I first met Ron Pallister at the 2004 Founders Cup final in Elora. At that time he was being a pain in the ass trying to get proper access to the scoring bench to better be able to track the game stats. It was a small area and Ron was not a small guy. He got his wish. Why? Because it was a small favour to grant to someone who had done so much for Ontario lacrosse and the Jr. B league. In the intervening 5 years, Ron had only built upon his own legacy and that of Glen Dundas, the founder of this forum. Ron and I had infrequent contact over the years and I had always found him to be congenial, fair and, as far as lacrosse goes, firmly devoted to the cause. His was a labour of love.
Through the recent efforts of Wayne Paddick, I was granted moderator privileges to this forum (and the others) for the purposes of continuing the legacy of the late Ron Pallister and Glen Dundas. It is my belief that these forums are a valuable resource for Ontario lacrosse in all its forms and it would be a significant loss if this legacy did not continue.
I am posting this to solicit your opinion (BE NICE!) as to what direction you would like to see these forums moving to. My personal preference is to leave things as is, including a preservation of the older stuff for archival purposes. As moderator and owner, my goal would be to try and replicate the same tactful moderation that is familiar to participants while trying to maintain the same sense of objective fairness that Ron and Glen were known for. Not everyone will agree of course and the door is open for all reasonable options to be discussed and fairly debated.
What I have found here is a community of sorts and I believe that when changes are proposed for any community, the members must have a right to speak as freely as possible without the threat of reprisal. Therefore Wayne has graciously offered to provide his email address (and I will as well) for those participants who would prefer to email either of us directly. Of course, when you email, you will lose that aspect of anonymity provided by posting on the forum.
I would only mirror your comments. If it ain't broke don't fix it.
It is a long standing legacy to continue. I for one would be against wholesale changes. It has been more than sufficient to allow the community to voice it's opinions, gather and present information, ask questions and gather answers from a wide range of contributors. That's the way Glen and Ron saw it, I would rather see their vision intact.
Thanks for picking up the reigns and riding Todd.
Chris Hatton
Peterborough
Posted on Apr 30, 2010, 8:18 PM from IP address 24.235.173.171
left in whitby at all for the lacrosse festival... closest hotel is ajax... maybe the ola needs to relocate to an area that can hold that many people for a 2 week period.. such as st. catharines and niagara falls.... this should be a huge issue.. being once again no one is willing to talk or mention the home field advantage of the provincials..
Posted on Apr 29, 2010, 8:36 AM from IP address 76.71.94.31
LOL! "Ajax?" You mean the town that is about 10 minutes away from Iroquois Park and maybe 20 minutes from the Legends Centre in Oshawa? Good thing you don't have to lodge in Clarington (Bowmanville), that would add 5 minutes on your drive.
Google Maps is your friend. Do a search for Ajax and discover that Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa & Clarington is essentially one continuous urban area connected by this cool highway called the 401.
Skennen
...Tsitshoh...
Posted on Apr 29, 2010, 9:32 AM from IP address 198.103.152.51
Maybe it is too big for Whitby, in which case there are about a dozen more pads available within a 30 minute drive of Iroquois Park, including the GM Centre in Oshawa, Rickard Arena in Bowmanville, the Pickering Rec Centre and all those pads at the excellent Ajax Community Centre.
Come on now, do you seriously think that the team that put the Lacrosse Festival together didn't do their homework and research all the facilities, hotels and transportation infrastructure that is available for this type of event in the Durham Region? Give Ron McSpadyen et al a wee bit more credit than that. This is a multi-million dollar event that is rivalled only by the Bell Cup minor hockey championships in Ottawa. There is quite a bit of planning that goes into this sort of thing and the Festival team isn't sitting around making guesses.
I am sure there is room for complaint or criticism for the Lacrosse Festival - as there should be. But if you are going to complain or criticize, at least do the honour of making a small effort to get some facts first.
Skennen
...Tsitshoh...
Posted on Apr 30, 2010, 7:16 AM from IP address 198.103.152.51
first off i would like to say they do a great job organizing the tournament its great.
BUT, i think the home court advantage in this style of " festival" is too large to be hosting a fair " festival" being from Niagara i think we could host a far better festival that could be seen as a way of growing the box version of lacrosse to our american friends and maybe get those teams from the states back and playing in the ola and in zone 9... i think the people in charge of this festival knew exactly what they were doing the whole time this thing was growing... they plan for this in advance. i wonder what exactly is going to stop this kind of advantage.... i not saying its why whitby always wins i'm just saying it an advantage. and i still think lacrosse as a sport being represented in the lacrosse festival is thinking too small we need to grow lacrosse to be a global market.
Posted on May 1, 2010, 2:10 PM from IP address 76.69.149.86
Firstly, I doubt having the Festival in the Niagara Region would attract the numbers of Americans that would make the move - and likely revenue loss - worthwhile. I mean, Americans, are they important to box lacrosse? If they are to Zone 9 then set up some registration booths in some malls in Buffalo.
Secondly, you should do a study on what the winning levels of Whitby teams are before the Festival started and then since. Has there been a significant change in the number of times Whitby has won the provincials? I would say it wouldn't be a significant statistic.
Skennen
...Tsitshoh...
Posted on May 1, 2010, 4:24 PM from IP address 74.12.41.39
first off if i was paid lets say minimum wage to conduct this study i certainly would. i wouldn't have time to be at the whole lacrosse festival if i was missing work without pay, anyways i think the study should be conducted by someone who is none wmla and none ola so i would be a perfect candidate or maybe someone from orangeville or six nations... anyways i believe 5 questions should be asked to kids in bantam and under playing for wmla.
1) do you think your able to get more sleep, while staying in your own bed ? YES
2) do you prefer having the short drive to the arena for home games? YES
3) what is your favorite pre game meal? whatever my mom makes its great!
4) do you think having friends and family at all home games helps your team? YES
5) would you want the lacrosse festival moved to orangeville? NO
haha i think those are pretty valid questions, notice none of them directly mention the festival except the last one.. but they all do involve home court advantage?
Second of all i really don't care if box lacrosse doesn't get picked up in the states, i just really wanted to know what happened to the american zone 9 team from back in the day? i forget the name of the city since it was soo long ago and they no longer play at all. could anyone help answer this question..
What happened to the american zone 9 teams?
Posted on May 2, 2010, 9:30 AM from IP address 76.69.149.86
When I say "do a study" I meant take a survey of the actual data - the winning teams in each division before the Festival began and then afterward. I am sure if you cut back your forum time 15 minutes per day, you could likely get this study done in a week and report back to us.
Taking stock of personal opinion is useful, but not in this case because you might end up with the question why those same WMLA players won one, two or three away tournaments in the same year. Maybe it wasn't home court advantage, but simply because they are good teams. I am sure there is home court advantage to a degree, but whether that advantage directly contributes to WMLA success at the provincials is another thing entirely.
Then there is the proximity factor - other than a reasonably short drive, what other teams can claim the the same answers as your pseudo-poll above? Certainly every minor association in the Zone 6, then those in the middle of T.O. and a few outlying areas. I mean if you were talking about Ottawa, Windor, Huntsville or Sudbury, I might grant you some slack, but Niagara? Come on...
Skennen
...Tsitshoh...
Posted on May 2, 2010, 11:01 AM from IP address 74.12.41.39
I know this is a "conspiracy"theory or is it.... listen to my points... and then criticize..
1) home court advantage for the last 10 years
2) free advertisement for wmla
i think those two points combined are a portion of the reason why wmla is strong.. other factors might be...
3) a well organized wmla
4) great coaching
5) and robot-like game structure lol...
i think they are connected... those 5 reasons combined are why lacrosse in whitby is role model for lacrosse in other cities.. but will those other cities ever have those first two points.. i just don't think they will because wmla and the people in charge no they they actually are more important then you are trying to say they are..
p.s. what kind of poll is done with accurate information? besides a statistics poll which everyone knows stats don't lie.. but an opinion poll with tyke to bantamn i think those kids wouldn't be lying either thats just my opinion
p.s.s... thanks for the great read..
Posted on May 2, 2010, 11:28 AM from IP address 76.69.149.86
Any theory is welcome, but if it can't stand simple tests of validation, what is the point? Broken down theories are only used by crackpots to seduce other crackpots. So let's take a look at your theory and see how well it stands up:
1) You conveniently ignored my point about proximity and that means home court advantage to all the other clubs within an easy drive of Iroquois Park. Has the festival benefitted West Durham or Clarington teams? How about Markham or Beaches teams? Has it benefitted teams that play better away from home? Besides, if you had done even a cursory glance at the data, you would have noted that the Festival has only been in operation 5 years, not including this year.
