• SCYL Admin will secure enough volunteers to conduct summer practices after the recreational season concludes.
• SCYL Admin and Nisa & Miles Morris will collaborate on a plan for 2036 graduating year evaluations, potentially starting in June, followed by open practices until the fall tournament deadline.
• SCYL Admin will distribute a graphic/infographic detailing summer evaluation dates spanning June and July.

Meeting transcript can be found HERE.