THSLL Districts

THSLL News

Posted on January 27, 2024

2024 NCAA RULE WAIVERS

Section 4: Goal Crease/Goal Mouth Area Waived                                           

4-33 Established a video review criteria to review goals and certain timing situations page 55

4-34 Established a video review criteria to review contact to the head and/or neck area page 56

4-35 Established a coach's challenge page 56

Section 15: Shot Clock- The rule is modified as follows:

A.      The home team should endeavor to maintain a visible shot clock(s) in accordance with Rule 15.  A single shot clock is permissible.  In the absence of a shot clock or functioning shot clock, the shot clock shall be managed in accordance with Rule 15(b) utilizing the procedures in Rules 2-12 and 4-15-a;

 

B.      All references to a 60 second reset of the shot clock shall be read as an 80 second reset of the shot clock.  See Rule 4-15-a(1), (3), (5), (6), (7), 15-d.  All shot clock resets will be to 80 seconds. 

Section 6: Game Officials- 3 officials are not required for JV games.

Posted on January 21, 2024

 

The THSLL Board voted to change the current Class C Playoff structure to an allocation system for the 2024 season and follow the outline of the current Class B playoff allocation system. This is due to movement in the number of Class C teams in districts. The playoff spots will remain at 8, but the allocation will be determined by the total number of teams within the district at the beginning of the season. 
Eight Teams from Class C are to be selected for THSLL State Playoffs to be played at single site during Super Regional weekend established in League Timeline.

The Member Teams will vote on this change. 

Posted on August 31, 2023

The THSLL Annual meeing is on Saturday, September 23rd at 9:00 am. All Head Coaches and Board Presidents are encouraged to attend. 

Posted on January 07, 2023

All THSLL players, coaches and families can utilize the 20% off throughout the store savings to get the gear needed to coach, play, and watch games this season. Plan to save 20% in-store at the any of the 48 DICK’S Sporting Goods locations or online at dickssportinggoods.com from January 13-16, 2022.

HOW TO SAVE IN-STORE:

Click the link and simply show the coupon via your smartphone or print a copy and show it at checkout to receive the 20% Off discount throughout the entire store. (Not all Texas DICK’S Sporting Goods Locations have available lacrosse product, plan to use the online shopping option below)

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS (JANUARY 14-17, 2022) IN-STORE SHOP EVENT DISCOUNT COUPON

HOW TO SAVE ONLINE:

Save at dickssportinggoods.com , enter code SDLK34OQT4EGWM at check out to receive 20% Off select items. (Note: 20% off online offer valid only on Select Team Sports Equipment and Cleats, not the entire site)

Offers are valid on January 13-16, 2022. only. (exclusions apply, see store and DICKS.com/exclusions for details)

Utilize these 2023 THSLL Special Offers anytime you shop at DICK’S Sporting Goods (Outside of  20% Off Appreciation Event Dates)

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THREE TEAM PACKET COUPON OFFERS

Posted on August 23, 2022

The THSLL Member Team State Meeting will be held virtually on September 24, 2022 at 9 a.m. via GoTo Meeting, virtually.

This is your opportunity to participate in the decision-making process regarding the THSLL and the THSLL 2023 season. We encourage you to attend, participate in the dialog and to help chart the course for the THSLL.

Each THSLL Member School Program has one vote on each voting item, and we would like for every Program to make their vote count either through their attendance or through their Proxy*

A Proxy Voting Form is attached if you are unable to attend the meeting. Please fill out the Proxy Voting Form completely and return by email before 2pm on Friday,  if you or a team representative will not be attending.  *A proxy is a power of attorney given by one person to another to vote in his stead and it is also used to designate the person who holds the power of attorney.

Posted on May 19, 2022

Soon the THSLL website will be upgraded to a new and improved site. These changes will upgrade the infrastructure as well as ensuring security of the site. Majority of the changes will be to the look and feel of the site. Functionalty will remain the same however, searching and additional pages will be added. 

New Pages:

  • Better standings
  • More functionlity for coaches logged in
  • Easier navigation
  • New archive of state championship programs back to 1998!
  • and much more. 

Please be patient while we perform the transition over the summer. 

Thanks! 
THSLL Webmaster

Posted on January 27, 2024

Friday, April 26 - Game times determined by teams

Top Bracket

G1: #1 North hosts #2 South

G2: #1 South hosts #2 North

Bottom Bracket

G5: #3 North hosts #4 South

G6: #3 South hosts #4 North

Optional: North #5 vs South #5 Exhibition 

Saturday, April 27 - Alamo Heights or Smithson Valley to Host

G3: Winner of G1 vs Winner of G2 play for 1 & 2 Seed

G4: Loser of G1 and Lose of G2 play for 3 & 4 Seeds

G7: Winner of G5 vs Winner of G6 play for 5 and 6 seed

G8 (if needed): Loser of G5 vs Loser of G6 play for 7 seed

Saturday Game Times

If Two Fields are Available

4:00 Games 7 & 8

6:00 Games 3 & 4

If Only One Field is Available

12:00 - Game 8 (if necessary) 

2:00 - Game 7

4:00 - Game 4

6:00 - Game 3 

 

Posted on April 19, 2023

Head Varsity Boys’ Lacrosse Coach

St. John’s School – Houston, Texas

St. John’s School, a coeducational independent K-12 school in Houston, Texas is seeking a dynamic individual to lead its Varsity Boys’ Lacrosse program for the 2023-24 school year.  In addition to serving as the head varsity coach, the successful candidate will provide leadership, supervision and organization for the entire Boys’ Lacrosse program, including Junior Varsity and Middle School levels. Preference will be given to candidates with previous head coaching experience at the independent school level and playing experience at the collegiate level. Special emphasis will be placed on exemplifying the highest standards of professionalism, leadership, and sportsmanship.

As a staff member in the Department of Athletics, duties will include Physical Education teaching responsibilities in addition to a fall and winter coaching assignment. Candidates should have a genuine love of working with student-athletes of various ages and a commitment to nurturing the whole child with a student-centered approach to teaching and coaching. The appointment is a full-time, 12-month position with benefits scheduled to begin on August 1, 2023. The selected candidate will report directly to the Director of Athletics. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Interested individuals should submit a letter of interest, resume, and three references to dcohn@sjs.org. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. 

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required; Master’s degree preferred
  • Minimum of five (5) years of coaching experience; Head coaching experience preferred
  • Physical Education or teaching background preferred
  • Proven experience developing lacrosse programs and cultivating lasting relationships with players
  • Experience leading/coordinating a team of coaches
  • Proven organizational, management, and motivational skills

St. John’s School seeks to attract accomplished individuals of diverse backgrounds to its faculty, staff and student body.  The School does not discriminate against people on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethical origin, sexual orientation, and religion or any other category protected under federal, state or local laws.  For more information about St. John’s School visit www.sjs.org

Posted on April 14, 2023

Hi Lacrosse Supporters,

With gratitude and pride, we are reaching out to you for support for West Texas and New Mexico High School Lacrosse via a go fund me campaign.

THSLL & NMLL Expansion! (gofundme.com) https://www.gofundme.com/f/thsll-expansion

West Texas and New Mexico have an opportunity to grow the game.

The THSLL (Texas High School Lacrosse League) has extended an invitation to the four High School teams in New Mexico to join the THSLL.

Those teams are the Rio Rancho Raptors, the Los Alamos Hilltoppers, the Santa Fe Prep Griffins, and the Albuquerque Duke City Lacrosse Club.

In addition to the four New Mexico teams, there are the EL Paso Coronado Thunderbirds and the West Texas Midland Wildcatters who both currently play in the NMLL and THSLL.

That would give the THSLL West Texas district a minimum of six teams for 2024. A legitimate district.

We are also looking to add the Lubbock Lazers and Panhandle Lacrosse (Amarillo) to the league.

Lacrosse in West Texas and New Mexico has struggled to grow. The game is not well known there, but there are some great folks that are determined to grow the sport, but they need help.

The THSLL will not charge dues to these teams and will offer stability and opportunity.

All the NMLL teams would be part of the West district in the THSLL and still remain in the NMLL also.

We want both the NMLL and THSLL to grow together.

It allows for playoffs in the THSLL West District for advancement to the THSLL Super Regional playoffs and the THSLL Class D state championship.

We welcome any amount and are very grateful for your support - whatever the contribution. The THSLL is a Qualified Section 501(c) (3) making donations tax deductible.

Where do the funds go? 100% of the funds go directly to the West Texas / New Mexico teams. Your contributions go towards, start-up team expenses, equipment – goals, balls, sticks, helmets, uniforms, and field rental.

We thank you in advance for your contributions and for being a part of the growth of Lacrosse in West Texas and New Mexico.

Sincerely,

Mike Ormsby

THSLL Commissioner

 

Posted on April 14, 2023

The group of foks in Corpus Christi who are trying to bring back High School lacrosse have a clinic scheduled for Saturday, April 29.

If you know of any young men and women who would be interested, please share.

Corpus Christi Youth Clinic

Posted on October 29, 2022

By submitting this roster, your program, as a member of the THSLL, agrees that the information provided is true and correct and complies with THSLL rules regarding player eligibility. Incorrect, false, misleading information or nonconformance to THSLL rules may lead to penalties such a player suspension, forfeiture of games, vacating season wins, program suspension, expulsion of the program from the THSLL or other penalties to decided by the THSLL Board of Directors.

Additionally, all THSLL programs should inform both the parents and team members of the risks in participating in lacrosse including catastrophic injury, paralysis, death or other damages and losses by providing the parents and team members a Waiver and Release form (Sample Form). By entering a player on the THSLL site you certify that your program has informed the player and guardians of the risks associated with Lacrosse.

Posted on September 28, 2022

The Texas A&M Lacrosse team will host two tournaments:

Aggieland 7’s Lacrosse Tournament

Dates: November 12th-13th

Location: Penberthy Rec Sports Complex, College Station TX

Registration Cost:

  • 3rd/4th grade division- $350
  • 5th/6th, 7th/8th, High School JV, High school Varsity, Men’s Teams- $450

For more information or if you have any questions email tamulaxtourney@gmail.com

 

Aggieland Classic Lacrosse Tournament

Dates: February 4th-5th

Location: Penberthy Rec Sports Complex, College Station TX

Registration Cost:

  • 3rd/4th grade division- $850
  • 5th/6th, 7th/8th, High School JV, High school Varsity- $1050

For more information or if you have any questions email tamulaxtourney@gmail.com

 

 

 

Article File Attachments: 102A1C46-4F1D-40A8-A626-3BEC9AA142B0 (2) (2) (1).pdf Texas A&M Lacrosse Tournaments
Posted on May 05, 2022

The THSLL & Game On Sports are proud to announce a multi-season partnership with Game On as the official streaming service provider for all State Semi-final & Championship weekend games. Game On has been an active provider and proud supporter of the Texas lacrosse community for over 14 years and is the exclusive film & Live Broadcast provider for many Texas High Schools & MCLA College Men's & Women's teams at all levels. This partnership allows Game On and THSLL marketing opportunities to the league and its member teams. Game On & The THSLL look forward to the partnership and growing lacrosse coverage across the Great State of Texas. 

Be sure and log on to the Game On Sports Website and THSLL.org to watch LIVE all the action from Dripping Springs for the 2022 THSLL CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND.

 

Posted on April 11, 2022

The THSLL Board of Directors is saddened by the news of a player who took his own life recently. The player was with the West Texas United Midland program. Please see the attached link. 

 

Article File Attachments: IMG_0009.jpg Donation link
Posted on January 26, 2022

The Texas High School Lacrosse League is deeply committed to enriching diversity and inclusion through on-going efforts to cultivate a climate for all participants in the Lacrosse community. We strive to provide inclusive rules and policies and promulgate equity and access in recruitment and retention of our player/participants. We value diversity and inclusion in the sports environment and believe it is vital to the fulfillment of the THSLL mission. The following statement contains  THSLL’s policy and guidelines for prospective transgender and non-binary athletes seeking to participate in the THSLL.

The THSLL requires each player/participant recognize the physical requirements to compete in the THSLL and appreciate the risks, including the risk of catastrophic injury, paralysis and even death, as well as other damages and losses, associated with participation in a lacrosse event. The THSLL also recognizes that the term diversity implies a respect for all and an understanding of individual differences including race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information and any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law, so that all participant of the lacrosse community are treated equally.

With respect to the practices and policies for the inclusion of transgender and non-binary youth athletes, the State of Texas, as governing body for the University Interscholastic League (“UIL”), has codified the rule which requires that an athlete’s gender shall be determined by the sex listed on their birth certificate. Other States, and United States Lacrosse,  have codified rules whereby a transgender athlete is allowed to participate in accordance with their gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the athlete’s birth certificate or other records and regardless of whether the prospective participant has undergone any medical treatment to alter their gender. 

The THSLL is not subject to the either the UIL rules, rules of other jurisdictions, or the United States Lacrosse rules. Consequently, the THSLL shall remain neutral regarding the participation of transgender/non-binary athletes and permit each club/high school to promulgate their own policies and procedures. 

While not advancing any specific policy or procedure, the THSLL shall make the following recommendations for its participating teams to practice:

  1. At all times, teammates, coaches, and others should respect the confidentiality of transgender and non-binary athletes. Discussion or disclosure of an individual’s transgender status should only take place after expressed permission is given by the individual or their parents. 
  2. In all cases, teammates, coaches, and all others should refer to transgender and non-binary athletes by the athlete’s preferred name. Similarly, in all cases, pronoun references to transgender and non-binary athletes should reflect the athlete’s gender and pronoun preferences. 
  3. Teams, programs, and host sites should allow transgender athletes to access locker rooms and bathrooms consistent with their gender identity.
  4. Leagues should work with officials to enforce the zero-tolerance policy and educate them to support and protect transgender and non-binary athletes in instances of discrimination or bullying either from other players or the sidelines. 
  5. Teams should provide training to their coaches, staff, and regular volunteers regarding their responsibilities to prevent, identify, and respond to bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Such topics should include terms and concepts of gender identity and expression and bystander intervention strategies related to bullying. Be prepared to address discriminatory behavior, based on any perceived or actual gender identity or gender expression of an athlete. The team or program should make available these policies and educational resources to parents.   
     
Posted on January 15, 2022

The THSLL is accepting bids to stream the games during championship weekend May 7th and 8th.

  • Games will be held in Austin Texas. 
  • Due to the additional classes, there will be simultaneous games playing on separate fields at the venue.
  • Please respond by February 19th. 

We know many teams stream their games or may know of additional streaming companies. Please pass this message onto streaming providers that you may be familiar with. Interested parties should contact streaming@thsll.org for details and more information. 

Posted on January 15, 2022

Super Regionals 5/6 & 5/7

  • Class A
    • Central - Westlake
    • South - TBD
  • Class B
    • Central - Westwood
    • South - Atascocita
  • Class C
    • Fort Worth Country Day

State Championship 5/13 & 5/14

  • Hosted by Allen
  • All state weekend games will be streamed live. 

Please check back closer to the event for the latest bracket and times. 

 

Posted on January 07, 2022

Plan to save 20% in-store at the any of the 46 DICK’S Sporting Goods locations or online at dickssportinggoods.com on January 14-17, 2022. All THSLL players, coaches and families can utilize the savings to get the gear needed to coach, play, and watch games this season.

HOW TO SAVE IN-STORE: Click the link and simply show the coupon via your smartphone or print a copy and show it at checkout to receive the 20% Off discount throughout the entire store. (Not all Texas DICK’S Sporting Goods Locations have available lacrosse product, plan to use the online shopping option below)

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS (JANUARY 14-17, 2022) IN-STORE SHOP EVENT DISCOUNT COUPON

HOW TO SAVE ONLINE: Save at dickssportinggoods.com , enter code TMSPORTSJAN14LACR at check out to receive 20% Off select items. (Note: 20% off online offer valid only on Select Team Sports Equipment and Cleats, not the entire site)

Offers are valid on January 14-17, 2022. only. (exclusions apply, see store and DICKS.com/exclusions for details)

Additional Special Offers to utilize before and after 20% Off Appreciation Events

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS FOUR TEAM PACKET COUPON OFFERS

Posted on October 05, 2021

 

There is still time for coaches, players, and families to utilize  team packet coupon offers. 

 

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS FOUR TEAM PACKET COUPON OFFERS

Posted on October 05, 2021

Texas A&M Men's Lacrosse presents 

Annual Aggieland Classic 2022 Lacrosse Tournament

Feb. 12th-13th

Rec Sports Complex 

Registration Cost: 3rd/4th $850. All other Divisions $1050

For more information or to Register, email tamulaxtourney@gmail.com

 

Article File Attachments: TexasAMClassic.jpg Texas A&M Classic
Posted on October 04, 2021

Aggieland 7's Lacrosse Tournament

November 13 & 14th 

Rec Sports Complex

Team registration 3rd/4th grade $350, All Other Divisions $450

For more information or to register email tamulaxtourney@gmail.com

 

Article File Attachments: TexasAM7'sFlyer.png Lacrosse Tournament Flyer
Posted on September 21, 2021

HOW TO SAVE IN-STORE: Click the link and simply show the coupon via your smartphone or print a copy and show it at checkout to receive the 20% Off discount throughout the entire store. (Not all Texas DICK’S Sporting Goods Locations have available lacrosse product, plan to use the online shopping option below)

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS (October 1-4, 2021) IN-STORE SHOP EVENT DISCOUNT COUPON

HOW TO SAVE ONLINE: Save at dickssportinggoods.com , enter code TMSPORTSOCT01LACR at check out to receive 20% Off select items. (Note: 20% off online offer valid only on Select Team Sports Equipment and Cleats, not the entire site)

Offers are valid on October 1-4, 2021. only. (exclusions apply, see store and DICKS.com/exclusions for details)

Additional Special Offers to utilize before and after 20% Off Appreciation Events

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS FOUR TEAM PACKET COUPON OFFERS

 

Posted on September 20, 2021

 

 

District Meetings

September 8-17, 2021

State Meeting- Remote meeting

September 18, 2021

District deadline to submit District playoff format with dates

September 30, 2021

LOA invoices issued to Member Teams

November 1, 2021

THSLL invoices issued to Member Teams

November 1, 2021

Super Regionals and State Hosts Selected

December 2021

THSLL and LOA dues to THSLL Treasurer

December 1,2021

Game schedules submitted

December 22,2021

Last day to submit eligibility waivers if required for players or team

January 11, 2022

Team Information due: Valid/Up to Date Rosters, Emergency Plan, Proof of Insurance

January 11, 2022

Beginning of THSLL season. Games may not be played before this date.

January 14, 2022

End of THSLL season. Games must be completed by end of day.

April 23, 2022

Districts to submit District Seedings with dates

April 24, 2022

Coaches’ selection committee meeting for Class AA playoffs

April 24, 2022

All-State/All District Selection, District Wrap-up, Team Photo and Rosters due

Wednesday, April 27,2022

All-State, All-District, Honorable Mention posted Wednesday 10 p.m.

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

AA/AAA nominations, supporting document deadline submission to District Area Chair

Contact Area Chair for deadline

Super Regionals in Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio

April 30 & May 1,2022

State Championships

May 7 & 8 ,2022 in Austin

THSLL Executive Board Meeting

July 2022

2023 Season Rule Change Proposal Discussion Due

August 1, 2022

 

 

Posted on September 08, 2021

Hi, the Texas High School Lacrosse League needs your help!

We are a non-profit organization (501c3) that provides an opportunity for high school boys to learn and compete in the sport of lacrosse in a highly structured environment. Because lacrosse is not yet recognized as a school sport by the Texas University Interscholastic League, the THSLL receives no state funding, and depends on team dues for its finances.

Our goal is to provide boys the opportunity to play this great sport in areas outside the current THSLL districts – Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and Houston.

We are working with current teams in West Texas, East Texas and South Texas to help them join the THSLL: El Paso, Midland, Amarillo, San Angelo, Lubbock, Abilene, Marshall and Corpus Christi are all working to join, and all are in various stages of development.

We NEED the support of our lacrosse community to help fund our expansion and to grow the sport. Without expansion into areas the THSLL currently does not have teams, the UIL will not give Lacrosse a look at becoming a school sport in Texas.

For more information please reference and share https://www.gofundme.com/f/thsll-expansion

Posted on September 07, 2021

On behalf of the Texas A&M Men's Lacrosse Club, we would like to send you an invitation to participate in the tournaments we will be hosting in the Fall and Spring. Both tournaments will be located in College Station, TX, and we would love to have your team representing out here. The Tournament in the Fall will be on the weekend of Nov 13/14, and our spring tournament will be Feb 12/13th. Attached to this email are our flyers, and feel free to respond back with questions to either this email or to us personally at 972-805-6645 or 703-297-6809.

In addition to the prices listed below, each additional team will grant you $50 off that team's entry free. For example the rate for the Classic for non 3/4th graders is $1050, but if team A's varsity brings out their JV and 7/8 grade teams the entry fee for JV would be $1000, and 7/8th be $950 and so on. Again, please let us know if you have any questions!

Thank you and we hope to see you there!

Texas A&M Men's Lacrosse Club

 

Article File Attachments: TexasAM7'sFlyer.png TexasAMClassic.jpg
Posted on August 18, 2021
Posted on August 10, 2021

North THSLL Member School Programs,

The THSLL Board of Directors is accepting nominations for this important position that represents the North THSLL Member School Programs as a member of the THSLL Board of Directors.  If you or someone you know has an interest in serving in this important voluntary position, please forward a resume and letter of interest in the position to npowers@thsll.org

Texas High School Lacrosse League (THSLL) is the governing body and membership association for boys’ lacrosse teams at the high school level in Texas. The high school level is defined as grades nine through twelve. The THSLL board is comprised of volunteers throughout the state.

THSLL Board is comprised of individuals, including a Commissioner, Vice Commissioner, Treasurer, Secretary, and district coordinators for the Central, North, South, and San Antonio Districts. Each district may contain multiple coordinators depending on the THSLL class demographics of the district. The District Coordinators for each district should work together as a team for the common good of the district and players to relay district issues/topics to the THSLL Board. Member team Coaches will work with district coordinators with regards to specific THSLL inquiries.

Specific Roles / Responsibilities:

  1. Attend regularly scheduled THSLL Board evening conference calls throughout the year twice a month.
  2. Attend a State THSLL Board Meeting each summer.  
  3. Coordinate and Host a Coaches and Administrators meeting each September. (In-person or virtual)
  4. Attend the Annual State THSLL Coaches/Administrators Meeting each fall.
  5. Establish District playoff structure (with assistance from coaches)
  6. Resolution of coaches/league/referee disputes at a district level.
  7. Ensuring / Promoting Safety.
  8. Ensuring / Promoting Sportsmanship.
  9. Ensuring / Promoting THSLL, NCAA and US Lacrosse rules / issues / agenda
  10. Attend State Championship weekend.
  11. Other help as needed and directed by the State Commissioner and THSLL Board
Posted on March 30, 2021

The THSLL conveys their sentiments regarding the loss of Regent's coach Ralph Moccio to Covid 19.                                                     

Regent's loss is our league's loss also.                                                                                                                                                               

truly terrible loss to Ralph’s family, the Regent's program and the boy’s he coached.

We at the THSLL are all family, and no matter how little interaction we had with Coach Ralph.

It still affects all of us.

Our prayers are with all of you, especially Ralph’s family.

Regents Knights Lacrosse on Instagram: “We are so saddened by the loss of beloved Coach Ralph Moccio. Since 2015 he was the big heart of our lacrosse program. He was a true friend…”

Posted on January 25, 2021

Thank you to all the teams the responded to the THSLL survey regarding COVID-19. Many of our programs have established comprehensive and detailed COVID 19 plans, however, it remains unclear to some THSLL member programs what preparations have been made regarding COVID-19.  As indicated in our email dated December 23, all teams are required to submit a COVID-19 plan to THSLL. As a minimum, the league is requiring the following:

  1. Masks will be worn at all times by table personnel, trainer(s), coaches, fans, and the site administrator.
  2. Each program must have a screening process for players and coaches in place (ie. temperature checks, symptom questionnaires etc...)
  3. Fans will be required to social distance in the stands or on the side of the field that is designated for fan seating.  Site administrators will be responsible for monitoring this.
  4. Players will follow the more restrictive policy of two competing teams with respect to mask-wearing while playing on the field.  These policies should be exchanged between teams prior to competing. There is a strong possibility that some of our member programs, as required by school policy, will require wearing masks on the sidelines and the field for both teams, including away games. If this requirement is in place, our member programs will be required to comply accordingly
  5. Attendance limitations of the host school facility will be adhered to by both teams competing in any game.
  6. At no time- before, during or after a game, should fans be allowed on the field.  Fans should exit the playing facility immediately after the game ends and wait in their cars for their players.
  7. If a player, coach, or table personnel tests positive within 48 hours of the competition between teams, the program of the positive person is required to notify the opposing program and officials.  HIPPA regulations should be followed.  Additionally, the program with the positive player should notify other programs scheduled to play them within the next seven days.
  8. It is the responsibility of both teams to communicate their COVID-19 protection protocols (wearing masks, temperature checks, etc.) before games. We recommend this information be shared on a game-by-game basis as there is a strong possibility that these policies with change throughout the season. This communication should also include any policies that limit or prohibit fan attendance at your game site. Team COVID-19 policies are posted on team pages.
  9. Teams should review their schedules to ensure that district games are not concentrated towards the end of the regular season. To permit time to reschedule games in the event of cancellations, teams should leave adequate time on their schedule for this possibility.
  10. In the event of game cancellations or rescheduling, the completion of district games takes precedence over non-district games.
  11. The officials will comply with the requirements of the home institution.  However, all officials will bring and wear either a black neck gaiter or a facemask to the game and keep it on during the pre-game activities.  They will wear masks between periods or if speaking with someone up close, such as a member of the table staff; however, officials are not required to run with their neck gator up.  This complies with the NCAA guidelines to date. If a home institution requires more than this, the crew chief will confirm this with the home team’s head coach as part of the game confirmation process, which happens 24-48 hours before the scheduled start of the game

As a resource for reviewing or creating your plan, please see below the US Lacrosse "Return to Play" link along with the "UIL COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Guidelines:

https://www.uslacrosse.org/return-to-play
https://www.uiltexas.org/policy/covid-19/2020-2021-uil-covid-19-risk-mitigation-guidelines

Please also note that there are some good plans that have already been put together. You might ask around to see if you can “borrow” some established plans when putting your plan together. 

