Originally Posted by Anonymous
Here is something better to questioned and think about....

As with every one of these travel lax programs, the play time and touches is yours to take advantage of. It is not PAL. Remember, the structure is not a 'get what you pay for', but a 'get what you put in'. That's where 'worth' comes onto the playing field. Get the value with your own actions.

If you're at practice, you learn the plays on offense, the slides on defense, etc. The athlete gets better as the year progresses.

But just like any team sport, I would think the effort, skill, and player reliability are key factors. That's the structure. If you're not at practice, you slip, and begin to miss a few things. And I'm sure not all the practices of any of the teams in this age group had 100% attendance, and therefore, plenty of play time and touches were available. And in reality, the kids are so young to be concerned with counting touches, don't you think? (btw, the roster is about 22)

These are competitive teams (Express, 91, Igloo, Team LI, etc)...that always like to move forward, but IT IS an overall team effort throughout the season. Some pick up, where others dropped off. Every one...parent, player, coach, director...contributes to the success (or failure) of the season, no matter the size of the roster. If you're at practice and learn what the coaches need, it helps. If you're not, it's doesn't, your money. If the time management of the coaches doesn't utilize players during every minute of practice, and some kids sit and watch...that hurts as well.

It's the CHOICE of everyone involved in any program, from top to bottom. BUT, no matter the program, teams eventually become a 'group think' with 'group behavior'...where high expectations become the norm, or the lack of involvement become an expectation.

And any given day can be different. If everyone is there all the time, learning the same stuff, the bench can go deep. But 'all the time' doesn't happen, as it's not a perfect world. We all miss some practices and games. Players miss practice. Coaches miss practice. Because we all should have lives outside lacrosse, especially at this age level!

Athletes make an awesome play, coaches call the wrong play, refs make errors...any combination you like. In sport, there is always a factor of human error based on decisionS that are made by everyone...one day a team is great, the next it falters. The best teams minimize the error.

THAT IS WHY IT IS TEAM SPORT. THAT IS WHY IT IS INTERESTING. THAT IS WHY IT IS FUN!

If you're concerned about play time, roster numbers, or counting touches...call the director of the program, the coach of the team, or get a pitch back. Don't rely on the opinions in forums that can be full of hate and deceit...or real truths that may be hard to decipher...mine included.

Just find the team that fits your definition of sport...and one that is ultimately best for your young athlete and family lifestyle.


What in the world are you talking about??? Summer lax used to be, and should never be, more than a vehicle to improve the players game!!! Nothing more, nothing less. Is your son better today than he was when he started? That should be the measure of success... I promise you, in five years from now, you will not remember how many tourns your kids team won. News flash, as they get older and play in front of the coaches, no one cares who wins the games... Least of all the coaches recruiting!! Let this guide you.