Any club (in this case YJ) that gives a roster spot to a player from another grad year is SLIMY, because there is an on-grade girl who ultimately loses her opportunity to start, or even play. It may be legal in the eyes of US Lacrosse, but it is a grotesque example of what is wrong with youth lacrosse. Directors too often value reputation and $$ over player skill and character development.

Be forewarned, young YJ players - you are expendable, sadly.

Don't allow YJ to pigeon hole you into a position you don't want to play just to get a spot on the Blue team. Play middie if you can, because down the road college coaches will recruit middies and turn them into attackers or defenders.

Play for another club where you will start and play in the tight games. Many YJ Blue and Gold players have done all the right things - practices, private training, winter leagues, etc. - only to sit on the bench for the playoff game while their dream college coach was watching.

If there are other team options with good coaching where you would be valued, don't be afraid to jump. College coaches watch many other Long Island teams. Better to be an impact player somewhere else than a roster filler on YJ.

And if you are hoping that someday you'll get your shot to make the Blue team or become a starter, because you have been loyal and hard-working...you better have a "friends and family" connection or a back-door deal. Many YJ players have seen girls from out of state, reclassified grad year, or from competing neighbor clubs take the spot that they were sure was finally going to be theirs.

These are my observations after my daughter completed her final YJ season. Daughter was recruited and will be playing college lacrosse.