What are the key components of USA Lacrosse coaching clinics. How do these clinics benefit players and local organizations. What types of certification programs are available for lacrosse coaches.
USA Lacrosse Player Clinics: Introducing the Sport to New Enthusiasts
USA Lacrosse Player Clinics serve as an excellent gateway for local programs to introduce new players to the sport and their organization. These clinics are designed to provide a safe and enjoyable introductory experience for boys and girls aged 6-14 who are trying lacrosse for the first time.
How are these clinics conducted? USA Lacrosse certified coaches from neighboring organizations or USA Lacrosse Clinicians deliver the clinics, ensuring high-quality instruction and adherence to safety standards.
Benefits of Player Clinics for Local Organizations
- Opportunity to attract new players to the sport
- Access to necessary resources for a successful introductory experience
- Support from certified coaches and clinicians
- Potential for program growth and community engagement
TryLax™ Clinics: A Comprehensive Introduction to Lacrosse
TryLax™ clinics are a specialized offering from USA Lacrosse, designed to introduce boys and girls aged 6-18 to the sport through a safe and enjoyable experience. These clinics follow best practices to ensure a positive first encounter with lacrosse.
Who conducts TryLax clinics? USA Lacrosse certified coaches from the host team and neighboring organizations lead these clinics, providing expert instruction and guidance.
TryLax Grant Package: Resources for Success
Qualifying USA Lacrosse Member Organizations can apply for TryLax Grants, which include a comprehensive package of resources to support the clinic:
- Marketing materials
- TryLax curriculum and recorded webinar
- Lacrosse sticks (1 per player)
- Soft-practice balls
- USA Lacrosse stickers
- USA Lacrosse Hosted Event Registration ($45/player, includes 1-year membership, free stick, and sticker)
Hosting a TryLax Clinic: Step-by-Step Process
- Apply: Complete a USA Lacrosse Grant Application
- Accept: If awarded, complete the online grant agreement and forms
- Organize: Review grant resources, secure field space, identify certified coaches, and recruit volunteers
- Play: Host the 90-minute introductory clinic
How long does it take for player memberships to be activated? USA Lacrosse player memberships will be activated within 10 business days of the clinic.
TryLax: Sankofa Series Clinics – Promoting Diversity in Lacrosse
The TryLax: Sankofa Series Clinics are a unique initiative by USA Lacrosse aimed at offering free youth clinics for boys and girls from underrepresented lacrosse communities. These clinics provide hands-on instruction and mentorship, supporting local organizations in planning and implementing inclusive lacrosse programs.
Which programs are eligible for Sankofa Series Clinics? These clinics are available for programs and organizations that offer lacrosse participation opportunities where a majority of the participants are youth of color.
Sankofa Series Clinic Grant Package
- Marketing materials
- Lacrosse sticks and soft-practice balls
- USA Lacrosse stickers and t-shirts
- Coaching from USA Lacrosse Certified Clinicians
- Continuing education for program coaches
- Parent and community information sessions
USA Lacrosse Grant Application Process
To be considered for any USA Lacrosse grant, organizations must submit a Grant Application. This process ensures that resources are allocated effectively and that programs align with USA Lacrosse’s mission and goals.
How can organizations apply for grants? Interested parties should visit the USA Lacrosse website to learn more about the grant process, upcoming application availability, and to access the Grant Application or Interest Form.
The Cost of Participation: Making Lacrosse Accessible
USA Lacrosse strives to make the sport accessible to as many young athletes as possible. While the organization recommends a local registration fee of $35 per participant, this fee may vary by location based on the specific grant agreement.
What does the registration fee include? The fee typically covers a lacrosse stick and a one-year membership to USA Lacrosse for each clinic participant, providing excellent value for new players entering the sport.
USA Lacrosse Coach Development: Building a Strong Foundation
USA Lacrosse offers various coach development programs to ensure that lacrosse coaches at all levels have the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively teach and mentor young athletes. These programs are designed to improve the overall quality of coaching in the sport.