Given the unknowns moving forward, we ask teams to remain extremely flexible regarding cancellations and rescheduling of games. The normal start of the season, we hope, should give teams more time to work through any problems they encounter. If a team cannot host a home game due to field availability, perhaps offer your field as an away game to get the game in. These are not normal times, so we need to be resourceful to get through the season as best we can.

Posted on March 08, 2020

The current valid NCAA Lacrosse Rulebook will be used unless a specific modification is listed on this sheet.  Parentheses indicate the section of the NCAA Rulebook, which pertains to the modification.

PLAYING FIELD (1-2)

  • Please visit the US Lacrosse field diagrams for more information. 
  • Home Teams will make all possible efforts to provide a field which meets NCAA specifications as outlined in the section entitled “The Field”, (Rule 1-2 through 1-15).  Local conditions may require field size modifications. 
  • A Unified field can be an alternative to NCAA field requirements. The Unified Field is defined as follows: Field Length- 120 yards, Midfield Area- 40 yards, Restraining Line to Goal Line- 20 yards, Goal Line to End Line – 15 yards, Goal Circle/Crease Radius- 9 feet, Width- 53 1/3 to 60 yards.
  • Required field markings shall be the responsibility of the home team and every possible effort should be made to mark the field accordingly. 
  • Acceptable markings can be in the form of but not limited to paint, chalk, washable paint/chalk, tape, or any other removable material (ex: portable crease). 
  • No penalty shall be assessed for a home team unable to mark a turf playing field, as long as there are existing football markings, due to school or city guidelines.
  • Additionally, it is the responsibility of the home team to notify the visiting team of any known field issues within three days of the scheduled game date.  Both coaches must agree on the field before the game can be played. If the visiting coach does not agree on the modified playing surface, it is the responsibility of both the home and away coaches to come to a compromise, reschedule, or change home/away status with the home team being responsible for official and venue expenses.  Failure to do so should be reported in the game report to the local coordinator for escalation.

LIMIT LINES, SPECTATOR & MEDIA RESTRICTIONS

  • Limit lines are not required; however, spectators and media are not allowed behind the end lines or immediately behind the bench or table areas.
  • The Team benches and table are to be on the opposite side of the field from the spectators. 
  • If the home Team does not move the spectators or team benches to comply with this rule in a reasonable time (as determined by the officials), the home Team receives a non-releasable 3-minute penalty at the start of the game to be served by the in-home player

TEAM SIDELINE POLICY

  • The team box should contain a maximum of 4 coaches in the coaching box in front of the players. 
  • 1 equipment manager and 1 team trainer may be on the team side, but not in the team box.
  • Only players in uniform may be on the sidelines, non-participating players must wear game jerseys.
  • The score table shall not contain more than 5 people, including 3 from the home Team and 2 from the visitors’ team. 
  • The Home Team is the official scorekeeper, spotter, game timer, and penalty timer. The Home Team site administrator has full access to the facility and should have communication with the score table.
  • All spectators shall be on the opposite side of the field from the team benches. 
  • It is the responsibility of the home Team and home Team site administrator to manage the team sideline policy.    It is at the discretion of the officials to assess any game-time penalties resulting from this policy.

LENGTH OF GAME (3-1)

The regulation playing time of a game shall be 48 minutes, divided into (4) 12-minute periods, JV games are (4) 10 minute periods.

NCAA 2020 Rules

  • Shot Clock rule is waived 
  • For the 2022 season, all THSLL programs will be required to implement the visible shot clock requirement.
  • Goal-mouth arc Dive rule is waived

OFFICIALS

The NCAA requirement of three officials is waived for the 2020 season for DIII or JV games. If for some reason the NCAA requirement of three officials is not met by LOA, the DI, DII or DIII game is still an official game. Any game officiated by only one official must be agreed upon by both coaches.

TRAINER

  • THSLL games will not be played without a licensed athletic trainer, team physician or health care professional (hereinafter referred to as “Trainer”) on the sidelines. 
  • Prior to the start of any contest, the Home Team Trainer shall be identified in person to the Table personnel. If the Home Team fails to provide a Trainer due to extenuating circumstances, the game may be rescheduled.
  • If the Home Team trainer is delayed, this will result in a 30 second conduct foul, delay of game.
  • If the Home Team trainer is not present within 5 minutes of game start, the Home Team will be assessed an additional 30 second conduct foul.
  • If the Home Team trainer is not present within 15 minutes of game start, the game may be canceled, and the Home Team is responsible for payment of the officials. If the game is rescheduled, the conduct penalties will carry over to the rescheduled game. 

SITE ADMINISTRATOR

  • The Home Team Site Administrator shall be identified, in person, to the Officials as part of field preparations. 
  • The delayed start of a game due to the field not being ready for play, at the contracted starting time or failure of the home Team Site Administrator to introduce himself/herself to the Officials, will subject the Home Team to a technical foul (6-6q) with the in-home serving 30 seconds and the ball awarded to the visitor to start the game. 
  • The Home Team and Away Team site administrator must check in with the score table, officials and wear the site administrator identifying badge.
  • It is the responsibility of the Home Team and Home Team site administrator to manage the team sideline policy.

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT (1-21)

Gloves may vary in color.  Baseball shoes (metal / hard plastic cleats) are not permitted.

SPORTSMANSHIP

  • Sportsmanship rule for all teams participating in a regular season DII or DIII game. At any time during the game there is a 15 goal or more differential there will be a mandatory running clock for the remainder of the game. Traditional penalty time will apply and be kept with stop/starts. The clock will be stopped for official time outs or team time outs.
  • After the running clock has started, if at any time during the remainder of the game the score differential falls below 15 goals, the running clock will still be in effect. 
  • This rule applies to all DII or DIII district or non-district regular season games only. Post-season games and games with DI teams are exempt from this rule. 
  • Under no circumstances shall this rule be waived by coaches or officials. 

GAME BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS

  • If the game is stopped by officials for improper behavior on the field or in the stands, the officials will ask the on-site administrator or head coach to control or eject the offending fan from the premises.
  • If the fan is not controlled, or does not leave the premises, the game will be stopped, and the offending team will lose the game.
  • If player (s) is ejected from a THSLL game, the player must leave the site of the THSLL game.  The player may not remain on the sideline or in the stands.  It is up to the Head Coach to comply with these rules or his team will forfeit the game.  (The team of the ejected player is responsible for supervising that player when needed.) 
  • If a player or coach receives 2 unsportsmanlike penalties in a game, the player or coach is automatically ejected from the current game and suspended from the next League game.
  • If a personal foul as per Section 11 occurs at the end of the last game of the THSLL season, as defined in Appendix J, so that the player incurring the foul does not serve penalty time, the penalty will carry over to the Team's next THSLL season game.  If the player has graduated, the in-home shall serve the penalty.
  • A currently suspended or ejected player or coach cannot be in the team’s bench area, anywhere on the sideline, sightline or anywhere in the spectator and must be supervised by the Member Team Program’s leadership. 

 

Article File Attachments: 2020 Appendix A.pdf
Posted on March 08, 2020

Non-Weather Changes

The THSLL member programs shall remain responsible for the payment of fees for making non-weather-related changes to the THSLL schedule. Changes to the schedule are defined as those changes that require the assigner to "re-assign" the officials in the scheduling system and include, but are not limited to, changes in the starting date, time, location, opponent, level of a game, and/or any other reason that requires reassignment, unless notification is given to LOA in accordance with the following time limits and reasons:

  1. Four (4) days or more prior to the scheduled game start time= no fees or administrative charges are payable to either the Officials or the Assigner.
  2. Between 96 hours and 4 hours prior to the scheduled game start time= SO% of the full game fee is due to the Officials (no travel fees though). This does not apply to weather-related changes.
  3. Less than four (4) hours prior to the scheduled game start time= 100% of the full game fee is due to the Officials (no travel fees though).
  4. Officials will submit an invoice/voucher for the game fees directly to the home team of record in the scheduling system.

Weather Related Changes

Weather-related game-day cancellations/suspensions should be made by a phone call to the regional LOAAssigner and Referee assigned to work the game, and THSLL shall reflect the change in the game-scheduling system at least four hours prior to game time so that officials can always check the latest schedule before departing to a game. Game fees and administrative charges for weather-related game-day cancellations/suspensions shall be paid as follows:

  1. More than four (4) hours prior to game start time= No game fees incurred. No travel fees incurred. No administrative fees incurred. This is a simple "rainout" scenario, which does not incur any costs if the required actions are taken in time.
  2. Four (4) hours or less prior to game start time= 100% of each official's highest game fee that was cancelled/suspended. Thus, each official will receive only one game fee (no travel fees though).
  3. If more than one game was affected for the affected officiating crew, each official will be paid for only one game, which is the game with the highest game fee for that official.
  4. Even if officials have arrived at the playing facility or begun to travel to the game, no travel fees are permitted for weather-related cancellations/suspensions, regardless of the timing. A game must have commenced for travel and game fees to kick in.
  5. Officials must submit their invoice/voucher to the home team of record in the game-scheduling system for reimbursement of game fee(s) incurred.
Posted on December 22, 2019

Kick off the 2019 lacrosse season with the U.S. National Men’s Senior and U19 teams. The event will feature the Japan National Team and Edge Lacrosse from Canada.

The U.S. Men’s Senior team is the defending World Lacrosse world champion, having won the most recent championship in 2018. The U.S. Men’s U19 team is in training for the 2020 World Lacrosse Men’s U19 World Championship, which will be held this coming July in Ireland.

January 4-5th 2020 at University of Incarnate Word. 

For more information please visit https://www.uslacrosse.org/events/national-team-events/spring-premiere

Posted on February 07, 2019

The THSLL Board of Directors recently re-evaluated the policy regarding the live streaming of regular season games. Effective immediately the THSLL will allow for teams and/or contracted third-parties to live stream all regular season/district championship games without prior approval being required from the Board of Directors.  
 
Live streaming will be allowed as long as the following is adhered to during the THSLL game:

  • Member programs may hire commercial entities to live stream their games.
  • Member programs must notify the opposing team that they intend to live stream their game (however, no permission to do so by the other team is required).
  • Commercial entities may not sell any broadcast of a live or recorded THSLL games, except as agreed upon in writing by the THSLL OR a member program.
  • Commercial entities may not charge viewers for a live broadcast of a THSLL game.
  • Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, firearms, illegal substances, sexually inappropriate content, or political advertising may not be part of any portion of the stream or streaming website.
  • There will be no interruption of the normal progress of a THSLL game.
  • All promotion spots, other advertising, and contest broadcasts must be impartial and in no way promote or influence rivalries or inappropriate behavior on the part of contestants, students, or other observers.  
  • Criticism of the performance of students, coaches, fans, league, THSLL Board of Directors, and/or officials is not permitted.  
  • Streaming personnel is not granted automatic access to the field/press box/parking/etc. The streaming provider should request and work with the home team prior to the game if accommodations are requested. 
  • The THSLL logo may not be used in the stream. 
  • The THSLL will coordinate the streaming of the Division I and II super-regionals and State Championship games. Providers may email streaming@thsll.org if interested in streaming those games

 THSLL reserves the right to adjust this policy as needed based on unforeseen situations that may arise. 
 

Posted on January 03, 2019

The march to a great season and state championship starts soon. Dick’s Sporting Goods is a proud sponsor of Texas High School Lacrosse League. 
 
On Saturday & Sunday, January 12th & 13th all coaches, players and families are invited to save 20% off your total transaction throughout the store at our Texas Locations. 
 
Talk with an associate in-store and save 20% off on our expanded inventory online and have it shipped to you directly. Save on what you need to coach, play and watch all the games this season.
 
Every Season Starts At Dick’s Sporting Goods.
 
Save Throughout The Year using these links/coupons!

THSLL Lacrosse 2019 Team Packet Coupon (January 1, 2019 – December 31, 2019)

THSLL Community 2019 Team Packet Coupon (January 1, 2019 -  December 31, 2019)


 

Article File Attachments: Shop Event Coupon - THSLL 2019 (002).jpg January THSLL Coupon
Posted on September 16, 2018

We are proud to introduce the updated THSLL website. Over the summer we updated our website along with the format to make way for new features as well as visibility across mobile platforms. Some of the changes include:

  • Updated server infrastructure for performance and security enhancments. 
  • Database maintenance.
  • Design change to allow a single site for both desktop and mobile versions.
  • Some enhanced features which will be introduced individually. 

Coaches will still able to maintain their team schedules, files, game reports, and more just as before.  

We hope you enjoy the cleaner format. If you encounter any issues please email cshaffer@thsll.org. 

Posted on May 02, 2018
The THSLL  All-State/All-District have been posted online. Congratulations!

http://thsll.org/dis_awards



 
Posted on April 09, 2018

THSLL District Advisory Committees
 
The THSLL Board of Directors is excited to announce the THSLL Advisory Committee Members have voted in the founding members of the THSLL District Advisory Committees. They are as follows:

Central District:
Erinn O'Harra DI Round Rock High School Head Coach
Josh Blumenthal DII St Andrews High School Head Coach
Noel Breger DII Gateway High School Head Coach
  
North District:
Jeff Roberts DI North Coppell Head Coach
Kevin Gould DII North Past Plano Board President
Jack Fisher DII North Greenhill Head Coach
Nathan Farabee DII North Plano East Head Coach
  
South District:
Ed Torriero DI Ridge Point Head Coach
Greg Menephee DII South District Committee Past Bellaire School Sponsor
Bruce Roloff DII South Klein Board Member Past Head Coach
Matt Carr DII South St. Pius X Head Coach
  
San Antonio District:
 Devan Gallagher Canyon Head Coach
 
We would like to thank them for volunteering for the THSLL District Advisory Committees!
The THSLL Board of Directors and the THSLL Advisory Committee will be scheduling initial THSLL District Advisory Committee conference calls within the next four weeks.  During those calls the committee members will begin to discuss and take action on the assigned 2018 THSLL Season due diligence.
 
Stay tuned for updates from the THSLL Board of Directors, the THSLL Advisory Committee, and the four THSLL District Advisory Committees as we all take on the task of completing the assigned 2018 THSLL Season due diligence.

THSLL Advisory Committee
Bill Cafferata & Tom Keaton from the Central District,
Hayward Lee & Rich Moses from the North District,
Blake Skinner & Michael Brand from the San Antonio District,
David Cohn & Matt Eaglin from the South District

Posted on March 03, 2018

The THSLL Board of Directors is excited to announce we have voted in the founding members of the THSLL Advisory Committee.  
Bill Cafferata & Tom Keaton from the Central District,
Hayward LeeRich Moses from the North District,
Blake SkinnerJosh Acut from the San Antonio District,
David Cohn & Matt Eaglin from the South District.

We would like to thank everyone who submitted their name for consideration for the THSLL Advisory Committee.  With their permission, we will place their names on the list to be considered for membership on the THSLL District Advisory Committees.  Any other present or past coach or board president that would like to volunteer can still do so and should send an email to Nancy Powers expressing an interest by 3/10/2018.
The THSLL Board of Directors and the THSLL Advisory Committee will have a kick-off conference call within the next three weeks.  During that call we will consider all the names on the volunteer list, and vote in four members for each THSLL District Advisory Committee.

Stay tuned for updates from the THSLL Board of Directors on the THSLL Advisory Committee and the four THSLL District Advisory Committees as we all take on the task of completing the assigned 2018 THSLL Season due diligence.

Posted on February 04, 2018
As you know, the Texas High School Lacrosse League (THSLL) is an all-volunteer membership driven 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, led by the THSLL Board of Directors who have management and oversight responsibility for Texas boys’ high school lacrosse in the THSLL Spring Season. The principles and rules applied by the THSLL Board of Directors through the TSLA, Inc. Bylaws and the current THSLL Rulebook were developed, and have evolved, in conjunction with the membership of the THSLL over the past 30 years.

The THSLL Board of Directors recognizes that the due diligence required to successfully evolve the organization to maximize and sustain the growth and quality of boys’ high school lacrosse across the State of Texas is an effort that needs the involvement of current and past leaders of the THSLL. Recognizing the importance of this due diligence and this requirement, the THSLL Board of Directors discussed at the most recent THSLL Annual meetings our intention and commitment to establish two advisory committees to assist us with this effort.

Towards that end, we are excited to announce that the THSLL Board of Directors has modified the TSLA, Inc. Bylaws to include a Vice Commissioner role, and has established the structure and role of new THSLL committees – the THSLL Advisory Committee and the THSLL District Advisory Committee. And, we are ready to act on our commitment, and involve you, the THSLL Member School programs in that effort!
The THSLL Advisory Committee will be comprised of one current or past THSLL Member School Program Board President and one current or past Head Coach from each of the THSLL Districts, the THSLL Commissioner, the most recent Past THSLL Commissioner, and the THSLL Vice Commissioner who will serve as Chairman. The THSLL District Coordinators will make committee member nominations, and the THSLL Board of Directors will approve the THSLL Advisory Committee members with a majority vote by 1/31/2018.

The THSLL Advisory Committee will meet via teleconference at least six times per year, including at least once in February, March, April, and May. The term for committee members will be two years, with a limit of two terms. Members can be added and removed with a majority vote of the THSLL Board of Directors. Each committee member will sign an agreement that outlines and defines their roles and responsibilities, and their commitment to be bound by the TSLA, Inc. Bylaws and the current THSLL Rulebook.

The THSLL Advisory Committee and the THSLL Board of Directors will form a THSLL District Advisory Committee in each of the Districts comprised of two current or past THSLL Member School Program Board Presidents and two current or past Head Coaches, along with the THSLL District Coordinators. The THSLL District Advisory Committee members will be nominated by the THSLL Advisory Committee members and the THSLL District Coordinators, and along with the THSLL Board of Directors, will vote in the members of each THSLL District Advisory Committee with a majority vote by 2/15/2018.

The THSLL Advisory Committee representatives from a District will co-chair the THSLL District Advisory Committee in their District, with oversight by the District Coordinators. The THSLL District Advisory Committee will meet via teleconference at least six times per year, including at least once in February, March, April, and May. The term for committee members is two years, with a limit of two terms. Members can be added and removed with a majority vote of the THSLL District Committee or with a majority vote of the THSLL Board of Directors. Each committee member will sign an agreement that outlines and defines their roles and responsibilities, and their commitment to be bound by the TSLA, Inc. Bylaws and the current THSLL Rulebook.

Each THSLL District Advisory Committee will collaborate with the THSLL Advisory Committee providing input and feedback for their meetings, including soliciting input from, and providing feedback back to, the THSLL Member School Programs.

The THSLL Advisory Committee will be tasked by the THSLL Board of Directors with league due diligence that has statewide implications, and will provide recommendations developed in collaboration with the THSLL Board of Directors, the THSLL District Advisory Committees, and the THSLL Member School Programs, for consideration by the THSLL Board of Directors at its Summer Executive Board Meetings.

The first due diligence assigned to the THSLL Advisory Committee will be review and analysis of the current THSLL Philosophy and Foundation Principles, and League Structure, and will be done in collaboration with the THSLL Board of Directors, and each THSLL District Advisory Committee and the THSLL Member School Programs. The outcome of that due diligence will be development of recommendations that the THSLL Board of Directors will consider at the THSLL Summer Executive Board Meeting. The THSLL Board of Directors will review the recommendations to determine if they support the purpose, growth, quality, and success of the THSLL, and if so, decide how they should be presented to the THSLL Member School Programs for possible implementation, in part or in entirety, and in what timeframe.

The THSLL Board of Directors will consider the THSLL Advisory Committee recommendations, formulate them into one or more proposals and vote on them, and if approved by a super majority vote of the THSLL Board of Directors, present them as agenda items prior to and at the THSLL Annual Meetings for consideration and adoption by a super majority vote of the THSLL Member School Programs.

Annually, the THSLL Advisory Committee will receive input and feedback from the THSLL Member School Programs and the THSLL Board of Directors, and be tasked with due diligence by the THSLL Board of Directors that has statewide implications, and be asked to follow the above process for providing recommendations to the THSLL Board of Directors for consideration at the THSLL Summer Executive Meetings.

Through this membership driven due diligence and ongoing collaborative effort the THSLL Board of Directors believes the THSLL will continue to evolve and successfully meet the needs of the Texas boys’ high school lacrosse community for years to come.
Posted on February 20, 2017
Per Member Team request, please do not use the THSLL contact list for camp and/or sales distribution purposes. THSLL user privileges will be revoked for abuse of the contact list.
Posted on January 05, 2017
We have created an optional newsletter for coaches, players, and fans to sign up for where the league can communicate coupons, special events, and other important lacrosse information. If you are interested in receiving these notifications, please sign up for the THSLL newsletter. 

http://thsll.org/marketing

Your email addresses are secure and THSLL will not distribute your email. 
Posted on March 01, 2016
Please find the attached US Lacrosse official's cards. These cards can be printed and used during the game as a reminder of who officiated the game. Simply fill out the card during the pre-game meeting with the names of the officials and refer to it during your game report and official rankings. 
Article File Attachments: coaches-certification-card.pdf Officials Cards
Posted on February 28, 2016
Appendix I - THSLL Seeding/Tie Breaking Policy
 
Regular Season Seeding Guidelines
Seeding for post-season activities will be determined using the following procedures.
 
  • A district game is defined in the schedule with a game type of “District”. District teams may play each other more than once, but only games designated as “District” on the schedule will count towards seeding.
  • Seeding is calculated by the number of wins against teams in the same division (Division I or II), district (North, South, etc), and conference (East, West, etc).
  • Teams will be sorted by wins in descending order.
  • A tie will not count towards a win or a loss.
  • Forfeited games result in a winning score of 1-0 with the win being given to the team not initiating the forfeit. BoD reserves the right to adjust forfeited game scores or alternative method in extreme cases.
  • All district games must be played. Any district games not completed by the deadline will be given a 0-1 loss for both teams. BoD reserves the right to adjust as needed in extreme cases.
  • The top X teams will be selected in descending order starting with the most wins. The number of teams being seeded may be different between districts. The number of teams selected is decided pre-season during the district breakout sessions.
 
Tie Breaking Procedures
In every situation possible , head to head results are primary .
 
  1. The tied teams will be placed in a sub group. The process outlined in steps 1 through 4 in b) below will be utilized for each seeding position. In a Multi-way tie, the process will first determine the highest seed in question and then be repeated again for the next seed, and continue until all tied teams are seeded.
  2. The following steps are used, in order, to break ties for each seeding position:
    1. The highest seed is determined by District wins against Teams within the sub group.
    2. If a tie remains after step 1, teams will be ranked by Head-to-Head competition within the sub group. In the event of a Three-way tie within any sub group; the selection will also be based on a head-to-head comparison.
    3. If all of the Teams have one win over the other teams in the tie (Team A has defeated team B, team B has defeated team C, and team C has defeated Team A etc.) then the selection shall be based on the difference in scores between those three games:
      1. The winner will receive a plus for each goal above the goals by the other team, and the loser will receive a minus for each goal below the goals for the other team.
        For example – Team A defeated team B by the score of 8 to 5, team A would receive a plus 3 and Team B would receive a minus 3.
      2. The difference in goals for the remaining two games (B Vs C and C Vs A) would be likewise calculated, and the Team with the largest positive value would be selected.
    4. Should step 3 not break the three-way tie, there will be a coin flip. All 3 head coaches meet, and coins will be flipped. They flip and odd side out wins. The remaining two go back to step 1.
  3. Once steps 1 through 4 have been completed, there will be one clear winner from the sub group. If two teams remain tied, steps 1 through 4 are used to break the remaining tie. If more than two teams remain, steps 1 through 4 are used to identify one clear winner per iteration until all ties are resolved.
  4. To seed any remaining tied teams, the tiebreaker process will be repeated recreating the sub group with the remaining teams.
 
 
 
Posted on February 20, 2016
​To All THSLL Participants,
 
Since the start of the 2016 THSLL Season on January 23rd, 226 games have been played!  For the most part, game reports and feedback from you and the SWLOA officials have been positive.  We are all excited about another season of quality, competitive lacrosse; however, the THSLL Board of Directors has received and reviewed a number of reported game incidents that have us concerned about safety and sportsmanship.
 
As you know, safety and sportsmanship are foundation principles of the THSLL, and are important priorities for all of us who participate in, and are involved with, the THSLL.  Having said that, there have already been a number of reported game incidents of unnecessary roughness, and targeting of the head/neck area, which are both illegal and cause for concern for safety and sportsmanship reasons.
 
The THSLL Board of Directors and the SWLOA leadership have reviewed these scenarios, watched the game film on them, and are taking action on them together, now, to ensure the health and safety of everyone participating in 2016 THSLL Regular Season and Post-Season THSLL games.
 
Towards that end, Tom Fitzsimmons, President of the SWLOA, sent out an email on Thursday of this past week to all the SWLOA officials asking them to be more vigilant when it comes to player safety.  He asked them to pay close attention to hits to the neck and head area that occur through illegal body checks, and/or through unnecessary roughness.  He noted that violent contact around the head and neck should result in a penalty.  Additionally, he noted that violent and egregious hits can also be unsportsmanlike conduct fouls.  He asked the officials to start penalties associated with these fouls at two minutes and progress to three with the player locked in the box.
 
He reiterated our agreed upon message that SWLOA officials should err on the side of making such calls, and that we would be communicating with you, explaining this decision and action, and to expect flags when hits occur in the head or neck area, even when the contact is caused by follow-through, and when hits are violent and/or egregious.
 
