How long is the season?
The typical New Hampshire Youth Lacrosse Association (NHYLA) lacrosse season is 8 weeks long with an additional week for the state tournament. Additionally, Amherst Lacrosse Club (ALC) hosts a festival, Granite State Lacrosse Festival, on Father’s Day weekend.
When and what time are practices?
Practices vary on a team-by-team basis. But there usually will be 2 practices during the week and possibly additional practices depending on the coaches’ availability. Some practices will start around 3:30 pm for the younger players other practices usually around 5 – 5:30 pm. Practices run about 1 ½ to 2 hours.
When are league games schedules?
Most league games are scheduled to be played on Sunday with some on Saturday. The NHYLA tries to schedule 4 home games and 4 away games. The league games will start roughly on 2nd week of April, though this is subject to change annually. Possible games are also being considered for Saturdays especially during holiday weekends.
Makeup games or additional scrimmages can be scheduled during the weekday usually on one of the practice days. These games can be at home or away depending on field and referee availability.
Why are games rescheduled?
Games will only be rescheduled if the fields are not playable or severe weather conditions. At all other times the game will be played on the date and time as outlined in the NHYLA schedule.
When is registration?
On-line Registration is scheduled to begin on Jan. 3th 2009 and continue until Feb 15th.
Who can cancel a game?
Games can only be cancelled by the Field Coordinator or the Boys/Girls Coordinator.
What happens during Amherst school break?
During school break the games are still scheduled for each Sunday. Players are expected to play these games. NH has 3 different times; throughout the state; when the various school districts go on break. They all occur during the lacrosse season. Games are still scheduled.
What happens if I don’t have enough players because of school break, soccer, et al?
You go to the game with the number of players that are available. There are two alternatives: first, see if the other coach is willing to play with fewer players. Second, you forfeit the game but see if you can borrow some players from the opponent’s team to play the game so that you can play the scheduled game and not disappoint the players in attendance.
What happens if there is a thunderstorm and/or lightning?
All play stop immediately. Get off the field and take shelter. Play can resume after 30 minutes has elapsed – timed from the last clap of thunder.
What are the differences between the A and B teams?
As your aware the number of players on each team averages about 22 players. There are indoor tryouts scheduled in mid March at the NH Dome in Milford. Here the coaches will evaluate each player on their skill set and ability.
All “A” level players are expected to prioritize ALC games, tournaments and practices when scheduling conflicts arise. Players that are dedicated to only lacrosse (i.e., not soccer or baseball) and have a commitment, dedication and skill set for lacrosse are at times slated for the A team. But this commitment also holds true for the parents since this means that during the school break these players are available for lacrosse. Depending on the number of returning players their maybe two or more A teams in the same division and multiple B teams.
Mouth guards
Mouth guards are required for all boy’s and girl’s players at level of play, that is; U9,U11, U13, and U15.
Tournaments
During the league season there are two primary tournaments that the Amherst teams participate in; namely, the Granite State Tournament sponsored by ALC and either the Southington Tournament for Girls (CT) or the Sportslife Tournament (MA). Additional tournaments are at the discretion of the coaches.
ALC Board Meetings
All meetings are held on the 1 st Thursday of each month at 7 pm in the Amherst Middle School. New members are always welcomed.
Goggles
Goggles are required for all U11, U13 and U15 girls teams. There are various price levels for these goggles. Goggles should be worn during practices, scrimmages and league scheduled games.