Certified Trainer Program
The USA Lacrosse Certified Trainer program is an essential component of the organization’s coach development initiatives. This program prepares experienced coaches to train and certify other coaches, creating a network of knowledgeable instructors across the country.
How much does it cost to become a Certified Trainer? The USA Lacrosse Certified Trainer registration is a one-time fee of $25, which enrolls the coach in the certification program.
Athlete Centered Coaching Virtual Workshop
The Athlete Centered Coaching Virtual Workshop is a key component of USA Lacrosse’s coach certification process. This live, virtual training fulfills the live training requirement for coach certification.
What does the workshop cover? The workshop focuses on athlete-centered coaching techniques, emphasizing the importance of creating positive, developmentally appropriate experiences for young lacrosse players.
Continuous Learning and Improvement in Lacrosse Coaching
USA Lacrosse emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and improvement for coaches at all levels. Through various clinics, workshops, and certification programs, the organization ensures that coaches have access to the latest techniques, strategies, and best practices in lacrosse coaching.
Benefits of Ongoing Coach Education
- Improved player development and safety
- Enhanced game strategy and tactical understanding
- Better communication skills with players, parents, and officials
- Increased awareness of sports psychology and athlete motivation
- Networking opportunities with other coaches and lacrosse professionals
How often should coaches participate in educational programs? USA Lacrosse recommends that coaches engage in some form of continuing education annually to stay current with the evolving aspects of the sport.
The Impact of USA Lacrosse Coaching Clinics on Player Development
The coaching clinics and certification programs offered by USA Lacrosse have a significant impact on player development across all levels of the sport. By providing coaches with comprehensive training and resources, these programs ensure that young athletes receive high-quality instruction and guidance throughout their lacrosse careers.
Key Areas of Player Development Influenced by Coaching Clinics
- Fundamental skills and techniques
- Tactical understanding and game awareness
- Physical fitness and injury prevention
- Mental toughness and resilience
- Sportsmanship and character development
How do well-trained coaches contribute to long-term athlete development? Coaches who have completed USA Lacrosse clinics and certification programs are better equipped to create age-appropriate training plans, recognize and nurture individual talents, and foster a love for the sport that can lead to lifelong participation.
Expanding Lacrosse Participation Through Coaching Excellence
USA Lacrosse’s commitment to coaching education plays a crucial role in expanding participation in the sport. By ensuring that coaches are well-prepared to introduce lacrosse to new players and guide them through their development, the organization helps create positive experiences that encourage long-term engagement with the sport.
Strategies for Growing Lacrosse Participation
- Offering introductory clinics led by certified coaches
- Providing resources for coaches to start and maintain youth programs
- Emphasizing inclusive coaching practices to attract diverse participants
- Supporting coach-led community outreach initiatives
- Recognizing and celebrating coaching excellence to inspire others
How does coaching quality influence player retention? High-quality coaching experiences often lead to increased player satisfaction and retention, as athletes are more likely to continue playing when they feel supported, challenged, and engaged by their coaches.
The Future of Lacrosse Coaching Education
As the sport of lacrosse continues to grow and evolve, USA Lacrosse remains committed to advancing coaching education to meet the changing needs of players, coaches, and the broader lacrosse community. The organization continuously updates its programs and resources to reflect the latest research in sports science, coaching methodologies, and player development.
Emerging Trends in Lacrosse Coaching Education
- Integration of technology and data analytics in coaching
- Emphasis on holistic athlete development, including mental health and well-being
- Increased focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in coaching practices
- Adaptation of coaching techniques for emerging lacrosse variants (e.g., box lacrosse, beach lacrosse)
- Enhanced collaboration between coaches, sports scientists, and medical professionals
How is USA Lacrosse preparing coaches for the future of the sport? The organization is continually updating its curriculum, incorporating new research findings, and exploring innovative teaching methods to ensure that coaches are equipped to meet the evolving demands of lacrosse coaching.