We acknowledged together, in advance of this decision and action, that we may receive more complaints, but that our concern for safety and sportsmanship requires that the SWLOA and the THSLL adapt to a changing environment around safety and sportsmanship to make for a better game.  In closing, Tom suggested each SWLOA official contact their assignor, local trainer, or chief referee if they have any questions.
 
The purpose of this email from the THSLL Board of Directors is to initiate a dialogue on safety and sportsmanship around the THSLL, given the number of such incidents that have occurred thus far in the 2016 THSLL Season.  We are sharing Tom’s message and instructions to the SWLOA officials, AND we are explicitly stating the THSLL Board of Directors’ expectations around safety and sportsmanship, and highlighting the NCAA rules associated with them, for all future THSLL games.
 
The reported game incidents referenced above are violations of the NCAA Lacrosse Rules related to Unnecessary Roughness SECTION 5 and Targeting the Head/Neck, SECTION 3, and are all related to safety and sportsmanship.  Consequently, we are asking each coach to do four things: 
  1. Provide a copy of our email, and these NCAA rules to each player
  2. Review both the email and the rules with your players so that there is no question as to what they mean, how serious we all are about player safety and sportsmanship, and so that they will understand the SWLOA interpretation and application of these rules in future THSLL games.
  3. Communicate with your players that these hits will not be tolerated, and if any player insists on making them, there will be serious consequences.
  4. Make your thoughts about the SWLOA application of these rules clear in your game reports, and where you disagree with the calls, or lack of calls on them, refrain from on-field arguments, and instead provide comments and game film so that the SWLOA leadership and THSLL Board of Directors can review the incidents for learning and training purposes.
We thank you all for your commitment to the high school student athletes participating in the THSLL, and for giving these actions on player safety and sportsmanship your attention.  We all share equally the responsibility and accountability for proactively addressing safety and sportsmanship in the THSLL, and we know that without your support, the THSLL would not be able to provide the lacrosse experience it does today!
 
Have a great season
 
Al Picazo
Commissioner, THSLL
 
Article File Attachments: NCAA Section 3 & 5.docx NCAA Section 3 & 5
Posted on January 28, 2015
THSLL introduces the 2015 Table Training Aid. This guide introduces the table to the general concepts and rules concerning the table along with sample score book entries. 

Click to download the PDF --> 2015 Table Training
Posted on November 25, 2014

12/3/14- UPDATED  INFORMATION REGARDING CASCADE R HELMET

NOCSAE is working closely with us as we develop and test a retrofit to the Cascade R helmet and we are confident a solution will be announced in the coming days.  Earlier this  week, we had sent technicians to NOCSAE’s testing Laboratory to test what we believe to be a viable and simple modification to existing helmets  to ensure they comply with the NOCSAE standard. We have been informed that if we can demonstrate with statistical probability that this modification will meet the standard, NOCSAE will approve the process.

 If  successful, this modification will result in A new model as defined in NOCSAE standards. We are now working with NOCSAE on the details of that modification, including how it will be rolled out to players and teams currently in  possession of the Cascade R helmet. As soon as we have all the details we will immediately communicate the necessary steps to complete the modification.

Thank you for your patience and continued commitment to Cascade during this process. We continue to stand behind the Cascade R helmet and believe this modification will address NOCSAE’s concerns and ensure there will be no further interruption to the sport we all love.

Cascade Lacrosse


US Lacrosse, the national governing body for men's and women's lacrosse, has been notified by NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) that two lacrosse helmet models currently available in the marketplace -- the Cascade Model R and the Warrior Regulator -- do not meet the NOCSAE helmet standard, ND041.

NOCSAE's public statement, available in its entirety at www.nocsae.org, says that the organization made its determination following an independent investigation and evaluation of the two helmets, including a review of each manufacturer's internal testing and quality control data. As a result, NOCSAE has invalidated the manufacturer's certification of compliance for all manufacturing dates for the two helmet models.

Playing rules written by US Lacrosse, the NCAA and the NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) mandate that all helmets must meet NOCSAE standards and be NOCSAE certified. Both models had previously been certified by the manufacturers as compliant with the NOCSAE standard.

NOCSAE's statement adds that both Cascade and Warrior have been notified of these conclusions by NOCSAE, and have indicated that they are working to address the issue.

Consumers seeking further information about these two helmet models are advised to contact the manufacturers directly: Cascade (1-800-537-1702); Warrior (1-800-968-7845)


Cascade Statement Regarding Cascade R Helmet 

The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) has announced that the Cascade R model lacrosse helmet no longer complies with NOCSAE standard ND041 and that Cascade’s certification of compliance on that helmet model only is now invalid. 
We are working with NOCSAE to clarify the concerns and appropriately address the issue.  However, our first priority is always to our loyal Cascade customers.   Players not in immediate need of a certified helmet are encouraged to retain their helmet. Cascade is confident that we will be able to re-certify the helmet and that recertification could be a simple fix. We expect to communicate all available remedies as soon as possible, once approved by NOCSAE.  We are communicating the following information to consumers: 

If you are a player that owns an R helmet and has games in November/Early December but do not own another certified helmet, you should contact your preferred lacrosse retailer to understand if they have the ability to fit you with a certified helmet.  If yes, return your R helmet to that retailer and they will provide a replacement. 

If you are a player that owns an R helmet and are not using it until the season starts, we are asking you to please hold onto your helmet in the short-term. As we get closer to season start we will have a procedure in place for you to receive either an update to your R model or another replacement option.  If you are a team that owns R helmets and has games in November/Early December but do not have another certified helmet solution, please contact Cascade customer service at (800) 537- 1702 and we will do our best to find a lacrosse retailer to support your needs.  If you are a team that has R helmets and do not need to use them immediately we are asking you to please hold onto your helmets in the short-term. As we get closer to season start we will have a procedure in place for you to receive either an update to your R models or another replacement option.  
Detailed instructions on necessary steps will be made available on our web site www.cascadelacrosse.com and provided to all relevant governing bodies as soon as they become available.  

Memo to All Officials Regarding NOCSAE Decision

On Monday, November 24, 2014, NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) issued a statement announcing that it had voided the manufacturer’s certification of compliance for all manufacturing dates, for the Cascade Model R and the Warrior Regulator lacrosse helmets (see photo below).

Please note: the Cascade models CPV-R, CPX-R and CS-R and the Warrior TII are not affected by this decision by NOCSAE.

 Until the manufacturers and NOCSAE are able to remedy and re-certify these helmets, the Model R and Regulator are both illegal at all levels of play and by all rules that mandate helmets meet NOCSAE standards and be NOCSAE certified.

Until further notice we are asking all officials, prior to the game, to add the following statement to the pre-game certification for head coaches. Officials are encouraged to meet with both coaches together at midfield to conduct this certification.

“Coach, are you aware that the Cascade Model R and Warrior Regulator helmet models do not meet the NOCSAE standard for lacrosse at this time and they are not legal for play? With this in mind, do you certify all players are equipped by rule and that all helmets including the goalkeepers meet the NOCSAE standard for lacrosse helmets?”

In the women’s and girls’ games, officials are asked to check the helmets of the goalkeepers during the pre-game stick check to ensure that the helmets worn are not the two in question.

In both games, during the game if a coach requests an equipment check or random equipment check is performed, officials are asked to check the helmet of the player to ensure that the helmets in question are not being worn.

No player is permitted to wear either of these helmets during play until further notice. NOCSAE certification is a testing process and standard required in order to keep players safe and minimize risk for all players in both the boys’ and girls’ games.

If a player is discovered to be wearing this helmet once play has begun, the officials should stop play immediately and the player shall be substituted for and removed from play until they are equipped with a NOCSAE certified helmet. If the player wearing the illegal helmet is the goalkeeper, and the team does not have a backup goalkeeper, the goalie may exchange for a legal goalkeeper helmet and resume playing.

Remember, as an official you are simply adjudicating and applying the rules as written. By not enforcing this rule you could be putting yourself and the safety of the athletes on the field at risk. It is imperative that you enforce this standard and rule at all tournaments and games until further notice.

If a coach protests or asks questions in regards to this ruling direct them to reach out to NOCSAE or either of the helmet manufacturers for clarification.

Here are a couple frequently asked questions that you may encounter.

How do I know what helmet is legal or not?

 Please use the pictures above and below as references. The easiest way to determine which helmet is which is to look for a couple key design features.

On the Cascade Model R helmet, there is a big “R” on the right side of the helmet on the visor.

On the Warrior Regulator the most distinguishable feature is the air vents in the temple area of the helmet is a long triangular shape (Warrior’s TII helmet as a bigger opening and the lettering “TII” is visible in the vent)

Why is this important?

 The safety of the players is the most important thing and is everyone’s responsibility in the game. That includes the manufacturers of sports equipment. NOCSAE creates standards for sports equipment to ensure that equipment worn by athletes meets certain performance standards. Without these standards it is much more difficult for manufacturers to develop products within certain guidelines based on scientific research and data.

 What is the penalty?

 In both games and at all levels, if the player(s) are wearing these helmets then they are not permitted to play in the game. If discovered prior to the game, no penalty is adjudicated, however that player or player(s) may not enter the game until a legal helmet is worn.

In the men’s or boys’ game, if discovered during the game at any time, play should be stopped immediately and the player shall be substituted for and may not return until a legal helmet is worn. If discovered after a goal is scored, the goal stands. If the penalty is on the goalkeeper and the team does not have a backup goalie, he may exchange his helmet for a legal one and resume playing.

In the women’s or girls’ game, if discovered during the game at any time, a minor foul is adjudicated and the player must be substituted for until a legal helmet is worn. If the penalty is on the goalkeeper and the team does not have a backup goalie, she may exchange her helmet for a legal one and resume playing. If they do have a legal goalkeeper helmet, then the team shall play without a goalkeeper. 

Coaches, players, administrators and parents seeking further information about these two helmet models are advised to contact the manufacturers directly: Cascade (1-800-537-1702); Warrior (1-800-968-7845).

What is US Lacrosse’s role in this issue?

 US Lacrosse’s sole role in this is to disseminate the necessary information to our constituents involved in the game. While US Lacrosse as well as NFHS and the NCAA require NOCSAE certified helmets for all games, the standards are created and monitored by NOCSAE.

Posted on November 09, 2014

Equipment Drive-
There are several programs in the State who need equipment. If your team and players have equipment that is not in use, please let me know.

We need Long Poles, Short Poles, Gloves ,Arm guards,Shoulder pads,Helmets.

Thank you!

npowers@thsll.org

 

Posted on November 08, 2014


As you are aware, the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Rules Committee approved several rules changes for the 2015 and 2016 competition seasons. In order to assist coaches and officials with play during the fall season, the Committee has approved the guidance document to illustrate the new rules. The rules book will be produced and available in the coming weeks, along with the annual preseason rules video. 

NEW RULES – FACEOFFS. The Committee made three significant changes with respect to the faceoff procedure:  • A new mechanic process was approved. • There are several new rules and definitions with respect to picking up and/or carrying the ball in the back of the stick. • There are several new definitions with respect to “parts of the body” coming into contact with either crosse during a faceoff. 

1. NEW FACEOFF MECHANICS. For the 2014 Fall schedule, the way in which officials will conduct the face-off has been altered as follows: • Whenever possible, the faceoff shall be conducted by two officials. The Single side official will be in charge of speaking and conducting the faceoff. 
 
MECHANICS NOTE: This official will always be opposite the bench area and have his left side diagonally facing towards the benches. The second official (bench side official diagonally across and leading to his left) will be close enough hear the “set” call, and expected to help with proper positioning of players sticks, to call violations or movement during the faceoff process.  

• The procedure of having the former Single side official conducting the next faceoff has been changed. After a goal is scored, the next face-off will be conducted by the former Lead official, from the Single side of the field. (Same procedure as above.) 

• After a goal, the 20-second beeper will always be initiated by the official leading to his right. (The other two officials will be involved with the faceoff.) This official will place himself slightly inside the wing line and closer to the restraining line at his end of the field, allowing him to watch both wing areas during the next faceoff.  

• After a team gains possession the 30 second clearing count will be initiated by the Single side official. (Same as previously done.) Procedures for conducting the actual face-off are as follows: 
1. The official conducting the faceoff will hold the ball in his hand and will NOT place it on the ground, as was previously done. 
2. The official shall indicate to the players the spot on which the faceoff will take place and instruct the players to prepare for the faceoff by saying “down.” 
3. Once the players are down they are to move into their faceoff position as quickly as possible. Players may kneel or stand as they get into position for the faceoff.  
4. If the players are NOT positioned properly, the officials may adjust the players positioning (including crosses) to ensure the faceoff will be conducted fairly for both players. Note: ALL rules for positioning of players and sticks are in full effect and the
same as previous years (e.g., nothing on the midline, nothing touching the plastic, sticks straight up and down, no leaning etc.). If face-off players are continually delaying this process, officials may call a violation for delay of game.
5. Once the players are in the proper position, the official shall place the ball on the ground, in between the head of each crosse, paying close attention to placing the ball IN THE MIDDLE of the head of each crosse. 6. Once the official is satisfied with the placement of the ball & of the positioning of the players crosses, he shall instruct the players to remain motionless by saying “Set.” MECHANICS NOTE: Officials will still have their hand on the ball (and/or crosses) when the command “Set” is given. 
7. After the “Set” command, the official shall back out and blow the whistle when he is clear of the scrimmage area. The official does not have to be stationary, and in all likelihood will still be moving backwards, when he blows the whistle to start play. The whistle cadence will vary with every faceoff. Note: Players will be in the face-off position longer than in previous years and they MUST wait for the sounding of the whistle.
8. Violations, if they occur, are to be called by both faceoff officials and recorded as previously done.  Three or more violations on a team in one half will continue to result in a time-served technical foul on the violating team. 

2. BALL BEING PICKED UP AND CARRIED IN THE BACK OF THE CROSSE. The Committee approved a rule change that makes it illegal for a player to pick up the ball and carry it in the back of the stick. This new rule is NOT intended to change the way players approach the faceoff. A few notes/comments to help clarify this new rule: 
• A faceoff player may still clamp or pinch the ball in the reverse side of his crosse. The difference, with this rule, is that he must move, rake, or direct the ball immediately after gaining control of the ball.  
• Before passing this rule, the Committee defined immediately is defined as within one step.
• If a player gains possession on a faceoff in the reverse side of his crosse and fails to move, rake, or direct it (to a teammate or himself) and takes more than one step – a faceoff violation has occurred. This will count as one of the three violations per half.
• If the ball squirts out and away from the faceoff players on a faceoff, NO player may pick the ball up by jamming the reverse side of the crosse on top of the ball. All ground balls are to be picked up by scooping the ball with the front of the crosse. 

3. ILLEGAL TO USE A BODY PART (forearm, elbow, head, etc.) TO INITIATE CONTACT WITH AN OPPONENT’S CROSSE OR HIS OWN CROSSE. On a faceoff, neither player may initiate contact with ANY body part TO the crosses. This rule clarifies the previous wording that stated ON the crosses. 

EXAMPLE: If the elbow goes to the ground and then comes into contact with the cross of either player, a violation has occurred. This counts as one of the three violations per half. This new rule
was added to decrease the length of time the faceoff players will be down “scrumming” for the ball. The Committee’s intent is to get the ball out quickly to create a ground ball. 

NEW RULES: SHOT CLOCK CALL AND VISIBLE CLOCK.
• The term “Timer-On” has been retired. The new command is “Shot Clock.” 
• The official’s beeper is no longer used for this procedure.
• The rules for the shot clock are essentially the same as the rules for the Timer-on. If a team is not attacking the goal or attempting to stall, a “Shot Clock” will be initiated by the officials.
• The shot clock will be a 30-second visible clock and will stop and start in sync with the game clock. Two visible clocks have been recommended and, if available, may be used immediately.
• The rule mandates Division I use for the 2016 season and Divisions II and III for the 2017 season. 
• As the date of this communication, the actual administration for this procedure is not complete, but will be determined prior to the 2015 competition season.  For stadiums and playing fields that do not have visible clocks the game officials will administer the shot clock using the following mechanics: 
• When a shot clock is initiated, the officials are to begin the Shot Clock on an increment of 10 seconds and use the game clock for timing. For example, if officials feel a team is stalling, the call will be initiated at 8:40 (or 8:30, or 8:20 on the game clock). This results in the shot clock expiring on an increment of 10 seconds (8:10, 8:00 or 7:50 on the game clock). By initiating the call on an increment of 10 seconds, it will always end on an increment of 10. Players, officials, coaches, and fans will all come to expect the shot clock to expire on a digit ending in zero.

MECHANICS NOTE: The above procedure is ONLY for stadiums and fields without visible shot clocks in use. For stadiums and fields with visible shot clocks, the time on the actual shot clock will be used to administer these plays.
• The official’s mechanics will remain the same as they were for the Timer-On call, with the exception of the command used. All three officials will signal (visually and verbally) “Shot Clock” to begin the call. The Trail official will, in most cases, be the one to administer the call. 
• It is important to note that not every stadium or field has the same location for the game clock (and, if available, shot clocks). The location of the game clock (and/or shot clocks) may require some adjustment by officials to properly adjudicate this call. It is possible that the Single side official will make the call at some venues, or it may vary by which end of the field the call is initiated. 
It is VERY IMPORTANT for the officiating crew to cover and discuss this during pregame meetings. 

NEW RULES: OVER AND BACK. The new rule states that after a team has satisfied the 30-second clearing clock, and that team causes the ball to go back into the defensive half of the field, (last to possess and last to touch) the result will be an immediate turnover and a quick restart for the offended team.
This rule eliminates the possibility of confusion that was caused by the Timer-On call from the past two seasons (or a new clearing clock if a team was in a man-up situation). 
To be clear, this new over and back rule will be called the same way, every time, regardless whether or not the teams are playing at even strength or man-up. Officials will adjudicate this play in the following manner: • First, the Lead official (who should by this point be on the midline to observe the play) will signal a very quick play-on. If the offended team does not gain possession (or does not look like they will gain quick possession) of the ball, an immediate whistle will be blown for illegal procedure. Possession will be awarded to the offended team, and a quick restart will follow. This allows the offended team to gain the advantage, should they desire. In many cases this could lead to a fast break and a scoring opportunity.
• All other rules regarding the ball crossing back into the defensive end after satisfying the clearing count remain the same as the past two seasons. If the ball does not touch or go over the midline, no infraction has occurred. Also, defensive players may bat the ball to keep it in the offensive half of the field, but if they possess it and their feet are in the defensive half – the result is a turnover.
• As a reminder, while the new over and back rule is called regardless of whether teams are at even strength or man-up, the initiating of all other shot clock warnings cannot be given if the teams are playing at uneven numbers. 

NEW RULES: TIMEOUTS. The new timeout rule allows for only the team in possession or entitled to possession to call a timeout during a dead ball situation, when the stoppage of play is within the field of play.  
Examples of this are: Faceoff violations; crease violations; over and back; warding off; loose ball pushes; moving picks, etc. This ensures that any advantage the offended team has a result of the violation, will remain an advantage with a quick restart. Timeouts are allowed for both teams during all other dead ball situations.
Examples of these are: A shot leaving the field of play; ball leaving the field of play on a sideline; injuries; after a goal is scored; after a time served foul, etc. 
Note: If a defensive team calls for a timeout, and the officials inadvertently blow the whistle to stop play, a flag will be thrown and a 30-second technical foul penalty shall be assessed to the defensive team. This follows the same procedure as if a team calls a timeout and do not have any
remaining. This new rule is different for officials. Officials need to be aware of and understand the difference from the previous rule.

NEW RULES: GOAL AND STALL PROCEDURES ARE MET ON THE RELEASE OF THE BALL INSTEAD OF THE BALL CROSSING THE GOAL LINE. At the end of all quarters and overtime periods, as well as at the end of all shot clock warnings, a goal will be counted, if the release of the shot occurred prior to the expiration of the clock and/or the horn sounding.
This rule allows for continuation of play if the release of a shot (including bounce shots) occurs prior to the expiration of time. Officials are to hold their whistle at the end of all quarters and allow the play to finish after the sounding of the horn. Rationale: The Lead and Single side officials cannot watch the clock on this play.

This new rule allows the Trail official, who is responsible for the clock, a better view of the play at the end of quarters and shot clocks situations.  A few significant items of importance for this rule:
• If the ball deflects off a defensive player and enters into the goal – the goal shall count. 
• If the ball deflects off an offensive player and enters the goal – the goal shall not count. 
• For a game winning goal that occurs at the end of the 4th quarter or in overtime, a coach’s request for a stick check would NOT be allowed. By rule, the game is considered to be complete in this situation.
Note: This will be adjusted in A.R. 113 on page 45 of the rules book when the new rulebook is produced later this year.
• For a tying goal that occurs at the end of the fourth quarter, a coach’s request for a stick check will be allowed. By rule, the game is NOT complete in this situation. 

NEW RULES: CLARIFYING THE WORDING ON THE DIVE PLAY.
The word “grounded” will be added to the language regarding play around the crease area. Additional language regarding “diving and or jumping” will be rewritten to clarify this important and difficult play.
*If an offensive player, in possession of the ball and outside the crease area, dives or jumps (becomes airborne of his own volition), prior to, during, or after the release of the shot and lands in the crease – the goal shall be disallowed. On this play, the offensive player took the chance, by diving/jumping. If he lands in the crease, for any reason, the goal will not count. 
• If an offensive player, in possession of the ball and outside the crease area, makes an inside move and keeps his feet (or other part of his body, knees, etc.) “grounded” and lands, steps
in, or touches the crease after the ball enters the goal – the goal shall count. On this play, by staying grounded the offensive player did not dive or jump. This is a legal play.
• Both of the above examples assume that the offensive player did not make contact with any part of the crease area or the goalie prior to the ball entering the goal. 

MECHANICS NOTE: Guidance for officials and coaches here is to think of this play as if the offensive player were a wide receiver in football and attempting to catch a pass on the sideline. If the feet are grounded it is a good catch. If the feet are not grounded, no catch.
Clarification of a defensive push on the above scenarios:  
• The offensive player is pushed, takes a step or two, and then launches himself. He shoots, scores and then lands in the crease. Although the push influenced the dive, it did not cause it. The proper call is flag down, NO GOAL. The defensive team would be man- down for 30 seconds (or more if the foul is a personal foul).
• The offensive player is grounded and is illegally pushed from behind. The push causes the player to become airborne. There are no extra steps taken after the push. The shooter scores prior to contact with the crease or the goalie. The proper call is flag down, GOOD GOAL. Wave off the flag and faceoff all even, or man down if the foul is a personal foul.
• Offensive player A1 clearly makes himself airborne and tries to sail over the crease line while shooting, hoping to land outside the crease on the other side. Contact is made (a.) legally or (b) illegally by defenseman B1. A1 then lands in the crease after the ball enters the goal. RULING: In both cases the goal shall be disallowed. In (a), the ball is awarded to Team B to clear. In (b), Team B will serve 30 seconds (or more, if warranted) and Team A will be awarded the ball.  FURTHER GUIDANCE: Officials are instructed to focus as narrowly as possible on judging the facts of the play (foul vs. no foul, crease vs. no crease) and not to speculate where a player might have ended up if he had not made contact with another player.
The facts are: 1. Contact was made (foul vs. no foul); and 2. If the player was in the crease as a result of his decision to leave his feet.
As you are aware, the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Rules Committee approved several rules changes for the 2015 and 2016 competition seasons. In order to assist coaches and officials with play during the fall season, the Committee has approved the guidance document to illustrate the new rules. The rules book will be produced and available in the coming weeks, along with the annual preseason rules video. 
Posted on August 24, 2014

The NCAA Men's Lacrosse Rules Committee recently approved several rules change recommendations during its annual meeting August 12-14. Before these rules proposals are implemented, they must be approved by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel .  The rules will be reviewed during an upcoming teleconference when they will be evaluated in terms of negative impact on the image and integrity of the game, student-athlete safety concerns and financial impact on institutions.

2014 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Rules Committee New Rule Proposals.

Visible Shot Clock

A visible shot clock is permissible across all divisions in the 2015 season. It is mandatory that by the 2016 season, all Division I institutions and by the 2017 season, all Division II and III institutions have a visible shot clock available for competition. It is recommended that two clocks be utilized at either end of the field; however, one clock may be used at midfield to satisfy the rule.Rationale-To better manage the stalling/shot clock procedure for players, coaches and officials; additionally, a visible clock will enhance the understanding of the game for fans and media.   

Shot Clock Timing

Officials will use the game clock (if a visible clock is not available) to time the 30 second period. This will provide the offensive team with 30 seconds of game time. Previously, the first 20 seconds of the clock were running time due to the devices used by game officials.  Rationale- Simplifies the stall warning procedure and gives the offense 30 seconds of real game time. 

Faceoffs – Violation to Pick Up/Carry Ball in Back of Stick  A violation will be called if a player picks up or carries the ball on the back of his stick. It is still legal to clamp the ball with the back of the stick, but it must be moved, raked or directed immediately. Rationale-The committee does not believe carrying the ball in the back of the stick was ever intended to be part of the game. 

Faceoffs – Pinning/Contacting Stick- It is illegal to use a body part (forearm, elbow, head, etc.) to initiate contact with either faceoff player’s stick (opponent’s or his own).Rationale- The faceoff continues to be an area where illegal tactics are used to win the ball. The committee believes the faceoff is an important part of the sport, but is trying to continue to remove illegal acts from this play. 

Faceoff: Officiating Protocol- The faceoff protocol will be: 

1.) The official will direct the players to come together and put their sticks on the ground opposite each other; 

2.) The official will place the ball on the ground and will say “set”; and

3.) The official will step away and blow the whistle to start play.   Rationale- This is an effort to make the faceoff procedure simpler and allow officials the best view to manage this play.  This procedure also will assist officials with the varied cadence, as required by rule

Timeouts- During dead ball situations where the restart will be in the field of play, only the team in possession or entitled to possession is allowed to call timeout.  Rationale- The committee is continuing to encourage quick restarts and provide transitional opportunities.  

