Great points. I have tried to take this issue up with others on BOTC, with little reply. It seems many think WashDC teams "stack the deck" with older players against our LI brothers. As it turns out, our youth teams follow USLacrosse age guidelines, U9-U15. Properly enforced and without reclassing, it seems clear that we could be up to 3 months older than LI kids at the upper end of the age groups--so 2019, 2021 and 2023 (?). Of course, if LI teams are playing class year and reclassing at younger ages, it seems clear that LI teams could (would) be older.
I agree that the re-classing phenomenon is bad for the game; among other things it re-enforces the rich kid stereotype of lax players. I also believe that USLacrosse, through its insurance program, is in the best position to fix the issue. By simply refusing to issue insurance to youth tournaments, leagues and teams that do not follow its age guidelines, organizers, administrators and coaches would quickly recalibrate their events to comply. Parents, if forced to sign an affidavit certifying Jr’ s age or risk voiding their supplemental insurance (and opening up personal liability), would stop any age related shenanigans.
Doesn’t answer all problems, particularly those at HS level, but it seems like a good place to start with little downside
Originally Posted by Anonymous
Originally Posted by Anonymous
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.