Spring 2019 Policy and Informational Items
Policy Regarding Registration Fee and Registration Capacity.
Players registering early are subject to a discount, while those registering after the established window are subject to a late fee. The purpose of discounts and late fees is to incentivize early registration. Early registration allows the Mustangs sufficient time to plan things such as reservation of field space, hiring
of coaches, etc. All these activities are necessary to have a successful season, but are dependent in some form on registration numbers. Early registration also helps us to convey the most accurate expectations for the season to players and parents. Registration fees are non-negotiable and non-refundable. Our registration capacity for boys is set at the following limits, with absolutely no exceptions;
1. D3A and D3B Boys 5-6 Grade, 39 Maximum Players (Total both teams)
2. D1A, D1B, and D1C Boys 7-8 Grade, 59 Maximum Players (Total all teams)
3. Girls 5-8 Grade, 25 Maximum per team. Historically we have organized only 1 team to serve girls 5-8 grade and do not anticipate any change for this season.
Coaches and Board Members with children in the Mustang program must complete the registration process. Registration is subject to closure at any time once capacity is reached.
Policy Regarding Boys Tryouts and Team Assignments
Each season, the Mustangs will hold a player evaluation for boys in late January or early February. The purpose of that evaluation is to assign players to the appropriate team based upon age, experience level, and ability. Within each division, the Mustangs offer “A” teams and “B” teams. “A” teams function on a competitive level, and are specifically intended for experienced, or naturally athletic players. While all teams are intended to be fun, our “A” teams place a higher emphasis on winning compared to our “B” and “C” teams. Our “B” and “C” teams are intended for newer players, or those that are less advanced. The emphasis on our “B” and “C” teams is both fun and developmental in nature. Assignment to an “A” team as opposed to a “B” or “C” team is at the 100% discretion of the coaching staff, and is independent of roster assignment in a previous season.
In order to ensure adequate playing time on all teams, the Mustang coaches reserve the right and bear the responsibility to cut players as needed. Registration capacity may, in some instances, exceed roster capacity. In the event that a player is cut, they will receive a 100% refund of their registration fee.
Policy Regarding Playing Time
Boys invited to play on D1A (7th and 8th grade) and D3A (5th and 6th grade) teams should understand they
would be participating on a competitive level where there is a significantly increased focus on winning. There is no “minimum” playing time on either D1A and D3A and enrollment on either roster constitutes acceptance of this policy. Any player offered a roster position on D1A or D3A concerned about circumstances in which no, or minimal, playing time is offered may elect to decline and join either D1B or D3B (depending on grade). Playing time is at the 100% discretion of the coaching staff and in most instances game outcome is a consideration.
Players on all other boys and girls teams that demonstrate a positive attitude, high effort, “coachability”, and sportsmanship are entitled to play (on a seasonal average) at least one quarter of each game – ideally more if possible. Players demonstrating a negative, or disrespectful attitude to coaches, teammates, opponents, officials, or parents may be denied playing time. Coaches are required to make
good faith effort to achieve minimum playing time criteria and foster player development while balancing that against potential impact to game outcome. Playing time is at the 100% discretion of the coaching staff, and equitability of playing time is not the intent of this policy.
Policy Regarding Position Assignment
Positional assignment on all Mustang teams is at the 100% discretion of the coaching staff. All players are expected to play the position asked of them by their coach. Equitable playing time at a given position among players is not to be anticipated.
Policy on “Playing Up”
Playing up from 5th or 6th grade to the 7th and 8th grade level is no longer permitted under any circumstance.
Policy Regarding Player Injury
Players that suffer injury of an extent that prohibits participation in a team activity should communicate that status immediately to their coach. “Team activities” include warmup exercise, practice drills, conditioning, scrimmaging, and games. During a period of injury, attendance at practice and games is permitted only upon mutual agreement of the coaching staff and the player’s parents. Return to normal team activities after a period of injury is contingent upon a communication of approval from the player’s parents to the coaching staff.
Policy Regarding Mandatory Conditioning
All Mustang players are subject to mandatory conditioning at any time during the season at the 100% discretion of the coaching staff. Players that are physically unable to participate in conditioning should bring that to the attention of the coaching staff. In that circumstance, the coach may elect to temporarily prohibit the player from participation in some, or all, team activities.
Policy Regarding Unexcused Absence from Team Activities
All absences from team activities, other than those due to a properly communicated injury, are considered unexcused. At the discretion of the coaching staff, Mustang players are subject to suspension from some or all team activities for up to one week per occurrence of unexcused absence.
