Resources

SYLA Travel Team Policies

Attendance and Commitment Policy for Spring Travel Teams

SYLA Spring lacrosse programs offered to the 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8 grade levels are fun and competitive Travel teams. Commitment levels are expected to be high for this travel program. We provide professional coaching and significant game experience. Spring is in-season for lacrosse, and players and parents are expected to make Travel lacrosse a priority over other, off-season sports.

Players are expected to:

(1) be on time for all practices and games,

(2) be excited to play and strive to be better lacrosse players,

(3) work hard at practice and play hard in games,

(4) treat teammates, coaches, officials, and opponents with respect and good sportsmanship.

The coaching staff expects that players show up to practices. Practices are when skills and team concepts will be taught. The coaching staff is cognizant that conflicts can arise during the course of the season and it is the responsibility of the player and/or parents to let the coaches know if a player will miss a practice or game. Attendance at practices and games is mandatory and will be tracked throughout the season. Unexcused absences or missed practices or games will directly result in reduced playing time during games and tournaments. Athletes are required to make their team managers aware of any conflicts so that playing time can be administered fairly for all players by the coaches.

RSVP Policy

Managing practices, games, and tournaments and fielding a competitive team requires lots of coordination for our coaches and managers. Our Scarsdale LeagueApps Play App is helpful in that it allows parents and/or players to RSVP to each event with an easy click of a button. We ask that you RSVP by the deadline provided for each practice, game, or tournament. To the extent that you do not RSVP by the deadline, your child will not be rostered for the event. If your child then shows up for the event, his/her playing time will be impacted.

Goalie Policy

At the youth level, it is important for all players to learn to play and gain exposure to all positions. In particular, the position of goalie is important to understand and try. All players in 3/4, 5/6 and 7/8 will share the responsibility of goalie. It will be mandatory for each player on each team to take at least one turn, but possibly more than one turn, in the cage unless that team has a player willing to be a dedicated goalie. SYLA will also provide several specific, dedicated goalie trainings for both our girls and boys program during the Spring season.

Sportsmanship & Teammate Policy

SYLA expects its players, parents, and coaches to be exhibit good sportsmanship and be good teammates. Please refer to the SYLA Code of Conduct. All players, parents, and coaches must abide by this code. Remember to be respectful to all those you encounter when you are playing, cheering, or coaching for SYLA.

Scarsdale Youth Lacrosse Association (SYLA) abides by a strict Code of Conduct governing all coaches, players, officials and parents. The purpose of the Code is to ensure that all of those people associated with lacrosse in Scarsdale treat each other with dignity and respect.

The Code of Conduct is a condition of membership for all players, parents, coaches and officials. All members of SYLA agree to abide by the Code of Conduct and to be subjected to the consequences of violating the Code. It is understood that by enrolling into the SYLA programs that players, parents and coaches are all bound by this Code of Conduct and its validity is hereby a matter of record and is not dependent upon physical signature.

All enforcement decisions made by the officials of SYLA are final and are not subject to review. No refunds will be granted to those players dismissed from the club for violating the Code of Conduct.

Additionally, SYLA agrees and follow US Lacrosse Youth Rules & Best Practices.  Please see the Girls/Women's guidebook by clicking  HERE - GIRLS and HERE - BOYS.  The Guidebook describes all the rules of lacrosse which are also displayed in other parts of our website.

Parents-

1. Teach and practice good sportsmanship at all games and practices. You are role models!
2. Know the rules of the game of lacrosse.
3. Respect the game of lacrosse. Respect the officials. Respect the coaches and parent volunteers.
4. Do not coach your child. Let players play and coaches coach, and support both positively.
5. Do not EVER criticize other players irregardless of the circumstance.
6. Follow the "24 Hour Rule": if you have a complaint resulting from a game (or practice) situation, speak with the coach on the following day.
7. If there is a serious problem, notify either the President or Vice-President of SYLA and file a grievance. (see Grievances)
8. Emphasize the FUN of the game and the team, putting forth effort at all times, not just counting wins and losses.

