Lacrosse

Mission

Grades 3-6: Instruction is focused on the development of skill and knowledge, safety, and enjoyment of the sport. Equal playing time and equal opportunity is offered to each player in practice and games so each player can experience every aspect of the sport

Grades 7-8: Experience and enjoy the competitive nature of sports by learning to strive for their own personal best while remembering the importance of teamwork and good sportsmanship. At this level we expect all players to be kept motivated and continue to obtain instruction from all coaches, referees/umpires, and others to improve their skill and knowledge of the sport allowing for personal and team advancement. The Middle School Team is meant to prepare the players for High School Sports.

Overview

Lacrosse is not a sanctioned sport by the Diocese of Columbus.

There are typically 6 boys lacrosse teams each spring, split between 3rd/4th grade, 5th/6th grade and Middle School, depending on the number of sign-ups. 
2008 was our first season of girl’s lacrosse and we had 3 teams: 3rd/4th grade, 5th/6th grade, and Middle School.

Boys lacrosse has 10 players on the field at a time: 3 attack, 3 midfielders, 3 defense, 1 goalie.  We have approximately 16 to 24 players per team.
Girls lacrosse has 12 players on the field at a time: 4 attack, 3 midfielders, 4 defense, 1 goalie.  We have approximately 16 to 24 players per team.

We need volunteers to help with our lacrosse program (coaches, parent reps, field lining, etc.).
We host coaching clinics and new player clinics each winter before spring sport signups.

Grades 3-6

1. Every practice and game will either open and/or close with a team prayer.
2. Head Coaches are selected prior to team selection. No Assistant Head Coaches are picked until after teams are selected. Assistant coaches will help out on whichever team drafts their player.
3. All Coaches (Head and Asst.) MUST take the Protecting Gods Children Class and be fingerprinted before helping with a St. Paul Team.
4. Teams will be divided evenly by grade. Even number 3rd graders and even number of 4th graders on each team. Even number of 5th graders and even number of 6th graders on each team. CAR POOL REQUEST WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
5. 2-3 days of practice will occur and then only the 2(two) Head Coaches will sit down to divide the teams’ evenly one grade at a time.
6. Players will rotate and experience all field (offense and defense) and sideline positions in practices and games.
7. Players will be given equal playing time equivalent to one half (1/2) of a game. All players will participate equally in all practices. Winning is NOT top priority at this level.
8. Change Goalies each half. All players in 3rd/4th grade need to experience a turn at being Goalie. In 5th/ 6th grade if a player enjoys being the Goalie then that player can have additional time in that position. HOWEVER that player still needs opportunity to play different field position also.
9. St. Paul Lacrosse teams will not play games against each other. If the two teams are in the same tournament then the 2 teams need to be at separate ends of the bracket. If the two teams meet each other in a championship game then it will be declared that the teams are Joint Winners.
   Scrimmages for practices can occur only if they are instructional. No referees for practice scrimmages.
10. Coaches will keep other coaches, players, and fans, in control while displaying Christian values and good sportsmanship during all practices and games. No one shall argue with or call out to the referees.
11. Coaches and Players will with good sportsmanship shake hands and congratulate opposing team on a game well played (even if it was not).
12. Instruction on positions, rules, safety, passing, and catching are the focus at this level. Players MUST start to learn how to catch, pass, and scoop. Instruct the player on the importance of being able to use BOTH hands.
13. Offense involves passing and cutting.
14. Defense is played man to man only. Always cover the man behind the goal.
15. Shorter fields are played on at this level. Some 5th/6th grade teams games will and can be played on full U.S. Lacrosse regulation size fields.
16. Limited stick checking is allowed. NO body checking is allowed in 3rd/4th grade games. ONE STEP body checking is allowed in 5th/ 6th grade games. Discussion between coaches from both teams and the referees needs to take place before each game. Every team and referee will have different opinions on what is allowed so the following needs to be clarified before each game:
    -Game Rules
    -Checking
    -One Pass Rule in box before shooting to score.
    -10 players on field (Dublin sometimes play 8)
    -Discuss the use of long poles before each game.
17. The Lacrosse Commissioner will have the final ruling on an issue after hearing open discussion from all involved.
18. Diocese has a new 2 Coach Policy that states 2 coaches must be able to attend practices and games at all times. Plus all coaches must be at least 21 years of age. Anyone under the age of 21 must have a parent listed as a head coach also. All coaches 18 years and older must have the PROTECTING GODS CHILDREN CLASS prior to coaching.
19. Since the Columbus Diocese does recognize Lacrosse as a school sport all players will possibly have to register with US Lacrosse for insurance purposes. This can be done on-line.  If needed families would be notified.
    

Ohio Cup Tournament
The Ohio Cup is a highly competitive tournament held in June by the Hilliard Youth Lacrosse League. It is for 5/6th grade teams only and is played using US Lacrosse Middle School rules. Teams from all over the state plays in the tournament. It is played at an “A” and “B” level. 2 (two) teams from a league can not play in the same level. Only one team per league per level. Playing time is NOT EQUAL and players are typically in the same position. Players play to win while keeping our Christian values and good sportsmanship in the game.