Goals/Shot Clock-Timing on the Release- If the ball leaves the shooter’s stick before the expiration of time (either game clock or shot clock), the goal shall count (or shot clock satisfied). Previously, the ball was required to cross the plane of the goal line before the expiration of time.  Rationale- This makes the lacrosse rules similar to basketball in these areas and is easier to judge for officials. 

Crease Violation- In plays around the crease, if a player releases the ball before touching the crease, the goal shall count, provided his feet are grounded when he released the ball. If a player leaves his feet (dives) the rule remains the same.  Rationale- This is the most difficult play to coach and officiate. This eliminates some gray area and allows some extremely athletic plays to clearly count as goals without allowing attacking players to dive into the crease and score.

Midfield Line- When the ball returns to the defensive half after the offensive team has cleared the ball (other than a deflection or rebounded shot), this will result in a turnover and quick restart instead of a stall procedure or clearing clock. Defensive players may bat the ball to keep it in the offensive half, but if a defender possesses the ball from the defensive half, it is a violation. Rationale- Makes this similar to over-and-back in basketball and simplifies some situations/counts that may occur. 

Uniform Numbers- By the 2016 season, all uniform numbers must clearly contrast the color of the uniform. A white or light colored uniform shall have dark colored numbers; a dark colored uniform shall have light colored number.  Rationale- Consistent with many other NCAA sports and provides a full season of adjustment.  

Posted on July 20, 2014

This summer we are pleased to introduce some new website changes and enhancements.

  • THSLL has been moved to a newer and more powerful web host. The data center is located in Austin so THSLL is keeping Texans employed.
  • The website has been redesigned to allow more room for content.
  • General functionality remains the same, just with a newer look and feel.
  • Coaches can log into the website from any page using the login box at the top of the page.
  • Coaches will see a newly organized page in the secure area.
  • A new "Championship Summary" page has been created on the main page with a detailed summary of the championship weekend events as well as the completed brackets.
  • "Stay Logged On" functionality has been added. By checking the checkbox when you log on, the system will keep your session active for 30 days. The session is reset any time you clear your cookies of your browser or select the logout option. 
Posted on May 12, 2014
THSLL All-State and All- District awards have been posted. Please see the button on each District page, under District News, District Awards. THSLL League Awards are posted on the Home page under League Awards.

Posted on May 05, 2014
Please see the "League Awards" link on the left for more THSLL awards. 


All Americans
Lee Belland, Jesuit 

Carl Bernicker, St. John’s 
Connor Howden, Austin High 
Foster Huggins, ESD 
Nick Hruby, Coppell 
Richie Loftis, ESD 
Sean McCanna, Woodlands 
Tyler Murphy, Woodlands 
John Michael Priddy, Jesuit 
Robert Reinbolt, Kinkaid 
Hugo Reisenbichler, Highland Park
Sam Romano, ESD 
Wesley Sanders, Bowie 
Blake Tyndall, Vandegrift 
Bryce Wasserman, Southlake 
Ben Zook, Westlake 
Academic All Americans
Carson Crow, Highland Park 

James Diamond, St. Marks 
Riley Graham, St. Marks 
Richard Hojel, St Andrews 
Brett Patterson, Westlake 
Carter Scott Stathan, Memorial 
Brian Welling, Woodlands










Posted on April 17, 2014
Westwood High School – Warrior Bowl
12400 Mellow Meadow Drive
Austin, Texas 78750

Sponsor Hotel
Hampton Inn & Suites
Austin Cedar Park-Lakeline
10811 Pecan Park Blvd Austin Texas 78750

Phone: 512-249-0045 Fax: 512-249-5792
Website: Hampton Inn & Suites
Other Hotels available. Please visit the Westwood Super Regional website www.austinlaxregional.org

Ticket prices
Student Day $5, Weekend $8
Adult Day $8, Weekend $12

Posted on April 17, 2014
Southlake Dragon Stadium
1085 S. Kimball Avenue
Southlake, TX 76092

Ticket prices
Adults $10 per day, Students $8 per day

Parking information:
Free Parking
1085 S Kimball Ave, Southlake, TX 76092

Hotels
Southlake Hilton (in Town Square)
1400 Plaza Pl
Southlake, Tx 76092
817-442-9900

Dallas/Fort Worth Marriott (Westlake)
5 Village Circle
Westlake, Tx 76262
817-430-5000

Hampton Inn & Suites Trophy Club
525 Plaza Dr, Trophy Club, TX 76262
(682) 831-1572

Hilton DFW Lakes Executive
1800 Texas 26, Grapevine, TX
(817) 481-8444

Contact Jim Van den Dyssel is contact for Program Ad Sales, jimvdd@earthlink.net
Camp or Business Ads are $100.
Posted on April 17, 2014
Magnolia West High School Stadium
42202 FM 1774 Rd

$7 a day for adults or $10 for two day wrist band. Children under 12 are $3 for one day pass or $5 for two day wrist band. No pets allowed.

T-Shirts for Sale: Super Regional Tournament T-shirts will be for sale at the game until supplies run out.
Concessions: Concessions will be offered both days.

Game Day Programs: Programs will be provided at no cost highlighting the tournament teams, team rosters, local restaurants and coupons as well as sponsors of Magnolia Lacrosse Association.

Local Hotels:
Executive Inn and Suites
17707 FM 1488 Rd
Magnolia, TX 77354
Main: 281.259.8200
Reservations: 888.229.0499

Magnolia Inn and Suites
18614 FM 1488 Road
Magnolia, TX 77354-8561
Reservations: 281.259.6119

La Quinta Inn and Suites, Woodlands Northwest
6930 FM 1488 Rd
Magnolia, TX 77354
Call: 1-281-259-1757

Posted on March 13, 2014

 Dick’s Sporting Goods announces the launchingSports Matter program!

DICK’S Sporting Goods believes in the importance of youth athletics and have launched the Sports Matter program to address the growing issue of underfunded youth sports teams.  This initiative will raise awareness and match community donations up to $2 million on a new crowdfunding platform to save teams facing financial challenges.

The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation is an exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation created by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc. as a private corporate foundation to support DICK’S charitable and philanthropic activities.

Sports Matter is focusing resources on entire teams disappearing or never competing at all due to severe financial challenges.  Additionally, the program aims to strengthen and expand community support for high-quality youth sports available for young people nationwide.

Up to 575 applications will be accepted through March 21 from K-12 teams that have been eliminated, are at risk of elimination, or have never been able to form because of financial limitations.  Teams must be affiliated with a school, nonprofit or youth sports league with 501(c)3 status, and be able to identify a specific fundraising goal needed for the team to play.

The DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation is legally obligated to only make grants to Teams associated with tax-exempt entities, so you must be affiliated with a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or a public school in order to apply for the Sports Matter Program. If you do not qualify for the Sports Matter program due to this requirement or any of the other eligibility requirements, The DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation has other opportunities available to organizations and youth sports programs. To apply for a donation or sponsorship from our Community Program, please visit http://dsgsports.sponsorport.com

Sports Matter involves both crowdfunding and matching grants provided by The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation. The crowdfunding aspect of the program is to help Teams activate and energize both current and new Team supporters, which will contribute to the sustainability of their programs. The matching funds will directly support Teams and provide incentive for supporters to donate during the crowdfunding phase in order to double their impact.

Exciting new developments with the Sports Matter program are:

Thank you for helping us take on this crucial issue.

 


Posted on March 08, 2014

THSLL Twelve Team DI Playoff Structure

 District Champions and seedings are determined by each District, either by District Playoffs or by the best record at the conclusion of THSLL season play (tiebreaker if necessary). Method of determining District Champion must be decided before the THSLL Annual Meeting.

Teams A1 and B1 will be the top seed and home Team in the super regional tournaments.

 Selection Process 

  1. District Champions will control top 3 seeds.
  2. Teams 4-12 are seeded based upon the standings at the end of THSLL season play, and a predetermined serpentine pairing formula as noted below.  Of the 12 Teams competing, there will be 4 Teams from each District.

 Format 

  1. Teams 1-4 will get 1st round byes.
  2. Two Super Regional Tournaments with Saturday and Sunday format
  3. A predetermined format establishing game locations (North, South or Central Districts)  rotates annually for the Super Regional games
  4. State Championship the following weekend with Semifinals on Saturday and Finals on Sunday
THSLL  Sixteen Team DII Playoff Structure

Basics 

 Each of the four (4) DII Districts will have four (4) teams qualifying for the regional tournaments.

  1. District seedings 1-4 are determined by each District following the conclusion of the regular season.  The method of determining seedings must be decided within each district before the beginning of the regular season.
  2. The top seed within each district will be the host team for their respective regional tournament and will be responsible for organizing their regional tournament.

 Format

  1. The 16 qualifying teams are seeded based upon a predetermined formula as indicated below. 
  2. The four (4) regional tournaments will follow a Saturday/Sunday format the weekend before the State Championship.
  3. Within each region, the #1 seed plays the #4 seed, and the #2 seed plays the #3 seed on Saturday.  The winners of those games play each other on Sunday to determine the Regional representative team to play for the State Championship the following weekend.
  4. The State Championship on the following weekend will have the same structure, with semifinals on Saturday and the championship game on Sunday.


Posted on February 25, 2014

STX Recalls Shield Throat Protector Due to Laceration Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Consumers should stop using this product - the STX Shield Throat Protector - unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Recall Summary

Hazard: The Shield Throat Protector can crack or break when struck by a lacrosse ball, posing a laceration hazard to the user.

Remedy: Refund

Consumer Contact: STX toll-free at (888) 789-7894 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.stx.com and click on RECALL--Shield Throat Protector for more information.

Recall Details

Units: About 4,000

Description: This recall involves the STX Shield throat protector. The throat protector is black and has the letters "STX" engraved on the outer surface of the protector. It has straps attached by silver screws on each side and bottom of the protector to attach it to a lacrosse goalie's helmet below the helmet's chin guard.

Incidents/Injuries: STX has received one report of the Shield throat protector breaking, resulting in reported bruising and lacerations to the user's neck.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the Shield throat protector and contact STX and return the product for a full refund.

Sold at: Specialty sporting goods stores such as Athlete's Connection, Commonwealth Lacrosse, Lacrosse Unlimited, Play It Again Sports, Sport Stop USA, and Universal Lacrosse and online at www.lax.com from September 2013 through February 2014 for about $20 to $25.

Importer/Distributor: STX, LLC of Baltimore, Md.
Manufactured in: Taiwan

Posted on January 23, 2014
As of January 1, 2014, all lacrosse balls used for play MUST meet NOCSAE standards and include the words "Meets NOCSAE Standard".

NOCSAE, the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment, commissions research in sports medicine & science and establishes standards for athletic equipment.

All three governing bodies for lacrosse in the United States – US Lacrosse, the NCAA and the NFHS - have agreed to mandate that only balls marked as "Meets NOCSAE Standard" will be allowed for use in games.

Additionally, the process of visually identifying these NOCSAE balls will become much easier. Beginning in January 2014, the only balls deemed legal for play will be those that state "Meets NOCSAE Standard" in type size that will be simple for consumers and game officials to read.  

NCAA Lax Rules Editor: Only NOCSAE-approved balls are legal, the 'NCAA-approved' balls are not. There is a difference in construction manufacturing between the two.

Why is a standard really needed? The core issue involved in the approval of any equipment standard is safety. Adherence to a ball standard is a matter of quality control. The properties of all lacrosse balls (ie-weight, density, size, etc.) must be consistent to protect the integrity of other protective equipment, such as the facemask, helmet and eyewear, used in the game and to minimize risk to the participants.
Posted on November 13, 2013
Positive Coaching Alliance Double Coach Award Nominations Due December 31st.

PCA annually gives Double-Goal Coach Awards to 20 youth and high school sports coaches from throughout the U.S. who embody the ideals of the Double-Goal Coach, striving to win, while also pursuing the even more important goal of teaching life lessons through sports.

The award includes $250, a stunning trophy and recognition in PCA's website, newsletters and media campaigns. Any current head coach of any youth or high school sport in the U.S. with at least three years' experience is eligible for nomination.

Nominations may come from a school or youth sports organization leader, fellow coach, parent, athlete, friend or family member. Nominations are open through Dec. 31.

Click the link for the nomination instructions

www.positivecoach.org/our-programs/double-goal-coach-awards/
Posted on September 23, 2013

Dick's Sporting Goods will remain a State Level Sponsor for the 2013-2014 Season. Dick's Sporting Goods would like to thank all the members of the Texas High School Lacrosse League for their continued support. We are proud to have THSLL as a member of the Community Youth Sports Program because of the work you do in growing the sport of Lacrosse in the community.

Additionally, Dick’s would like to invite you to participate in an exclusive “league appreciation” shopping experience. During this event we will offer all THSLL participants 20% Off throughout the store. Save on lacrosse equipment and everything else you need to coach, play and watch the games.

DATE: Saturday – October 5, 2013
TIME: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
13 PARTICIPATING TEXAS AREA LOCATIONS

Hurst - North East Mall 1101 Melbourne Rd. Hurst, TX 76053
Frisco - Stonebriar Centre Mall 2611 Preston Road Frisco, TX 75034
Fort Worth – Alliance Town Center 9356 Sage Meadow Trail Fort Worth, TX 76177
Irving - Hunter Plaza 2000 Market Place Blvd. Irving, TX 75063
Flower Mound 5801Long Prairie Rd. Flower Mound, TX 75028
Allen - The Village at Allen 170 E. Stacy Road, Ste. 2310 Allen, TX 75002
Dallas - Park Lane 8030 Park Lane Dallas, TX 75231
Garland - Firewheel Town Center 205 Coneflower Drive Garland, TX 75040
Rockwall - The Plaza at Rockwall 1005 E. Interstate 30 Rockwall, TX 75087
Austin – Bee Cave 3921 Market Street Bee Cave, TX 78738
Austin – Domain 3210 Kramer Lane Austin, TX 787585
Pflugerville 19000 Limestone Commercial Drive Pflugerville, TX 78660
San Antonio - The Rim 18103 Rim Drive San Antonio, TX 78257


Posted on September 01, 2013

THSLL Member School Program Coaches, Athletic Directors, and Club Presidents, the THSLL State Meeting will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Magnolia High School Library
The library is located on your left just inside the front entrance.
The school address is 14350 FM 1488, Magnolia Tx. 77353.

This is your opportunity to participate in the decision making process regarding the THSLL and the THSLL 2014 season. We encourage you to come, participate in the dialog, and to help chart the course for the THSLL.

Posted on May 06, 2013
2013 Division I State Champion- St.Marks- St.Mark's  8, ESD 7

DI MVPs
Offense MVP      ESD #7 Richie Loftus
Defensive MVP    St Marks #13  Justin Harvey
Overall MVP      St. Marks #23 Evan Chang-Tung

2013 Division II State Champion- Flower Mound-Flower Mound 13,Clear Lake 3
DII MVPs
Offense MVP      Flower Mound #44 Daniel Lambert
Defensive MVP    Flower Mound #5 Dylan Sprock
Overall MVP      Flower Mound #0 Brendan Ianiero


Posted on May 05, 2013
The Patterson Award is an annual award named in honor of Bob Patterson, former President and Chief Referee of the Southwest Lacrosse Officials Association (SWLOA). Each year SWLOA membership selects a Men’s high school program for their sportsmanship, quality of play, respect for the game’s character, and the honor they bring to the sport.

2013 Patterson Award winner
St. John's School , Sam Chambers Head Coach
Posted on May 05, 2013
Congratulations to the 2013 All Americans
2013
Bear Goldstein        Defense       St. Mark’s
Dan Morris            Goalie        Dallas Jesuit
Barrett Anigian       Midfield      Episcopal Dallas
Robert Mencke         Midfield      Highland Park
Lee Belland           Midfield      Dallas Jesuit
Sean McCanna          Midfield      Woodlands
Matthew Meaders       Goalie        Highland Park
Michael Edwards       LSM           Westlake
Congratulations to the 2013 Academic All Americans

Jose De Alba          Goalie        TMI - The Episcopal School of Texas
Grant Bowling         Defense       Cy-Fair
Matthew Goodman       Defense       LBJ/LASA
Andrew Graffy         Attack        St. Marks
Posted on May 05, 2013
Coach of the Year
This award honors those coaches who exemplify the ideals of the game within the THSLL.
This award is intended to recognize the individuals overall coaching performance and contribution.

2013 Zack Colburn, Allen

Assistant Coach of the Year

This award honors those coaches who exemplify the ideals of the game within the THSLL.

2013 Jamie Debole, St. Andrews

Person of the Year

THSLL Person of the Year award honoree whose individual whose dedication, commitment, and support of lacrosse and its ideals extends beyond his/her specific Member Team.

2013 Scott Aubin, McNeil


Coach Earl Bill Award for Lifetime Achievement

This special THSLL Commissioner's award will be given periodically to coaches or
administrators who have had a significant impact on THSLL.
2013 Coach David Vollmer, Lamar


Posted on May 05, 2013
Congratulations to

St. Mark's School of Texas
2013 Division I State Champion

Flower Mound
2013 Division II State Champion
Posted on May 03, 2013
Sunday Game 1 - http://lax.tv/link/9473/   Sunday Game 2 - http://lax.tv/link/9474/
D2 Championship - http://lax.tv/link/9476/   D1 Championship - http://lax.tv/link/9475/


Posted on May 02, 2013
To assist out of town friends, family, and lacrosse fans everywhere, THSLL will partner with Laurel Video Productions to bring you all the games from this weekend’s State Lacrosse Championships.

The link for the 2013 THSLL Championships webcast is HERE and the backup website for the live broadcast is HERE.

While we would love all to attend the event at John Clark Stadium in Plano we know everyone can’t be there so this is the best way to not miss any action.

Additional Video Links:
Game 1 - http://lax.tv/link/9471/
Game 2 - http://lax.tv/link/9472/
Game 3 - http://lax.tv/link/9473/
Game 4 - http://lax.tv/link/9474/
D2 Championship - http://lax.tv/link/9476/
D1 Championship - http://lax.tv/link/9475/



Posted on April 20, 2013
For information regarding the 2013 THSLL State Championships, please visit  http://www.texaslacrossechamps.org

Posted on March 22, 2013
THSLL District Coach of the Year & Assistant Coach of the Year
These awards honor those coaches who exemplify the ideals of the game within the THSLL. These awards are intended to recognize the individuals overall coaching performance and contribution, not just coaching wins — although they may be considered.

Each District (Central, North, San Antonio and South) shall select an honoree during their respective District THSLL Awards Selection Meeting at the conclusion of the THSLL season. These honorees will automatically be candidates for the Texas Area US Lacrosse Coach of the Year & Assistant Coach of the Year to be voted on by the Texas Area All-American Selection Committee.

1. This award is only available to Varsity Head Coaches and Varsity Assistant Coaches;
2. The winner must be a member in good standing with US Lacrosse;
3. Nominees must demonstrate outstanding sportsmanship on and off the field at all times;
4. Nominees must demonstrate excellent rapport with officials, other coaches and his own players at all times;
5. Nominee did the most with what he had;
6. Co-Varsity coaches from an Area will not be recognized

THSLL District Persons of the Year
Each District (Central, North, San Antonio and South) shall select a THSLL District Person of the Year award honoree whose individual whose dedication, commitment, and support of lacrosse and its ideals extends beyond his/her specific Member Team. These honorees will automatically be candidates for the Texas Area US Lacrosse Man of the Year (though it could be a woman) to be voted on by the THSLL Executive Committee. Nominees shall meet the following criteria:

1. Nominees can be active coaches, but overall contribution to lacrosse beyond his/her Program is the primary criteria for selection.
2. Nominations should include a biographical sketch, including years of lacrosse involvement and his/her contributions to the game.

THSLL Commissioner’s Awards

These awards honor THSLL players who exemplify the ideals of sportsmanship, competition and character both on and off the field, and shall be selected by the THSLL Commissioner. Any senior player in the THSLL is eligible. These awards are strictly a THSLL awards and are not affiliated with US Lacrosse.

The THSLL Drew Webb and Earl Bill Commissioner Awards are given at the discretion of the Commissioner and are not necessarily annual awards.

Eligibility Guidelines:
Coach of the Year & Assistant Coach of the Year
1. This award is only available to Varsity Head Coaches and Varsity Assistant Coaches;
2. The winner must be a member in good standing with US Lacrosse;
3. Nominees must demonstrate outstanding sportsmanship on and off the field at all times;
4. Nominees must demonstrate excellent rapport with officials, other coaches and his own players at all times;
5. Nominees did the most with what he had;
6. Co-Varsity coaches from an Area will not be recognized.

Person of the Year
1. Nominees can be active coaches, but overall contribution to lacrosse beyond his/her Program is the primary criteria for selection;
2. Nominations should include a biographical sketch, including years of lacrosse involvement and his/her contributions to the game.

Voting Process
1. Nominations for each of the District level awards are submitted to the League Administrator per the timeline- • Nominations and supporting documentation due April 15, 2013 for Coach of the Year, Asst. Coach of the Year, Person of the Year, Academic All American
2. League Administrator submits to each District Coordinator the nominations for their District;
3. Nominations are presented to the District Coordinators for each Division per the timeline;
4. The District Coordinators meet and select the awardees;
5. Any tie-breaker necessary within a District would be broken by the District Coordinator;

Posted on March 22, 2013
All-American
Currently US Lacrosse awards eight (8) players in the THSLL the honor of All-American (AA).

Player eligibility guidelines
1. Players under consideration must be members of US Lacrosse.
2. Players selected must be selected to a District’s All-State Team before he is eligible for All-American.
3. Players from all THSLL Division I and II Teams are eligible for consideration for All-American awards. Players must be a member in good standing with US Lacrosse;
4. Post high school graduates who continue to compete for a high school program are NOT eligible to be considered for All-American.
5. Players may not be both All-American and Academic All-American.

Selection process
1. Nominations from each District will be completed at the end of THSLL season District meetings when the All-State Teams have been selected;• AA/AAA nominations and support information by April 22,2013
2. There is no limit on the number of players a District can nominate;
3. The standard set over the years has been that our AA nominees are our very best players;

Selection Committee

1. An All-American Selection Committee is created consisting of 10 voting coaches, 2 from each Division I District, and 1 from each Division II District
2. Each Division’s pool of coaches within each District will select its coaches to be on the Selection Committee;
3. It is recommended that coaches that serve on the Committee be very experienced, possibly having coached summer all star teams from Texas and inter-District and inter-Divisional games;
4. Members of the Selection Committee will be voted to serve terms by their peer District coaches in each Division I or II;
5. Terms are two years and one year to ensure Committee continuity;
6. A member may not serve more than two consecutive terms, but may serve more than once;
7. Terms run from October 1st and expire on September 30th;
8. Terms are to be staggered, and initial terms determined by lot;
9. The Texas Area Chair for US Lacrosse will serve two-year terms, with a limit of two consecutive terms, but may serve more than once. The Texas Area Chair will be selected by the Committee.

Voting process
1. Voting will be done during a conference call consisting of the 11 participants;
2. Coaches with nominated players will present the nominations to the Committee during the conference call;
3. Coaches with nominated players may be on the Committee.
4. The voting coaches count for one vote each
5. The US Lacrosse Area Chair only votes in the case that a tie needs to be broken.

Academic All-American

Currently US Lacrosse awards four (4) players in the THSLL the honor of Academic All-American. Each District can be awarded one (1) Academic All-American (Central, North, San Antonio and South).

Eligibility Guidelines
Academic All-American
1. Players may come from any THSLL Member Varsity Team;
2. Nominations for selection should be made in writing prior per the THSLL Timetable;• Nominations and supporting documentation due April 15, 2013 for Coach of the Year, Asst. Coach of the Year, Person of the Year, Academic All American
3. Players selected for All-American may not be considered for Academic All-American;
4. Nominated players must be seniors;
5. A school transcript and resume must accompany the nomination;
6. Any player that has received a diploma from a secondary school will not be eligible for Academic All-American status during post-graduate study.


Posted on March 01, 2013
Central Super Regionals
Westwood High School
12400 Mellow Meadow ,Austin, TX 78750
Saturday April 26th and Sunday April 27th
Game times to be determined

North Super Regionals
Southlake Stadium
1085 S. Kimball Avenue, Southlake, TX 76092
Saturday April 26th and Sunday April 27th
Game times to be determined

2014 State Championship
Friendswood High School
Henry Winston Stadium
702 Greenbrier, Friendswood, Tx. 77546
Saturday, May 3rd and Sunday May 4th
Game times to be determined

Posted on February 21, 2013

Attached is a document with an update on the NCAA rules changes and how the officials are to interpret them. This should be helpful for you to review as well. Included is information on the rules themselves and on rule mechanics for the officials.

Please note changes in the following areas:

STICK SPECIFICATIONS
Sticks must have manufactured end cap
Player may not saw the head at the throat
ADDED STICK CHECK FIELD TESTS

TAPE ON SHAFTS AND HEADS (New Section)
Officials will no longer check the back of the stick on a stick check. This was originally proposed at the beginning of the year but has since been reconsidered.
No tape on plastic (except goalie)
Traditional shaft-taping methods (including "donuts") are allowed

TAPE ON THE FACE-OFF STICKS
Clarifies taping requirements- One significant change is the length of the FO middie's tape. The tape on the handle of face off players must extend from the bottom of the head and run 6" down the handle. Circumference should not exceed 3 3/4 inches. This aids officials in their insuring that a middie doesn't grab the head of the stick.Tape on the head is a 3 min NR.

SUGGESTED FACE-OFF MECHANICS
After faceoff violation, faceoff official should signal violation and violation count to benches and partners.