Policy Regarding Scholarships
Players with one or more parents volunteering their time as a coach or board member are eligible for partial or full scholarship (i.e. waiver of registration fees) at the discretion of the Board President and Treasurer as a function of level of involvement and years of service. Coaches or board members that have a child that is the recipient of a Mustang scholarship are ineligible to receive a salary. Players subject to exceptionally challenging life circumstances or financial hardship are eligible for a partial or full scholarship at the discretion of the Mustang Board President and Treasurer.
Spring 2019 Frequently Asked Questions
(Q) My kids have been playing Mustangs for years. I’m familiar with how they operate. Why should I have to read this document?
Several policies have changed as of spring 2019 that impact our boys program. A summary of changes includes;
1.We are requesting this season that all players possess a white helmet for a more consistent team look.
2.“Playing up” from 5/6 grade to 7/8 has changed from highly discouraged to prohibited under all circumstances.
3.Participation on competitive (i.e. “A” or “AA” teams) as well as on other spring sports has changed from highly discouraged to prohibited under all circumstances. Players on competitive teams (i.e. “A” or “AA” that miss Mustang practice or games to participate in other spring sports are considered unexcused. For more information refer to team policy regarding unexcused absences. This policy does not apply to players on Mustang B or C teams.
(Q) How much will it cost to play Mustang Lacrosse this year?
Player registration for Spring 2019 is $500 for the boys’ teams, and $350 for the girls’ team. Players that register early are eligible for a $50 discount, while those that register late must pay an additional $50 fee. Player registration includes the cost of league fees, coaches, referees, player uniform, and use of municipal and school athletic fields.
Players are required to supply their own individual equipment including stick(s), helmet, gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, cleats, mouth guard, and protective cup. The Encinitas Mustangs wear white helmets and we respectfully ask your cooperation by adhering to only that color. Goalies are required to provide their own equipment such as throat guards or specialty gloves and sticks. All helmets must be certified by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) to participate in Mustang Lacrosse; therefore “hand me down” helmets are not permissible.
For insurance reasons, all Mustang players are required to be members of US Lacrosse. This year an annual youth membership in US Lacrosse cost $30.00. In addition to on the field insurance coverage, the membership also provides a monthly newsletter, discounted purchase options for equipment, as well as other resources and services to specific to lacrosse players and coaches. For more information refer to:
https://www.uslacrosse.org/membership
(Q) My child plays other sports in the spring. What kind of time commitment is involved to play
Mustang Lacrosse?
Our teams typically practice 3 days a week, and have a game on Saturday. Occasionally there are weekday afternoon games towards the end of the season. The season generally runs from the middle of February until the middle/end of May.
The practice schedule is set officially be each team coach as a function of their availability as well as the availability of athletic fields. Specific practice dates and times for each team will not be available until February 2019.
The Mustangs offer both competitive and developmental (i.e. recreationally focused) teams.
Participation in other sports by those intending to play on competitive Mustang teams (i.e. D1A and D3A) is not allowed.
(Q) If something unforeseen happens or I change my mind before the season starts, is my registration fee refundable?
Each season Mustang Lacrosse incurs significant cost to purchase uniforms, hire coaches, and reserve athletic fields - the quantity and extent of which are all based upon the number of registrants. For this reason, no refunds will be granted after registration.
(Q) My child wants to play lacrosse but has no experience. Is that problematic in terms of participation this year?
Every year Mustang Lacrosse has boys and girls that participate that are new to the sport, and we welcome all experience levels. Player development is usually faster for those with natural athletic ability; however we have found that a positive attitude and a “best effort” approach at each and every practice
are the most important factosr to rapidly close the gap with those that are more experienced.
(Q) Who and Where do the Mustangs play? Is there travel involved?
The primary Mustang home field is the recently completed Encinitas Community Park, just south of Santa Fe Drive and west of I-5. Practices and home games in recent years have also occurred at other municipal and schoolyard athletic fields located in close proximity. Due to extremely high public demand for field use, these locations can (and do) vary from year to year.
Our teams play in SDYLA (San Diego Youth Lacrosse Association). Last year our league consisted of over
90 teams in two divisions. Division I is for players in grades 6-8 and Division III is for players in grades 5-6. Regular season league play for 2018 lasted from March 3 through May 14. Playoffs and an All Star game followed at the end of the season. Travel throughout San Diego County should be expected, including occasional weekday afternoon travel. No travel outside of San Diego County is required.
(Q) Mustang Lacrosse seems like a terrific organization. How can I get involved?
Mustang Lacrosse is a 501(c) not for profit entity – therefore volunteers are the life blood of our organization. Each season volunteers are needed to assist with items such as field preparation, stat books, scoring tables, fund raising, and host of other functions necessary to put on the show each Saturday from February to May. No lacrosse experience is required. If you would like to get involved please contact. Throughout the season, parents are expected to assist with score keeping, statistics, and other items on an as needed basis when requested by the team coach.