2) I am sure that you have been at the Festival and noted that WMLA stuff is quite secondary to the actual Festival sponsors and other OLA partners. I don't even notice WMLA stuff at the Festival. And besides, other than Whitby residents, what affect does "free advertisement for wmla" have on anyone else? That is: red herring.
3) I think the WMLA is well organized is is the prime contributor to the successful teams they have each year. This has nothing to do with the location of the Festival.
4) I think the WMLA has great coaching and is another prime contributor to the successful teams they have each year. This has nothing to do with the location of the Festival.
5) I am not sure what you mean by a "robot-like game structure" but apparently it works both with home court advantage and away court advantage since Whitby teams do well at tournaments. But again, this has nothing to do with the Festival unless you mean that WMLA teams must be at home to take some sort of robot-inducing treatment so they can play kids lacrosse. I mean we all know that the town of Whitby is practically the same thing as the Soviet Union. Comrade.
In that light, how many times in the past n years since it's inception has the Spartan AC actually won their namesake tournament? I would think that home court advantage being what you believe it is, it should be rather frequent. If it is, then I think the same point can be made for moving this prestigious tournament away from St. Catharines and moving it somewhere else since it gives home court advantage to the Spartans, Athletics and any other Niagara Area clubs. I am sure you agree. Oh wait. Whitby won that last year too.
Skennen
...Tsitshoh...
Posted on May 2, 2010, 1:15 PM from IP address 74.12.41.39
I have to agree with Benny and I think many people believe it's time for a change.
And to prove the point that even the OLA knows this is the belief of most people.
What happen to the festival surveys that were supposed to be sent out by e-mail last year,
Could it be they didn't want to hear what people had to say? We all know the truth.
Posted on May 2, 2010, 3:48 PM from IP address 74.12.35.115
My point is that if you want to make your case do it without using "because-I-said" evidence. Associating non-receipt of festival surveys to "prove the point" of a belief of "most people" is kind of like using apples to "prove" oranges. For instance, Angus Reid didn't do a political poll this week so that proves the point that most people will vote conservative.
So I think the "truth" that we all know is that everybody has an opinion.
Skennen
...Tsitshoh...
Posted on May 2, 2010, 5:57 PM from IP address 74.12.41.39
The point youre missing is the people who should be asking the questions WON'T, because they don't want to hear the answers. I don't know much about all this fruit you speak of, but I do know I was told I was to receive a survey and it was never sent to anyone, this subject was also brought up at the OLA general meeting .Yet still no survey! Still, I will admit I dont know much about fruit but I do know if it walks like a duck, if it talks like a duck. Well, you get my point; the OLA doesn't want your opinion about the festival.
Posted on May 2, 2010, 7:45 PM from IP address 74.12.35.115
its the point of " why change a good thing" you know what i mean.. no buddy asks these questions and thats why i do on here.. the ola and whitby knew exactly what they were doing in advance and maybe thats just my opinion but i would love to say i told you so... since no buddy will say anything.. nothing is wrong right?
btw judging by how much you know about lacrosse i would of thought you would of known the Conradi curse... the only team i know of winning that tourny and winning the provincials is the powerhouse athletic team that won it 3 years in a row.. i'm just saying
i think your trying to defend this argument in a very unbiased view point.. but i'm sorry to say your in the wmla circle even if you don't wanna be so your point is now in valid... sorry
p.s. umm very little of what is said on here about current lacrosse news is true.. and there are even less facts... the point i'm trying to say doesn't have facts... unless someone would admit it...
THEY KNEW WHAT THEY WERE DOING THE WHOLE TIME... and thats a fact.
Posted on May 2, 2010, 8:52 PM from IP address 76.69.149.86
Yes, "they" knew what they were doing, that is why they studied the data and not a couple of opinions on the OLA Forum. Regardless if they said they would send out a survey or not, we can't simply assign reasons for them not sending out the surveys and the proceed as if our speculation is the truth. While that may be a commonplace thing in some lacrosse circles, it is still patently absurd.
I have encouraged you to do a proper study that relies on data fairly easy to obtain. You simply fall back on your opinion. If you actually had something tangible to back up your theory - or the honesty to admit you were wrong if that is what you found - then that would go along way towards what you are saying as credible.
But all you have is a vague conspiracy theory and well, that is as invalid as it gets. Sorry bud, but if your deep skepticism doesn't drive you to action, all that is left is the appearance of whining.
Skennen
...Tsitshoh...
Posted on May 2, 2010, 10:23 PM from IP address 74.12.50.21
i'm talking about the people in charge of the ola and whibty who collaborated together on this lacrosse festival, since everyone in ontario should already know that the ola is run mostly by wmla and their OPINIONS. when it comes down to it everything is run by opinions... just like that stupi offense defense rule.. just because someone thinks it takes away from the overall possibility of younger players learning all aspects of the games, which in my opinion is a crock... so how can you tell me with DATA that they formed that rule... your backing your evidence up with this lost "data".... i would love to do the research if you could send me the link to the past 5 years of provincial winners in every category participating in the lacrosse festival that would be nice.. another nice piece of information would be the record of whitby p[laying field at home compared to away.. i know this isn' the " lacrosse festival" but it does have to do with home field advantage..
P.S. another dude agrees with me and so far your the only one saying anything.. so if this was a vote i think it would have to be changed lol and if you could send those links on the records of whitby field also the provinicial data i would be glad to do some number crunching..
p.s.s i'm not whining... im actually glad were having this discussion on the forum... for i don't know many people who can/will talk about it.. so turn that frown upside down
Posted on May 3, 2010, 8:40 AM from IP address 76.69.149.86
By raising the issue of the O-D Rule you are committing a red herring fallacy, which is a technique used to divert attention away from a weak argument. Be wary of using such techniques.
We are discussing the Ontario Lacrosse Festival and the concept that the builders of that event studied data to determine it's value. This has nothing to do with O-D Rule in any way shape or form.
If you contend that the value of the Festival as determined by the OLA is contrary to some other principle or effect, then it is incumbent on you to prove your assertion by providing the data. Opinion can count as data, but it requires a large number of it. You should be able to get the provies champs comparison data a little faster than culling a few hundred opinions I think. But from the post below, it looks like you have made a start and I am sure I am not the only one anticipating your results.
Skennen
...Tsitshoh...
Posted on May 3, 2010, 9:26 AM from IP address 198.103.221.51
because it directly applies to my questioning of the ola... how does the ola implement rules without data? i just don't understand since you mentioned that data is the only way to prove my point.. how did anyone prove theirs when mentioning o/d... your basically telling me that because of opinion that rule was put in place... why can't the ola be black and white with not just rules but with everything.. maybe the reason behind the o/d rule is because wmla has already a more rounded team so they wanted everyone to play by their rules... i'm just saying that in the end everyone points to another person for the answers and it doesn't ever come full circle, lack of communication, lack of data, lack of people who actually know what their doing... just because some people have been around the game for their entire life doesn't mean they know they game that most of us on here love dearly. what i'm trying to say... is that politics in a wmla dictatorship which we call the ola is unfair and unjust... my name is benny c, and i'm calling out the ola on that, i might not be the first and i know i won't be the last.
Posted on May 3, 2010, 10:32 AM from IP address 76.69.149.86
You can say whatever you like, you are "calling out" the OLA or whatnot. But you would do your cause much more benefit if you took the time to research, develop your findings into a coherent narrative and then present it without prejudice. I think that is the only way you are going to get any across that is useful. Otherwise, you know, this forum is for all kinds of messages including complaints and such and you are perfectly free to complain.
If you want to find out more about the O/D policy, follow the trail. Start with the OLA policy document and then trace it back to the CLA meeting in Nov 2007. If you dig, the OLA & CLA minutes from AGMs, SAGMs, monthly meetings and so on can be great sources of information.
Skennen
...Tsitshoh...
Posted on May 3, 2010, 10:52 AM from IP address 198.103.152.51
is what i'm trying to do... i know that you can't win the battles straight up with the ola.... you can't do that... but the thing i know i'm good at is getting peoples attention.. and if i ccan raise awareness about this issue good or bad... thats what i'm doing. hope you understand
Posted on May 3, 2010, 3:24 PM from IP address 76.69.149.226
I'll disagree with you on one point. I think even the Whitby minor players, and their parents, would like to get away for the Provincials just for a change.