RULES ONCE THE ATTACK AREA HAS BEEN GAINED
Added "In the above 4 situations, a new 30 second clearing timer will begin upon possession (with "RESET" signal)"

RESTARTS
Added language for restarts at the substitution area. Take note of the guidelines for restarts and the direct path to the goal.

GUIDELINES FOR OPEN FIELD RESTARTS (New Section)
Provides guidance for adjudication of 5 yard restart buffer.

STALLING
A valid shot must be initiated with the head of the stick at or above the GLE

PENALTIES AND TIMER-ON
Clarifies flag down Timer On situations.

TIMEOUTS, INJURIES, EQUIPMENT ISSUES, AND INADVERTENT WHISTLES DURING
TIMER-ON (New Section)
Provides mechanic for each of these scenarios

PENALTY ENFORCEMENT RULEBOOK ADJUSTMENTS
Corrects original memo regarding slow whistle technique

SLOW-WHISTLE TECHNIQUE
Further clarifies slow-whistle technique

Article File Attachments: 2013NCAA Rules Mechanics Changes 2-16-2013.pdf NCAA Rules Interpretation
Posted on February 21, 2013
Baseline concussion testing for THSLL athletes free of charge: Through Dick's Sporting Goods partnership with ImPACT® Concussion Testing, we have some licenses to donate but there is a short window to get registered but after the registration is completed I believe there is a year able to activate. Some important details are below:



• Valid age range for the test: 12 years old and up

• Team Qualifiers:

o Cannot be a holder of a PACE license already

o Must represent middle school and high school aged children, colleges not eligible

• Testing will need to be organized and administered by a trained school/team official or through a Credentialed ImPACT® Consultant

o Interested teams will be responsible for scheduling their own testing

o Each test takes 20 minutes to complete and typically will be in groups on 5-10 students at a time

• PACE Support Call Center, M-F, 9am-5pm ET @ (720) 722-3180 or 720-PACE-180

• http://www.impacttest.com/



Organizations must confirm their interest to receive our FREE PACE License Registration and Information by contacting Allen Handy by February 28, 2013 via cell 412-417-7978 or email: allen.handy@dcsg.com I will provide you with the next steps to register and receive your concussion education software and testing material from there.



Thanks for your concern and awareness in combating young athlete concussions!

Posted on January 21, 2013
Attached is the recent slide show presented at the NCAA rules clinic in Philadelphia, which helps to explain and interpret this year's new rules and points of emphasis. It basically follows the rule book and modifies what is in the book. The book has been removed from distribution because there were several errors in it. This attachment corrects a lot of the errors but we suspect there will be more. The book will ultimately be put on line so it can be downloaded.

The Rule Book, plus this presentation, make up the rules that the NCAA, and THSLL will follow.

Several highlights that may not be immediately apparent after reading everything are as follows:

1. A face off middie who illegally touches the ball will receive a one minute NR penalty. This counts toward the number of face off violations in a half that can lead to a team being penalized. If a team already has incurred two violations and their face off middie gets called for an illegal touch, they will be down two players: one for the illegal touch (1 min NR), and the in-home for the 3rd violation in a half (30 sec tech foul).

2. Pre-whistle and post-whistle violations count toward the number allowed in a half. If the face off middie plunges down on the ball and it becomes stuck in his crosse, it is a violation. If someone clamps and holds his opponent that is a violation. Anything at the spot of the face off will count. Wing line pushing and shoving would not.

3. The new rules have the requirment that any player doing face offs must have a piece of contrasting colored tape near the head of the stick. This will make it eaiser for officials to see if the player is grasping the plastic. If a player comes out without the tape, that counts as a violation. He can stay in the game but the ball is awarded to the opposing team without a face off occurring.

4. When a flag down occurs the slow whistle technique is used. In the past, if a team went into the box and came out, the whistle blew to stop play and assess the penalty. Now, we act as if the box doesn't exist. This means a team can go in and come out of the box without the whistle being blown. Also, if a flag is down, they come out and the ball hits the ground for any reason, play will continue. This will occur even if a second penalty created the loose ball. The whistle will be blown if the ball goes out of bounds, a goal is scored, the offensive team commits any penalty, an injury occurs or the end of the period. This has changed because of the new stalling and timer on rules. If a team does not attack the goal in a flag down situation a timer on call will be made and they have 30 seconds to get a shot off. At that point the penalties will be assessed.

5. There will be quick restarts all over the field. If the clearing team gains posession in their defensive zone they do not have to restart in the alley. This includes crease violations. The goalie can pick the ball up immediately and throw a clearing pass. The riding attackman must be careful since he has the responsibility of getting back five yards before he can attempt to play the ball.

The link below is the NCAA Rules video for your reviewing. It covers a lot of what is mentioned in the slide show presentation. It does have one error. In the cross check portion it mentions that a cross check will get a one minute NR penalty. That is not true. It could happen though if the cross check goes to the head and neck.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/ncaa/web_video/lacrosse/2013/MLAX_1212.html


There are a lot of changes this year so please be patient. Officials are learning these rules as well and are being trained to handle them. Mistakes will occur. If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact your local district Chief Referee.

Article File Attachments: 2013 NCAA Rules and Mechanic Changes.pptx NCAA Slide Show
Posted on December 26, 2012
We are excited Dick's Sporting Goods has become one of the THSLL partners for the 2013 Lacrosse Season. Through our partnership with Dick's Sporting Goods, we have a great opportunity for THSLL teams, coaches and players to save before the start of the 2013 season and throughout the year.

We will be hosting a League Appreciation Weekend on January 12th and 13th at 12 participating Dick's Sporting Goods locations in Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Please forward this information out to your coaches, players, parents and young programs to support this event and our sponsorships. Please see the THSLL website for more information.


SAVE THE DATE:
All THSLL Coaches, Players, and Supporters are INVITED!

WHO: Your local Texas Dick’s Sporting Goods locations are dedicated to partnering with youth sports organizations in the communities around our stores.

WHY: We appreciate everything you do in the community to support the youth sports initiative. The countless hours spent by coaches, board members, and volunteers does not go unnoticed.

WHAT: Texas High School Lacrosse League Appreciation Weekend!!!

WHEN: Saturday & Sunday, January 12th – 13th, 2013 from 10am to 7pm

HOW: During the shop event all coaches, players, and families can utilize two different discount coupons to save on everything from lacrosse equipment to folding chairs, canopies, and coolers.

Combine both the Lacrosse Team Packet Coupon Offers with an Additional 15% off your entire purchase.

WHERE: See Coupon for the 12 Participating Locations Dick’s Sporting Goods with our Good, Better, Best Lacrosse Assortment Ratings.

Click Link for Coupon Offers:

2013 THSLL Shop Event Coupons

See attached Flyer

Article File Attachments: 2013 Shop Event Flyer THSLL.pdf 2013 Shop Event Flyer
Posted on December 18, 2012

2013 NCAA Lacrosse Rules and Officiating Video (An informative video posted December 14, 2012)

s3.amazonaws.com/ncaa/web_video/lacrosse/2013/MLAX_1212.html

Posted on December 03, 2012
NCAA 2013-2014 Rule Book Major Rules Changes as of November 30, 2012

Substitution box expanded to 20 yards

Change to RULE 1-SECTION 10: "The substitution area shall be 20 yards wide. Two lines shall be drawn on either side of the center line 10 yards from the center line and extending past the scorer's table."

Minimum of six and a maximum of 10 balls shall be available

Change to RULE 1-SECTION 16: "A minimum of six balls and a maximum of 10 balls shall be available at each end line and sideline. The number of balls in each area must be equal in each area. On the bench side, balls shall be placed at the scorer's table and outside each bench area. These balls shall be replenished by the home team and game management staff."

Ball must meet NOCSAE standard and display mark by 2014
1-16: "The ball must meet the current NOCSAE lacrosse ball standard. Starting in January of 2014, all balls must specify that the ball meets the NOCSAE standard."

Shooting strings or laces must be within 4 inches of top of crosse
Change to RULE 1-SECTION 19: "Any additional strings or laces (e.g., shooting strings) must be located within 4" of top of the crosse. No more than one sidewall string on each side is allowed. No crosse may have any tape affixed to the plastic. This does not include the crosse of a goalkeeper."


Third pre-whistle faceoff violation of each half results in 30-second technical penalty
Change to RULE 4-SECTION 3: "After two pre-whistle violations in one half by a team, the third and subsequent violations result in a 30-second technical penalty. This applies to both pre- and post-whistle violations that directly relate to the faceoff (See A.R. 15, 23 and 25). On the third and subsequent violations, the in-home is the player that must serve the penalty. Additionally, the requirement of the faceoff player to leave the field has been eliminated. Violations by the wing players before the faceoff will count toward the three per half. Only the faceoff players may be penalized for a postwhistle faceoff violation."

Faceoffs during penalty situations must have four players in the defensive area and three players in the offensive area

4-3: "During the faceoff in all penalty situations, there must be four players must be in the defensive area and three players in the offensive area. Exception: When a team has three or more players in the penalty area, a player may come out of its defensive area to take the faceoff.

A.R. 11. On a faceoff, A2 uses his hand to grab the ball. It is Team A's third violation of a half. RULING: Team B's ball. Personal foul (unsportsmanlike conduct) on A2 and the in-home must also serve the team's technical foul, putting Team A two men down."

Tape may not be added to the throat of a faceoff player's crosse
4-3: "Tape must be applied to the handle of the crosse in a contrasting color to designate the throat of the crosse for players taking the faceoff."

Ball that returns to the defensive half of the field and remains in the offensive team's possession starts a 30-second count to shoot
Change to RULE 4-SECTION 14: "If the ball returns to the defensive half of the field and the offensive team regains possession, officials shall start the 30-second shot procedure when possession is gained."

Goalkeepers no longer given grace period to return to crease before play is restarted
Change to RULE 4-SECTION 18d: "There shall be no grace period for the goalkeeper to return to the crease regardless of where the ball is restarted."

Substitution Procedures: Regular Substitution (Horns Eliminated)

Change to RULE 4-SECTION 21: "Substitution may take place without the necessity of waiting for suspension of play by an official. Players may enter the field of play from the substitution area under the following conditions:
a. The player must be properly equipped.
b. He may not enter the substitution area until his substitution is imminent.
c. The player leaving the field of play must exit via the substitution area.
d. The substitute must wait until such player is off the field of play, and the substitute may not delay his entry onto the field.

A.R. 96. During a regular substitution, or after a restart, A1 delays his entrance onto the field. The trailing official sees the delay. RULING: Silent play-on with an official's arm in the air unless A1 participates in the play, technical foul. This does not remove the responsibility of a team to adhere to the offside rule.
e. The substitute must always yield his position in the substitution area to any player exiting the field.
f. Substitution may take place while play is suspended.
Note: Any delay of the game is to be enforced strictly. See Rule 6-6-f for method of enforcement.

A.R. 98. When is a team member considered legally in the game? RULING: When the substituting team member has complied with substitution requirements as provided by rule and when he has entered the field of play.

Substitution Procedures: Free Substitution
Change to RULE 4-SECTION 22: "Substitution of players may be made when play has been suspended by the officials. These situations include:
a. End of a period.
b. Scoring of a goal.
c. Injury timeout.
d. Equipment adjustment.
e. Penalty enforcement.
f. Man-up play.

Procedures for restarting play adjusted to increase pace of play

Change to RULE 4-SECTION 23: "Once the referee has signaled that the ball is ready for play, the official shall resume play as quickly as possible. If an opposing player is within five yards of the player that has been awarded the ball, the official shall blow the whistle to start play. The opposing player is not allowed to defend the ball until he reaches a distance of five yards from the opponent. A violation will be a flag down (slow whistle) for delay of game.

"Officials are also instructed to get the ball in play quickly and not be as deliberate with the exact location of the violation. An unfair distance advantage gained by the team with the ball must occur to delay the restart. If officials confer on a play (e.g., goal/no goal), communication to the teams should take place before the restart.

"On restarts where the ball goes out of bounds, the player who is awarded the ball cannot get a running start while out-of-bounds; he must establish himself in bounds prior to the official blowing the whistle.

Restarting play when offensive team is awarded ball in attack area adjusted for quick restart
4-23: "Any stoppage of play that occurs while the ball is in the attack area will result in a quick restart. (Exception: When the offensive team is awarded possession in the attack area, play will be restarted anywhere outside of the attack area. The offensive team is responsible for moving the ball outside the attack area for the restart. Only one pass is permitted.)"

Removed "deliberate" from the targeting the head/neck rule

Change to RULE 5-SECTION 3: "A player shall not initiate contact to an opponent's head or neck with a cross-check, or any part of his body (head, elbow, shoulder, etc.) or stick. Any follow-through that contacts the head or neck shall also be considered a violation of this rule."

Description of legal screening added

Change to RULE 6-SECTION5b: "In establishing and maintaining legal screening tactics, the screener shall:
1. Stay within his vertical plane with a stance no wider than shoulder width apart and shall not lean into the path of an opponent or extend hips into that path, even though the feet are stationary.
2. Not be required to face in any particular direction at any time. No player, while moving, shall set a screen that causes contact and delays an opponent from reaching a desired position."

Stalling rules adjusted to mandate offensive team responsibility to create a scoring opportunity, with two exceptions
Change to RULE 6-SECTION 11: "a. It shall be the responsibility of the team in possession to try and create a scoring opportunity.
Exception: If the offensive team has the ball in the attack area and the defensive team is not playing the ball, no stall warning will be issued until either (1) the defensive team attempts to play the ball or (2) the offensive team brings the ball outside the attack area. However, a stall warning may be issued when the offensive team has the ball outside the attack area or below the goal line extended regardless of whether the defensive team is playing the ball.

When stall warning is enforced, offensive team has 30 seconds to take a shot on goal
6-11: "PENALTY — When a team in possession of the ball in its offensive half of the field is given a stall warning, the team is required to take a shot within 30 seconds. A shot is defined as an attempt to score that is on goal (saved by the goalkeeper, rebound off of the goalkeeper, hits the goal pipe, or goal scored). If the 30 seconds expires without a shot on goal, the ball is awarded to the defensive team."

Stall warning mechanics specified; officials to use timing device and manage process on the field
6-11: "b. Officiating Mechanics.
1. Trail official signals stall warning, verbalizes "Timer on!" and starts the 20-second timer.
2. At the end of the 20-second timer, a 10-second hand count is administered by the trail official when the timer expires. The official shall announce "ten seconds" as an audible warning. This official has responsibility for the count until a shot is taken or the time expires.
3. During the 30-second period, situations where a shot goes out of bounds and the offensive team maintains possession shall be handled in this manner:
a. With more than 10 seconds remaining in the count, the timer continues to run and the procedure continues.
b. If the timer expires before the restart, a 10-second hand count will be administered starting on the restart.
c. With less than 10 seconds remaining, the official shall hold the hand count when the whistle blows and continue the count on the restart. For example, if the ball goes out of bounds with 8 seconds remaining on the count, that count continues on the restart. The official shall communicate the amount of time remaining prior to the restart.
4. A shot that hits the goal pipe or rebounds off of the goalkeeper nullifies the stall warning and the game shall continue.
5. In a flag down situation, the shot count shall continue until it expires or a shot is taken.
6. Neither team shall be called for stalling during a man advantage.
7. If a shot hits a defensive team player other than the goalkeeper does not satisfy the criteria for a shot on goal.
8. Once the shot criteria is met, an audible "Timer off" command shall be given by the officials.
c. Timeout situations. If the offensive team calls a timeout when the shot clock is engaged, the team will be granted the timeout. If there are more than 10 seconds remaining in the count, the shot clock will be moved to 10 seconds on the restart. With less than 10 seconds remaining, the count will continue from the point where it was stopped at the timeout. The official shall communicate the amount of time remaining prior to the restart. If the defensive team calls timeout, the shot clock will be reset to 30 seconds on the restart.

Shooting strings must be located within four inches of the top of the crosse. The rule doesn't apply to goalie sticks.
© NCAA

App. I Stick inspection procedures adjusted
Three field tests are required when conducting checks:
1. The ball placed in crosse (perpendicular to the ground) at the throat, then the crosse is tipped forward 90 degrees;
2. The ball is placed in the crosse (horizontal to the ground) at the deepest point of the pocket, then the crosse is tipped forward 90 degrees so the ball rolls out at the tip of the head; and
3. The ball is placed in the back of the crosse at the deepest point of the pocket and pushed in to reverse the pocket. The crosse is inverted 180 degrees. The ball must come out of the crosse without shaking, etc.
PENALTY: If the ball does not come out of the crosse in any of these tests, it is an illegal crosse and a one-minute non-releasable foul. The crosse may not be used during play and will be kept at the scorer's table until the conclusion of the game.

Points of Emphasis for 2013 and 2014

Touching Either Crosse on Faceoffs
The focus of the committee's changes with regard to faceoffs are a continued effort to directly address players who gain an unfair advantage by touching either crosse during the faceoff play. While improvement has been made in recent seasons, a continued emphasis is needed.

Illegal Tactics When Defending (e.g., Cross-check/hold)

Growing concern with certain defensive techniques has led the committee to make the cross-check/hold a point of emphasis. In particular, when a defensive player thrusts the crosse into an offensive player, this is a violation. More stringent enforcement will be supported by the committee in this area.

Sideline Behavior
The committee remains concerned that in some areas inappropriate sideline behavior in NCAA lacrosse contests. The committee asks coaches, players, officials and administrators to conduct themselves in an appropriate and professional manner.



Article File Attachments: Sample of Shooting Strings.doc Shooting Strings Example
Posted on October 23, 2012
NCAA Rules Interpretations:

High Hits
  • Violent or hard hits above the shoulders will warrant at a minimum a 1-minute non releasable penalty.
  • The word “deliberate” has been removed from the rule book meaning even incidental hits above the shoulders are subject to the NR penalization
Face-offs / Checks
  • Contrasting colored tape at throat of stick head. A strip of contrasting tape just below throat on shaft. There must be clear distinction where throat meets shaft. F/O middie will be sent from field prior to F/O and possible delay of game for repeated non-compliance.
  • 30-second Technical Foul (Ill. Proc.) if there are 2 or more pre/post whistle violations against same team in either half. Post whistles include only those involved directly in scrum at center x and/or wing violations. Pushing, interference, etc. not inclusive.
  • The F/O middie no longer has to depart field on pre-whistle violation
  • Unsportsmanlike Conduct is Point of Emphasis – particularly offensive language (F-Bombs). Automatic 1-minute non-releasable
  • Cross checks – emphasis on the thrust. A mere cross check hold can be upgraded to 1 or 2 minute CC personal fall if there is obvious thrusting action

Substitution Changes
  • Sub box is 20 yards long
  • All live ball subs on fly
  • All out of bounds clock stoppages are on the fly (no horn)
  • Regular substitution may occur after a goal, timeout, or penalty enforcement (20-seconds to sub)
  • Must have 6-10 end line balls at ALL times. This will be specific to new shot clock rule and the need for a readily available ball on end line shots while shot clock continues to run
  • Enhanced Stick Checks
  • 90-degree tilts from upright and horizontal positions. Ball must roll out freely on the tilts
  • Back of stick (lower throat area). Ball cannot defy gravity when turned towards ground (stick parallel to ground)
  • These particular fouls will result in 1-minute NR, stick removed from game
Man Down Face-off
  • Can no longer bring a player out of restraining areas to cover a wing (3-on-2 in middle of field) .
  • Only if team is three or more men down may restrained player come out for purpose of facing off
Stalling / Shot Clock
  • No more “Get it in/keep it in”
  • Nothing in guidelines stipulate time necessary to clear or advance
  • Interpretation at this time: Stalling/shot clock can be called from ANYWHERE on field if it becomes apparent or obvious to officials that team in possession is not advancing or going to goal (this may or may not be subject to change)
  • Stall warning/shot clock to be in effect automatically whenever team that has advanced ball (into box) is responsible for ball going back into D-half of field and regains possession – think back court violation, but with 30-second opportunity to play without losing possession by rule
  • When stall is given, officials shall verbalize “Shot Clock”, trail official will put on 20-second timer
  • When timer expires, same official will begin 10-count – visible arm movement for each count
  • Shot must hit pipe or GK to be considered a shot
  • If D-player in or out of crease makes save, shot clock still in effect since goalie is required to be a shot.
  • Must be legitimate shot attempt: deflected pass or inadvertent contact with pipe or GK not considered a shot .
  • On end line (or sideline) shot attempts awarded back to offense (that did not meet legitimate shot criteria), 20-second timer continues even while ball is dead
  • Must have 6-10 balls at end line in the shot clock situation so as not to disadvantage team that has been warned for stalling
  • If hand-count is in effect on end line re-award then count picks up from where ball was dead, i.e. official has counted 7 times with hand-count, three seconds remain on shot clock at restart
  • Ball must be out of stick by time shot clock expires. Act of shooting does not get benefit of the doubt. Ball must be on its way!
  • Shot clock restarts at “10” if offensive team calls time out – EVEN IF the 20-second timer has not exhausted itself
  • Shot clock resets after a time out called by defense
  • Shot clock resets in loose ball “play on” situations and the stalling team regains possession during play or by award
  • Defense must play the ball to get stall warning
  • Offense must advance ball into box to avoid stall
  • Stall can be called if attack team is in the box and then exits the box even if D is not playing the ball
  • If ball is loose and shot clock expires, a “play on” should be in effect unless offended team has no opportunity to gain possession
  • Stall is waived if legitimate shot is taken (hits pipe/GK) and that team regains possession
  • There is NO 2-minute automatic stall for team ahead in score. However, officials will be ready to put stall/shot clock on in quicker fashion if that team ahead does not attack goal (Defense still must play ball for legitimate stall call to be given)

Shot Clock During Flag Down / Slow Whistle (delayed calls)
  • Play can continue on loose balls in the box same as last year if no shot clock in effect
  • If shot clock is on, same rules except once a shot is taken that stops shot clock – but no score – then whistle will blow to stop play
  • No stalls/shot clock called in EMO situations – exception: ball goes into D-half and possession is regained by attacking team
  • Interpretation of stall/shot clock during FD/SW as period ends: Stall will NOT carry over as there is no stalling during EMO except for backcourt rule (This is another that I’m not 100% sure on, but the guidelines specifically state no EMO shot clock)
Restarts
  • Quick restarts when awarded team is ready and outside the box
  • Closest defender MAY be within 5 yards on restart BUT MUST get 5 yards or more away from player in possession after whistle blows before he can man-up, ride, or defend player in possession (30-second penalty for this defensive infraction)
  • GK no longer gets 5-seconds on any restart and he is outside crease – end line shots, GK advances ball and loses possession due to offensive foul (ward, interference, screen, etc.)

Note on Quick restarts: It will be incumbent on coaches and players to know that they may be at a disadvantage on free plays awarded to the opposing team. THIS IS AN NCAA rule and the officials are to follow the guidelines that make men’s lacrosse a more up-tempo game. The Sportsmanship guideline will dictate that player or coaches who vehemently argue a legitimate quick restart by an official may be subject to conduct or unsportsmanlike conduct fouls.

The new definition of shot is only when the shot clock is on.

The panel also approved a rule regarding shooting strings. Starting with the 2013 season, players will be allowed to have shooting strings up to but not touching four inches from the top of the crosse. See attached image for example.
Article File Attachments: New_Head_Stringing_1_small.jpg Head Graphic
Posted on September 20, 2012
THSLL Member School Program Coaches, Athletic Directors, and Club Presidents,

The THSLL State Meeting will be held on September 22, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Dallas at Episcopal School of Dallas, 4100 Merrell Road, Dallas, Tx. 75229.

Turn on west on Merrell Road off of Midway.  Enter the security gate on the left, and park in the lot.  Walk to the left of the building through the courtyard. The Dining Commons is located on the first floor in The Wellness Center located next to the Montwood parking lot.

This is your opportunity to participate in the decision making process regarding the THSLL and the THSLL 2013 season. We encourage you to come, participate in the dialog, and to help chart the course for the THSLL.

Posted on May 08, 2012
Congratulations to the 2012 THSLL All Americans and 2012 Academic All Americans

2012 All Americans
Michael Edwards, Defense/LSM, Westlake
Sam Finney, Defense, Strake Jesuit
Michael McCarney, Defense, Dallas Jesuit
Bear Goldstein, Defense,St. Marks
Hunter Gore, Midfield, Plano
Bucky Desadier, Attack, Houston Christian
Will Perkins, Attack, St. Marks
Max Skibber, Attack, Episcopal Houston

2012 Academic All Americans
Robert William (Will) Brothers, Defense, St. Stephen's Episcopal School
Wells Waller, Defense, Episcopal School of Dallas
Collin Phillips, Attack, Klein High School
Ronald Heisser, Midfield, Reagan


Posted on May 07, 2012
2012 Division I State Champion- Highland Park

DI Championship - Highland Park (5) vs St. Mark's (4)

DI MVP's-
Overall MVP, Daniel Wenz, Midfield, Highland Park
Offensive MV, Wills Manley , Attack, Highland Park
Defensive MVP, Matthew Meaders, Highland Park

2012 Division II Champion- Highland Park DII

DII Championship - Highland Park DII (8) vs Klein (7)
DII MPV's-
Overall MVP, Dawson Burdette, Goalie, Highland Park II
Offensive MVP , Corbin Wynn, Midfield, Highland Park II
Defensive MVP, Jeffery Wesley, Goalie, Klein
Posted on May 07, 2012
Coach of the Year
Evan Whelchel, Westlake

Assistant Coach of the Year
Dave Smith, St. Marks

Person of the Year
Al Picazo


Commissioner’s Award
This award honors THSLL players who exemplify the ideals of sportsmanship, competition and character both on and off the field.

Nicholas W. Mahowald, St. Marks

Posted on May 07, 2012
The Patterson Award

Annual award named in honor of Bob Patterson, former President and Chief Referee of the Southwest Lacrosse Officials Association (SWLOA). Each year SWLOA membership selects a men’s high school program for their sportsmanship, quality of play, respect for the game’s character, and the honor they bring to the sport.
TMI, The Episcopal School of Texas, San Antonio District
Posted on April 30, 2012
The games on Sunday will be video streamed on the following links
To view the stream, use web browsers such as Google Chrome, Firefox or Safari.