Leveraging Coaching Clinics for Program Growth and Community Engagement
USA Lacrosse coaching clinics not only improve the quality of instruction but also serve as powerful tools for program growth and community engagement. Local organizations can use these clinics as opportunities to attract new players, engage parents, and build stronger connections within their communities.
Strategies for Maximizing the Impact of Coaching Clinics
- Hosting open house events in conjunction with coaching clinics
- Inviting local media to cover clinic activities and highlight program benefits
- Partnering with schools and community centers to reach a broader audience
- Offering parent education sessions alongside coach training
- Showcasing success stories of players and coaches who have benefited from the program
How can coaching clinics foster community support for lacrosse programs? By demonstrating a commitment to quality coaching and player development, these clinics can help build trust with parents, attract potential sponsors, and generate enthusiasm for lacrosse within the broader community.
Tailoring Coaching Education to Different Levels of Play
USA Lacrosse recognizes that coaching requirements vary significantly across different levels of play, from youth beginners to elite high school teams. The organization’s coaching education programs are designed to address the specific needs and challenges associated with each level of competition.
Coaching Education Tailored to Specific Levels
- Youth Beginner: Focus on fun, basic skills, and positive experiences
- Youth Intermediate: Emphasis on skill refinement and introduction to team concepts
- Middle School: Balance of individual skill development and team strategy
- High School: Advanced tactics, player specialization, and college preparation
- Club and Travel Teams: Year-round development and competitive strategies
How does USA Lacrosse ensure that coaches are prepared for their specific level of play? The organization offers level-specific certification programs and continuing education opportunities that address the unique challenges and developmental needs of players at each stage of their lacrosse journey.
The Role of Certified Coaches in Growing the Sport
USA Lacrosse certified coaches play a crucial role in growing the sport at the grassroots level. These coaches not only provide quality instruction but also serve as ambassadors for lacrosse in their communities, helping to attract new players and build sustainable programs.
Key Contributions of Certified Coaches
- Ensuring safe and positive experiences for new players
- Implementing standardized teaching methods and best practices
- Mentoring aspiring coaches and officials
- Organizing and leading community outreach initiatives
- Advocating for lacrosse in school systems and local governments
How do certified coaches contribute to the long-term health of lacrosse programs? By providing high-quality experiences and fostering a love for the game, certified coaches help create a pipeline of players, future coaches, and lifelong lacrosse enthusiasts, ensuring the sport’s continued growth and sustainability.
Integrating Sports Science and Player Safety in Coaching Education
USA Lacrosse places a strong emphasis on integrating the latest sports science research and player safety protocols into its coaching education programs. This commitment ensures that coaches are equipped with the knowledge and tools to promote safe play and optimal athlete development.
Key Areas of Focus in Sports Science and Player Safety
- Concussion awareness and management
- Proper equipment fitting and maintenance
- Age-appropriate strength and conditioning techniques
- Nutrition and hydration for athletes
- Injury prevention and recovery strategies
How does the integration of sports science benefit players and programs? By incorporating evidence-based practices into coaching education, USA Lacrosse helps reduce the risk of injuries, improves player performance, and creates a safer environment for all participants in the sport.
Collaboration Between USA Lacrosse and Educational Institutions
USA Lacrosse actively collaborates with educational institutions, including universities and colleges, to advance coaching education and research in the sport. These partnerships help bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application on the field.
Benefits of Academic Partnerships
- Access to cutting-edge research in sports science and coaching methodologies
- Opportunities for coaches to pursue advanced degrees in sports-related fields
- Development of evidence-based coaching practices
- Creation of internship and career pathways for aspiring lacrosse professionals
- Enhanced credibility and recognition for lacrosse coaching as a profession
How do these collaborations shape the future of lacrosse coaching? By fostering connections between academic research and on-field practice, USA Lacrosse ensures that its coaching education programs remain at the forefront of sports science and pedagogy, continually evolving to meet the changing needs of the sport.
