For the Good and Welfare...of Lacrosse

IMLCA Conference and Clinic 2010

In what other sport can you find total access to the top coaches and legends of the game? I’ve been to conferences and conventions for other sports, AFCA and NCAA to name just two; it’s just not the same. In Baltimore, once a year, this “Gathering of Men” (to steal a Robert Bly line) has become a special destination.

The executive committee of the IMLCA should be commended for their efforts in bringing back the “legends of the game” to the Nike Awards Luncheon. As an “old-timer” it’s nice to see old friends and mentors, but, more importantly it is paramount for the younger coaches in the room to be exposed to the wisdom, tradition, integrity, and humor that these gentlemen offer. Their willingness to take the time to discuss the game with all who request it. Is a tribute to the game that we all love. I dare say that the emotion and pride felt by the majority in that room at the conclusion of Richie Moran’s comments was a once in a lifetime experience.

On Friday evening Coach Daly and Coach Danowski continued the tradition of sharing information in their presentations that will only be experienced at this conference. They laid open their playbooks and gave all those in attendance a glimpse of the genius of their championship accomplishments.

 The new tradition of having a speaker from outside our sphere of expertise, Colonel Art Athens’ presentation on the Fundamentals of  Extraordinary Leadership, reminds all of us in this business that a major part of our responsibilities is to impart ethical leadership standards to our players. The IMLCA doesn’t just talk about it they do something about it.

Was the convention great for you? Let me know what impressed you the most, or could it have been even better?

All the best to all of you at this Holiday Season!

Russ Ketcham

Executive Director- Old School Lax

FOR THE GOOD AND WELFARE...LACROSSE

A Lacrosse Thanksgiving

While reflecting on the growth and future of the “Creator’s” game at this time of the year, we should recognize those things that lacrosse has done for us and what we can do for the game.

It sounds a bit like lessons I taught while teaching middle school English, “What has lacrosse given me?” Lifelong friendships, camaraderie, the thrill of athletic competition, the privilege of mentoring scores of young people to respect and love the game; are just the beginning. I’m thankful for those people that allowed me to coach the sport in my own fashion, allowing my players to think for themselves on the field and learning life lessons while doing it. Those people were AD’s John Reardon, Laura Orticelli, Nancy Kalafus and Bill Martinoff.  I can’t forget those that made me a better coach  Jack Emmer, Tony Seaman, Dom Starcia,  Jack Kaley, John Danowski, Fred Acee, Ace Adams and Sid Jamison; all of whom lent me so much information to allow myself and my players to be better prepared to play the game.

Through Old School Lax we’re trying to enhance the future of this game. I suggest to those reading this message that you; too, find a way to give back to this game to insure the future integrity of “the fastest game on two feet”.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE SPRING OF 2010

FOR THE GOOD AND WELFARE … OF LACROSSE

Here are some thoughts on spring 2010. Having been around and inside this game for more than 40 years I was torn at the prospect of not having Hopkins, ‘Cuse, and Princeton advancing any further in last spring’s NCAA tournament. What has happened with our lax traditions? Is this the parity that folks in the know have been talking about? Is this a good thing? The other half of me, which used to be a lot larger, says, “You’re damn right it’s a good thing for the game!” In this unprecedented growth spurt in the Men’s and Women’s game, isn’t it wonderful to see that other programs are flexing their collective muscles. Notre Dame and Stonybrook, UNC back in the mix, with a coach from Ohio State no less. It can only be good for the game. Don’t forget Florida is on the horizon on the women’s side, how great is that!

A side note, last spring’s DIII tournament was one of the best in years. Tuft’s has shown the way. Keep eyes on DIII, with more and more great prospects coming out of high school every year and no room in the limited DI picture. They’re going to want to play somewhere!

What are your thoughts on DI expansion? Can it be done? How? Let’s discuss.

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

Love the game. Love the game for the pure joy of accomplishment. Love the game for everything it can teach you about yourself. Love the game for the feeling of belonging to a group trying to do its best. Love the game for being involved in a team whose members can’t wait to see you do your best. Love the game, for the challenge of working harder then you ever have at something, and then harder then that. Love the game because it takes all the team’s members to give it life. Love the game because, at its best, the games traditions will include your contributions. Love the game because you belong to a long line of athletes who have loved it; it is now your legacy. Love the game so much that you will pass on your love of the game to another athlete who has seen your dedication, your work, your challenges, your triumphs…and then that athlete will, because of you, love the game.

                                                         -Anonymous-

For the Good and Welfare...of Lacrosse

For the Good and Welfare… of Lacrosse

A discussion of the new rules for the Men’s side is in order. For those who are not aware the NCAA rules committee has adopted three (3) major rules changes to be initiated during Fall Ball and the 2011 Season. We’ll attempt to discuss these, not necessarily in order, in this short monograph.

Rule 4-3 Face-offs

Considering the language in the rule book, I’ll attempt to summarize. First, the officials will go back to the tried and true addition of the word set after down and the whistle. Second, the officials have been instructed to vary their cadence after saying the word set and blowing the whistle. In my humble opinion these two changes may very well go a long way in equalizing the draw. Fogos have changed the game, not necessarily for the better. Yes, it’s given an opportunity for some players to excel in a specialty, but, it also, in some cases; has adversely affected the “quick start flow “of the game.

Rule 4-3 will also limit the clamping and pinning of the ball (with the elbow or body) for an extend period of time (officials judgment). Clamping has always been an integral part of facing off; to limit clamping may be difficult for some officials to determine a clamp, as opposed to a pin. Time will tell if this part of the rule can be enforced.

Rule 4-14- Get it in/Keep it in- Makes Sense.

Rule 4-13 Simplifying the Count

Hooray, they got something right! 30 seconds to get the ball into the offensive box. It will enable the officials to only click the timer once instead of twice. It’s the first step for NCAA lacrosse to ease into international rules. Allowing the officials to be rule interpreters not timekeepers is a good thing.

Can a shot clock be the next step? But, that’s a discussion for another day.

Respectfully submitted,

Russ Ketcham – Executive Director

INTRODUCTION TO OLD SCHOOL LAX

Welcome to the Old School Lax Blog…….the communication arm of oldschoollax.org.

Through this Blog we will inform you of the projects OSL is involved in, to enhance the growth of lacrosse nationally and internationally, express our thoughts about the state of lacrosse through our weekly column “FOR THE GOOD AND WELFARE OF LACROSSE”, and link you to sites that will enlighten your knowledge of the “Creator’s Game”. This Blog is one part of our efforts to foster a national and international dialogue about the development of lacrosse.

I invite you to explore www.oldschoollax.org and contact me with your thoughts, comments and musings.

                                          Russ Ketcham

                                        Executive Director