Saturday, May 5th
Georgetown, Texas
Reagan vs Klein 12:30 p.m.
Highland Park DII vs St. Michaels 3:00 p.m.

Dallas Jesuit vs Highland Park 5:30 p.m.
Houston Christian vs St. Marks 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 6th 
1:00  p.m. Division II Championship Game
3:30 p.m. Division I Championship Game

Admission is $10 for Adults and $5 for students and children.

East View High School
4490 E. University
Georgetown , TX 78626

Located at the intersection of State Hwy 29 and the 130 toll road.
Posted on April 30, 2012
Coach of the Year/Assistant Coach of the Year- This award honors those coaches who exemplify the ideals of the game within the THSLL.
This award is intended to recognize the individuals overall coaching performance and contribution, not just coaching wins — although they may be considered.

Coach of the Year
2012 Evan Whelchel, Westlake


Assistant Coach of the Year
2012 Dave Smith, St. Marks


Commissioner’s Award
This award honors THSLL players who exemplify the ideals of sportsmanship, competition and character both on and off the field, and shall be selected by the THSLL Commissioner.

Commissioner’s Award- 2012 Nicholas W. Mahowald, St. Marks


Posted on April 28, 2012
North Super Regional
April 22, 2012
North Super Regional will be held at
Hillcrest Franklin Field on April 28th and 29th.

April 29 Games
Dallas Jesuit (6) vs St.Johns (4)
Highland Park (11) vs.Austin (2)

April 28 Game Schedule

2:15 Anderson (5) vs. St. Johns (12)
4:15 Highland Park (10) vs. Woodlands (8)
The Hillcrest Lacrosse Club welcomes you to Franklin Field on your first stop on your journey to the 2012 THSLL State Championships in Georgetown.
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=7007+Lakehurst,+Dallas,+TX+75230&oe=UTF-8&hnear=7007+Lakehurst+Ave,+Dallas,+Texas+75230&gl=us&t=m&z=16
Posted on April 28, 2012
April 29 Game Schedule
Field Name: Mustang Lacrosse and Soccer Complex

Address: 2700 West Sam Houston Parkway North
Houston, TX 77043

Plano West (6) vs Houston Christian (10)


St. Marks (10) Westlake (8)



April 28 2:00
Westwood (5) vs. Plano West (14)

Episcopal Houston (7) vs. St. Marks (11)

Posted on February 13, 2012
Please keep an eye on the "LAX Information Exchange" news section (link on the top left menu) for upcoming tournaments and communications from college coaches.

A number of new articles have recently been published for the general lacrosse community.
Posted on October 29, 2011
The US Lacrosse National Convention, presented by Champion®, is coming back to Philadelphia!
Billed as "the unofficial start to the lacrosse season," this event gathers the very best the sport has to offer, and provides the sport’s largest educational opportunity, with over 5,000 coaches, officials, program administrators and exhibitors in attendance each year.

Save the Date - January 13-15, 2012
Early-bird registration is now in progress. Don't miss out on the discount.
http://www.uslacrosse.org


Posted on September 25, 2011

US Lacrosse is playing a leading role in ongoing research and is committed to educating the national lacrosse community about the potential dangers of commotio cordis, as well as the life-saving value of having AEDs available during lacrosse games and practices.

In 2006, US Lacrosse entered a strategic alliance with Cardiac Science, a leading manufacturer of AEDs, to provide greater educational resources and special AED pricing for US Lacrosse members.

Now, US Lacrosse and Cardiac Science are offering an AED Grant Program which provides comprehensive management of AED/CPR training to awarded leagues and chapters. Through the grant, US Lacrosse will subsidize a significant portion of the cost of a one-year partnership with Cardiac Science.

Click Here to Download Grant Application

Application Timeline for Grant Program

April 18, 2011 - Grant applications available.
September 30, 2011 (EXTENDED) - Deadline for submitting completed applications.
October 2011 - Notification letters sent to all applicants.
December 31, 2012 - All AED training workshops must be completed by this date.

In 2010, US Lacrosse awarded 14 lacrosse organizations in 12 states an AED Grant:

Southern Marin Lacrosse Club, Mill Valley, CA
Norwich Youth Lacrosse Association, Norwich, CT
Roswell Youth Lacrosse Association, Roswell, GA
Lakers Youth Lacrosse, Lakeville, MA
Western Maryland US Lacrosse Chapter, Walkersville, MD
Cecil Lacrosse League, Port Deposit, MD
Homegrown Lacrosse Nonprofit, Minneapolis, MN
AUFAA Dragons Lacrosse, Allentown, NJ
Mahopac Sports Association, Mahopac, NY
Lower Dauphin, Hummelstown, PA
Cookeville Lacrosse Club, Cookeville, TN
Kingwood Ladies Lacrosse, Kingwood, TX
Southlake Carroll Lacrosse Association, Southlake, TX
Janesville Lacrosse Club, Janesville, WI

Posted on June 22, 2011

Congratulations to Coppell and Hillcrest on their 2011 THSLL Seasons and their hard fought victories this past weekend at the 2011 THSLL State Championships at Woodforest Bank Stadium in Shenandoah, Texas.

Congratulations to Clear Lake and Dallas Jesuit, and to ESD, Stony Point, St. Mark's, and TMI on a great 2011 THSLL Season and their outstanding efforts this past weekend as well.

What a great weekend of Texas high school lacrosse...

Special thanks to the Woodlands Lacrosse Association, the City of Shenandoah, and all the event sponsors, for a great venue and an outstanding job of hosting and supporting this important THSLL event. The effort and results from this past weekend set the bar high for future THSLL events.

Special thanks to Jeff Watts and his production crew (www.jwproductions.org) and the broadcast crew (Doug Anderson, Alex Poole, Jeff Power) for the great job they did producing, directing, and announcing the Fox College Sports coverage of Sunday's championship games and awards activities.

Please note that we are already starting our planning for the 2012 THSLL Season, and the 2012 THSLL DII Division Championships on April 28-29, 2012, the 2012 THSLL Super Regional Tournaments in Dallas and Houston on April 28-29, 2012, and the 2012 THSLL State Championship Weekend in Austin, Texas on May 5-6, 2012. If you and your THSLL Member School Program are interested in hosting a 2012 THSLL event, please contact your District Coordinator right away. We would like to get these venues decided, contracts signed, and planning started as soon as possible.

Please don't forget our 2011 THSLL State Meeting is coming up in Austin, Texas on September 24, 2011. Look for details via email, and on www.thsll.org, in the coming weeks. Your attendance at this meeting is important as it is your opportunity to influence the direction of the THSLL for the 2012 THSLL Season, and beyond.

Congratulations to all THSLL Member School Programs on a great 2011 THSLL Season. Thank you for your commitment to the student athletes of the THSLL.

The THSLL Board of Directors

   
Posted on May 08, 2011
All Americans
 
Buck McClure,  Attack,  Dallas Jesuit
Campbell Sode,  Attack,  Highland Park
Nate Hruby,  Midfield,  Coppell
Tyler Landis,  Midfield,  Coppell
Will Merritt,  Midfield,  Austin
Chase Rogers,  Midfield,  Woodlands
Hunter Hendrick,  Defense,  Kingwood
Brandon Mullins,  Defense,  Coppell
 
Academic All Americans
 
Brent Sterling Phelps,  Goalie,  Taylor (Morton Ranch High School)
Grant Fitts,  Goalie,  Episcopal School of Dallas
Jimmy Nawalaniec,  Midfield,  Dallas Jesuit
Jordan Andrew Schochet,  Midfield,  Plano West
 
Coach of the Year
This award honors those coaches who exemplify the ideals of the game within the THSLL. This  award is intended to recognize the individuals overall coaching performance and contribution, not just coaching wins although they may be considered.

Bill Elliott, Hillcrest
 
Assistant Coach of the Year
 
This award honors those coaches who exemplify the ideals of the game within the THSLL.
 
Craig Reeves, Strake Jesuit
 
Person of the Year
 
THSLL Person of the Year award honoree whose individual whose dedication, commitment, and support of lacrosse and its ideals extends beyond his/her specific Member Team.
 
Gretchen Waltz, Stony Point
 
Commissioner’s Award
 
These awards honors THSLL players who exemplify the ideals of sportsmanship, competition and character both on and off the field, and shall be selected by the THSLL Commssioner
 
William Wallace, St. Johns
 
The Patterson Award
 
Annual award named in honor of Bob Patterson, former President and Chief Referee of the Southwest Lacrosse Officials Association (SWLOA).  Each year SWLOA membership selects a men’s high school program for their sportsmanship, quality of play, respect for the game’s character, and the honor they bring to the sport.
 
Anderson High School
 
Article File Attachments: All Americans.docx 2011 Awards
Posted on May 08, 2011
2011 Division I State Champion
Coppell Lacrosse

Coppell defeated Dallas Jesuit 10 to 8

Overall Team MVP
Tyler Landis, Midfield, Coppell

Offensive MVP
Richie Sapp, Attack, Dallas Jesuit

Defensive MVP
Jonathan Ferree, Goalie, Coppell


2011 Division II Champion
Hillcrest Lacrosse

Hillcrest defeated Clear Lake 13 to 11

Overall Team MVP     
Trevor Atkins, Attack, Hillcrest

Offensive MVP
Troy Smith, Midfield, Clear Lake

Defensive MVP
Ward Weber, Goalie, Hillcrest
     
Posted on May 02, 2011
THE WOODLANDS, TX (Tuesday, November 2, 2010) Fox College, a national network that is part of the Fox family, will televise live the two championship games of the Texas High School Lacrosse League State Championship (THSLL), on Sunday, May 8 at 12 noon and 2:30 pm.

http://jwpmobiletv.com

This site will have the Championship games streamed live on Sunday beginning at 12 noon.

The Texas High School Lacrosse League State Championship itself is set for Mother's Day weekend, May 7 - 8, 2011 at Woodforest Bank Stadium, according to John Rizzuti, President of The Woodlands Lacrosse Association (WLA). Hosted by the WLA, the top four teams in Boy's High School Lacrosse from around the state in Divisions I and II will face off in semi-final games on Saturday, May 7. The State Championship will be decided on Sunday, May 8 as the top two teams left standing in each division compete for the title.

Jeff Watts Production, Inc., the leader in sports productions in the Southwest, will produce the show.  Jeff Watt Productions produces for ESPN, CBS College, Fox College, CBS / TXA21 in DFW, Fox Sports Southwest, and many college conferences including the Southland Conference Television Network.

"The popularity of lacrosse in Texas has been incredible with many of the Texas athletes now receiving scholarships to some of the Ivy League and Big East schools," said Jeff Watts, Owner and Executive Producer for Jeff Watt Productions.�We are excited to produce the two championship games on May 8 for Fox College, a national network which is part of the Fox family, to lacrosse enthusiasts from Texas and across the nation.�

The televising of this Championship is a boost to the sport of lacrosse. "The Texas High School Lacrosse League, home to over 3,500 high school student athletes in Texas, and the THSLL State Championship weekend, is excited to have this opportunity to showcase the best-of-the-best.  Having the competition televised is a significant win for these student athletes and the sport of lacrosse in Texas," said Ray Martin, Commissioner of the Texas High School Lacrosse League. "We are excited that our League is going to be exposed to fans and families who cannot make it to Woodforest Stadium to see the games in person.  It will be a great weekend of lacrosse!"

The THSLL State Championship is sponsored by the City of Shenandoah, St. Luke's Lakeside Hospital, Harrow Lacrosse and Trilogy Lacrosse. Free admission is available for youth lacrosse players when they wear their team game jerseys or team spirit wear (Young Guns, Middle School and Junior High). Youth under five years of age are admitted free. Admission for youth and adults, 65 and over, is $5 while adult ticket prices are $10.

The Woodlands Lacrosse Association is an umbrella organization representing over 300 lacrosse players and their families from the Young Guns and Young Dolls to the varsity programs for both Girls and Boys. For more information on the WLA, visit www.woodlandslax.com.

For more information, contact:

Lorrie Parise 281.419.7093
John Rizzuti 832.493.4786

Lorrieparise@sbcglobal.net
jrizzuti@kprc.com
Article File Attachments: THSLL Championship Televised.doc Press Release
Posted on April 21, 2011

THSLL Member School Programs –

Rules Change Proposal Process for 2011 State Meeting

We want to be sure to remind you of the THSLL process for submitting  rule change proposals to be considered as agenda items for the THSLL State Meeting so that you have time to complete the requirements associated with that process.  Towards that end, the following outlines the process and requirement for THSLL Member School Program submission of topics for consideration for the THSLL State Meeting agenda and voting items list.

THSLL Member School Program Rule Change Proposals for 2011 THSLL State Meeting Consideration…

THSLL Member School Programs submitting rule change proposals (Rule Change Form attached) to be considered at the 2011 THSLL State Meeting on September 24, 2011 are required to provide a detailed proposal using the THSLL Rule Change form and supporting documentation, and a signed petition, and/or written acknowledgements  demonstrating support by at least 20% of the THSLL Member School Programs, of which 50% must be from outside the submitting THSLL Member School Program’s district.

The THSLL Board of Directors  has agreed to only bring THSLL Member School Program proposals before the THSLL Member School Programs for consideration and a vote at a THSLL State Meeting and/or special meeting when this requirement is met.

The proposals and the supporting documentation should be sent to Nancy Powers, the THSLL State Administrator, at powers21@sbcglobal.net on or before June 15, 2011.

 

This process serves three purposes. 

  • First, it ensures that THSLL Member School Programs have their proposals seriously considered and that all THSLL Member School Programs are aware of such proposals, and have the opportunity to consider them, discuss them, and weigh in on whether they believe all the THSLL Member School Programs should consider them. 
  • Second, it gives the submitting THSLL Member School Program an opportunity to present their proposal to other THSLL Member School Programs and receive feedback and suggestions on the proposal, and garner support for it to meet the submission requirement. 
  • Third, it ensures that the THSLL Member School Programs have a voice in the direction of THSLL and that we are making THSLL decisions based on majority and/or super majority rule after careful consideration of such proposals and/or alternatives from the due diligence around them.

We will hold rule change proposals for consideration for the THSLL State Meeting agenda until August 5, 2011. 

At that time, if the required documentation and THSLL Member School Program support as called for above have been received by the THSLL Board of Directors the rules change proposals will be added to the agenda for the THSLL State Meeting and time will be allocated for their consideration and a vote taken on them by the THSLL Member School Programs.

 The THSLL Board of Directors is committed to leading and making decisions with the active participation of the THSLL Member School Programs that support the THSLL principles to grow the sport of lacrosse while maintaining the quality of the experience, and to making lacrosse available to as many Texas high school boys as possible.  We hope that you will view this as the means to that goal, and to building the bridge to the future of THSLL.

 

Article File Attachments: THSLL 2012 Rule Change Form.doc THSLL 2012 Rule Change Form
Posted on March 29, 2011

THSLL Annual Meeting

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Austin, Texas

Posted on March 08, 2011
The THSLL Board of Directors would like to remind everyone about the LACROSSE INFORMATION EXCHANGE.  It is a new way for interested lacrosse constituencies to reach our THSLL Member School Program Membership and the Texas lacrosse community.  Interested parties can submit LAX information to be considered for inclusion on the LACROSSE INFORMATION EXCHANGE.

The Lacrosse Information Exchange is for general lacrosse information intended for the THSLL League Membership and the Texas lacrosse community.  Information referring to not-for-profit lacrosse related events will be posted for free.  Information related to college/university lacrosse programs specific to student athlete development and recruitment topics will be posted for free.  Information pertaining to lacrosse related camps, tournaments, and other profit generating events will be required to go through the THSLL sponsorship process which is available on the website under Sponsors on the site navigation menu.  Sponsorship opportunities exist and there is a Become a Sponsor link for sponsorship inquiries.
Posted on March 04, 2011
Please see the attached communication on safety, conduct, and sportsmanship.


  
Article File Attachments: THSLL Safety, Conduct, and Sportsmanship.pdf safety, conduct, and sportsmanship
Posted on January 19, 2011
THSLL Member School Programs,

The votes are in, and once again your vote counts...

We received 60 of 76 possible votes, and by a 39 - 21 vote majority you have decided against a waiver, and as such the THSLL will follow the new NCAA rules 4-13 & 4-14 for the 2011 THSLL Season.

Thank you for voting, and participating in the decision making process that continues to make the THSLL an outstanding high school lacrosse league.

Good luck with your 2011 THSLL Season,

Your THSLL Board of Directors

Link to the 2011 NCAA Rulebook:
http://www.ncaapublications.com/productdownloads/LC12.pdf

 
Article File Attachments: 2011-12_NCAA_Mlax_rule_changes.pdf Summary of Rule Changes
Posted on January 17, 2011
Regular Season Game Fees - Home Team pays

VARSITY GAME FEE (per official) – 12 minute quarters  $75
JV GAME FEE (per official) – 10 minute quarters           $65

SWLOA Dues cover up to a 15 game schedule per team, A $10 fee per game above that, will be billed and collected by the SWLOA Treasurer.  Teams are responsible for paying fees directly to the SWLOA for each game over 15 in their THSLL home schedule.

Rainout Procedures - Game Day cancellations should be made by a phone call to assignor and coaches. In the event games are cancelled less than two (2) hours prior to game time, Member Teams are responsible for paying officials for such scheduled games. If two (2) games are scheduled, the officials will be paid the higher of the fees. Officials will also be paid for suspended games

 
 
 
Posted on January 04, 2011
It’s that time again.  The 2011 THSLL Season is about to get underway, and the THSLL Board of Directors is seeking venues for the 2011 THSLL Season Tournaments. We need volunteers to host the Dallas Super Regional Tournament, Austin Super Regional Tournament, and the DII District Championships. 

These are great fundraising opportunities for THSLL Member School Programs, and offer outstanding community service opportunities for those student athletes who are looking for community service hours. 

If your THSLL Member School Program is interested in hosting one or more of these events please contact your District Coordinator.  They will provide you with the Hosting Agreement, and talk with you about the THSLL selection process.
Posted on January 04, 2011

There are a few changes recently approved through the NCAA’s playing rules procedures to go into effect for the  2011/2012 seasons, and will appear in the next printing of the rules book.The THSLL Board voted unanimously to waiver the NCAA 30 second rule and would like to place a waiver in Appendix A to rule 4-13 and rule 4-14 in the THSLL Rulebook in order to let the SWLOA officials know this rule will not be enforced for the 2011 THSLL season
 
Also, in reviewing the new NCAA rules, SWLOA believes that the rules as written, will be difficult to administer by non-college certified officials which make up about 70% of the current SWLOA membership. SWLOA believes that it would be best for this change to be implemented in the college ranks first to determine the proper officiating mechanics before applying at the high school level.

Per the THSLL Rulebook, Member teams vote on rule changes to the THSLL rulebook.
Each Member team gets one vote. Please reply with your vote to powers21@sbcglobal.net  before January 14th stating if you support the waiver to the NCAA rules or would like the new 30 second rule implemented.

Excerpts from the NCAA rulebook.
Rule 4-13, Advancing the Ball Into the Attack Area

Upon gaining possession of the ball, a team must advance the ball into their attack area within 30 seconds. Failure to do so will result in a turnover, and the ball will be awarded to the opposing team at the spot of the violation or laterally outside the attack area. The requirement for advancing the ball into the attack area is met when the ball touches anything within that area.

The officials will enforce this rule using their 30-second timing devices. Once started, the 30-second count will continue until:

a. The opposing team gains possession.
b. A clearing team player in possession of the ball touches the attack-area line or is inside the attack area.
c. A loose ball touches the attack-area line or the ground inside the attack area.
d. A loose ball touches anything in contact with the ground inside the planes of the attack-area lines (such as a player, the crosse of a player who is touching the ground, an official, the goal or the net).
e. The ball is loose and there is a play-on for a foul by the opposing team, after which the attacking team regains possession (thus starting a new 30-second count).
f. The officials sound the whistle to stop play for any reason.

RATIONALE: The committee believes using 30 seconds total to reach the attack area will eliminate some unneeded counts by officials and maintain the flow of play.

 Rule 4-14, Ball Returning to the Defensive Half.

Once the ball has been successfully advanced into the attack area, a team is provided the opportunity to run its offense on its offensive half of the field. When the ball touches anything on the defensive half of the field, and the offensive team was last in possession of the ball, the referee will signal “get it in/keep it in.” The offensive team has 10 seconds to return the ball to the attack area.
The change is:

Exception: A new 30-second count will be awarded in these situations: 1. A shot that leaves the offensive half of the field. 2. A loose ball that leaves the offensive half of the field and was last touched (or deflected) by the defensive team

 

 
Posted on January 03, 2011

The THSLL Board of Directors is pleased to announce the LACROSSE INFORMATION EXCHANGE, a new way for interested lacrosse constituencies to reach our THSLL Member School Program Membership and the Texas lacrosse community.  Effective immediately interested parties can submit LAX information to be considered for inclusion on the LACROSSE INFORMATION EXCHANGE.

The Lacrosse Information Exchange is for general lacrosse information intended for the THSLL League Membership and the Texas lacrosse community.  Information referring to not-for-profit lacrosse related events will be posted for free.  Information related to college/university lacrosse programs specific to student athlete development and recruitment topics will be posted for free.  Information pertaining to lacrosse related camps, tournaments, and other profit generating events will be required to go through the THSLL sponsorship process which is available on the website under Sponsors on the site navigation menu.  Sponsorship opportunities exist and there is a Become a Sponsor link for sponsorship inquiries.

The THSLL Board of Directors will periodically call attention to information posted thereby including it in our Latest THSLL News on the main web page and/or Latest District News on the individual District web pages.  Information will be posted and remain on the LACROSSE INFORMATION EXCHANGE for 60 days.

 
Posted on December 28, 2010
There are some new changes in SWLOA this year. There is a decentralization of administration and control so there will be a more hands-on approach in each district of SWLOA. Sub-chapters have been created in Houston, San Antonio, Austin and Dallas/Ft Worth.  These sub-chapters will be responsible for their own training, financing and administration. The SWLOA Board and Executive officers remain in place to oversee the sub-chapters and to negotiate contracts as per the by-laws.
 
Please see the attached list of sub chapter officers.
 
Article File Attachments: SWLOA Officers.pdf SWLOA Officers
Posted on October 02, 2010

THSLL Member School Program Coaches & Players,

Please review this communication from Don Zimmerman, Secretary-rules editor NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Rules Committee, regarding the new NCAA rules as they will be in effect beginning with the THSLL 2011 Season

Article File Attachments: 2011-12 NCAA Mlax rule changes.pdf 2011 NCAA Rule Changes
Posted on September 25, 2010
The Texas High School Lacrosse League is pleased to announce and present the new THSLL Website which will replace the old website October 1, 2010.  The new website will allow for two-way interaction and collaboration, including THSLL Newsletters, Alumni communications, and volunteering for THSLL initiatives and committees.  It opens the door for local and regional sponsorship of the THSLL, and it improves the Team information, game scheduling, and game reporting processes through a much more intuitive user interface.

The THSLL Board would like to thank its Webmaster, Chris Shaffer, for his hard work and dedication to make this new website a reality, and our State Administrator, Nancy Powers, for collaborating with Chris on the website look and feel and user interface.

The THSLL Board encourages you to communicate with your Program participants and volunteers about the website, and to ask them to visit it frequently for insights into the THSLL and your Program, and to look for current THSLL season information of interest to them.

Your THSLL Board of Directors
 
 
Posted on September 21, 2010
The THSLL State Meeting will be held on September 25, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the South District at The Woodlands High School, 6101 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381.

Driving Directions to The Woodlands High School

From I-45 North:

  1. Exit RESEARCH FOREST DR / TAMINA RD.
  2. Turn RIGHT onto RESEARCH FOREST DR and continue for about 3.8 miles.
  3. Turn LEFT onto CATS CRADLE DR.
  4. Arrive at 6101 Research Forest Drive

From I-45 South:

  1. Exit RESEARCH FOREST DR / TAMINA RD.
  2. Turn LEFT onto RESEARCH FOREST DR and continue for about 3.8 miles.
  3. Turn LEFT onto CATS CRADLE DR.
  4. Arrive at 6101 Research Forest Drive

Parking:

When entering the main drive of the school off of Research Forest Drive, there are visitor spots directly ahead. Otherwise, turn left upon entering and there is ample parking on the right. Parking is also available behind the building outside the cafe. Enter through the main entrance in front, once inside turn left, the LGI meeting room is down the front hall on the left.

Posted on May 12, 2010
THSLL State Championship Games - Broadcasts Scheduled on KXTA

Channel 21 KTXA Channel 21 has updated their TV listings and the THSLL State Championship games are scheduled for broadcast as follows:

The Coppell/Houston Christian game is listed for Sunday 5/16 from noon to 2 pm.

The Highland Park/St.Marks games is scheduled for Sunday 5/23 from noon to 2 pm.

Any publicity regarding the broadcast of these games should credit their website http://www.cbs11tv.com/programming and note these airtimes are "subject to change".  
Posted on May 10, 2010
The Texas High School Lacrosse League is please to announce the following recipients for the following awards:

2010 US Lacrosse Texas High School All-Americans

#18 Campbell Powers, Highland Park, Senior, Midfield
#12 Josh Francis, Highland Park, Senior, Midfield
#9 Chase Prospere, Highland Park, Senior, Midfield
#22 Buck McClure, Dallas Jesuit, Junior, Attack
#7 Jeff Perkins, St. Marks, Senior, Attack
#17 Phillip Wagley, ESD, Junior, Attack
#13 Chris Hipps, Highland Park, Senior, Defense
#10 Jordan Lee, Highland Park, Senior, Goalie

2010 US Lacrosse Texas High School Academic All-Americans


Central District: Zane Rankin, LBJ High School

North District: Fred Addy, St. Marks

South District: Do Soon Kim, Westside High School

At-Large: Mathew Hoffmann, Strake Jesuit

Assistant Coach of the Year for 2010


Connor Cook, Episcopal Houston

Coach of the Year for 2010


Derek Thomson, Highland Park

Person of the Year for 2010


Jeremy Platt, Kinkaid
Jeremy organized the Beating Cancer with a Stick event in March at Kinkaid featuring a Division I NCAA lacrosse game between Notre Dame and Fairfield, in addition to three high school lacrosse games. The event brought great exposure to Texas lacrosse and raised money for the Children's Cancer Hospital at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Lacrosse and helping to cure cancer! That's quite a combination!

