Scholarships and Recruitment

[Gvlax]

I found out some information the other day about a team that is looking to join the MCLA. The problem that has come up with this team is that they openly recruit and give scholarships to their players. They also get free equipment. Why I am posting this is I was wondering what people felt about this?

They can recruit because they are not a NCAA school. The reason this worries me is that how does a NCAA team that is a club compete with a team where they can recruit from all over the country?

I am not going to post the name of this school openly, some of you might know this team. If you are interested in this discussion feel free to PM me or respond this thread. Thanks.

[Timbalaned]

plenty of schools in our league already openly recruit and some even get kids "tagged" in the entrance to schools. I don't think it will be a huge deal.

[Gvlax]

its not really the recruiting thing that bugs me, well besides everyone on the team with a full ride, but that the mcla seems to be a league for the other guys with out these privileges. Allowing this gets under my skin a bit because how do teams compete against schools who can offer a free ride and free everything?

[PNWLaxer]

I think I am safe in saying that almost every member of each team in the MCLA pays some sort of team dues. Some are in the hundreds some are in the thousands. As part of the dues the players get equipment for the season or keeps in some cases. These dues also help cover all other necessary expenses the team incurs throughout the season, league fees, ref fees, travel costs etc. So IMO I do not think players are getting things for free in the MCLA. Athletic scholarships are not allowed in the MCLA either, I believe it was Lindenwood recently who recently got sanctioned by the GRLC, it was rescinded when it was appealed, for allegedly giving financial help.

Regardless of the MCLA rules the team you are referring to is not apart of the MCLA and therefore can govern themselves as they see fit. Only once they do become a member of the MCLA will they have to follow the MCLA rules. Until then it is up to that team to run themselves anyway they want.

I agree with Brauck about the recruiting aspect. If the coach of a team is not openly recruiting talent to his team he is not doing his job. Whether it is identifying players and getting them to apply or simply promoting the team to local talent so that players know the team exists the coach and players must spread the word.

[Gvlax]

I think I am safe in saying that almost every member of each team in the MCLA pays some sort of team dues. Some are in the hundreds some are in the thousands. As part of the dues the players get equipment for the season or keeps in some cases. These dues also help cover all other necessary expenses the team incurs throughout the season, league fees, ref fees, travel costs etc. So IMO I do not think players are getting things for free in the MCLA. Athletic scholarships are not allowed in the MCLA either, I believe it was Lindenwood recently who recently got sanctioned by the GRLC, it was rescinded when it was appealed, for allegedly giving financial help.

Regardless of the MCLA rules the team you are referring to is not apart of the MCLA and therefore can govern themselves as they see fit. Only once they do become a member of the MCLA will they have to follow the MCLA rules. Until then it is up to that team to run themselves anyway they want.

I agree with Brauck about the recruiting aspect. If the coach of a team is not openly recruiting talent to his team he is not doing his job. Whether it is identifying players and getting them to apply or simply promoting the team to local talent so that players know the team exists the coach and players must spread the word.

these guys are getting full rides and pay no dues. It was not something that might be it is something that is. And they are trying to get in the MCLA so im wondering if they will get in when the league knows this or will we have to wait till they are in until there can be sanctions. I guess its all up to the conference they are trying to get into. But to stress again i know for a fact they dont pay 1 cent for anything, school and lacrosse included. Must be nice.

[John Paul]

The MCLA has no rules governing scholarships or any kind of financial aid, or recruiting for that matter. MCLA teams are free to give financial aid if they have it available. However, I don't know of more than two or three cases where financial aid is available, it is usually in small amounts. The vast majority of MCLA teams depend on dues as their lifeblood.

I find it very hard to believe that any school out there is providing full rides to all of their lacrosse players just for playing lacrosse. Even the top Division 1 teams are limited to 12.6 scholarships spread over 45 - 50 players.

[Gvlax]

I find it very hard to believe that any school out there is providing full rides to all of their lacrosse players just for playing lacrosse. Even the top Division 1 teams are limited to 12.6 scholarships spread over 45 - 50 players.

but those are usually NCAA regulated scholarships, this is not a NCAA school. I report as i hear from a very very credible source, which if i feel did not think was credible i would not post this on here for everyone to read.

[lgriemsman]

I believe the issue of scholarships for IA teams is a sign of the increasing respect that our great sport is receiving at the IA level. The schools who are choosing to support their athletes in this way are making strides towards giving lacrosse equal footing with the other varsity sports at their schools.

Coaching for four different IA programs I am excited that institutions are finally giving their lacrosse teams that respect. I commend them. I can also see your point about it feeling unfair to you. Let your administration know what is happening. Together we may raise the sport to unprecedented levels.