Back of THE CAGE Forums NORTHEAST LACROSSE BOTC MAIN FORUM Bring Honesty Back

As the summer club season ends, numerous rumors regarding dishonest rostering continue to swirl. Kids playing down an age group regardless of rules, re-classing to a lower grade prior to a major tournament, using guest players both of age and over age, kids playing on two teams in the same tournament, using kids on another team once their team is eliminated from tournament play (again, playing in same tournament for 2 different teams), sharing kids from different club branches (NJ & NY) as team advances through a tournament. I am sure there are many other situations. While the actions are inherently unfair for both the competition as well as players displaced by such actions, many are afraid to speak up as the clubs hold significant leverage in future roster spots and playing time. Put these clubs/coaches on notice that their reputations will be on the line regarding these unfair tactics. Please list the club and age groups you have seen impacted by these tactics, please no player names. Hopefully a public forum will provide a disincentive to cheat by shaming these clubs/coaches into doing the right thing and hopefully this thread will not disappear.

I don’t know what age group your child is but when your kid is playing in 11th grade(last year of travel); your gonna realize this petty garbage isn’t really that important! Find a hobby!

lol... by 11th grade (year 6-8 in travel lax) you realize a lot.

I agree with this. Most tournaments do not require kids to play exclusively on one team, and do not enforce age or grade. Clubs do what they need to do to win so they can promote their brand. My son was a stud in HS and was constantly getting recruited to play as a guest player on different teams for no cost. It’s what happens. The best thing you can do is make sure your kid works hard and is a kid the coaches want on the field in close games, then you don’t have to worry. Lacrosse is not an honest sport. It is a self serving money grab. If your kid is a good enough player, he/she will be recruited to a better academic school than they would have been able to get into without lacrosse, then you are winner!

This post is ridiculous. Obviously you’re salty that your kid isn’t that good.

Like you have to cheat to win? Wow actually rationalizing

Salty? Or maybe just does not want his 5th grader playing against grown men.

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These responses are pretty enlightening: 1) wait till 11th grade, that is when the cheating stops or does not matter; 2) I know better; 3) your kids stinks and you are salty. Some people know the violators. They have decided a win in 5th grade is more important than their reputations. This thread is appreciated because it puts out front a real issue in the game and lets these clubs/coaches know that despite what they want to think, the community knows, and their reputations are on the line. I get it, to a few people on this board, this slippery activity is OK. I think this reflects on you and I suspect and hope you are in the far minority, but with a loud voice.

Unfortunately youth lacrosse is permeated with daddy coach / former players that use every single advantage possible to get their kid into any advantageous position possible (hold backs, start early, coach town team, move their kids to teams where friends coach, have their kids play on several teams, you don't like your kids standing on a team.... just create a new team). Worst part about youth lacrosse is the parents. No kid is coming home after school saying... "Mom, can i repeat 8th grade? I will look like a stud against kids a year younger"

I do not like those aspects as well, but I am not going to tell someone what is best for their own kid. The rules are loose (maybe purposefully) and so long as you do not violate, what are you going to do? What irks me is pre-agreed rules are intentionally violated, like playing a kid below his grade group. I cannot think of another youth sport in the US where rostering age rules are so loose and maybe more importantly, violated, without repercussion.

My kid doesn't play AAU basketball but I hear thats pretty bad. For those of you who have kids playing AAU and LAX, which is worst? I find it hard to believe that anything is more slimy then youth lacrosse. Love the idea of calling out the Bad People on the forum.

Geez. You really do sound like a bitter parent that always sees glass half empty and makes excuses when things don’t go their way.

Nothing positive here about dad coaches passion for the game and desire to share that game, sacrificing countless hours to help his kid and his kid’s friends develop and make great memories. Instead you insult the very people likely most responsible for introducing your kid to this great game. Have a little respect or try putting yourself in their shoes to gain perspective.

As for dad’s kid, it’s a 100% natural development process for some kids to outgrow or add additional programs to challenge themselves at a higher level. For others, or maybe in your case, a kid has reached their full potential and or you or your kid doesn't have the connections or additional time to devote to keep pace in your particular situation. In any of these cases, great life lessons to help our kids through now before they’re on their own. And if it’s really a very unfair situation, there’s a life lesson there too.

But please, don’t blame your situation on dad coaches who are devoting their time and energy to help their kid and others kids grow in a game they love and want to share. That’s just crazy.

Ok dad coach. We all know the only reason you coach is to get free club for your son and promote him above others who are better. The majority of kids who have a dad coach are exposed come recruiting time because even with all of “daddy’s” help you can’t buy talent

Listen it’s tryout season and anything you don’t like, you have consumer choice. But please when your son makes a team don’t ask on here about the team. Call the director and ask your questions. If you don’t get a response, that’s a good indication as well. And also ask, prior to trying out who is coaching the team. And ask to speak with the. As well.

darn. You’re right. You got me.