I also think the name of the town you are searching for is "Newtown".
Posted on May 2, 2010, 11:07 AM from IP address 99.250.120.36
I also think the wmla players and parents would like to get away from Whitby... but i would have to say that the wmla executive would be dead set against..
Posted on May 2, 2010, 11:15 AM from IP address 76.69.149.86
There were 2 minor associations from the U.S. They were the Newtown Minors and the Allegany Minor associations. Each association's teams ranged from Tyke to Intermediate.
Allegany is about 1.5 hrs south of Buffalo
Newtown (Gil Lay Arena) is 0.5 hr. south of Buffalo
To save some travel time for the Canadian Zone 9 teams, the Allegany Association agreed to play all their home games out of Newtown's Gil Lay Arena. Which meant that Allegany had to travel 75 Km (1 hr) to all their home games. These 2 associations never complained about their travel time to come to Canadian centres to play our game.
The OLA complained about having to pay for extra insurance for Canadian refs to cross the border to ref the minor games. As a result, Newtown and Allegany were asked to withdraw from the OLA. Which they reluctantly did.
I am not from Allegany or Newtown.
Posted on May 3, 2010, 12:03 PM from IP address 76.64.69.94
She:kon Tsitshoh
Skennenko:ka
I searched through some papers that I had stashed away. The only thing that I was able to find was that those 2 teams were still playing in 2002. So I think that may have been their last year to have played in Zone 9.
Too bad, I felt sorry for the families that put so much time, effort & money into the game for their children, only to be forced out of the OLA through no fault of their own. I really enjoyed going out to Cattaraugus to play our Seneca brothers!
Ona
Posted on May 4, 2010, 3:26 PM from IP address 74.14.148.245
They were both rated in 2003. I do not have the 2004 final ratings but I do have the 2005 ratings and I see that they were not rated. I would say they left in either 2004 or 05.
Posted on May 5, 2010, 1:47 PM from IP address 64.119.102.172
the ola insurance policy did not cover games played in another country plus newtown was a really weak center.. but they had a really unique arena and i always use to like the drive there though
Posted on May 5, 2010, 9:22 PM from IP address 76.69.149.249
To answer your question about the American teams that used to be in the Zone 9 I Believe it was only two and it was Newtown Golden Eagles and Allegany Arrows. Both of these teams still operate among a bunch of other teams like Onondaga and Tonawonda. As for why they dont play over here anymore is because of insurance issues. Because players would get hurt but could not be taken care of over here because they would not be covered. example, A player from say Niagara Goes into Newtown and breaks his/her leg, in order for the health care to be free you would have to drive about 35-40 min then maybe wait in line at the bridge for another 10-20 min and Before the whole hospital closing, Fort Erie would have been the closest one, but now that has changed so then you would have to drive another 20-30 min to St Cathrines.( as i do believe that the American health care is not free or covered by most people in Canada). There was just to many liability that wasn't there before.
Posted on May 5, 2010, 11:00 AM from IP address 72.39.246.229
first off if i was paid lets say minimum wage to conduct this study i certainly would. i wouldn't have time to be at the whole lacrosse festival if i was missing work without pay, anyways i think the study should be conducted by someone who is none wmla and none ola so i would be a perfect candidate or maybe someone from orangeville or six nations... anyways i believe 5 questions should be asked to kids in bantam and under playing for wmla.
1) do you think your able to get more sleep, while staying in your own bed ? YES
2) do you prefer having the short drive to the arena for home games? YES
3) what is your favorite pre game meal? whatever my mom makes its great!
4) do you think having friends and family at all home games helps your team? YES
5) would you want the lacrosse festival moved to orangeville? NO
haha i think those are pretty valid questions, notice none of them directly mention the festival except the last one.. but they all do involve home court advantage?
Second of all i really don't care if box lacrosse doesn't get picked up in the states, i just really wanted to know what happened to the american zone 9 team from back in the day? i forget the name of the city since it was soo long ago and they no longer play at all. could anyone help answer this question..
What happened to the american zone 9 teams?
Posted on May 2, 2010, 9:31 AM from IP address 76.69.149.86
I'm not too sure why the anomosity towards Whitby? WMLA does not run the Festival, the OLA does. Whitby Minor Lacrosse has nothing to do with it. These are PROVINCIAL Championships, not Invitational tournaments. The OLA runs the Provincials, not the Host organization.
Best of luck to all participants.
Posted on May 2, 2010, 1:30 PM from IP address 173.35.77.90
you don't say ? the ola is run by people from the ola.. wow thats something i didn't know... i use to have a little beef with whitby when i played especially the parents lol.. but now i don't why would i, i'm just a concerned fan...
Posted on May 2, 2010, 8:54 PM from IP address 76.69.149.86
Six Nations - Canada's Lcrosse capital
Whitby
Peterboro
Are all massive lacrosse hot houses but they all have the same population as one residential neibourhood in Zone 10. Zone 10 has access to 6 million people and Toronto can draw more USA attention then any other place in Canada.
Lacrosse should develop in all areas equally, we want lacrosse to grow! During the A provincials in Brampton last year we had several hundred non-Lacrosse spectators looking at the games daily, they may not have stayed to watch an entire game but they got to see the game played at the highest level! Where else can people walk in off the street, come out of the public pools or just wounder around and watch provincial lacrosse.
BRING THE GAME TO THE POPULATION! DO NOT MAKE THEM COME TO YOU. BRING THE NATION TO THE NATION (allow new Canadians to see what the French saw when they first saw the little brother of war!)
P.S. Peel Region (Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon) has enough hotel rooms to hold all provincial players and their families within a home game driving distance. I am sure the Best Western at 10 Clark Blvd would love to house as many lcrosse players as it can, 5 minute drive to Poweraid and Century Gardens.
P.S.S just in case you are woundering - Hersey Center/Iceland 9 pads , Poweraid 4 pads, Century Gardens 2 pads and all arenas are open from 0700 to 2300)
Posted on May 3, 2010, 10:33 AM from IP address 74.198.8.70
How many of those arenas take the ice out over the summer? Just curious as I was in Iceland last weekend and they still had all four pads covered with ice, and I believe Hershey leaves their ice in on all pads through out the year.
Posted on May 4, 2010, 1:58 PM from IP address 174.88.169.228
Ice land does leave one surface in ice all year the others can and will upon demand be used as multi sport pads.
Hersey is the same way, currently they have no need to remove the ice as Mississauga Minor Lacrosse is a small organization fielding one or possibly two rep teams per age and only four HL teams per age group.
Compare this to the MHL, 8 area organizations:
Cooksville
Meadowvale
Lorne Park
Clarkson
Applewood
Credit Valley
Erindale
Port Credit
all ice Green, Blue, White and Red levels of house league teams at all age groups, each club also has 1 A team, there are some 5-7 AA teams and 5 AAA teams per age group all playing hockey within Mississauga. Now add the Girls teams, mens teams and the GTHL that also takes ice time in Mississauga. The big bowl at Hersey is devoted to The Mississauga St Mikes Majors and they need to have rink 5 at Hersey as the practice rink.
Supply and demand.
Although if you support a national or provincial event that has the ability to add income to the city watch the ice melt.
Our biggest concern here is the mayor of Mississauga, she is a massive hockey fan who is also responsible for building womens hockey within Canada, but, she is very smart show her the bottom line (exposure) and she will melt the ice for you.
Posted on May 4, 2010, 10:50 PM from IP address 99.228.223.0
I would never recommend the Ajax Super 8 for teams to stay in after what the hockey team that I manage went through with them last year. Very team-unfriendly location, which is too bad, because it was a very good location in relation to the arenas we played in.
Posted on Apr 30, 2010, 12:23 PM from IP address 216.221.93.164
Caught parts of 3 games tonight in Oakville, great to have the minor box season underway:
Peeweee III, Oakville 8, Orangeville 1.
Peewee I, Oakville 4, Northmen 4, some real nice players on the floor.
Midget I, Northmen 7, Oakville 6, a late 4-minute power play proved fruitful for the visitors as they buried two to tie, then the winner with 30 ticks left.
What else is going on in other box rinks??
