I think US Lacrosse passed a rule that all youth lacrosse should go by birthdates similar to soccer two years ago. Problem with going by birthdates doesn't work for the college coaches. When they go to a game to recruit they want to know that every player they are watching will graduate in the same year so they can fill spots that they have opening on thier rosters.
When BOTC had our meetings with US Lacrosse about ten days back, their representatives were emphatic that they have made it clear to all of the regional members that birth date based groupings (U-age groups) are what has been recommended. To some extent, US Lacrosse was surprised that we even raised the issue since this discussion is already closed from their perspective.
Clubs that are not following the U-age model are not in step with what US Lacrosse has specifically recommended.
We also asked US Lacrosse representatives why they have gone to a 24-month age group window as opposed to mandating 12-month windows. BOTC was told that the New [lacrosse]/East Coach area could easily support a 12-month windows (every age group) however with the growth of the game limited in other areas of the country, using a 24-month window allows for the creation of more teams and tournaments elsewhere.
So, graduation year would be more likely to pit like age girls against one and other than what US Lax is proposing? US Lax cosistently baffles me with some of their actions/inaction.
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