Team size is typically 20 players. At St. Paul the opportunity to play is offered to the 6th grade Lacrosse Team players. 5th Grade Lacrosse players will only be asked to play if additional players are needed to form a team. In this situation the Head Coaches of the Regular Season Teams along with the OHIO Cup Head Coach will determine which 5th graders based on players talent, skill, effort, and attitude. An equal number of  5th graders from each Regular Season Team will be offered a chance to play on the Ohio Cup Team. (So there will never be just one 5th grader on the team. The offer to play will be given to at least two fifth grade players if needed.) Players selected and their family will be reminded that not everyone will see equal playing time. However if it is a blow out either way then playing time should be given to those players who have not or had little opportunity to play in the games.

If regular season Assistant Coaches decline the offer to coach the St. Paul Ohio Cup Team because their child did not accept or was not asked to play then assistant coaches will be selected after the team is formed.  Again all coaches MUST have taken the Protecting Gods Children Class and have been fingerprinted before working with the St. Paul Team.

The Ohio Cup is the only sanctioned tournament paid for by St Paul for this level of play. All other tournaments are at the expense of the team.
 
There will not be any tournaments for 3, 4, and 5 grade teams except when needed to use 5th graders for the Ohio Cup.

Grades 7-8

1. All practices and games will start and/or end with a team prayer.
2. Two (2) head Coaches will be defined. Efforts to find a Non-Parent coach for both the A /Competitive and B /Developmental team will be made. Parent coaches will be named only if non-parent coaches can not be found.
3. All coaches need to take Protecting Gods Children Class and be fingerprinted before working with the team.
4. If numbers allow there will be two Middle School Lacrosse Teams. Teams will be “A” the “Competitive Team and “B” the Developmental Team. All players will have the opportunity to try out for the Competitive “A” Team.  There will be 3-4 days of practice where the Head Coach will evaluate the players. The Head Coach of the “A” Competitive team will decide what players will be on which team.
5. Players on the “B” team will get close to equal playing time (equivalent to ½ - one half) of a game. This team is the developmental team and players need playing time to advance their skills.
6. Playing time on the “A” Competitive team is not equal. Each player should at least receive playing time close to one quarter of the game. If the score is a blow out either way then the players who got no or little playing time should be on the field playing.
7. Parent coaches can be Assistant coaches and will placed where needed after teams are formed. Asst. coaches must have taken the Protecting Gods Children Class and be fingerprinted prior to helping out with the team.
8. Players on the Developmental Team will be given opportunity to move to the “A” Competitive team by showing improvement in skills at practices and games. Players on the “A” Competitive team may also be moved to the “B” Development team. Head Coach of the “A” Competitive Team will make these decisions.
9. At this level most players have gravitated to a position they enjoy.
    At this level passing, catching, scooping with both hands is still stressed.
10. Games are played on a US Lacrosse full regulation field.
11. Games follow US Lacrosse rules with few modifications. At this Middle School level a player:
    -can check another player by taking a few steps and hitting with your shoulder.
    -does not have to pass first before trying to score.
12. Coaches from both teams and referees need to discuss the rules before the start of each game.
13. Coaches need to keep other coaches, players, and fans under control remembering our Christian values and good sportsmanship. NO ONE WILL ARGUE OR YELL NEGATIVE COMMENTS TO THE REFEREES, PLAYERS, OR OTHER FANS.
14. After every game all coaches and players will shake hands with opponent and congratulate them on a good game. (Even if it was not.)
15. All players from both teams will dress for all the games and show support and school pride. B team will watch A teams game and A team will watch B teams game when played back to back. No player shall show up late or leave early without coaches permission.
16. Lacrosse Commissioner has the final say on all matters concerning the St. Paul Lacrosse League.
17. The Ohio Middle School State Tournament is the only sanctioned St. Paul Lacrosse Tournament. All others will be paid for at the teams’ own expense.
18. Diocese has a new 2 coach policy that states 2 coaches must be able to attend practices and games at all times. Plus all coaches must be at least 21 years of age. Anyone under 21 must have a parent listed as a head coach also. All coaches 18 years and older must have the Protecting Gods Children Class prior to coaching.
19. Since Lacrosse is not recognized by the Columbus diocese as a school sport all players will possibly need to register with US Lacrosse for insurance purposes. This can be done on-line. Families will be notified if needed.

Minimum Playing Time (per player)

Grades 3-6: developmental league (every boy/girl plays equal time in every game)
Grades 7-8: competitive league, no playing minimum

Games

Games can occur any day of the week and weekend starting in April and run thru May.

There are normally up to 4 practices and/or games each week.  

Practices

Practice starts at the beginning of March.

Equipment

Boys: PAA supplies jerseys, helmets, gloves, stick, arm pads, and shoulder pads.
Girls: PAA supplies jerseys, stick and goggles.

Players keep their stick.  Fee covers player equipment, team equipment, game officials, and indoor practice facility use. 

Concessions

Not applicable.