MCLA Changes For Upcoming Year

[TexOle]

Does anyone remember when there was only 1 division? I cannot be that old.

As someone who has seen lots of programs struggle to get started in areas that do not have a history of lacrosse I can tell that the first few seasons are tough. You might lose every game by a large margin, but the growing pains are normal. I understand why certain schools have played in division 2 for various reasons, but that needs to stop. If you are really that worried about having to play the big boys early in your club's life then maybe it is best to play an independent schedule. You can find teams in your area that are around your ability. Hire officials for the game, and have fun. When you are ready then come join the MCLA.

[John Westfall]

Jolly Roger:


I hear you and I respect that. We are getting there at UNM and I am very proud of the hard work that our guys have done here. Others having been trying to get UNM of the ground for over 25 years and there are reasons you would never in a million years believe why they have not been able to get this program off the ground. Again New Mexico is not like most of the rest of the country but still no excuse, and in time we will be D1 in our competitive ability and our organization. Tell me what do you do with a program like Utah State that is being downgraded from D1 to D2 in the RMLC this year? They played D1 for several years and could not compete. Nobody said the MCLA responsible for the development of my Team, but isn't this Club Lacrosse and it is about developing Lacrosse? . I don't think MCLA should stick their nose up at developing the sport. I do believe we need to look at this harder and get the opinions of the programs that this could effect before any changes are made. I also feel strongly that we need a developmental clause in this. This is Club Lacrosse no two ways about it and it is about developing the sport until the Title 9 issues are resolved and Lacrosse becomes NCAA from Coast to Coast. You and I both know that could be 30 years from now so we still have to have a developmental mind sent since we are not Varsity Lacrosse. Jolly Roger, as always it was a pleasure, I am on my way to Salt Lake City to the RMLC Meeting and I am sure this will be a hot topic at the meeting.

All the best,

[John Westfall]

Yes TexOle , D2 or Division B was I believe designed originally for developmental programs. The gap had widen and there was the need for a Division B. Maybe it's time for Division C? Hey what do I know I coach in New Mexico. No I don't believe in a Division C but just a developmental Clause for new programs at big Schools. Also really I do agree that programs like Wyoming, Arkansas, New Mexico , Texas Christian and Utah State need to move up to D1 but with these developmental standards. If I am wrong about that fine and I will deal with it and you guys can rip at me if you like. It is only my opinion and 30 years in the game.

All the best,

[SDSULAX]

This is MCLA lacrosse,our requirements are a whole level higher than 98% of the club programs. I cannot see where it would be a improvement to have NCAA run lacrosse across the country, the MCLA already does that, the NCAA is lagging far behind us. It was made clear that Division 2 was not to be a place where schools meeting Division 1 criteria can play until they can get their act together, Division 2 will have their own issues with Division 2 teams needing to get their act together. If you meet the criteria for Division 1, that is where you need to be. If you don't then you probably should not be admitted into any conference of the MCLA the rules and requirements are the same. If you are looking for the club experience try the NCCL or if your intention is to join the NCAA, start there instead. You don't even need palms in your gloves in the NCCL.
In the WCLL, our developmental teams are restricted on the number of games they can play, they are required to upfront their dues and referee fees and comply with the WCLL and MCLA requirements, they are also not eligible to participate in the league playoffs, those are the only breaks they get. It might be tough, but at least it is fair. The changes will be effective for the 2009 season, not starting in January. The RMLC is empowered to do whatever they wish with their teams.

[John Westfall]

Craig:

I think you miss read me, but that is ok. One of my very best friends who runs a D1 team called me today and explained it all to me and to his surprise we are in agreement. Also a guy who coaches in the Great Rivers Conference told me they are going to push for all the big schools to go D1 in their conference. I don't know if it will happen in the RMLC on Saturday in Salt Lake City but taking New Mexico to D1 now has my approval if that is what is asked of me. If the conferences can work this out on their own terms and get all the D1 Schools on the same page of course I support it. Got to catch a plane to Utah.

All the best,

[TexOle]

I also remember the old B as being something for smaller schools with smaller budgets. I am not sure how that is working now. My misconceptions must come from every league/conference/alliance creating a B division with no clear national standard. The big issue whether or not we should have developmental lacrosse.

New Mexico is about the last place I would want start lacrosse right now. I could see that being the hardest place to find players and develop something to build on at the lower levels. In time I think New Mexico will have a good team, but they struggle being surrounded by developed lacrosse with no youth lacrosse. I think playing an independent schedule would allow a team in that area to develop. It would not be easy, but getting the experience is helpful. You would have to hire a few refs, but you could work on keeping costs down. I am going to assume that Northern Michigan played an independent type schedule for a few years before gaining admittance.

The MCLA is not going to support ____ lacrosse. That is why the Upper Midwest has some other leagues and idependent teams. I will never forget having to explain every rule to a few teams. I thought I was coaching some games.

[John Westfall]

Thanks TexOle:

You are not kidding this is a tough place. I had it good in Virginia, South Carolina and Colorado. But this is my home and I love it here. I may be native to Bal-more but the southwest is in my soul. With the development of the High School Teams it will come together you will see!

All the best,

[A.J. Stevens]

Also a guy who coaches in the Great Rivers Conference told me they are going to push for all the big schools to go D1 in their conference.

It is already done.

Div 1
Illinois, Illinois State, Lindenwood, Kansas, Missouri & Missouri State

Div 1AA
Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas State, Memphis, Mississippi & Nebraska

The top 4 teams in Div 1 Receive the 1-4 seed in the conference tournament. The top two teams in Div 1AA Receive the 5 & 6 seeds in the GRLC tournament. All teams are MCLA Div 1 but in separate subdivisions.

[SDSULAX]

Let's see, the Div 1 AA teams play less dues or something? How does that work?

[Matt_Gardiner]

A.J.

Why are we having a league meeting? If you can relegate teams all on your own without bringing a vote to the conference. If the E-board made a major change like this without the conference I would be very disappointed. It could not have been an emergency situation requiring immediate action without the league. Why do you think it is ok to do that on your own?

Very sad that something like that was posted the day before the conference meeting.

[bste_lax]

I think they voted on it via e-mail among the A-teams.

[Matt_Gardiner]

I apologize for the misunderstanding. I am sorry A.J.. I did not realize this was handled prior with everyone involved who needed to be involved.