January 2023
Parents, Coaches & Players,
On behalf of our RI Youth Lacrosse League Board of Directors, welcome to the 2023 lacrosse season! Our programs have all opened their registrations and we can not wait for our season to begin. Our programs should begin their practices around April 1st dependent upon the weather and their town recreation departments. Games will begin April 15th and will run until the weekend of June 10th with playoffs being held between June 12-17th. Our season will be completed before fathers day weekend this year.
RIYLL's goal is to provide a platform for the kids to thrive; one that promotes strong fundamentals, accountability, open communication, challenges, and sportsmanship.
Here are some important things to keep in mind as we settle in to the 2003 season:
Game Changes- Historically, RIYLL deals with several game changes the first few weeks of the season. This is typically due to weather, field availability, spring break(s), Easter, etc. We predict far fewer game changes and cancellations this season. Coaches are reminded that game changes must be submitted through your Town presidents by Tuesday of the week you're requesting the change.
Communication- RIYLL encourages open and regular communication amongst coaches, parents, and players. Coaches should and will notify parents and players as to changes in practices and games, with as much advance notice as possible. We encourage all teams to utilize technology for more efficient communication. Many of our Towns have adopted team apps as their primary communication portal.
Code of Conduct- Players, coaches, officials, parents, and spectators are to conduct themselves in a manner that "Honors the Game" and demonstrates respect to other players, coaches, officials, parents, spectators and fans. In becoming a member of the lacrosse community an individual assumes certain obligations and responsibilities to the game of lacrosse and its participants. The essential elements in this "Code of Conduct" are HONESTY, INTEGRITY, and GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP. Those who conduct themselves in a manner that reflects these elements will bring credit to the sport of lacrosse, themselves, their team, and their organization. Those who choose not to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects these elements will be dealt with swiftly and directly.
Some best practices to keep in mind:
- Keep it positive: No negative comments to players, coaches, referees, and/or other spectators. In other words, cheer 'for', not 'against'.
- Profanity will not be tolerated.
- Spectators and parents should refrain from coaching kids from the sideline
- Spectators and parents are not allowed on the team bench side of the field
- Learn the rules of the game so that you understand and appreciate why certain situations take place. Resources at www.usalacrosse.com
- Let your coach know if you witness unsportsmanlike behavior on the part of a spectator
Our RIYLL Board is standing by should you have questions or suggestions.
Thank you, we look forward to seeing everyone on the field!
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Neal Harrell- President, RIYLL, Island Youth Lacrosse
William Martin: Co-Girls Director, RIYLL, South County Youth Lacrosse
Bethany Sullivan: Co-Girls Director, RIYLL, North Kingstown Youth Lacrosse
Jerry Bonner: Boys Director, RIYLL, South County Youth Lacrosse
Eric Richer: Competition Chair RIYLL, Portsmouth Youth Lacrosse