Players-

1. Respect your teammates, coaches, referees and opponents at all times.
2. Show up to all practices and give 100% effort at each practice and game.
3. Know the rules of the game of lacrosse and abide by them.
4. Support and encourage your teammates. Set a positive example.
5. Wear the required equipment at all games and practices, and keep your equipment well maintained.
6. Display good sportsmanship at all times on and off the field.
7. Don't be afraid to make mistakes; that's part of learning.
8. Learn from your coaches; practice hard; play smart; have fun!
9. Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat. A cheer of thanks for a game well played at the conclusion of an event is a mark of good sportsmanship.

Coaches-

1. A coach is a role model, who must act with the highest moral character possible.
2. Coaches must reinforce the self-image of each player. A coach must be positive and constructive.
3. Respect the game of lacrosse. Respect the officials.
4. Teach the rules of lacrosse. Abide by those rules in practices and games.
5. Establish objectives for the team and players and inform them of team and individual goals.
6. Teach and practice good sportsmanship at all games and practices.
7. Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat.

All-

1. Any conduct, including abusive language and/ or gestures, racially insensitive remarks, damage to property or belongings, or any other conduct that reflects poorly on yourself or SYLA is deemed to be unacceptable and will not be tolerated. This rule applies to all players, parents, siblings and guests at all times when in or around games or practices as a member of SYLA.
2. During a tournament or game when you are away, you represent the Town of Scarsdale and SYLA. Any conduct such as shoplifting, destruction of property, consumption of drugs or alcohol, or any other activity will not be tolerated. This rule applies for the entire time one is away for a game or tournament.
3. The Board of Directors of SYLA will deal with unacceptable conduct at its sole discretion, imposing warnings, suspension or expulsion, as it deems appropriate. ANY SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION BASED ON VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT WILL NOT BE ACCOMPANIED BY A TUITION REFUND.

   * Communication - In order to encourage players to develop as young men and women, players should communicate directly with their coaches, and by the travel level this is a requirement.  This includes concerns or questions regarding playing time, positions, team placement and suggestions for improvement/feedback.  An exception is for health issues such as allergies, asthma, ADD/ADHD, diabetes, etc., which parents should communicate directly with coaches if they feel the need.  All health issues will be kept strictly confidential.  If parents have issues with a coach, they should discuss those with the SYLA President or Vice President, after observing the 24 hour waiting period.  Please remember that our coaches are volunteers (or moderately compensated professionals), and, in the case of our travel coaches, some do not have children on the teams they are coaching.  Please respect their time and dedication to creating a fun, learning experience for all of our players. 

All grievances should be submitted in writing to:

Kristy Grippi
President and Girls Commissioner
kristen.grippi@gmail.com

Adam Chagares
Vice President and Boys Commissioner
Chagares@gmail.com

David Tanenbaum
SYLA Legal
Davidtanenbaum1@gmail.com

scarsdalelax@gmail.com

It may take several weeks for a formal response.
Please make sure to include the date of the incident / approximate time / location / team.
Please include your phone number.
Description of the incident. Witness(es).
Were police called? if yes, please explain.
Other pertinent information.

Additionally, if you prefer, you may contact The Scarsdale Recreation Department at recreation@scarsdale.com or 914-722-1160

Thank You,
SYLA BOARD

Per guidelines set by the Scarsdale Rec Department, all SYLA Coaches (volunteer and paid) are required to partake in a background check.

SYLA has partnered with the National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI) and US Lacrosse to confidentially and securely administer all background checks.  All costs associated with the background checks are paid directly by SYLA.

Coach background checks last two years and are monitored by a member of the SYLA board to ensure compliance.

Coaches are not be allowed to step on the field without completion of this background check.  

Contact scarsdalelax@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns.

SYLA takes concussion protocols seriously.  The following is a non-exhaustive list of resources on the topic:

Concussion Quiz
Concussion Signs & Symptoms
Parent Fact Sheet
Heads Up Concussion
Concussion Course
CDC Concussion Website