2010 Commissioner's Award

Tyler McLamb, Strake Jesuit

Special Commissioner's Award - Drew Webb Award for Academic/Athletic Achievement

2010 Recipient - Drew Webb

This special THSLL Commissioner's award will be given periodically to THSLL alumni who have achieved academic excellence in high school and college.

Special Commissioner's Award - Coach Earl Bill Award for Lifetime Achievement


2010 Recipient - Earl Bill This special THSLL Commissioner's award will be given periodically to coaches or administrators who have had a significant impact on the THSLL.
 
Posted on May 06, 2010
THSLL DI & DII State Championship Lacrosse Games to be Televised May 9, 2010 The Texas High School Lacrosse League (THSLL) is pleased to announce that its DI and DII State Championship games, to be held at Highlander Stadium, Highland Park High School on May 9th, will be streamed live on the Fox Sports Southwest website www.foxsportssouthwest.com/pages/streaming.

The streaming start time for the THSLL DII State Championship game will be 10:25 a.m. CT, followed by the THSLL DI State Championship game at 1:00 p.m. CT. Broadcast and cable stations, including Fox Sports Southwest and KTXA Channel 21 in Dallas, will also be replaying the games on future dates. Information and updates on those televised replays will be posted on the THSLL website at www.thsll.org and be forwarded to the THSLL Member School Programs via email as soon as they become available.
Posted on April 29, 2010
Saturday May 8 and Sunday May 9 Highlander Stadium Dallas, Tx. For More Information, click on the League Championship Button on the left column of the front page
DI State Championship Semi Finals Saturday, May 82:30 p.m. Highland Park - 19 vs Dallas Jesuit - 4 5:00 p.m. St. Marks - 19 vs Episcopal Houston - 15DI State Championship Final Sunday, May 9 1:00 p.m. St. Marks - 4 vs Highland Park - 6
DII Championship Semi Finals Saturday, May 8th9:30 a.m. Coppell -17 vs Reagan - 3 12:00 p.m. Houston Christian - 11 vs Stony Point - 4DII Championship Final Sunday May 9 10:30 a.m. Coppell - 12 vs Houston Christian - 2
DI Bracket D1DII Bracket D2
Posted on April 29, 2010
Posted on April 29, 2010
Central Super Regional Schedule
House Park Austin, Texas
May 1 and 2 Sat May 1: DI games:
3:30 pm Strake Jesuit (18) vs. Anderson (9)
5:45 pm ESD (9) vs. Bowie (2)

Sun May 2: DI games:
12:00 pm ESD (6) vs Episcopal Houston (8)
2:15 pm Strake Jesuit (4) vs. St. Marks (7)
South Super Regional Schedule & South Division II Championship Houston
Christian High School, Houston, Texas

May 1 and 2 
Sat May 1: DI games
2:00 pm St. John's (13) vs. Westlake (9)
4:30 pm Dallas Jesuit (10) vs Woodlands (9)

Sun May 2: DI games:
1:00 pm St. Johns (5) vs. Highland Park (19)
3:30 pm Dallas Jesuit (11) vs. Austin (3)   
Posted on April 26, 2010

Texas High School Lacrosse League Annual Member Meeting

Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010

11:00 a.m.

Houston

Location TBD

Posted on April 12, 2010

This year we introduce a new, and exciting expanded 12-team expanded playoff structure for Division I with Super Regional Qualifying Tournaments in Austin and Houston on the weekend of May 1st - 2nd.  The Division I final four will be the winners of these Super Regional Tournaments.  Stay tuned for locations and logistics for the Super Regional Tournaments that will be announced next week.

The Division II final four will be made up of the District Champions from the North, South, Central, and San Antonio Districts/

The State Championships for Division I & Division II will follow the next weekend, May 8th & 9th, in Dallas where the Division I & Division II final four will settle their respective state championships in Highlander Stadium.  We are pleased to announce that Highland Park Boys Lacrosse is hosting the 2010 THSLL State Championship Weekend, and you will not want to miss one minute of the action.  Stay tuned for logistics information.

D1 Selection Process

  1. District champions will control top 3 seeds.2. Teams 4-12 will be seeded based upon the standings at the end of regular season play, and a predetermined serpentine pairing2. Teams 4-12 will be seeded based upon the standings at the end of regular season play, and a predetermined serpentine pairing
  2. Teams 4-12 will be seeded based upon the standings at the end of regular season play, and a predetermined serpentine pairing formula as noted below. Of the 12 teams competing, there will be 4 teams from each district.

Format

  1.  Teams 1-4 will get 1st round byes.
  2.  Two Super Regional Tournaments with Saturday and Sunday format
  3.  A predetermined format establishing game locations (North, South or Central Districts) will be established and rotate annually for the Super Regional games much the same as the State Championship Tournament is rotated between districts.
  4.  State Championship the following weekend with Semifinals on Saturday and Finals on Sunday.

Predetermined Matchups:

2010 A South B Central C North

Seed 1-A1 2- B1 3-C1 4-C2 5-B2 6-A2 7-A3 8-B3 9-C3 10-C4 11-B4 12-A4

#8 B3 VS #9 C3, WINNER PLAYS #1 A1 #5 B2 VS #12 A4, WINNER PLAYS #4 C2 #7 A3 VS #10 C4, WINNER PLAYS #2 B1 #6 A2 VS #11 B4, WINNER PLAYS #3 C1 Semifinal Games - Saturday, May 8th, 2010 at North Region SiteState Championship - Sunday, May 9th, 2010 at North Region Site  Austin Super Regional Tournament        May 1st    #8 - B3 (Central) See attached file for bracket : Here

 

 

Posted on March 24, 2010
The THSLL Board of Directors, after being notified of a Texas Supreme Court ruling regarding home school students has made a housekeeping change to the 2010 THSLL Rulebook Section 8.2 Home School.  The new 8.2 Home School wording is as follows: "A student enrolled in a home school or correspondence school is defined as a private school student for THSLL eligibility purposes, and must provide written notification of their academic status to the THSLL Board of Directors through their District Coordinator.  The written notification must include dates of enrollment, home address used for determining public school attendance zone, a copy of the THSLL Member School Program roster, and the signature of the parent or legal guardian.  If the student was previously on a THSLL Member School Program roster, the notification should include the name of the THSLL Member School Program and dates the student played for the THSLL Member School Program." Please note the 2010 THSLL Rulebook has been updated accordingly and is available at http://thsll.org/thsll-rules/.
Posted on March 07, 2010

Patriot Cup to Benefit Wounded Warrior Project

On Saturday, March 20, college lacrosse will return to Dallas for the fourth annual Patriot Cup. Returning MCLA National Champion University of Michigan will take the field at SMU's Gerald J. Ford Stadium to face€off against the University of Oregon. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, a non€profit organization which seeks to assist men and women of our armed forces who have been severely injured during conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations around the world. "The Patriot Cup has grown beyond our expectations in the last four years. With the addition of the National Champion Michigan, we now have the Big€10 facing off against the Pac€10, which further highlights Dallas as the place to see lacrosse played at its best,€said Tom Fitzsimmons, president of the North Texas Chapter of U.S. Lacrosse and the Patriot Cup committee chair. "No sport has grown faster at the high school and college levels over the last five years.€The 2010 Patriot Cup will showcase some of the nation' s premier collegiate and high school programs. In addition to the Michigan/Oregon game will be three of the nation's  top NCAA Division III teams for a total of three games. Western New England College (Ranked 9th in 2009) , Nazareth College (#19) and Bowdoin College (#20) will practice and play each other in Dallas, culminating with the WNEC v. Nazareth game at SMU Ford Stadium on Saturday. SMU and Texas A&M University will square off in the nightcap at Ford Stadium for the second consecutive year. Local high school teams St. Mark's School of Texas, Episcopal School of Dallas and Highland Park High School will serve as event hosts and also compete at Ford Stadium on March 19€20. The local schools will take on top€ranked lacrosse teams Loomis Chaffee(Connecticut) and Mullen (Colorado). Tickets are available online by clicking here or by emailing patriotcup@gmail.com. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults. A 20% group discount is available for groups of 10 or more. Media Contact: Tom Fitzsimmons 214-630-0322 Please see the YouTube video for more HERE.
Posted on March 01, 2010
Plano Senior High Alumni and Army Goalie Tom Palesky named to Tewaarton Watch List for 2010    Highland Park High School Alumni and Denver Midfielder Charley Dickenson named as a candidate for the Lowe's 2010 Senior CLASS Award.  THSLL and Plano West Senior High Alumni and U.S. Air Force Attackman Ridge Flick named as a candidate for the Lowe's 2010 Senior CLASS Award. Tom Palesky has been voted to the watch list for the 2010 Tewaaraton Award, which annually recognizes the top collegiate lacrosse player in the nation.  Tom joins the list of 64 total athletes named to this year's list across all three NCAA divisions by a selection committee of college coaches from across the country.   Tom finished 10th nationally and led the Patriot League with a .591 save percentage while also leading the conference with 12.75 saves per game and finishing second with an 8.89 goals against average in 2009.  Credited with double-digit save totals in 13 of 16 contests, his 204 saves was the third-highest single-season total in Academy history.  This season, Palesky has played every minute in goal for Army and registered a 21-save performance on Feb. 28 against two-time defending national champion Syracuse to garner Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Week recognition. The Tewaaraton Award list is made up of the top lacrosse players across all three divisions of collegiate lacrosse and are the early hopefuls for the 2010 Tewaaraton Trophy.  Watch list nominees are screened and selected by two Selection Committees.  The Selection Committees are comprised of college coaches, one committee for the men and one committee for the women."I am excited to announce this year's watch list," said Robert Sweeney, President of the Greater Washington Sports Alliance.  "The committee has done an outstanding job at selecting the top contenders across the country.  This year's list represents 35 institutions, over 13 conferences encompassing students from 14 states, Canada and Australia, so if this is any indication of what is to come, I believe we are in store for an electrifying and intense season ahead."The Tewaaraton Award was formally established in August of 2000 and is the pre-eminent lacrosse award, which is given annually to the NCAA men's and women's lacrosse player of the year.  Tradition dictates that each year the Tewaaraton Award celebrates one of the six tribal nations of the Iroquois Confederacy: the Mohawk, Cayuga, Oneida, Onondaga, Seneca, and the Tuscarora. This will be the 10th annual awards ceremony and is the "Year of the Seneca".   The Tewaaraton Award will be presented on June 3 at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. Traditionally, one of the six tribal nations of the Iroquois Confederacy is celebrated in conjunction with the award, and 2010 will be recognized at "Year of the Seneca."  Charley Dickenson and Ridge Flick are two of twenty NCAA® men's lacrosse student-athletes who excel both on and off the field and were tabbed as candidates for the 2010 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award.  To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence - classroom, character, community and competition. The complete list of candidates follows this release.    An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School„¢, the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.    This year's candidate class includes 13 student-athletes on teams ranked in the Nike/Inside Lacrosse media preseason top 20 poll.  In addition, nine candidates are on the preseason Inside Lacrosse Face-Off Yearbook Division I All-American list.  Six candidates own cumulative grade point averages of 3.5 or better.    Lowe's, an official Corporate Partner of the NCAA, will announce the 2010 Senior CLASS Award„¢ winner at the NCAA Division I Men's Lacrosse Championship at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore May 29-31.    The 20 candidates will be narrowed to 10 finalists midway through the regular season, and those 10 names will be placed on the official ballot. Ballots will be distributed through a nationwide voting system to media, coaches and fans, who will select one finalist who best exemplifies excellence in the four Cs of classroom, character, community and competition.      "The lacrosse candidates represent a diverse cross-section of universities and a wide array of academic courses of study,€ said Tom Lamb, Lowe's senior vice president of marketing.  "But the common denominator is a passion for their sport and for finishing their careers as students and athletes at the top.€      

Posted on October 05, 2009
O'Connell Tabbed to Lead UD Men's Lacrosse Program The University of Dallas Athletic Department has named Matt O'Connell has been hired as the University's first men's lacrosse coach.  The 2006 graduate of SUNY-Cortland who played lacrosse all four years at the school, worked most recently as an assistant lacrosse coach at his alma mater.  O'Connell, who won NCAA DIII national championships at SUNY-Cortland as both a player and coach, also served as an assistant coach at Morrisville State College.  O'Connell also brings with him a great amount of success in the sport UD desires.  Other then his national championships with SUNY-Cortland, he was named the SUNYAC Lacrosse Conference Player of the Year, the ECAC Upstate Men's Lacrosse Player of the Year, was named second team All-American, and a second team All-SUNYAC Conference member. The University will be starting men's lacrosse for 2010-11 season and will become the second NCAA DIII in the state to offer the sport.  Coach O'Connell can be reached at: moconnell@udallas.edu.
Posted on September 01, 2009

THSLL Member Programs,

The following THSLL member proposals have received the required support of 20% of the THSLL member programs and will be added to the agenda for consideration by the THSLL member programs at our THSLL State Meeting on September 26,2009.

Thanks to all the THSLL member programs for your support of the process and your feedback on all the proposals, pro and con.

Please take time to familiarize yourselves with the content of these proposals and reach out to the presenting member programs for more information about them so that you may discuss them in detail at to your THSLL District meetings and at the THSLL State meeting.

Posted on August 31, 2009

Texas High School Lacrosse League Annual Member Team Meeting

Sept. 26, 2009

11:00 a.m.

Location:

Jesuit School  12345 Inwood Rd.  Dallas, TX 75244

Posted on August 12, 2009
On June 20, 2009 the THSLL Board reaffirmed its support of NCAA rules (specifically adoption of the new crosse specifications effective January 2010) and the THSLL Guiding Principle of player safety.  The THSLL Board voted and rejected any waiver rule pertaining to the adoption of the new crosse specifications. Member schools were asked  via written consent to either affirm the NCAA crosse specifications effective January 2010 or vote to waive the NCAA crosse specification change. The outcome of the written consent was majority support by 66% of the THSLL member schools to affirm the NCAA crosse specifications. Crosse Specifications (Effective Jan. 1, 2010) APPENDIX IV                                                                     Page 108 Beginning January 1, 2010, measurements for the crosse shall include the following, in addition to current specifications: There is a crosse diagram on Page 109 Measurement from throat (inches) /  Minimum distance between narrowest point of head (inches) 1.25 / 3.0 (all measurements) 3.0 / 3.0 (all measurements) 5.0 /  3.5 to 4 on front; 3.5 on back Widest point /  6 to 6.5 on front; 6 on back Note: From the 1.25-inch measurement to the top of the crosse, the distance between the sidewalls of the crosse must be at least 3 inches. Illegal Crosse SECTION 5. A player may not use a crosse that does not conform to required specifications. Use of an illegal crosse carries a one- or three-minute nonreleasable penalty. A crosse found illegal due to a deep pocket will carry a one-minute nonreleasable penalty and the crosse may be returned if adjusted. A player using a crosse found to be illegal for any other reason will receive a three-minute nonreleasable penalty, and the illegal crosse will remain in the table area for the remainder of the game. Every crosse on a team is subject to inspection, and the crosse need not have been in the game to be inspected. (See Rule 4-28.)
Posted on August 12, 2009
All of us as Texas lacrosse enthusiasts, whether parents, coaches, administrators, or just fans, applaud the accomplishments of our Texas student athletes each year as they excel in THSLL competition, many going forward to colleges across the USA to make Texas even more proud.  Today, we get to applaud the accomplishments of one of our coaching alumni, Colin Bathory, who was just named head coach of the Haverford Fords DIII lacrosse program.  For those of you who do not know Colin, he coached the Plano East DII lacrosse program for two years, taking that program to the THSLL DII State semifinals and finals. Everyone who knows Colin is aware of his passion for lacrosse, and the extra mile he goes every day to instill those important life values in his players that they take with them beyond lacrosse.  It is a great day for Texas lacrosse, and we are truly Texas proud of his accomplishments.  We know you will join us in wishing him well in his new role in a very competitive Centennial conference. Excerpts from an Inside Lacrosse article 8/25: Following a national search, Haverford College Director of Athletics Wendy Smith '87 has announced the promotion of Colin Bathory '99 to head coach of the men's lacrosse program.  Bathory has served as the recruiting coordinator and top assistant with the program since the 2006 season, helping to guide the Fords to a 42-21 cumulative mark over the past four campaigns, a Centennial Conference regular season crown (2009), and a pair of NCAA tournament appearances (2008, 2009). Prior to his arrival on the Haverford sidelines, Bathory served as the head coach for two years at Plano East High School in Texas where his team reached the semifinals and finals in the Division II Texas state championship tournament.  Before heading to Texas, Bathory was an assistant coach at Hampden-Sydney (Va.) College where he helped lead the Tigers to a quarterfinal appearance in the NCAA Division III national tournament.  He also coached the Auburn (Ala.) University club team for one season (2002) and was an assistant with the Shipley School (Bryn Mawr, Pa.) for two years (2000-2001). Follow this link to read the entire article:  http://insidelacrosse.com/page.cfm?pagerid=2&news=fdetail&storyid=208516  
Posted on August 11, 2009
The THSLL Board of Directors has received proposals from member programs for restructuring of THSLL and modification of THSLL eligibility rules. Please see the links below to review these member program proposals.  Note that these proposals require member program consideration and support in order to be considered at the THSLL State Meeting on September 26, 2009. Towards that end, the THSLL Board of Directors voted at our THSLL Board of Directors Meeting on June 20, 2009 to modify the process for rules change proposals that require member program votes. The new requirement  is a signed petition, and/or written acknowledgements, support for the proposals by at least 20% of the member programs, of which 50% must be from outside the submitting member program's district.  The THSLL Board of Directors will only bring proposals before the THSLL member programs for consideration and a vote at a THSLL State Meeting and/or special meeting when this requirement is met.  The proposals and the supporting documentation should be sent to Nancy Powers, the THSLL Administrator, at powers21@sbcglobal.net. This process change serves three purposes.  First, it ensures that THSLL member programs have their proposals seriously considered; all THSLL member programs are aware of such proposals and have the opportunity to consider them, discuss them, and weigh in on whether they believe all the THSLL member programs should consider them.  Second, it gives the submitting member program an opportunity to present their proposal to other member programs and receive feedback and suggestions on the proposal, and garner support for it to meet the submission requirement.  Third, it ensures that the THSLL member programs have a voice in the direction of THSLL and that we are making THSLL decisions based on majority rule after careful consideration of such proposals and/or alternatives from the due diligence around them. Because these proposals have already been submitted, the THSLL State Meeting planning is completed, and the THSLL Board of Directors modified the process after submission of these proposals, the THSLL Board of Directors has posted them on the website, is communicating with the member programs about them and the process modification.  We will also hold them in the queue for consideration for the THSLL State Meeting agenda until August 22, 2009.  At that time, if the required member program support as called for above has been received by the THSLL Board of Directors they will be added to the agenda for the THSLL State Meeting and time will be allocated for their consideration. Please note that as of August 12, 2009 none of these proposals has the required member program support to be considered at the THSLL State Meeting September 26, 2009. hillcrest-thsll-overview.pdf hillcrest-player-eligibilty.pdf hillcrest-100-percent-rule-change.pdf 2009-state-playoff-format_change_form1.pdf block-platt-restructure.pdf plano-west-percentage-rule-change.pdf plano-west-eligibility-addition.pdf plano-west-cut-player.pdf esd-high-hits-game-review-rule-proposal.pdf stony-point-dual-division-program-change.pdf
Posted on June 15, 2009
THSLL Coaches, Administrators, Athletic Directors, Parents, and Players, My name is Ray Martin, your new THSLL Commissioner, and I am excited about working closely with you over the next several years to build the bridge to the future of the Texas High School Lacrosse League.  I volunteered for this position because I want to do my part to help grow and promote the sport of lacrosse in Texas, and give every Texas high school boy the opportunity to experience Texas lacrosse. My passion for and commitment to Texas lacrosse came from my two sons' playing experiences, and my coaching experiences, over the past ten years in North Texas.  I sincerely want to give back some of what we have received from Texas lacrosse by committing my time and energy to THSLL and Texas lacrosse as your THSLL Commissioner. It is my intent to listen and learn from you the leaders and members of THSLL.  My mission as THSLL Commissioner is to work closely with you to build a strategic plan for THSLL, with 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year perspectives, and to act on that plan by educating, evangelizing, and promoting THSLL and Texas lacrosse, so that we, together, can gain the much needed and required mindshare of the various Texas constituents for THSLL and Texas lacrosse. I know that we will have many challenges ahead of us.  Much has been accomplished, but there is much left to do.  I know that my actions must speak louder than my words, and that I must reach out to you to get your ideas and your participation in the process with the THSLL Board of Directors in order to achieve our agreed upon objectives.  I need and want your active participation in THSLL leadership roles and committees, and your ideas and feedback, so that we can evolve our plan and league to keep pace with the growth and demands of the sport of lacrosse in Texas. To that end, I will be coming to each district in early September for town hall meetings with the THSLL leadership and membership prior to the THSLL State Meeting (scheduled for September 26th in Dallas) to meet you and give you an opportunity to speak out on the current state and future state of THSLL.  As soon as I get the logistics for these town hall meetings worked out with the THSLL Board of Directors, we will post them on www.THSLL.org and send a follow up email on them to your leadership. I am also providing my email address raymartintx-thsllcommissioner@yahoo.com so that you can reach out to me at any time with ideas, suggestions, feedback, and/or concerns.  If you want to talk with me directly about any lacrosse related topic, email me with your contact information and your topic, and I will contact you within a reasonable period of time based on the sense of urgency expressed in your email to follow up.  Please note that THSLL By-Laws and/or Rulebook matters should still go through your Program Administrator/Coaches and District Coordinator for timely consideration and response. I hope that you will join me in building the bridge to the future of the Texas High School Lacrosse League.  Nothing good comes without participation and commitment.  You have mine.  I would very much like yours. Sincerely, Ray Martin THSLL Commissioner
Posted on May 13, 2009

 Congratulations to Highland Park, DI State Champions

and to Coppell, DII State Champions

Friday, May 15th, 7:30 p.m.        Central Catholic @ Stony Point- FINAL SCORE Stony Point 9, Central Catholic 8 Saturday, May 16th 10:00 a.m.   Memorial @ Coppell- FINAL SCORE Coppell 20, Memorial 7 Saturday, May 16th 5:00 p.m.     Bowie @ Highland Park- FINAL SCORE Highland Park 14, Bowie 0 Saturday, May 16th, 7:30 p.m.    St. Marks @ Strake Jesuit- FINAL SCORE St. Marks 15, Strake Jesuit 13 Sunday, May 17th, 11:00 a.m.    DII State Championship game- FINAL SCORE Coppell 22, Stony Point 4 Sunday, May 17th, 1:30 p.m.      DI State Championship game- Highland Park 7, St Marks 5 Please go to the Championship website http://texaslacrossechamps.org/  for directions,map and details.
Posted on May 13, 2009
See this link or the 2009-10 NCAA MEN'S LACROSSE RULES for details: Crosse Construction
Posted on May 12, 2009
  The Texas High School Lacrosse League is pleased to announce the following recipients of its awards.  Congratulations to all! Commissioner's Award In recognition of his efforts to further sportsmanship and the highest of ideals held by the THSLL. Presented to: Connor Ryan  Greenhill School 2009 Coach of the Year North  Jeff Hollway  Greenhill School South  Mike Newton  Memorial HS Central  Chris Mele  McNeil HS San Antonio Nathan Torok  St. Anthony's HS Assistant Coach of the Year  North  Denis Lambert  Plano HS South  Dave Hawkins  Lamar HS Central  Neil Austria  Lake Travis HS San Antonio Charles Gramatges Texas Military Institute Man of the Year North  Edie Lycke  BRIDGE-Dallas South  Joseph A. Donoghue D1 Coordinator Central  Dave Hamill  D2 Coordinator San Antonio Janeen Kellog  Madison HS
Posted on May 12, 2009

The following are recipients of US Lacrosse Awards for the Texas Area.                Man of the Year        Edie Lycke  BRIDGE-Dallas              Coach of the Year        Mike Newton  Memorial HS              Assistant Coach of the Year        Denis Lambert  Plano HS              Academic All-Americans        Kevin Hedrick  Hillcrest  2009 Peter Spradling  Kinkaid School 2009   Evan Greif   Saint Mary's Hall 2009          All-Americans           Cody Solaja Defense ESD               2009 Hofstra University   Ross Gillum Attack Plano HS           2009 Cornell University   Basil Kostaras Midfield ESD            2009 Quinnipiac University   Austin Mai  Midfield Highland Park  2009 University of Texas   Jeff Perkins Attack St. Marks           2010    Chris Hipps  Defense Highland Park 2010            National Senior Showcase Nominees

June 19-20 Bryant University, Providence, R.I.                                                         Cody Solaja Defense ESD              2009  Hofstra University   Ross Gillum Attack Plano HS          2009  Cornell University  

Posted on May 11, 2009
Per the THSLL rules approved at the October 2008 THSLL State Meeting, an All American Selection Committee, comprised of coaches, was created to award the honor of US Lacrosse All American for the Texas Area of the Men's Division Council.  These coaches were nominated from their peers within their District and Division.  Per the rules, we set up staggered initial terms to provide continuity. Div I North           Hayward Lee           St. Mark's School         1 year                     Chris Surran            Jesuit College Prep      2 year South          Jeremy Platt             Kinkaid School             2 year                     Sam Chambers       St. John's School         1 year Central       Andy Garrigan          Austin HS                      2 year                     Evan Whelchel         Westwood HS              1 year Div II San Antonio  Jay McCracken    Central Catholic HS     1 year Central         Jamie Booth           Stony Point HS             2 year South            Peter Marin             Cinco Ranch HS          2 year             North             Brendan Carney     McKinney HS               1 year The Texas Area Chair, Chris Peters, administers the US Lacrosse Awards selection process which includes Coach of the Year, Assistant Coach of the Year, Man of the Year, Academic All American and All American.  
Posted on April 29, 2009

The Texas High School Lacrosse League supports the UIL policy stated below and hereby postpones all THSLL contests until May 11th. At that time, it will have a plan for the THSLL State Championships. 