Posted on Apr 28, 2010, 10:21 PM from IP address 24.150.206.5
and it's official - we are full!! 92 teams from across the continent plus one overseas. Probably the best year we've ever had for teams attending from outside the province. At last count:
- 7 teams from the USA
- 1 from the Czech Republic
- 3 from Ontario
- 5 from Manitoba
- 5 from Saskatchewan
- 17 from BC
- and the rest are from Alberta
Promises to be one of the best Canada Day tourneys yet! Now taking bookings for the 2011 tourney!
Team has eight new players and has been practicing together all winter. Stronger team and about five months further along than the team last year at this time. Will be interesting to see what happens in Aug.
Posted on May 7, 2010, 7:50 AM from IP address 74.12.232.33
Just a couple of spots left in the Arthur Midget C/D tournament scheduled for Saturday, June 19th. Contact our Tournament Convenor, Tim Zippel, at timzippel@wightman.ca if you're looking for a good one-day tournament. Play on Saturday and have Sunday to enjoy the great June weather.
Posted on Apr 27, 2010, 9:54 PM from IP address 74.198.28.64
Just a couple of spots left in the Arthur Midget C/D tournament scheduled for Saturday, June 19th. Contact our Tournament Convenor, Tim Zippel, at timzippel@wightman.ca if you're looking for a good one-day tournament. Play on Saturday and have Sunday to enjoy the great June weather.
Posted on Apr 27, 2010, 9:53 PM from IP address 74.198.28.64
The sixnations bantams and kw will be having a exhibtion game thursday..its both of the first teams and i think both teams are going "A" any predictions on this game and the bantam a season all around?
Posted on Apr 27, 2010, 5:11 PM from IP address 70.55.39.158
Where is this suppose to happen? KW or Nations? I watched the end of a winter league game at Nations and was surprized by how big some of them kids were. ID check! Hah. Kidding.
Kids just keep getting bigger and bigger all over the place every year.
Posted on Apr 28, 2010, 1:44 AM from IP address 67.158.69.215
it was in kw...six nations won 4-3..they scored the game winner with about a minute left..all kw's goals were on the powerplay..the refing was brutal..six nations had 24 minutes..kw had 4..and kw was a small team the tallest guy was like 5 11 the rest were shorter then likee 5 8...sixnations has a cpl 6 footers but there all atleast like 57 besides maybe 3 players.and everyone on theere team is solid..there gonna have a good team this year
Posted on Apr 30, 2010, 8:55 PM from IP address 70.55.39.158
I'm going to be managing a Novice team this year, and thought that I would pick the great brains of the OLA forums for any advice, tips, or resources that you might have.
For past/current managers - what has worked well for you, and what hasn't?
For coaches - at the end of the day, what do you want/need from your team manager?
For parents - what have you liked/disliked about your child's team managers in the past?
I've got some great people associated with the team to rely on (including last year's manager), but I thought that some fresh perspectives would also help.
THANKS!
Posted on Apr 27, 2010, 12:25 PM from IP address 69.158.93.42
I've been following this forum for some time and every spring some coach or manager gets on here looking for information for new coaches, managers, etc. You are lucky that you reside in an area where you have some experienced people that you can rely on, but most newbies , especially those in new areas just getting into box lacrosse , have nothing whatsoever for training. Nothing online, no DVDs, that any other respectable sport has in this regard. It's no wonder lacrosse loses so many coaches and players from frustration after trying the game for one or two seasons. Every year box lacrosse re-invents the wheel. I place this all on the national and provincial governing bodies of box lacrosse for their lack of vision and initiative. They are great at adopting the unproven LTAD, at writing bylaws that provide them with unlimited power, and flying all over the country all expenses paid to have face to face meetings that they could do on the web for a fraction of the cost, but they can't put a decent training program together. Not even a simple DVD showing new coaches some drills to run in a practice.Quite frankly, if my kids were of the age to start a sport, I certainly wouldn't suggest they take up box lacrosse which is a real shame because its a great game but its going nowhere.
Posted on Apr 28, 2010, 4:20 PM from IP address 174.0.54.81
There's plenty of stuff out there for new managers & coaches... and even players. Coaches clinics run all spring, the OLA site has DVDs, rule books, drill books, etc. that you can order from them that are useful for coaches AND players.
It's up to those with a newfound interest in the sport to take the initiative and not expect everything to be handed to them. Sorry if I sound harsh, but hey I LOVE the sport and it would be a shame if kids didn't get the opportunity to at least try the sport because an organization/coach/parent gave up looking for a dvd...
Order Forms for the Resource
http://www.ontariolacrosse.com/documents/content_1361.doc
http://www.ontariolacrosse.com/documents/content_1114.pdf
Posted on Apr 28, 2010, 6:14 PM from IP address 67.158.69.215
Lets start by critiquing the drill manual. Try giving that drill manual to a new coach ask him/her to figure out all the squiggly lines and have his/her players run a drill. That manual is greek to new coaches. However if there were a training DVD that a new coach could watch showing a bunch of players actually running a drill, a light bulb would go on in the new coaches head, and the new coaches' players would benefit immensely from learning the skills that the drills are meant to teach. A picture tells a hundred words, a video tells a thousand words. I've seen the CLA and OLA DVDs and quite frankly and it's quite obvious that the people compiling them have no understanding of how people learn. If you want to see some proper training DVDs, go to Championship Productions for examples of how its done. Volunteers lead busy lives and yes they need everything handed to them. The lacrosse clinic programs that you cite are run in the spring ,usually out of town, all weekend, right as hockey is winding down, and a million other things need to get done. Why not start the programs in the Fall online allowing the coaches to learn stress free from their home at their convenience. Thus when spring rolled around, the coaches would have a head start allowing them more time being coaches rather than students and coaches at the same time.Its time box lacrosse started using the technology of the times.
Posted on Apr 28, 2010, 7:45 PM from IP address 174.0.54.81
Did not beg for you to rant.
Let's start by introducing people to the game by being an inviting group, not bash things just because.
Now the question was "how to be a good manager".
The answer is 1) be on top of things so parents can get info as quickly as possible 2) be the grease so that coaches and parents understand each other and issues don't balloon and 3) PLAN for tournaments and the provs be a positive experience for the team (i.e- organize picnic lunches and team activities).
These 3 things will help your team be the best they can at being a team... which is what it is all about.
AND I forgot to mention SHUT UP ABOUT THE POLITICS... kids don't enjoy the endless BS about who else is not doing their job.
V.
Posted on Apr 28, 2010, 10:46 PM from IP address 174.138.201.94
before you take on something head on.. maybe you should watch someone else do it.. screw mike's instructional dvd. if you know nothing about lacrosse what so ever your not going to be able learn from a dvd.. lacrosse is its own animal and i love it for that.. you need someone who is experienced to show ya.. and if you have a house league program i would recommend trying that out first since you don't have the hassle of out of town games / tourny's / provincials.... oh yeah and my number one bit of advice for you is to have you book your tournaments early as possible and to have booked the right skill level. also make sure if its a stay over tournament to get a group booking for your team... trust me this will help alot out when you need to inform parents of the time and location of your next game. One last thing before you go, if you wanna be the best manager make sure you cut some oranges at the beginning of the game and make sure you have enough for the intermissions... this lets just say is a little good luck... have fun this year and keep your head up and your eyes out for unruly parent lol
Posted on Apr 29, 2010, 8:47 AM from IP address 76.71.94.31
Thanks, Benny - its nice to hear the perspective of a player.
The manager of our field team put together an "orange" schedule and the kids have loved having the refreshment at half time (especially since they have a short bench)!
Posted on Apr 29, 2010, 10:46 AM from IP address 70.49.144.109
I had two kids in lacrosse and two VERY diffrent managers for each.
One, was great at keeping us parents notified of practices, games, scheduling, fundraising stuff for the team. He made an email list, a phone list, and even a text list (lol). Might have been a bit overkill at times for some parents, but I appreciated him always being on the ball, and us always knowing what was going on with the team.
If there were things to discuss, him & the coaches would hold little meetings in the locker rooms after practices. He'd have directions, arena maps, restaurant suggestions (hah!) at the last practice before a game. We would always know who we were playing and where we were going next month. If the coaches wanted to squeeze in an extra running or drill practice during the week, he would find space somewhere. He would ask us parents who is making it the games (because of course some kids couldn't make it all the time), but always made sure we had enough players.
