Minnesota Boy's Lacrosse now Varsity Sanctioned

by **Rob Graff** on Thu May 18, 2006 11:01 am

Per an e-mail from EP's head coach Jesse Schelitzche

Just thought I would let everyone know that the high school league PASSED Boy's Lacrosse as a varsity sport this morning!

**Sponsor**

by **UofMLaxGoalie11** on Thu May 18, 2006 11:08 am

when will the ticker-tape parade be held?

by **Sonny** on Thu May 18, 2006 11:09 am

Great news. Congrats to everyone working on this Minnesota.

by **laxfan25** on Thu May 18, 2006 11:59 am

Congratulations - I think! But as always, be careful what you wish for...

by **UofMLaxGoalie11** on Thu May 18, 2006 12:05 pm

laxfan25 wrote:Congratulations - I think! But as always, be careful what you wish for...

When I told my dad, it was followed quickly by, "let the practice restrictions begin!"

by **LaxRef** on Thu May 18, 2006 12:13 pm

laxfan25 wrote:Congratulations - I think! But as always, be careful what you wish for...

What differences might one notice from sanctioning from an official's perspective?

by **UofMLaxGoalie11** on Thu May 18, 2006 12:14 pm

LaxRef wrote:
laxfan25 wrote:Congratulations - I think! But as always, be careful what you wish for...

What differences might one notice from sanctioning from an official's perspective?

More parents yelling at you.

by **Jolly Roger** on Thu May 18, 2006 12:58 pm

LaxRef wrote: What differences might one notice from sanctioning from an official's perspective?

Off the top of my head:

-I might expect a more stringent qualification process that includes first responder training.

-Game fee increases will be managed without as much input from officials. There's a distinct possibilty of a decrease as well.

-A more rigorous evaluation process (perhaps including inter-crew evaluations).

-Possible fewer opportunities since the HS league might limit the number of games due to a small pool of officials that are, in their eyes, properly qualified. The HS League might also shorten the overall season to preserve fields and increase the odds that games get played.

-More evening games as teams with varsity designation gain access to stadiums

by **LaxRef** on Thu May 18, 2006 1:04 pm

Jolly Roger wrote:
LaxRef wrote: What differences might one notice from sanctioning from an official's perspective?

Off the top of my head:

-I might expect a more stringent qualification process that includes first responder training.

I absolutely can't see this. Officials are not medical personnel. They don't require medical training to become an NCAA official, so I can't see it for high school. If anyone should be required to get it, it should be the coaches, since they're there for practices and games, while the officials are only there for games.

by **horn17** on Thu May 18, 2006 2:18 pm

I cant wait!!! Finally, the power will be stripped from those who abuse it. You will also see the number of officals drop, as the state will have control over them now, making sure they are properly qualified to be on the field (not saying there arent quality refs, but it appears as the demand goes up, training goes down due to increase numbers). I can see the Penn. model working well here.....

by **Rob Graff** on Thu May 18, 2006 3:01 pm

I am of mixed opinion on this.

One side of me says "be careful for what one wishes, for one might get it" - anyone else worried about the HS league so restricting practice times and # of games that it effectively regulates the sport down to nothing? And what about out of state competition? Are HS's allowed to leave the state now to play other teams? And what about the HS that doesn't want a varsity program - does that "club" program still get to compete for a HS championship with the "Varsity" programs? And if not, is that a positive outcome?

OTher side says - Great - sanctioning means schools will put $ behind the programs and regulate them to keep them on an even playing field (metaphorically).

What it boils down to is the following question - IS the trade for percieved legitimacy worth the loss of control?

Rob

by **Jolly Roger** on Thu May 18, 2006 3:31 pm

Rob Graff wrote:I am of mixed opinion on this.

What it boils down to is the following question - IS the trade for percieved legitimacy worth the loss of control?

Rob

Please note Mr Graff's quote line for a little insight.

by **Rob Graff** on Thu May 18, 2006 3:52 pm

AAHHH

I've been Jolly Rogered!

by **GrayBear** on Thu May 18, 2006 4:14 pm

A more interesting question exists for an organization like ours, which exists as a "catch-all" for players whose schools or circumstances preclude the possibility of a varsity program. As a "permanent" club (we currently draw players from about 9 schools and fill the void for their lack of institutional backing) it will be instructive to see how we're treated by "varsity" teams and the governing structure. Scheduling, among other things, will be more problematic than ever.

by **LaxRef** on Thu May 18, 2006 10:32 pm

Rob Graff wrote:I am of mixed opinion on this.

One side of me says "be careful for what one wishes, for one might get it" - anyone else worried about the HS league so restricting practice times and # of games that it effectively regulates the sport down to nothing? And what about out of state competition? Are HS's allowed to leave the state now to play other teams? And what about the HS that doesn't want a varsity program - does that "club" program still get to compete for a HS championship with the "Varsity" programs? And if not, is that a positive outcome?

My understanding is that the girls have a bunch of club teams and a bunch of varsity teams. I believe--but am not certain--that the clubs and varsity teams sometimes play during the regular season. However, at the end of the season it appears that the club teams have a tournament and the varsity teams have a separate tournament.

I, too, wonder about what happens to the teams that have players from multiple schools. However, I do know that in some MSHSL sports there are schools that have combined teams from multiple schools (swimming, for one).

Perhaps the biggest benefit to lacrosse will be the increased visibility that being a MSHSL sport will provide, like write-ups in the Star Tribune, player of the week honors, and so on. But, as you say, we have no idea yet if it will be worth the price.