[email protected].
Policy Regarding Registration Fee and Registration Capacity.
Players registering early are subject to a discount, while those registering after the established window are subject to a late fee. The purpose of discounts and late fees is to incentivize early registration. Early registration allows the Mustangs sufficient time to plan things such as reservation of field space, hiring
of coaches, etc. All these activities are necessary to have a successful season, but are dependent in some form on registration numbers. Early registration also helps us to convey the most accurate expectations for the season to players and parents. Registration fees are non-negotiable and non-refundable. Our registration capacity for boys is set at the following limits, with absolutely no exceptions;
1. D3A and D3B Boys 5-6 Grade, 39 Maximum Players (Total both teams)
2. D1A, D1B, and D1C Boys 7-8 Grade, 59 Maximum Players (Total all teams)
3. Girls 5-8 Grade, 25 Maximum per team. Historically we have organized only 1 team to serve girls 5-8 grade and do not anticipate any change for this season.
Coaches and Board Members with children in the Mustang program must complete the registration process. Registration is subject to closure at any time once capacity is reached.
Policy Regarding Boys Tryouts and Team Assignments
Each season, the Mustangs will hold a player evaluation for boys in late January or early February. The purpose of that evaluation is to assign players to the appropriate team based upon age, experience level, and ability. Within each division, the Mustangs offer “A” teams and “B” teams. “A” teams function on a competitive level, and are specifically intended for experienced, or naturally athletic players. While all teams are intended to be fun, our “A” teams place a higher emphasis on winning compared to our “B” and “C” teams. Our “B” and “C” teams are intended for newer players, or those that are less advanced. The emphasis on our “B” and “C” teams is both fun and developmental in nature. Assignment to an “A” team as opposed to a “B” or “C” team is at the 100% discretion of the coaching staff, and is independent of roster assignment in a previous season.
In order to ensure adequate playing time on all teams, the Mustang coaches reserve the right and bear the responsibility to cut players as needed. Registration capacity may, in some instances, exceed roster capacity. In the event that a player is cut, they will receive a 100% refund of their registration fee.
Policy Regarding Playing Time
Boys invited to play on D1A (7th and 8th grade) and D3A (5th and 6th grade) teams should understand they
would be participating on a competitive level where there is a significantly increased focus on winning. There is no “minimum” playing time on either D1A and D3A and enrollment on either roster constitutes acceptance of this policy. Any player offered a roster position on D1A or D3A concerned about circumstances in which no, or minimal, playing time is offered may elect to decline and join either D1B or D3B (depending on grade). Playing time is at the 100% discretion of the coaching staff and in most instances game outcome is a consideration.
Players on all other boys and girls teams that demonstrate a positive attitude, high effort, “coachability”, and sportsmanship are entitled to play (on a seasonal average) at least one quarter of each game – ideally more if possible. Players demonstrating a negative, or disrespectful attitude to coaches, teammates, opponents, officials, or parents may be denied playing time. Coaches are required to make
good faith effort to achieve minimum playing time criteria and foster player development while balancing that against potential impact to game outcome. Playing time is at the 100% discretion of the coaching staff, and equitability of playing time is not the intent of this policy.
Policy Regarding Position Assignment
Positional assignment on all Mustang teams is at the 100% discretion of the coaching staff. All players are expected to play the position asked of them by their coach. Equitable playing time at a given position among players is not to be anticipated.
Policy on “Playing Up”
Playing up from 5th or 6th grade to the 7th and 8th grade level is no longer permitted under any circumstance.
Policy Regarding Player Injury
Players that suffer injury of an extent that prohibits participation in a team activity should communicate that status immediately to their coach. “Team activities” include warmup exercise, practice drills, conditioning, scrimmaging, and games. During a period of injury, attendance at practice and games is permitted only upon mutual agreement of the coaching staff and the player’s parents. Return to normal team activities after a period of injury is contingent upon a communication of approval from the player’s parents to the coaching staff.
Policy Regarding Mandatory Conditioning
All Mustang players are subject to mandatory conditioning at any time during the season at the 100% discretion of the coaching staff. Players that are physically unable to participate in conditioning should bring that to the attention of the coaching staff. In that circumstance, the coach may elect to temporarily prohibit the player from participation in some, or all, team activities.
Policy Regarding Unexcused Absence from Team Activities
All absences from team activities, other than those due to a properly communicated injury, are considered unexcused. At the discretion of the coaching staff, Mustang players are subject to suspension from some or all team activities for up to one week per occurrence of unexcused absence.