The other manager was probably the exact opposite. We would only see her on game days, and everything was last minute. Last minute change in practice, last minute monies due, last mintute team changes, last minute fundraising (which really was a bit of a joke becuse we should have been doing that all season, and not the last month of the season). And we could never get in touch with her or she would never call back.
Posted on Apr 28, 2010, 6:41 PM from IP address 67.158.69.215
So ,as an example, let's use your experience of dealing with a good manager or coach versus a poor one. Why does lacrosse not identify a "good" manager, and a "good" coach, and have them prepare a training DVD for new coaches and managers on being a good manager or good coach themselves. This would benefit the new coaches,the new managers, the new players and their parents, and probably make it easier for the coordinators because they were working with good new managers, and make it easier for referees because the new coaches knew the rules,and all these benefits would be felt all the way up to the governing bodies. The retention of volunteers and players is always cited as a problem, but the fact of the matter is, poor retention is not the problem, it is a symptom of poor planning and preparation by the governing bodies.
Posted on Apr 28, 2010, 7:04 PM from IP address 174.0.54.81
Sure it would ideal for those organizations just getting into lacrosse to be provided with a basic guideline on how to properly run their club... but realistically, I don't see the OLA or CLA ever doing anything like that.
The rules don't change THAT dramatically. Get ahold of the rule book from your zone, read it, teach it, follow it and you shouldn't really have an issue with getting into trouble with refs.
At any rate, I don't think it falls onto the league to decide the standards for a potential lacrosse club. I think all that sort of standardization should come from the city/club/organization themselves. If an organizations is contemplating getting into lacrosse, they should be the ones to prepare their own coaching staff/managers. Or in the very least get these potential new to the game managers & coaches some peers or mentors to get help from when they are stuck.
I myself haven't been to the coaches clinics that are run throughout Spring, but that would be the first place these clubs should be sending their coaches to. If the organization is committed to the sport, potential coaches SHOULD make the effort to attend... being 'too busy' isn't any kind of excuse. Everyone is busy.. even the coaches who have to go back to get carded are busy, but they know they have to be there, so they are there.
The clinics are always out of town for 97% of the people attending them, so saying they are too far away isn't an excuse. Find the one closest to you as possible and make sure you're there. Some of our coaches had to go all the way to Wallaceburg because they missed the clinic in Orangeville (which was only an hour or so away) and they needed to be carded before 26th... so they were there.
But I digress. I would have loved that sort of standardization from my kids' managers, I would have loved if they were both wonderful and helpful, but it just wasn't to be. It's the same in any sport really. Honestly in all the sports my kids have played, I've never come across any coach or manager that was similar to another. They all have different methods, styles and personalities. Mostly good, with a few bad apples, but I don't blame that on the governing bodies, I blame that on my club for letting the bad ones get in... lol.
Posted on Apr 29, 2010, 1:55 AM from IP address 67.158.69.215
I have never managed a team, but I have coached and been a parent and I have met some pretty good managers and here is what they had in common:
be the patient and calm conduit between the parents and the coaching staff; 24 hour rule in effect!
be clear and up front about association and coaches expectations of players and parents;
ensure that everyone is familiar with the team budget, all fees and fundraising requirements;
ensure that everyone is familiar with game, practice, pictures and special events schedules and timely notices and reminders of any changes in those schedules;
ensure that any travel requirements are planned well ahead of time including hotel reservations for overnight tournaments;
ensure you are available to be a part of the team emergency plan;
conference with coaches & association reps frequently and have regular parent meetings as well as being available to answer questions and concerns;
be a positive influence on the team by demonstrating good sportsmanship at games and practices;
I am sure there is more, but basically remember that you are the arranger, the scheduler, the facilitator, the go-to person for parents, players and coaches. Oh and remember the most fundamental thing of them all: the main reason kids get involved in lacrosse is because it is fun. Thus you may have to take the ring-leader initiative from time to time.
Skennen
...Tsitshoh...
Posted on Apr 29, 2010, 8:07 AM from IP address 198.103.221.51
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Edge 88 Mission - provide a high value camp experience that includes top notch coaching, quality drills and instruction, fun and exposure to the field lacrosse game and a one of kind camp experience for the athlete!
Camp Dates:
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Week 2: July 26th-29th (YOB: 1996-1993)
Oakville: Week 1: July 12th-15th (YOB: 2000-1997)
Week 2: July 26th-29th (YOB: 1996-1993)
Ottawa: June 28th-July 1st (All ages -YOB: 1993-2000)
Visit www.edge88.com for more details!!
Early Bird Registration Special ENDS May 15th
Ask about our TEAM DISCOUNT and MINOR LACROSSE ASSOCIATION REFERRAL PROGRAMS.
Posted on Apr 26, 2010, 10:33 AM from IP address 69.156.12.37
I have heard it is more who you know than what skills you have when it comes to the travel program!I know lots of parents who I have had a bad experience this year!
Posted on Apr 26, 2010, 12:35 PM from IP address 72.39.130.54
most case scenarios the coach has a kid on the team or one of the assistant coaches kid isn't on the team.. i'm sure if some kids parents had a 5000 dollar sponsorship the team would take them, its what happens. I rarely see coaches coach a team where they don't know anyone on the team at all, i think the last time i seen that was in first mighty ducks movie.. its who ya know and who ya blow... have a great day
Posted on Apr 26, 2010, 3:34 PM from IP address 76.69.151.164
... the coach's winter hockey team buddies that come out of no where.
- "They're born athletes".
- "But they can't hold a stick".
- "Who cares. In a few years we'll forget about the kids we cut this year, if these new ones decide they like lacrosse. Besides, if those other kids are "real" lacrosse players they can always come back."
Posted on Apr 26, 2010, 7:28 PM from IP address 99.250.120.36
I have been coaching minor since the early 90's and there is no escaping personal agendas in any sport. We try and teach teamwork but today's environment is network. If someone has money it generally has clout... unfortunately. Sometimes you have to bite the bullet as a parent when the coach, who hopefully has a vast lacrosse background, has his son on the team. The pedigree tells me that the son will develop into a lacrosse player.. whether he likes it or not.
Posted on May 2, 2010, 2:32 PM from IP address 72.38.216.105
good day all ....firstly we had a good turn out for our first prac ..anyone interested in coming out we wll have our next prac on sun 25 930 merritton arena ....also we are looking for a keeper if you are interested come out sunday or give me a shout @905 687 3657 ......jim
Posted on Apr 23, 2010, 2:35 PM from IP address 69.157.119.126
but i don't agree with you CLPLA.. i think it should be allowed in all divisions just for the reason some kids might not be able to make the team for the reason there not in the greatest shape. I think you should be able to coach the game the way you want. Its not like hockey says your not allowed to dump and chase.. i just don't see the true benefit.. if anyone knows the originally reason for this rule i would like to know thanks
Posted on Apr 22, 2010, 2:58 PM from IP address 76.67.126.15
Just speaking from my own perspective, I think that its a good rule for the younger ages in order to ensure that Minor Lacrosse develops the most complete players possible. If players get slotted into O/D roles too early in their development, they'll never really get the chance to improve their overall lacrosse skills. I suspect that's the thinking behind the rule.
Posted on Apr 22, 2010, 3:37 PM from IP address 69.158.92.158
This has been argued to death on here and all the way up through the CLA. My quick 2 cents is that almost anybody can coach O/D and if a player doesn't get it after playing 1 game of it he likely never will. A coach, in minor lacrosse especially, needs to teach the fundamentals - to all players and at both ends of the floor. I disagree that it should be allowed in all divisions. If I saw little kids being pidgeon-holed I'd be helping them fill out their release requests.
Posted on Apr 22, 2010, 4:11 PM from IP address 64.119.102.172
has to decided to take on a player development issue, and where did it come from? complaints from junior GM's.. our parents? i don't think that offence and defensive would hinder a childs natural ability to pick something up... i also question why and offense and defense rule in the game is going to change the way coaches coach. I want to ask all you coaches out there if you have inded actually changed your practice plans to offset the rule in place.. if coaches haven't changed there practices then the rule in affect has not worked.. just wondering if i could get some feed bad.. i have coached the last 3 years in house league where this rule has no rule lol
Posted on Apr 22, 2010, 4:27 PM from IP address 76.67.126.15
Yes, this year, the Int prvincials have been added to the Festival in Whitby. All games are played in Whitby, and the surrounding are. Hope this helps!