Player Clinics | USA Lacrosse
USA Lacrosse Player Clinics are an exciting option for local programs to introduce players into the sport and their organization. Through this clinic grant, USA Lacrosse member organizations can introduce lacrosse to boys and girls, ages 6-14, for the first time, with the necessary resources to provide a safe and fun introductory experience. Player Clinics are delivered by USA Lacrosse certified coaches from the neighboring organizations or through USA Lacrosse Clinicians.
TryLax™ Clinic
About TryLax
By following TryLax best practices, local organizations are able to introduce boys and girls (ages 6-18) to lacrosse for the first time through a safe and fun introductory experience. TryLax clinics are delivered by USA Lacrosse certified coaches from the host team and neighboring organizations. TryLax Grants are available for qualifying USA Lacrosse Member Organizations.
USA Lacrosse TryLax Clinics Grant Package
TryLax™ Clinic:
- Marketing Materials
- TryLax Curriculum and Recorded Webinar
- Sticks (1 per player, models may vary)
- Soft-Practice Balls (quantities vary)
- USA Lacrosse Stickers (1 per player)
- USA Lacrosse Hosted Event Registration – ($45/player, includes: 1 year USA Lacrosse player membership, free lacrosse stick, and sticker)
How to Host
(1) APPLY: Complete a USA Lacrosse Grant Application.
(2) ACCEPT: If awarded, complete the online grant agreement and forms. USA Lacrosse will use the information provided to ship your equipment directly from our granting partners.
(3) ORGANIZE: While USA Lacrosse launches your registration, the host organization will review grant resources, secure field space, identify certified coaches, and recruit volunteers.
(4) PLAY: Introduce new players to the sport and your organization during a safe and fun 90-minute introductory experience. USA Lacrosse player memberships will be activated within 10 business days of the clinic.
TryLax: Sankofa Series Clinic Grant
About TryLax: Sankofa Series Clinics:
USA Lacrosse has committed to offering free youth clinics for boys and girls from underrepresented lacrosse communities. USA Lacrosse supports local organizations in the planning and implementation of a clinic, while clinicians provide hands-on instruction and mentorship. TryLax:Sankofa Series Clinics are available for programs and organizations that offer lacrosse participation opportunities in which a majority of the participants are youth of color.
TryLax: Sankofa Series Clinic Grant Package:
- Marketing Materials
- Sticks (1 per player, models may vary)
- Soft-Practice Balls (quantities vary)
- USA Lacrosse Stickers (1 per player)
- USA Lacrosse Hosted Event Registration
- Coaching from USAL Certified Clinicians
- USAL T-shirt (1 per player)
- USAL continuing education offering for all program coaches
- Parent and community information and engagement sessions led by USAL clinicians
USA Lacrosse Grant Application
For grant consideration, all organizations must submit a USA Lacrosse Grant Application. Please click the button below to learn more about the grant process, upcoming application availability, and to gain access to the Grant Application or Interest Form.
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The Cost of Participation
USA Lacrosse recommends a local registration fee of $35 per participant, but that fee may vary by location based on the grant agreement. The fee includes a lacrosse stick and a one-year membership to USA Lacrosse for each clinic participant.
Upcoming Events – US Lacrosse
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Athletic Training Month Interview: Jeffrey Lambert-Chemo
March is Athletic Training Month, and we’re proud to share the talent and passion of Certified Athletics Coaches who are dedicated to the sporting excellence of their athletes. They also understand the benefits of integrating Boost Oxygen into their protocols.
We thank Athletic Coach Jeffrey Lambert-Schemo for taking the time to share his personal feedback on the work of an Athletic Coach. Jeff introduced Boost during his time with Arena Football League’s Cleveland Gladiators. He is currently the Lead Athletic Therapist at NovaCare Rehab in Ohio.
