I guess I'm missing the issue here. WSYL is finally an age based tournament, with an age cut-off and we're still complaining about teams bringing 'older' kids ?
It's no longer an issue of older kids as it is that the rules were changed. Bottom line is that the rules are now the rules. It's just a shame to the kids that made the teams and will no longer be able to have the experience because they are being replaced. Good luck to everyone remember it's about the kids not mommy and daddy's ego
How and why would an organization create a tournament that has a different age requirement than US Lacrosse governing body? Are we saying the leadership, who are very aware of the 9/1 us lax date don't agree with that cut off or that date wasn't convenient for their players? The utter disregard for US Lacrosse guidlines, in addition to them instituting age based player rules will be the demise of this tournament.
No it won't. Age based is the way to go. US Lacrosse had years to set it right and they didn't, so the 9/1 date is no longer valid. 9/1 is also FIL, but out of the hundreds of thousands of lacrosse participants, how many athletes are going to the world level? Unfortunately, USL has done absolutely nothing to govern and allowed the clubs to gain control of the game over the past decade.
USL had the lax world in the palm of it's hand and made one of the biggest chokes of all time. They didn't realize the shot clock was on and missed a golden opportunity in an open net. They don't run the sport any more, the reputation is severely diminished and will now lose out on millions. This occurred mostly because of the Baltimore/Maryland rich crony system that had tight ties to the organization and a decision couldn't be reached on governance or rules. Shot themselves in the foot.
There will be plenty of teams across the US and world that will be more than happy to attend WSYL. Why? Because it's FAIR. (ok, maybe not this year with last minute changes, but it will be) But mainly because a majority of the world plays by the rules and despise rule breakers. In regards to lacrosse, those rule breakers are the holdbacks if you didn't figure that out already. Age based is the deciding factor with talent. 6/1 or 9/1 or 1/1 – it doesn't matter. It's WSYL's rule and WSYL is a rising leader.
Plus, I'm sure WSYL has eyes on more than one yearly event. I wouldn't be surprised if they start sanctioning leagues in the non hotbed areas in the coming years. Current hotbeds will then be forced follow if they want to participate.
And hopefully, during all this change, WSYL will take the reigns and finally provide the leadership and governance the sport deserves. Otherwise, they will prove to be money grabbers themselves and the sport will be in shambles.
Of course, the grade based clubs will continue to money grab and promote showcases on campuses of elite private schools for college coaches. After all it's a business and showcases are an easy sell to deep pockets. The rich will still try to control the sport and claw their way to get recruited, but with a new system it will be a little harder for little Johnny and Jackie to shine.
Considering where lacrosse is headed, I believe college coaches will attend age based events to give scouts more insight into whether talent is legit. Stakes are getting way too high, especially with early recruiting. With age based rules, the playing field will be even, where it's easy to judge talent, and for the scouts it's just another column in the spreadsheet to add grad year. It will take time, but it will happen.
Finally, and it has nothing to do with the above, but the phrase Grow the Game needs to be cut from the lacrosse world vocabulary. It may have started with the right intention, but growing the game has become more about Grabbing money and the Greed of businessmen and doing anything to Get ahead. The phrase is now being used for profit because it's cool to say, or text, or put a hashtag in front of it. It's downright disgusting.
The damage is done but IT'S TIME to move forward. It's time to HONOR the Game.