Posted on Apr 30, 2010, 8:23 PM from IP address 76.69.26.39
Your support and action is needed to help right a wrong decision made by the City of Toronto Parks and Recreation Department. Please read the attached letter from Donna Lei. The city has unilaterally made a decision to move their regular house league Monday night session from Macregor Arena to Heron Park to facilitate a Parks an recreation training session. A move of over 10k forcing parents and players to take public transit to get to their game. If you get a chance drop the a line to the Mayor , your concillor or the Parks an recreation department indicating how wrong this decision is.
Good morning
I am the Facilites Manager for the Toronto Stars Lacrosse Association. We are a non-profit sports organization run by volunteers like myself, we have offered the young people in Scarobourgh the opportunity to play "Canada's National Summer Sport" Lacrosse for 10 years now. The league has been run from Monday - Thursdays and some Saturdays out of McGregor park arena for the 10 yrs. I personally took over this Facilites Manger job, this season and I put in our initial contract application with the city in December 09, same dates and information as over the past 9 years.
We started our season, April 19th, just yesterday April 21, I get notified by the McGregor Arena manager, that McGregor is double booked for our houseleague for Monday, April 26. No one from the City Offices called us! I frantically called the person I deal with at the city, and she told me all that the city functions takes priority and there is nothing she can do. She did tell me though after checking with her boss that Heron Park Arena was empty we could have that. They expect our entire houseleague to pick-up and move to Heron Park arena for one night April 26th so the City can run a staff training session out of McGregor Park. Why on earth should a a group of volunteers (and tax payers) paying for a facility have to move truck loads of equipment, registration information, product we give out to our players etc for one night and then back agian to McGregor the same night.
We have to explain to over 300 families the situation with only four days to make sure everyone gets the information.
I was upset to say the least and I feel this situation is unacceptable on all levels.
Why can't the City run their training camps out of the empty facility at Heron Park, or Agincourt or any other arena that is not being used during this time period. It makes no sense!
It is beyond my comprehension that anyone would find this logical or ethical !
Everyday in the newspaper & on the TV, we see children being bullied, injured and even killed. They tell us we need more programs for our youth, we have to keep our youth off the streets and yet when a group of volunteers doing everything for the right reason go ahead and create and run a program that does just that, the city makes it difficult at every turn.
The entire process needs to be looked at and revamped, it is very frustrating at the best of times and then to do this is just unacceptable and unfair. Instead of enjoying volunteering and doing these things for our youth after dealing with the city, volunteers leave in droves.
It is just wrong to treat families who are paying to do a sport, an organization who pays for the facility, and volunteers who work tireless hours to build this program, in this manner.
I am to say at the least very upset, frustrated and very disappointed in our City. It seems to be run very unfairly and this situation is a perfect example. I am not faulting the women I deal with on a daily basis, their job is thankless and they are way under staffed but I do fault their arrogant superiors, who feel this is an appropriate way to treat people.
I would like to meet with you as soon as possible.
Thanking you in advance for your immediate attention
Dona Lei Fitchett
Toronto Stars Lacrosse
905-477-2966 work
416-431-7969 home
416-702-2608 cell
Posted on Apr 22, 2010, 11:35 AM from IP address 74.14.111.198
Were you expecting someone to say that some black haired women from the NHL came down from the press box and told the refs to call a penalty on Carey Price?
Posted on Apr 22, 2010, 2:16 PM from IP address 142.222.92.47
With the Jr B Gaels signing an affiliation with the Clarington Shamrox Jr C team, the Gaels are now sending their cuts to the Jr C Shamrox instead of back to the Intermediates in Whitby. Couple this with the removal of the 'Pilot' for Junior C, the Whitby graduating Midgets and the Intermediates are trying out for Junior C in Clarington and West Durham. With Whitby feeding these two 'outside' Junior C centres, their own Minor Intermediate program is losing the talent and having a tough time with numbers. It is too bad really; I believe Whitby put in for a Junior C team and didn't get it when they gave teams to Clarington, Peterborough and Kingston. Should Whitby have gotten a team, they could have retained their players for both Junior C and Intermediate. As it is now, they just develop the players for two outside teams. If all stays as is, I can picture Intermediate Rep in Whitby going away over the next couple years if not sooner.
Posted on Apr 20, 2010, 1:37 PM from IP address 70.24.114.246
I agree that Intermediate might die a surprisingly quick death in Whitby. The previous poster has identified some of the reasons correctly but I do not believe (s)he has identifed the actual root cause.
Yes the Clarington Gaels are directing the kids they release to the junior C Shamrox, - this is only right and proper. There is also a lot of interest from Whitby and Oshawa kids in the West Durham Patriots junior C team.
Yes it is true that there was Whitby interest in a junior C team but the proposal was not accepted by the corporation.
But the question you really need an answer to is this... Why are so many 17 to 20 year old Whitby players looking for ANY other place to play, other than Whitby...
Junior C is NOT the greatest thing since sliced bread. The whole division is still very raw with many of the kinks still to be worked out. Could it be a problem within Whitby itself...
I am just askin
Posted on Apr 20, 2010, 5:37 PM from IP address 174.92.100.215
To Answer your question...No, I believe the kids want to play Junior and Whitby does not have a Junior C team for them to play on, thus they leave to play Junior.
Posted on Apr 21, 2010, 2:20 AM from IP address 70.24.114.246
The Jammer Classic 2010
The tournament is dedicated to Jamieson "Jammer" Kuhlmann,
The Beaches lacrosse player who lost his life playing lacrosse in 2008.
With the successful conclusion of the Jammer Classic highlighted by the midget (U-17) Championship Final in which the Oshawa Blue Knights were crowned the Jammer Champions 2010, there can be no doubt lacrosse scored a big two points with that performance last weekend.
If you build a forum for lacrosse players to perform on, not only will they perform they will put on a show. And what a show. Likewise, when you ask the lacrosse world to support a cause, thats an easy one, lacrosse knows exactly how to support a cause.
It just goes to show lacrosse people are a special breed. Like Jamieson Kuhlmann the player who inspires the lacrosse world to take it to another level would want to see, you brought out your best game and you passed the ball to someone special.
The Whole Weekend Was A Ride
Starting with the Varsity Day on Friday, boys teams and girls teams and that COLD weather.
Despite that chill, some fabulous lacrosse was played along with tremendous atmosphere. The calibre was incredible, with several team Ontario players participating along with many of the best players and schools in Ontario.
One of the best kept secrets in lacrosse is the varsity game. Its rapidly growing in Ontario now.
Jammer Varsity Pennant Winners
St. Michaels College (Toronto) wins boys pennant over St. Mary Catholic (Pickering).
Holy Cross (Peterborough) wins girls pennant over Malvern Collegiate (Toronto).
Saturday and Sunday the club teams arrived along with some good some weather.
People certainly wanted to get outdoors to see some lacrosse action because they kept coming all weekend. That action never stopped, some very good games and several sudden victory games including a double sudden victory peewee game won by Beaches over Six Nations team. Great game.
The Little Jammer Trophy Winners
Brampton Excelsiors peewee (U-13) defeats Beaches 7-5.
Burlington Chiefs bantam (U-15) defeats Six Nations 5-4.
The Friendlys
Tremendous lacrosse. The novices (U-11) and the girls teams came in Sunday and put on their show. They were awesome, the future is going to be just fine.
Oshawa wins 'The Jammer Trophy'
The midgets (U-17) in the A-division Oshawa defeats Guelph 4-3.
The Blue Knights finished the weekend off with a perfect 5-0 record and a impressive 43 goals for and 7 against. They have lots of tools, Austin Shanks attack won the Jammer Award (Tournament MVP). Coached by NLL Edmonton Rush coach Derek Keenan. Those players from 'The Swa' have put the OMFLL on notice this year.
Guelph has a real good line-up this year, they only lost to the champs. They have some good poles and a sniper, Ty Carvalho, on attack who won Top Offensive Player Award.
The third place game saw Burlington knock off Mimico 6-1. Burlington a balanced team, work the ball well as a unit and got some stellar moments from goalie Nick Nesbitt who won the Defensive Player Of The Tournament Award.
Mimico who have not had much of a history playing A in field showed this weekend that this year they are ready for that challenge.
The B division final had the Beaches defeat St. Catharines 5-3. Beach were in every game on the weekend, long pole Paul Hamilton won Sportsman Of The Tournament Award he was very steady on D all weekend.
Coach Attwoods crew the As struggled to start the tourney, but slowly crept their way back into contention as the games progressed.