When did you decide to become an athletics coach?
In my first year of college lacrosse, certified athletic coaches supported me with rehab and ribbons so I could play all season. On the field, I was a brute, which meant that I was constantly beaten, so I spent every morning before classes rehabilitating my shoulders and hips. I realized how important they are to my success and ability to stay on the field, and I wanted to be that person for others. By the second year, I reoriented and began my education in the direction of “Athletic training”!
What is the most enjoyable part of your job?
Over the years, the most enjoyable part of my job has been helping players stay on the field and get them back on the field so they can succeed. Until recently, most of my career has been in athletics at a very high level. I recently moved into running an athletic training and physical therapy clinic. Now I’m focused on supporting patients in their daily lives and achieving their maximum recreational goals, whether it’s unassisted grocery shopping or the best results during an ultramarathon, sports competition or training at a local gym!
What is the most difficult part of your job?
I have high hopes for the results of the treatment of patients and want their recovery to be as effective as possible in all aspects. My job is to be very balanced in what I prescribe for self-care and make sure my patients can fit their recovery into their schedule and lifestyle so they can consistently move in a positive direction.
Describe the most amazing experience that confirmed your decision: “I do what I love.”
In 1997, I was on the field during the Penn Relay, working with one of my long jumpers. She was injured, crying and feeling small on the pitch. I consoled her, helped her and brought her back to the podium for the third jump. Since then, I have had more moments than I can count that confirmed my decision to become an athletics coach, but in 20+ years those moments have changed. If earlier I considered achieving maximum sports results as a success, now I consider walking without pain and everyday life as a success!
On using Boost Oxygen Jeffrey says: “Boost Oxygen’s innovative and creative oxygen supply solution has allowed me to conveniently, efficiently and economically deliver oxygen to my players during home and away games. This has helped me maintain confidence, comfort and peak performance for my players.” .Boost has definitely changed my team’s game.”
Jeff’s Bio:
Jeff Lambert-Shemo is a certified track and field coach and sports medicine director of NovaCare Rehab in Northern Ohio. Jeff has been with NovaCare for 8 years and received his BA in Athletic Training from the College of Worcester at 19. 97 year. Jeff currently treats patients at the NovaCare Rehabilitation Center of Innovation in Lakewood, Ohio, focusing on injury recovery and physical performance by maximizing mobility and muscle function using advanced biomechanical analysis technologies. Prior to that, Jeff served as the Head Athletics Coach for the Cleveland Gladiators Arena Football Team for 5 seasons and has been Director of Sports Medicine since 2015. He also sits on Select Medical’s National Committees for Concussion Management, Sports Medicine, Sports Performance and is a member of the Select Medical Outpatient Innovation Clinic Advisory Panel. He joined NovaCare after 14 years as a strength and conditioning coach in various schools, colleges, clubs and professional sports including hockey, baseball, volleyball, football, soccer and lacrosse. Jeff has extensive experience treating sports injuries and training athletes of all levels in the areas of speed, strength, agility, power and injury prevention. He is also a Certified Pilates Instructor, POSE Running Trainer, and Level 1 CrossFit Instructor.
few LGBT people – US army sacrifices combat readiness in favor of “pro-Buddhism” – InoTV
Instead of ensuring the combat readiness of US troops, its generals are promoting a “pro-Buddhist” agenda, according to Fox News. Personnel decisions in the US Space Force are made with an eye not to professional skills, but to sexual orientation. In this regard, one of the presenters of the American TV channel proposes to restore order in the Pentagon and demolish all of its politicized top.
EMILIE COMPAGNO, Fox News Anchor: Our military is the most powerful in the world, but there has been growing concern lately that it is sacrificing combat readiness to comply with the principles of “pro-Buddhism”. And now US Space Force General Dianna Burt has spoken out about what she called anti-LGBT laws, claiming they’ve backfired on military families – and now play a role in her personal personnel policy. Take a look.
