This year instead of holding A-team tryouts and skills evaluations at Velocity Sports we are going to have them outside at Carl Sandburg Field.   The plan is to have three sessions for each age group each on Sunday, January 13,  Saturday, February 2 and Sunday February 10  (U-9s are not evaluated).  As stated below, we encourage players to attend all three, but it is only required to attend one session to be considered for A Team placement. We believe this is a fairer way for the players to demonstrate their respective skill levels and for the coaches to evaluate all the players for appropriate team placement.  We think we have been very good at this in the past, and we think this new process will allow us to get even better. 

Additional information and ground rules:

1.   Each day will be split up by age group as follows:

    U-11 - 2:00 - 3:00

    U-15 - 3:00 - 4:30  [note: U-15, NOT U-13]

    U-13 - 4:30 - 5:30

2.   Participants will be run through a series of drills and exercises and simulated game conditions.  Parents, please do not plan on being on the field or the track.  If you have to stay please confine yourselves to the stands. 

3.   Players must be registered to participate for insurance purposes.  Volunteers will be present checking players in and players who are not registered will not be allowed to participate. 

4.   Players are encouraged to come to all the sessions because it will be a good opportunity to have fun and play lacrosse, but it is only required to come to one session for consideration for A Team placement.  Absent truly extraordinary circumstances, a player must attend one evaluation session for consideration on an A Team.  We have scheduled three sessions to enable all players to attend at least one.  The Commissioner will have the final say on any requests to waive this rule.

5.   As many Ft Hunt coaches from all age groups will be there as their schedules permit to run drills and evaluate players.  We also will tap into the local high school players and former players.  This will permit a broader based look at the players as well as provide opportunities for more instruction and  - FUN!! 

6.   As for process, all players will be provided numbered pinnies or other identification, and need only bring their shoes (sneakers or cleats work on the turf), stick, mouthpiece and goggles. 

7.   A word about A-teams.   For the record, Ft. Hunt Lacrosse was opposed to U-11A teams for girls, which were introduced for the first time in the 2007 season.  We believe as a club that this age is too early in the process to make such a distinction.  However, our objections at league meetings have gone unheeded, and our club is too powerful to get away with having all U-11B teams, so we fielded a U-11A team - and beat all comers last year right up to the championship game.  The U-11A team concept presents some unique challenges which we are sensitive to and which we strive to stay on top of.  As for the U-13A and U-15A teams, they are for kids (and parents) who are willing to make a higher level of commitment to winning, which starts with a commitment to making practices and games.  If you are not willing to make this commitment please do not try out for an A-team. 

8.   Finally, this is a new process for Ft. Hunt Lax so any and all feedback is welcome.   As always, ensuring the best lax experience  for our players is the goal.  Please don’t hesitate to e-mail me with any comments or questions. 

Best Regards,
Tom Wilcox
Fort Hunt Girls Lax Commissioner