The third place game had last seasons champs Peterbough defeating the Northmen from Orangeville 7-6.
Check the web-site for more results and Award winners www.thejammerclassic.com
Top Shelf Lacrosse
Canadian and Native players have come so far in this sport. Always renowned for our goal scorers and rightfully so. But I can tell you, the long poles and goalies coming up through the ranks, Ill put them up against anyone, anywhere, anytime.
The coaching is grade A. The quality keeps going up every year. Without that top level coaching you cant get that excellence out of the players.
Tooting my own horn, Canadian referees like the players and coaches are among the best.
And of course the volunteers. Where are we without the volunteers. I had the best job, I got to be part a group running a great lacrosse tournament. But all I had to do was show-up and do my job.
Behind the scene the team of thankless warriors were hard at their jobs making this tournament work. Just like those warriors who work all the other tourneys out there, doing the nightshift to make the games work so that every kid out there gets to play. They remain the nameless ones and they remain the best.
The Jammer Classic had raised a whopping $12,500.00 before the weekend, but after the weekend was over that number jumped up several more thousand dollars. The numbers are still coming in. Way to go lacrosse.
All that money is going off to the childrens wish and if you were present when the spokesperson accepted the cheque you would have heard that the money will be used to help a boy from Oakville Ontario have a wish come true.
Awesome lacrosse played at the Jammer
Incredible generosity from everybody
A great day for Canadian Lacrosse
John Dixon
The Lacrosse Bits
April 2010
Posted on Apr 19, 2010, 12:33 PM from IP address 74.14.111.198
Well the minor games have already started....Arthur /zone 8 and Shelburne/ zone 4 did their usual early pre season games with each other from Tyke to Midget today in Arthur. These two centers are probably the two smallest centers in terms of population in the OLA and generally are well matched and over the years have had some great pre season games with each other. Shelburne had the upper hand today as they took the Tyke, Novice, PeeWee and Midget games and I'm not sure what happened in the Bantam game but Shelly was leading 3-1 when I left. The Midget game was the best one of the day with Shelburne winning 6-3. Those two teams battled hard all game long. Thanks Arthur for the games today and congrats to both centers...small town lacrosse is still alive and well!
Posted on Apr 18, 2010, 12:09 AM from IP address 99.239.165.172
good day all ......the spartan int A lacrosse team will be having a reg prac on tues april 20 @merritton arena @ 8 30 ..fee this year will be 210.00 ...see you there.....jim
Posted on Apr 16, 2010, 8:15 PM from IP address 69.157.119.126
Thanks Gary for posting on Junior site, Durham Region minor laccrosse fans everywhere!!!
Interested in some pre season Lacrosse come out to the Port Perry Arena and see Mississauga versus the Toront Beaches Junior B team. Alot of young players fighting for the few remaining open spots.
13-Apr Jr.B Mississauga at Toronto 8:00 PM Port Perry Arena
Thanks to Uxbridge Minor Lacrosse for hosting the game.
Posted on Apr 13, 2010, 1:45 PM from IP address 207.164.171.148
im pretty sure sixnations 1 team has there team picked...im pretty sure they have 16 or 17 runners..but i think u can make changes before a certain date last year it was june 10th if i can remember
Posted on Apr 14, 2010, 4:00 PM from IP address 70.55.39.158
K-W still has some space available for our Tyke, Novice, & Peewee tournament on June 11-13.
4 game guarantee
8 teams/Division and 4 out of 8 will play in a Championship Game and receive awards.
T-shirt for all competitors
Special appearance by NLL stars throughout the weekend.
All games played in close proximity at the Albert McCormick twin pad and the Waterloo Rec Center.
$500.00 entry fee
All money goes back into the tournament as it is not intended to be a fundraiser. It is to Honour the life of Ruth Dietrich who put many years of her life contributing to the game of Lacrosse at all levels.
We hope to see you in K-W for a great weekend of Lacrosse!
Contact Karen Smart for application or more info smartie4@sympatico.com
Posted on Apr 11, 2010, 10:37 AM from IP address 70.27.27.41
The 'Jammer Classic' 2010
Schools Big Pre-Season 'Jammer Session' For 2010
The varsity day portion of the Jammer Classic ended today and here is a game day report.
The day consisted of a boys division and a girls division varsity tournament.
The games were way better then many people were expecting. School lacrosse is a great venue for this sport. Having the girls and boys playing in the same tournament is big.
The participants sure liked that atmosphere, the girls all watched the boys championship and then lots of the boys stayed and watched the girls finals. Seemed that non of them wanted to go home.
This is good for lacrosse.
The first issue of the day was of course, the weather.. It was cold. After the past week of well above temperatures this felt COLD. But you know what, we're Canadians and we can take it eh!!! and we did. I'm not really into proving I am Canadian though.
The Varsity 'Jammer Pennant' games was really good lacrosse.
St. Michaels College (Toronto) defeated St. Mary Catholic (Pickering) 4 to 0.
A very intense game. Both teams brought their 'A' games. St. Mikes D was strong with goalie ------ Donville getting a shut out. Matter of fact, Donville was strong all day, earlier he got against. for a day GAA of ---. St. Mary a first year team has proved in their 1st. week of varsity competition that from here going forward they will be a school that Ontario will have to take recognition of.
The bronze game was won by Malvern, who missed out of the final by losing to St. Mary 4-3 in the closest match of the day. This was not decided until the last 5 seconds when Black Knights shot was stopped by Catholics.
The other teams, Upper Canada College, Aurora and Bichmount, great day. Could easily have been in the finals.
With the girls, they stole the spot light at times today. They were making more noise then maddog and ryan, the music duo for the weekend. That is no easy task.
The girls have proven that lacrosse is their sport also. They have a new motto; Boys, step aside a little, we are going to play some lacrosse.
Holy Cross (Peterborough) defeated Malvern (Toronto) for the Pennant.
Holy Cross coached by lacrosse's Joe Hiltz, are very good, play a well disciplined game. They defeated those up-surging Malvern Girls Black Knights.
The third place game went to the Birchmount (Scarborough) crew who defeated Maxwell Heights' (Oshawa).
Check out the web-site for results and tournament MVP's and Sportsmanship Award Winners. www.thejammerclassic.com
All the people who attended today were entertained by these athletes. The school coaches should be very proud that they carried the school colours so high. You know that the students thank you and, you know, you'll (see it) from them.
What's with all these parents and lacrosse recruiters skipping off work today?
Tomorrow
The weather is improving to (15) tomorrow with Sunday even warmer. This will be the start of the club teams piling in to play for the 'Jammer'.
Look for some of the best teams in the province putting on the line for the Jammer.
Playing it For The 'Jammer'
your the man
John Dixon
'The Lacrosse Bits'
April 2010
Posted on Apr 9, 2010, 10:27 PM from IP address 64.228.156.233
Officers
President Ron Winterbottom Jr. 905-682-1923
Past President Chris McNulty 905-934-7447
Vice President Steve Secord 905-688-2496
Treasurer Denis McNulty 905-684-0456
Secretary Ted Howe Jr. 905-937-1507
18 Wilcher Dr. St.Catharines L2M 7C8
Executive
Paul Coates 905-988-1962
Joe Engemann 905-935-1642
Bill Greenhalgh 905-984-8840
Jim Hopgood 905-937-1596
John Howe 905-646-8541
Jeff Lennard 905-685-7579
Kevin McNulty 905-935-7579
Allan Moore 905-646-4134
Barry Murphy 905-938-2864
John Schenck Jr. 905-935-3629
Honorary Members
William Frick Pat Smith Bob Bell
Nip O'Hearn Jim Bradley
John Schenck Sr. Ron Winterbottom Sr.
Posted on Apr 8, 2010, 11:35 PM from IP address 216.121.246.185
for example in tyke theres 6 a teams 11 b teams theres 24 c teams and another bunch in d.... why are the divisions not the same every year 12 being in each? and if a centre folds you take one out of the d group and move it up.. could anyone explain this to me..
Posted on Apr 7, 2010, 3:59 PM from IP address 76.69.150.7
What you are seeing with this list of ratings is what the organizations want their teams to be rated, the OLA has nothing to do with this one. The OLA will start moving some teams around as the year progresses, but you are right that it is more unbalanced than it should be.