DEANNA BURT, Colonel General, US Space Force: Since January of this year, more than 400 laws targeting the LGBTQ+ community have been pending at the state level. This figure continues to grow and indicates a trend that can pose a threat to both military personnel and their families, and to the combat readiness of the space forces in general. When I consider potential candidates for positions, for example, squadron commanders, I try to select the right person for the corresponding position – and first of all, I take into account the quality of his work and experience in the profile. However, I also take into account their personal circumstances, and in addition, their family situation is an important factor for me. If a well-suited person in a state does not feel safe enough to be themselves and perform at their best, or if their family members may be denied essential health care due to state law, I is forced to consider another candidate who may have a lower professional level.
EMILIE COMPAGNO: So she “has to consider another candidate.” Kaylie, you have a brother serving in the army now – and we all have relatives who are either currently serving or have served in the past. And all the news that I see day after day shows that both our armed forces and our federal agencies are sliding into this: they are focusing on pro-Buddhist minutiae instead of providing combat readiness and calling for the banners of the best of the best so that we can be ready to meet opponents – well, now they simply laugh at the fact that our officers are “forced” to think about such ridiculous things, and not focus on personal qualities.
KAYLEY McGEE WHITE, journalist: My brother is in the Navy and is very proud of it. But if you talk to the military, they all unanimously say that this is a common problem that is felt in every branch of the military. And the problem is that the leadership is primarily concerned with “social justice” decisions to the detriment of the very clear task of the troops to prevent wars through deterrence or, if that is not possible, to fight those wars and prevail in them. And I’m so glad we’re talking about this. Next week, we’ll be showing a series of stories on exactly that topic in the Washington Examiner titled “Restoring America.” In them, we will focus on the problem of the unpreparedness of the army and whether our troops will actually be ready to face the threats to our country as a result of these “pro-Buddhist” initiatives that our generals are promoting.
EMILY COMPAGNO: Cheryl. While this hurts me both spiritually and emotionally, it also revolts me as a taxpayer when I hear and see the number of emails that arrive every day to members of the military and federal agencies. They say: “Attend such a course. Visit any course. And they have nothing to do with increased combat readiness, but only serve as an ostentatious virtue to put a tick. And this is their only way to rise, the only way not to break the rules, so that all opportunities open before them. And we pay for it.
CHERYL KOSANE Anchor Fox News: Space Force has a multi-billion dollar budget. We are talking about 30 billion for fiscal year 2024. They are asking for 3.9 billion more than the amount that was originally approved at the time of the creation of the space forces. Their mission is to carry out research and development work. What I have just seen has nothing to do with these principles. I want my 30 billion dollars spent on space forces back. Why are we spending money on this?
EMILIE COMPAGNO: I’m talking about a different topic, but it’s all in the same area. Fort Bragg is now called Fort Liberty because it is part of a “pro-Buddhist” name change. It cost us, for a second, one billion dollars. One billion dollars. Fox News: Outrageous! Does Russia do this? Does China do this? Are our opponents doing this? Of course not. It’s outrageous! The Republicans are on the winning side in this matter, but there are language difficulties. She talked about anti-LGBTQ laws. When you hear that, you say, “I don’t want anti-LGBTQ laws. ” Wrong. These are laws against children undergoing gender reassignment surgery. These are laws against castration of children. Every Republican should say this over and over again. These laws are not against LGBTQ people, but against taking your children away from you.
CHRISTOPHER BEDFORD Anchor Fox News: Florida Gov. reassessment of their central identity. Let’s look at the army. The military general says that we will sacrifice the combat readiness of the army because the space force is not homosexual enough. This is absolute madness. We as a country are not being serious. We must be focused on something else. If I were president, the first thing I would do would be to fire all the generals with three stars and above. Because if you have reached this level, you are politicized, you have been appointed. The top of the Pentagon is rotten, and any serious president who wants to clean up the Pentagon must start at the top of the Pentagon.