Policy Regarding Scholarships
Players with one or more parents volunteering their time as a coach or board member are eligible for partial or full scholarship (i.e. waiver of registration fees) at the discretion of the Board President and Treasurer as a function of level of involvement and years of service. Coaches or board members that have a child that is the recipient of a Mustang scholarship are ineligible to receive a salary. Players subject to exceptionally challenging life circumstances or financial hardship are eligible for a partial or full scholarship at the discretion of the Mustang Board President and Treasurer.
Spring 2019 Frequently Asked Questions
(Q) My kids have been playing Mustangs for years. I’m familiar with how they operate. Why should I have to read this document?
Several policies have changed as of spring 2019 that impact our boys program. A summary of changes includes;
1.We are requesting this season that all players possess a white helmet for a more consistent team look.
2.“Playing up” from 5/6 grade to 7/8 has changed from highly discouraged to prohibited under all circumstances.
3.Participation on competitive (i.e. “A” or “AA” teams) as well as on other spring sports has changed from highly discouraged to prohibited under all circumstances. Players on competitive teams (i.e. “A” or “AA” that miss Mustang practice or games to participate in other spring sports are considered unexcused. For more information refer to team policy regarding unexcused absences. This policy does not apply to players on Mustang B or C teams.
(Q) How much will it cost to play Mustang Lacrosse this year?
Player registration for Spring 2019 is $500 for the boys’ teams, and $350 for the girls’ team. Players that register early are eligible for a $50 discount, while those that register late must pay an additional $50 fee. Player registration includes the cost of league fees, coaches, referees, player uniform, and use of municipal and school athletic fields.
Players are required to supply their own individual equipment including stick(s), helmet, gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, cleats, mouth guard, and protective cup. The Encinitas Mustangs wear white helmets and we respectfully ask your cooperation by adhering to only that color. Goalies are required to provide their own equipment such as throat guards or specialty gloves and sticks. All helmets must be certified by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) to participate in Mustang Lacrosse; therefore “hand me down” helmets are not permissible.
For insurance reasons, all Mustang players are required to be members of US Lacrosse. This year an annual youth membership in US Lacrosse cost $30.00. In addition to on the field insurance coverage, the membership also provides a monthly newsletter, discounted purchase options for equipment, as well as other resources and services to specific to lacrosse players and coaches. For more information refer to:
https://www.uslacrosse.org/membership
(Q) My child plays other sports in the spring. What kind of time commitment is involved to play
Mustang Lacrosse?
Our teams typically practice 3 days a week, and have a game on Saturday. Occasionally there are weekday afternoon games towards the end of the season. The season generally runs from the middle of February until the middle/end of May.
The practice schedule is set officially be each team coach as a function of their availability as well as the availability of athletic fields. Specific practice dates and times for each team will not be available until February 2019.
The Mustangs offer both competitive and developmental (i.e. recreationally focused) teams.
Participation in other sports by those intending to play on competitive Mustang teams (i.e. D1A and D3A) is not allowed.
(Q) If something unforeseen happens or I change my mind before the season starts, is my registration fee refundable?
Each season Mustang Lacrosse incurs significant cost to purchase uniforms, hire coaches, and reserve athletic fields - the quantity and extent of which are all based upon the number of registrants. For this reason, no refunds will be granted after registration.
(Q) My child wants to play lacrosse but has no experience. Is that problematic in terms of participation this year?
Every year Mustang Lacrosse has boys and girls that participate that are new to the sport, and we welcome all experience levels. Player development is usually faster for those with natural athletic ability; however we have found that a positive attitude and a “best effort” approach at each and every practice
are the most important factosr to rapidly close the gap with those that are more experienced.
(Q) Who and Where do the Mustangs play? Is there travel involved?
The primary Mustang home field is the recently completed Encinitas Community Park, just south of Santa Fe Drive and west of I-5. Practices and home games in recent years have also occurred at other municipal and schoolyard athletic fields located in close proximity. Due to extremely high public demand for field use, these locations can (and do) vary from year to year.
Our teams play in SDYLA (San Diego Youth Lacrosse Association). Last year our league consisted of over
90 teams in two divisions. Division I is for players in grades 6-8 and Division III is for players in grades 5-6. Regular season league play for 2018 lasted from March 3 through May 14. Playoffs and an All Star game followed at the end of the season. Travel throughout San Diego County should be expected, including occasional weekday afternoon travel. No travel outside of San Diego County is required.
(Q) Mustang Lacrosse seems like a terrific organization. How can I get involved?
Mustang Lacrosse is a 501(c) not for profit entity – therefore volunteers are the life blood of our organization. Each season volunteers are needed to assist with items such as field preparation, stat books, scoring tables, fund raising, and host of other functions necessary to put on the show each Saturday from February to May. No lacrosse experience is required. If you would like to get involved please contact. Throughout the season, parents are expected to assist with score keeping, statistics, and other items on an as needed basis when requested by the team coach.
[email protected].