Posted on Apr 8, 2010, 8:43 AM from IP address 70.49.14.237
i thought they used the final rankings from last year as 2010 preliminary rankings.. that being said, the teams would not be able to rank themselves... i think its almost a joke how there is only 6 teams in tyke A when theres 23 in tyke C.. it probably is harder to win c just becuase your playing so many teams you haven't seen play annd you have to win so many more games to make it to the championship.. someone please explain a little further.. i also thought you had to have atleast 1 a team in each zone?
Posted on Apr 8, 2010, 9:57 AM from IP address 76.69.150.7
My understanding/experience is that preliminary rankings are indeed submitted by each club prior to the season, and leading up to the OLA ratings meeting are further discussed/agreed on by each Zone before finally being set by the OLA.
It is incumbent on each club to know at what level their teams should be rated heading into the season and should not always be based on last years final rating or on the reputation of the club (especially small clubs), for obvious reasons, kids may come and go. i.e. may graduate to a higher division, return to lacrosse, leave lacrosse etc. There may be many reasons a teams level may change from year to year.
You have identified a problem imo that there needs to be an incentive to play at the highest level you are able to compete at, not win, but compete at. Too many programs/teams, especially "one" teams in centres with two teams, want to win B, instead of competing in A. Would you compete and finish 6th in the Province or sandbag and win B (or worse C), i.e. finish 7th in the Province. The anwser and incentive should be obvious, and unfortunately it is not.
My suggestion to tweak the above process would be that clubs with two teams should start off in A/C unless the second team wants to compete at B. Clubs with only one team should start in B unless they would like to play A. (i.e. Any club should be allowed to request their team play at a higher level.) Teams/coaches that play at a lower level to win a "championship" is what causes problems because then it is a domino effect. Of course there are going to be clubs that will not fit in this gerernal rule, i.e. lots of smaller centres and those will be easy to identify, you should also take into consideration the major/minor split of teams. In a perfect world I don't believe a club's first team, with say more then 50% second year players should be winning C. Ideally you would want that team competing in B. Or lets say a club with only one team and a majority of minors should be able to compete at C.
Whether there are 6 teams or 23 teams, you still need to win roughly the same amount of games.
I know of no rule/bylaw that states you have to have at least one team in "A". Further I believe that would be silly if the Zone or club is not able to floor a team at that level.
Cheers,
rtk
Posted on Apr 8, 2010, 1:23 PM from IP address 72.39.73.192
2010 London Blue Devils Novice Invitational
(June 12 and 13, Kinsmen Arena, London, Ont.)
ABOUT
Games begin at 8, 9 or 10 a.m. on Saturday June 12. Consideration will be given to out of town teams for later start times if possible
Three formats - 8 team, 10 team and 12 team
Four game minimum over two days.
REGISTRATION
$450 per team
Please send cheques payable to London Minor Lacrosse Association, RE: Novice Invitational Tournament to:
Andy Watson
1013-600 Proudfoot Lane
London, Ont.
N6H 5W3
Hotel assistance
Please contact Andy to set up contact with CSTT Sport Travel for asssitance in securing blocks of hotel rooms at reasonable rates. CSTT also can help out with other tournaments and provincials over the season.
Current confirmed teams (4) as of March 21, 2010
London Blue Devils 'B'
Wallaceburg 'C'
Toronto Beaches 'B'
Cambridge 'C'
Any other questions to Andy at awatso47@uwo.ca
Posted on Apr 6, 2010, 9:25 PM from IP address 99.250.14.18
Bubba Dakin played all season last year as a first year midget in welland, Shane Mcdonald in 2nd yeard midget Elora, and countless players on the rebels as well where AP's like Bomberry
Posted on Apr 7, 2010, 4:23 PM from IP address 69.49.43.31
In order to sign a Jr card you must be 16 yrs of age by Jan 1st of the season you are competing , if not you must obtain a new players card from the OLA to sign as an under age Jr player in which case you would not be allowed to compete in minor Nationals. If you are an AP to a Jr team there is a specified amount of games played allowed. You would have to refer to the OLAs rules and regs for the number, and keep in mind the OLA can change and bend rules as they see fit.
Posted on Apr 8, 2010, 9:42 AM from IP address 165.130.136.210
Nationals are a CLA event. If the player is midget aged, it doesn't matter if they have been signed to a Jr. card in Ontario or are and A.P., they can play in Nationals.
Posted on Apr 9, 2010, 10:33 AM from IP address 72.38.22.212
You only need be 'Midget Age' and a member of a club under the CLA. For example, Kyle Isaacs signed Jr B last year and played Midget Nationals for Team Iroquois.
Posted on Apr 11, 2010, 2:09 PM from IP address 24.215.12.150
ok..2 questions when can teams start to play official regular season games?and did centre wellington form a team for boxx too if so how do u think theyll do ?
Posted on Apr 5, 2010, 9:07 PM from IP address 70.55.39.158
Co operation between lacrosse teams in their own zones is often non existent but between provinces ofter un heard off unless their are significant sums of money involved. This reporter has been able to confirm that a major trade has been finalyzed between New West in British Columbia and the Toronto Stars Peewee Team.
One of the most promising western superstars has been convinced to come east and join the Toronto Stars Peewee Team terms have not been released but we understand that the amounts are substantial.
Stay tune for more information .
Posted on Apr 5, 2010, 7:57 PM from IP address 208.124.194.178
I have been involved in this sport for 15 yrs now and now the ola wants to divide this age group up.. they why did they raise the age.. why not raise the age of jr. players. Does this mean then that Jr. clubs can only AP intermediates? Or will they be able to pick up from the Juvie as well?
Posted on Apr 5, 2010, 12:06 PM from IP address 69.63.63.73
My name and e-mail have nothing to do with this.. I just don't see the need to change what has worked for so long.. As for the risk management part.. Why not start making the coaches accountable for their out of control players.. As a coach I would have no problem with that sort of thing as i should be able to control the players.. just my opinion
Posted on Apr 5, 2010, 8:07 PM from IP address 69.63.63.73
Marion Ladouceur (VP Minor) has a perceived problem with the older boys (19+) playing with the innocent 17 and 18 year olds. She says it is a risk management issue. She has stated that she wants Intermediate to die and Juvenile to take its place. Anyone 19+ can play Junior (A,B or C) or quit. No place in minor lacrosse for the "of age" players!
Also with a Juvenile program the OLA can move towards having a national Juvenile championship and the money that comes from that - apparently Alberta and BC stop at 18 or 19. It appears that she is also of the opinion that the thriving Intermediate division is keeping the Junior C program from growing (remember they get more money from a Junior team than from a minor team - also less work for them). As usual you can usually figure this stuff out if you follow the money!
Pretty sure moving the Intermediates (+ Juveniles) to mid week at the Festival was partially a ploy to discourage Intermediate players from participating.
Posted on Apr 5, 2010, 1:52 PM from IP address 99.249.8.241
No argument from me there. The last 3 Intermediate Provincials have been pretty enjoyable from all aspects that I saw!
The original plan (we were told) was to make the Juveniles a separate "league" - with so few teams around they would have to have regional "weekend" multi game gatherings instead of tournaments. With the extra travel involved it was obvious that this wasn't going to be an easy sell so the carrot was going to be to put the Juveniles into the qualifier weekends and then play the finals with the rest of the A teams - it sounded good if you said it fast but obviously that plan fell by the wayside.
Apparently this is ALL coming from the OLA. The Zone Directors, and by definition the member associations, have not been consulted or polled on this (the whole Juvenile concept and subsequently the Intermediate/Juvenile mid week schedule at the "Canada Largest Sporting Event" Festival). I haven't heard anyone say that their association was asked or that their Zone agreed to this plan and no one (that I've heard) has said anything positive about the plan.
Oh well, if its not broken, might as well break it - it's what the OLA do!
Posted on Apr 5, 2010, 4:52 PM from IP address 99.249.8.241
but i think the ola should start a "power & control" test to see how crazy some of these ppl running the ola actually are... most of them are great people with good intentions, but alot of them think there changing things for the better, but just ruin traditions and the game itself.. kinda like steven harper lol
Posted on Apr 6, 2010, 12:36 AM from IP address 76.69.151.100
Not sure why Guelph's pee wee team has an initial rating of B minus. They played A two years ago in Novice scoring a win and a tie in four round robin games. Also, KW should be close to A this year. These prelim ratings can be misleading. Clarington, Burlington and Whitby will be tough to beat but others are catching up.
Posted on Apr 5, 2010, 6:57 PM from IP address 76.71.150.45
