Along with our neighboring towns in NECLAX, Norwich Youth Lacrosse is currently preparing for the Spring 2021 season. We are very happy to announce that registrations for the season are now open at www.norwichyouthlacrosse.org.
Given the cancellation of last season and the ongoing public health crisis, we obviously have a lot of information to pass on to you so this email may be a little longer than normal. Please take the time to ready everything!
COVID-19
NYLA and our league partners are committed to providing our players, parents, and volunteers the safest season possible. To accomplish this, we will be following all state and federal guidelines regarding youth sports, social distancing, and masks. We expect our players and parents to do the same.
We understand this has been a trying year for many. We are happy to say that we are able to offer a reduced registration fee. For 2021 only, registration will only be $50 per player which is half of our normal fee. This is a one year only reduction.
In the event that the season is cancelled again, the registration fee is 100% refundable until the start of scheduled games.
We do not have a start date at this time. We will begin practices when the guidelines for team sports allow and the fields are released for use by the Norwich Rec Department.
NYLA will continue to communicate with all members as additional information on the season becomes available. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask any coach or board member. If they can’t answer your question, they can get it to someone who can.
Uniforms
Uniform orders are due no later than Feb 19th. Uniforms can be ordered using the “UNIFORM” link on our homepage and are a separate cost from the registration fee. Girls are required to have a pinnie and shorts and boys are required to have a pinnie, shooter shirt, and shorts. As always, you do not need to order a new uniform if you player’s still fits.
Unfortunately, there will not be an opportunity to view or try on pinnies for sizing. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are not holding a Winter Clinic this year and will not be scheduling a separate event for it.
Every effort will be made to retain your player’s current number. We have a very large number of pinnies from last year, however, that we must use to fill orders first. If you ordered a pinnie last year and were refunded for it, we have it in stock for you this year!
Boy’s Equipment – Chest Protector Changes
We just want to take a moment to let you know that there is an upcoming change to the standards for boy’s chest protectors in 2022.
Beginning next season, all chest protectors must have NOCSAE CD200 certification for use in youth and High School lacrosse. ND200 certification reduces impact to the chest and lowers the risk of cardiac arrest due to a blow to the heart area. Goalie chest protectors are required to have ND200 certification this season.
This means that if you plan on buying a new or used chest protector for your player and want to be able to use it beyond this season, you should make sure is has the NOCSAE label on it. I have looked online and it appears that most if not all of the major manufacturers gear for 2021 has this certification. Be careful, though, because the leftover 2020 and older stock does not. The online retailers, including Dick’s, all appear to do a good job at indicating which protectors are certified, but don’t say if they are not.
NYLA purchased all new ND200 certified chest protectors for our goalies several season ago.
For more information on the certification and what to look for when buying, you can visit US Lacrosse’s FAQ at https://www.uslacrosse.org/safety/equipment/chest-protector-faq
