BOTC - US Lacrosse Community Forum Forums NORTHEAST LACROSSE BOTC MAIN FORUM (LI, CT, WC) Boys 2021 Fall 2013/Summer 2014

Dear Parents, coaches, and directors of that read this thread; the fundamental issue is age or grade based, stop talking about a specific team or teams as it only takes objectivity out of the discussion. On long island there has been a growing number of players who are being "red shirted" or "reclassified" as they call it at younger ages to hide the fact that they are being left back for athletic reasons, some for academic reasons. The point is there are more opportunities for safety issues with players playing on grade then by age. Hence US lacrosse about 6 years ago stepped in and followed suit with almost every major youth sports organization in the country to have lacrosse be played on a age level instead of grade based. This would ensure that all the players where the same age, plus make sure that there was no physical advantage on one team that could and most likely create a safety issue.

Now when we talk about Team Long Island or Team Igloo, or Team 91, or any club team you must look at what that club does to ensure the safety of its players, and the spirit of which youth lacrosse is played.

Until the boys hit manhood my personal opinion is that age based is a much better approach then grade. There are several players on all these teams who have been left back for one reason or another; creating an advantage that could lead to someone getting extremely injured. So teams that are age based can let the other coaches and other programs know that there will be no physical advantage. Which depending on which side of the fence you are on this issue is objectively a better approach.

Now there are qualifying events in Long Island that are grade based but highlight the fact that the tournament is for a age based qualifier. Teams that adhere to the age based format will be allowed to compete, the teams that adhere to a grade based format will be forced to leave some of their players off their rosters in order to compete. So all in all; age is the best way to make sure all teams are playing in a safe, competitive environment and in accordance to the national youth rules.

The Problem is that US Lacrosse groups age every two years, U15, U13, U11, U9. So boys will be playing against other boys who are two years older.
If they did one year age groups it would be better for all.

Great points. I have tried to take this issue up with others on BOTC, with little reply.

There are a lot of 2021 teams in the Fall Brawl Turkey Shootout. I noticed that 91 has 4 teams in that bracket, any thoughts about to how that bracket will play out?

Team 91 Orange will win this tournament.
Igloo is not playing.


Smash will beat Orange no problem.


you really think a 4th grade smash team will beat the 5th grade orange team ? no way

How did the teams of 2021 do? I read that Express and 91 Smash did well. Was wondering how the others did.

Everyone knows Team LI cheats with older players that's why they don't play in any real tournaments or LI tournaments !!

Ok I'm wrong end the conversation. But when grown adults are on here with good intentions and come across a comment about 2021 rankings I find it hilarious. This sport has really declined in what it really means because of parents like you. Sorry call it as I see it.

Has Vegas come out with the odds yet ? Weed and feed ? Really ?

Why ? Because i enjoy healthy competition ? Because I have many friends who's kids play on an assortment of teams at this age ? Because I appreciate the product Igloo, Icon and 91 have put out ? I think its cool to see other teams garner steam over the years and start to challenge ? I look forward to seeing how new program alike Legacy do ? Every year theres list of the HS rankings. Over the next few years and before you know it you'll start reading about the better 2021 kids. At what age is it appropriate to have an interest in how the teams stack up ?

Has Vegas come out with the odds yet ? Weed and feed ? Really ?

Where are the WildKatz? Are they extinct?