We encourage all Member Schools to communicate directly with school administrations and school districts with any questions related to other scheduled sports-related, non-THSLL events such as practices and scrimmages. 

Texas High School Lacrosse League (THSLL) Board of Directors

-------

University Interscholastic League Press Release: 4/29/2009

"UIL Schedules Altered Due to Swine Flu

On the recommendation of Dr. David Lakey, Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, and in consultation with Texas Education Agency Commissioner Robert Scott, the University Interscholastic League is altering its schedule of events due to the outbreak of the swine flu in Texas. Effective immediately, all UIL interscholastic competition is suspended until May 11.€

Full press release here

Posted on April 13, 2009

Apr 29, 2009 Fritts scores Four as Villanova Topple No. 9 Hofstrafrom press release  HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- Villanova advanced to the CAA championship game after a 9-7 win over top-seeded and No. 9-ranked Hofstra Wednesday. The Wildcats received four goals from senior Matthew Fritts (Dallas, Texas), who has 23 goals on the season.  Villanova opened the game strong with two early goals from Fritts (Dallas, Tex.) to go up 2-1 at the end of the first quarter. The first came at the 10:51 mark with an assist from freshman Kevin Cunningham (Garden City, N.J.). Fritts' second goal was an unassisted shot down the middle.  

For the second tie of the game, Fritts notched his third goal of the game less than two minutes into the second half. Cunningham's assist on the play was his second of the contest. The Wildcats answered with four straight goals to take a two goal lead. Fritts, Driscoll, Cunningham and sophomore Mike Brennan (Manhasset, N.Y.) each notched goals to put them up 9-7 to win the game.   For the first time since 2004 the Wildcats will be playing in the CAA Championship game. Villanova will visit No. 2-seeded Towson, which defeated No. 3 Drexel in Wednesday's other semifinal, on Saturday.  

 

Army's 17-3 victory over VMI marked the 700th victory in program history. Johns Hopkins, Syracuse, Navy and Hobart are the only other programs with 700 or more victories. It was a good opener all around for the Black Knights: Many former players were at the game, including two with more than a passing rooting interest. Patrick O'Sullivan was an All-American midfielder at Army in the mid-1980s; Kevin MacGibbon was an All-American goalie in the late-1970s. Each has a son on this year's team, and each son €” James MacGibbon (Plano, Tex.) and Sean O'Sullivan (Centreville, Va.) €” scored his first career goal on Saturday. "Our almuni is very in tune with what's going on with the program,€ Alberici says. "They've supported the Wounded Warrior program and the Army-Navy alumni game.€ And two alums in particular had reason to be proud with win No. 700. "I thanked [MacGibbon and O'Sullivan's] fathers for their support of the program,€ Alberici says. "And for sending us their offspring.€ http://blogs.insidelacrosse.com/2009/02/15/lacrosse-weekend-best-of/ Featured as one the emerging stars of collegiate lacrosse for 2009 is Plano Tom Palesky.  In addition to the well deserved recognition of Tom, Plano lacrosse gets a good mention.  http://video.insidelacrosse.com/video/view/XWYKAzAuuMSLOFSye7u2cg/5-emerging-players  "Matthew Fritts, Highland Park '05, scored two goals in Villanova's season opening win over Rutgers.  Fritts, a senior, was a THSLL All American, both in 2004 and 2005. \http://insidelacrosse.com/page.cfm?pagerid=2&news=fdetail&storyid=197505

Charley Dickenson, HP '06, Leads Denver Past Albany http://blogs.insidelacrosse.com/2009/02/21/surprise-starter-leads-denver-to-razor-thin-lacrosse-win-over-albany/ Palesky Saves 22, But Army Edged by No. 4 Cornell  http://www.laxpower.com/laxnews/news.php?story=12688    Fritts leads Villanova past Penn with Three Goals http://villanova.cstv.com/sports/m-lacros/nova-m-lacros-body.html   Dickenson twins have 11 points in wins over Towson and Sacred Heart http://www.laxpower.com/laxnews/news.php?story=12695 http://www.laxpower.com/laxnews/news.php?story=12723          

Plano West Grad Ridge Flick, Air Force '10, Named GWLL Player of the Week
Junior registered career-high five points in conference-opening win
USAFA, Colo. - Air Force junior Ridge Flick (Plano, Texas) was named the Great Western Lacrosse League Player of the Week for games through March 15, as announced today by the conference. It is the first career conference honor for Flick, and the second conference honor for a Falcon this season.
Flick registered a career-best five points (three goals, two assists) to help lead Air Force to a 14-8 victory over Quinnipiac in the team's conference opener on Sunday.
Flick's three goals came on just four shots, while he also added two ground balls in the game.
The Quinnipiac game marked the second three-goal output and third two-assist output of the season for Flick, who ranks first on the team in total points€ˆ(15) and assists (7).
He has scored multiple points in five of six games for Air Force this season, more than any other Falcon.
           

 

Former Cy-Fair Ironman, Taylor Brooks has had a great few games with the LeMoyne Dolphins, Division II powerhouse. 
He was named as a Northeast-10 Freshman of the week http://www.northeast10.org/sports/mlax/2008-09/playerofweek/MLAX04062009, the first LeMoyne player to earn that honor-
The Dolphins are currently undefeated- 2007 Division Champions   

 

         
Posted on April 01, 2009
This year the THSLL State Championship tournament for DI and DII will be played in Austin at House Park field. For more information go to the link,
Saturday, May 9
10:00 am Division II Semifinal Game One 12:30pm Division II Semifinal Game Two 3:00pm Division I Semifinal Game One 5:50pm Division I Semifinal Game Two  Sunday May 10, 2009 11:00am Division II Championship Game DII Awards immediately following 1:30pm Division I Championship Game DI and League Awards immediately following
Posted on March 26, 2009
- Program Contacts to THSLL by October 31, 2009 - THSLL invoices issued to Teams: November 2, 2009. - Game schedules submitted to Coordinator/State Administrator by Nov. 30, 2009 - THSLL dues and SWLOA assigning dues to THSLL Treasurer deadline: December 1, 2009. - Schedules manually input by Administrator and review begins on THSLL.org: December 14, 2009 - Scheduling reviewed on THSLL site completed and uploaded to SWLOA: December 21, 2009. - Last day to submit eligibility waivers for players or team- January 15, 2009. - Team Info due: Valid/Up to Date Rosters, Emergency Plan, Proof of Insurance and Approved Eligibility Waivers:   January 22, 2010. - Beginning of Regular Season games may not be played before January 29, 2010. - End of Regular Season games must be completed by Friday, April 23. Rain dates included.   (Taks testing April 26-April 30) - All-State/District Selection, District Wrap-up, League Recap, Team Photo and Rosters: April 26, 2010. - AA/AAA nominations and support information by April 26, 2010 - Team Info due: April 28, 2010 for State Championship. - DI Super Regional May 1, 2, 2010, Austin, Houston - DII District Champion determined:  May 2, 2010 - DI, DII State Championships, May 8,9, Dallas - District Post Season Meeting by May 28, 2010- recap/coaches input for voting issues - Executive Comm. Meeting: June 19, 2010- rules/voting issues - District Meeting Sept., 2009- give requirements for season - State Meeting Sept. 25, 2010, Houston- voting issues THSLL 2010 Dues DI Varsity $600 DII Varsity $600 DIII Varsity (& New Team) $450 JV $400 2010 SWLOA assigning fees: $125 for Varsity and $100 for JV.
Posted on February 20, 2009

February 18, 2009

To: All Players, Parents, Coaches, Administrators and Fans of Texas High School Lacrosse

Subject: Sportsmanship

The Texas High School Lacrosse League (THSLL) was formed in 1989. This season marks our 20th anniversary. While we continue to make great strides in introducing lacrosse and elevating the level of play of lacrosse in Texas, all is based on a foundation of safety and sportsmanship.

I am going to make a few statements about Sportsmanship, and ask that you share this email or a version in your own words with your entire program. Take this as part affirmation of one of the Board of Directors' core beliefs of the THSLL, and part a letter in reaction to several events in games and at the Texas A&M tournament. It's early in the season and we believe all involved with the THSLL play a role in promoting sportsmanship.

The League will not accept poor sportsmanship. The League will not hesitate to take action against any player, parent, coach, administrator, fan or entire program that violates league sportsmanship rules. We have come too far and we expect too much.

1)  We are ambassadors of lacrosse, our team, our school and our city. We should keep this in mind with everything we say and every action we take.

2)  Only positive things should be said by parents and spectators.

3)  Only the Head Coach (not me, not the Site Administrator, no player, no parent and no fan) should address an official during the game.  This is in the NCAA rulebook under which all THSLL sanctioned games are played. If you have an issue with an official, see your head coach at the half or after the game.

4)  Don't forget the players of the opposing teams are someone's sons.  Treat them with the same respect you would give your own sons.

5) The men and women who officiate our games do so for the love of the game and to give our players the opportunity to grow from playing the best of team sports. Treat them with the respect they deserve. Everyone makes mistakes; these men and women are human. In the end, it is but a game.

Lacrosse, like life, is a journey not measured by "minutes" or games, but by seasons and years. Lets all have a tremendous season in honor of the THSLL's 20th anniversary.

Regards,

THSLL Board of Directors

Jay Widdig - THSLL Commissioner

Russell Cosby - DI North Coordinator

Al Picazo - DI Central Coordinator

Joe Donoghue - DI South Coordinator

Rick Cook - DII North Coordinator

David Hamill - DII Central Coordinator (acting)

Mike Ormsby - DII South Coordinator

Ray Martin - DIII North Coordinator

Bill Montez - DII/DIII San Antonio Coordinator

Posted on February 10, 2009
Posted on January 24, 2009
2009 Aggieland Classic Presented by Texas A&M Lacrosse February 14-15 Divisions Offered: HS DI, DII,JV Youth 5-6, 7-8.  Each Team is guaranteed 3 Games Entry Fee: $450 per team $400 per team if bringing 2 or more teams Penberthy Athletic Complex Located at the corner of Tom Chandler Dr. & Penberthy Blvd. in College Station, TX Final amount and waivers due by Feb. 7. Make checks payable to: TAMU Men's Lacrosse

Contact Austin Wall, tournaments@aggielacrosse.com  - mail to: Texas A&M Lacrosse  3752 Oldenburg Lane  College Station, TX 77845

   
   
 
Posted on January 10, 2009
The Patriot Cup will be held on March  21st at SMU's Ford Stadium. See  NCAA Division I teams #7 Notre Dame vs. Vermont and #20 Bucknell vs.  Air Force in addition to  local high school teams. Support former THSLL players Colt Power(ESD) on Notre Dame and Ridge Flick(Plano West), Benson Oldmixon(Austin) and Jack Murtha(Highland Park) on Air Force. Friday, March 20     ESD v. St. Mary's (Annapolis) 6:30 p.m.  Westlake v. Air Academy 8:30 p.m. Saturday, March 21   St. Marks v. St. Mary's (Annapolis )  9:00 a.m. Notre Dame v. Vermont                    Noon US Air Force Academy v. Bucknell    2:30 p.m. Western New England v. Nazareth  5:00 p.m. SMU v. A&M                                       7:00 p.m.   Highlander StadiumHighland Park v. Fort Collins (CO)   5:00 p.m Proceeds benefit the Wounded Warrior Project helping our brave, injured service personnel who have sacrificed so much to keep us safe. Purchase tickets and get more information at patriotcup.com.   Group tickets are available. Check out lacrosse for a great cause  On Saturday, March 21, college lacrosse will return to Dallas for the third annual Patriot Cup.  Four Division I teams will take the field at SMU's Gerald J. Ford Stadium to face-off in two all-star match ups.  Proceeds from the event will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, a non-profit organization which seeks to assist men and women of our armed forces who have been severely injured during conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations around the world. "We're thrilled with the team participation for this year's event.  This level of play really highlights Texas as a top lacrosse venue,€ said Tom Fitzsimmons, president of the North Texas Chapter of U.S. Lacrosse and the Patriot Cup committee chair.  "No sport has grown faster at the high school and college levels over the last five years.€ The 2009 Patriot Cup will showcase some of the nation's premier collegiate and high school programs. Four Division I teams - Notre Dame vs. University of Vermont and U.S. Air Force Academy vs. Bucknell - will play on Saturday, March 21.  Local high school teams St. Mark's School of Texas, Episcopal School of Dallas and Highland Park High School will serve as event hosts and also compete at Ford Stadium on March 20 - 21.  The local schools will take on the top-ranked lacrosse teams from St Mary's School from Annapolis, Maryland; as well as Ft. Collins High School and Air Academy High School from Colorado.  MCLA teams from SMU and Texas A&M University are also slated to play on March 21. Last year's event raised more than $10,000 to benefit the Wounded Warriors Project.  A wounded solider will be honored during halftime of the Air Force vs. Bucknell game on March 21.  Please visit www.PatriotCup.com for more information on the event. Tickets are available at www.PatriotCup.com or by emailing patriotcup@gmail.com.  Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults.  A 20% group discount is available for groups of 10 or more.               

 

Posted on November 22, 2008
Southlake Round Up Mens High School Lacrosse Tournament.    
The Round Up is open to all HS age teams, JV or Varsity.    
The tournament will be held in Southlake, Texas on Saturday Feb.7 and Sunday Feb. 8, 2009.     
2 Brackets of up to 12 teams each. Games are on regulation fields and will consist of two 25 minute running halves, and all teams will play at least 3 games during the two days. Playing days will run from 9:00am through 5:00pm. Team fee is $450      This is a recognized THSLL tournament and meets the tournament standards recently approved at the state meeting.
Posted on November 20, 2008
Lacrosse officials needed! The rapid expansion of youth, high school, and college competition has resulted in a critical shortage of officials in Texas. Whether you've played lacrosse, coached it or just have a passionate interest in this great sport and want to give something back to the game as an official please contact Clint Bond, District 8's Governor.  He can let you know how to proceed in becoming an official.  His email address is clint.bond@tx.rr.com.    Training sessions are in Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and Houston. Act now to be trained for the spring season.  You can work year round with a flexible schedule, and enjoy the benefits of being on the field in the middle of the game.    
Posted on November 19, 2008
The North Texas Chapter of US Lacrosse will once again host the 2009 Patriot Cup. The Patriot Cup, first held in 2008, features some of the top collegiate lacrosse and high school programs from across the country. The location is  Southern Methodist University's Ford Stadium and is on March 21, 2009.   Marquis match ups include Air Force vs. Bucknell and Notre Dame vs. Vermont.  Committed elite high schools include St Mary's, Annapolis, MD  and Ft Collins. Co.   The Patriot Cup is organized and promoted by the North Texas Chapter of US Lacrosse. Proceeds benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, a non-profit organization that helps provide services and programs for wounded service members coming home from conflicts around the world.  For further information concerning sponsorship opportunities and ticket purchases, contact Tom Fitzsimmons, North Texas Chapter President at tom@uslacrossentx.org or 214-905-1888.
Posted on November 08, 2008
Thank you to all who attended the 2008 THSLL State Coaches Meeting. It was a well attended and productive meeting. The 2009 Rulebook and 2008 State Meeting Minutes are posted. Please click on the link to access. 2009 Rulebook Reflecting Changes 2008 State Meeting Minutes Rules Page Meeting Minutes Page
Posted on September 30, 2008
Texas High School Lacrosse League Annual Member Team Meeting   Duke Head Coach John Danowski, Guest Speaker Saturday, Oct. 11, 11:00 a.m. Austin, Tx.- St. Stephen's Episcopal School St. Stephen's Episcopal School 2900 Bunny Run Austin, Texas 78746 From I-35 South: *    Coming into Austin, you will approach Highway 71, also called Ben White. Turn west (left) onto Ben White/Highway 71. *    At the 360 interchange, veer to your right onto 360. (Also called the Capitol of Texas Highway) *    Cross under Loop 1 (MoPac) and keep traveling west. *    After several lights, you will come to West Lake Drive. Turn left. *    Turn right again on St. Stephen's Drive where you will see the guard shack. From I-35 North: *    Coming into Austin, you will approach 183 North, also called Research Blvd. *    Exit onto 183 North (right). *    After several miles, take the exit for Loop 360 (also called the Capitol of Texas Highway). *    At the light at 360, turn left. After you go through several lights, you will cross the bridge over Lake Austin. *    At the second light (Westlake Drive) turn right (also called Royal Approach). *    Turn right again on St. Stephen's Drive where you will see the guard shack. Click here for a map
Posted on September 29, 2008
US Lacrosse presents Level 1 Coaching Clinic
Date: Oct. 18th , 2008
Time: 9:00 - 4:00
Location: Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, 8900 Bellaire Blvd. Houston, 77036 
Registration: Sign up online at the uslacrosse.org web site. To read more about the USL Coaching Education Program http://www.uslacrosse.org/cep/index.phtml All beginning coaches should attend and experienced coaches are encouraged to attend also
Posted on September 06, 2008
Cal Ripken, a Baltimore-area native and youth sports trailblazer, will be the keynote speaker for the 2009 US Lacrosse National Convention, sponsored by adidas. The convention will be held in Baltimore, Md. at the Baltimore Convention Center, January 16-18, 2009. The annual convention is the largest educational and networking opportunity for lacrosse coaches and officials in the world. Registration for the 2009 US Lacrosse National Convention will be open on US Lacrosse's web site, www.uslacrosse.org, on Monday, September 15.
Posted on September 04, 2008

Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/447262001

US Lacrosse and Positive Coaching Alliance invite you to join us for a FREE Webinar on October 1st, 2008, from 7:30-8:30pm ET.This one-hour webinar, led by Positive Coaching Alliance provides: -Insight into the Double-Goal Coach Model, where a coach's first goal is winning and second, more-important goal is teaching life lessons through sports. -Leadership tips and tools to help you shape your lacrosse league into one that cultivates excellence among coaches, parents, fans and players. Positive Coaching Alliance is a nonprofit organization based at Stanford University with the mission to transform youth sports so that all athletes have a positive, character-building experience.  A webinar is  a workshop or lecture delivered over the Web and participants listen in through the phone. A webinar is a very collaborative experience that includes polling and question & answer sessions to allow full participation between the audience and the presenter.

Title:

US Lacrosse- Positive Coaching Webinar

Date:

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Time:

7:30 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

Posted on July 27, 2008
Referee training opportunity!  In North Texas: Dallas & Fort Worth...

Make The Call to: Clint Bond, 972/299-5964, clintbond@nbc.com

In Central Texas:Austin & San Antonio...

Make The Call to: Don Carnes,  512/474-7054, txcarnes@swbell.net

In South Texas: Houston & Corpus Christi

Make The Call to: Jeff Hinderer,  281/412-0213,  jeffhinderer@pyxis.com

In Louisiana:

Make The Call to: Brian Landry, 318/222-2100 Ext 255  landry@weems-law.com

 

   
 
Posted on July 21, 2008
A rising sophomore at Robert Morris, Remmington Steele has captured the fancy of spectators, and opponents have marveled at someone so physically unassuming could master the sport's most visible role with such reckless abandon. "Through high school, I had college coaches tell me, 'You're quick, but 5-4, I don't think we can do that.' It definitely could be down side, but you can also use it to your advantage," said Steele, a Hillcrest (Texas) High School graduate. "I show a lot of net there. If I'm quick enough, I can take it away." Steele might be a paperweight compared to the Canadian defensemen that helped him shut down the vaunted United States for three quarters. With three close defensemen 6-foot-3 or taller - including 6-6, 210-pound behemoth Brock Sorenson - Canada pushed the lightning-legged Americans to the limit late in the rivals' round-robin encounter last Sunday. But when they folded like a paper football, Steele still produced. Even Craig Dowd's game-tying goal with 26 seconds remaining came off a Steele save. Team USA escaped with a 16-15 overtime win after a furious fourth-quarter comeback erased a seven-goal deficit. Steele stood on his head for 22 saves. Steele added 15 saves Thursday in Canada's 23-12 victory over the Iroquois, which ensured a U.S.-Canada gold medal game for the third time in as many U-19 championships. They'll meet Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Pacific.
Posted on May 15, 2008

Each season the Texas High School Lacrosse League gives several awards on behalf of the league and other organizations. This year's winners are listed below.

SWLOA Award
Patterson Cup
Awarded to the THSLL team that consistently displayed the best sportsmanship during the season.
Winner: Friendswood High School

THSLL Award
Commissioner's Award
In recognition of his efforts to further sportsmanship and the highest of ideals held by the THSLL.
Winner Jack Murtha, Highland Park HS, Class of 2008

US Lacrosse Awards
Man of the Year
Winner: Stobie Whitmore, Assistant Varsity Coach, St. John's School

Coach of the Year
Winner: Dave Seale, Head Coach, The Woodlands HS

Assistant Coach of the Year
Winner: Joe Siedlecki, Assistant Varsity Coach, Austin HS

All-Americans

Player Position School Class College
Johnny McKnight Midfielder Highland Park HS 2008 Texas
Alex Hardt Midfielder Episcopal School of Dallas 2008 Denison
D.J. Sprenger Attackman Episcopal School of Dallas 2008 Bellarmine
James Blair Midfielder St. Mark's School of Texas 2008 Baylor
R.J. Lucas Defenseman Austin HS 2008 Whittier
Paul Taylor Defenseman St. Mary's Hall 2008 Cornell
Cody Solaja Defenseman Episcopal School of Dallas 2009  
Ross Gillum Attackman Plano HS 2009  
         
Academic All-Americans        
Nick Shipman Attackman Ft. Bend County 2008 Colo. Sch. of Mines
Arthur Brousseau Defenseman St. Mark's School of Texas 2008 Princeton
Nick Bayer Defenseman Strake Jesuit HS 2008 USMA West Point
James MacGibbon Attackman Plano HS 2008 USMA West Point
         
National Senior Showcase - June 20-21 - Chicago, IL        
Alex Hardt Midfielder Episcopal School of Dallas 2008 Denison

Posted on May 14, 2008
Cash scholarships of $500.00 will be awarded to three graduating seniors (male and/or female) who plan to attend a college or University and play lacrosse at this higher level of competition. The Scholarship was set up to defray the cost that can add up while playing and traveling with a collegiate lacrosse club or varsity team. Deadline is March 15th, 2010  rmms-application-and-letter.doc The 2008 Ray Maitland Memorial Scholarship Recipients were: Jack Merino, Plano East High School Colt Power, Episcopal School of Dallas Caitlin Tyler, Trinity HS Euless
Posted on May 12, 2008
Division I - Highland Park Division II - Highland Park II 
Posted on May 11, 2008

THSLL State Championship Results

Saturday May 10, 2008

Division I

Highland Park 12 Austin 3

Episcopal Dallas 8 Woodlands 7

Division II

Cy-Fair 15 Coppell 13

Highland Park II 10 Cedar Park 8

Division I & II State Championship Final

Sunday May 11, 2008

HIGHLAND PARK II 17 CY FAIR 11

HIGHLAND PARK 9 EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF DALLAS 3

Congratulations to all the teams participating this weekend!

Posted on May 03, 2008
2008 DI District Championship games: North - Highland Park defeated Episcopal School of Dallas 10-5 South - Woodlands defeated Strake Jesuit 12-9 Central - Austin defeated McNeil 7-4
Posted on May 01, 2008
Join us for the 2008 THSLL State Championships May 10-11 at Friendswood HS. Click on the left menu "League Championship" or the championship logo on the right for more details.
Posted on May 01, 2008
Congratulations to the 2008 North District DI players. Click on link to view list 2008-north-di-post-season-awards.xls
Posted on April 28, 2008
2008 DII District Championship games South - Cy Fair defeated SWLC 12-8 North - Highland Park II defeated Coppell 11-10 Central - Cedar Park defeated TMI 15-7
Posted on April 25, 2008
The Teams are being put together now to represent the East and West conferences. The All-Star game will be played Saturday May 17th during the College National Championships. Congratulations to the 2008 THSLL DII North All-Stars. See the awards listing link below. 2008 DII North All-Stars
Posted on April 25, 2008
 Playoffs District Finals Friday, May 2 #1 ESD vs #2 Highland Park   Hosted by St. Mark's @ 7:30pm   NTYLA 7/8th grade Championship @ 5:30pm   Semifinals   Wednesday, April 30 #4 Plano (5) @ #1 ESD (6) 7:30 #3 St.Marks (7) @ #2 Highland Park  (13) Quarterfinals Results Monday, April 28 #1 ESD bye   #7 Plano West (1) @ #2 Highland Park (21)    #6 Southlake (3) @ #3 St. Mark's (16) 7:30 pm   #5 Jesuit (6) @ #4 Plano  7:00 pm (15)    Games are complete and below are the final district records and seedings:   #1 ESD 5-1 (tie broken by head to head win against HP) #2 Highland Park 5-1 #3 St. Mark's 4-2 #4 Plano 3-3 (tie broken by head to head win against Jesuit) #5 Jesuit 3-3 #6 Southlake 1-5 #7 Plano West 0-6   THSLL Championships Friendswood HS (Houston) Semifinals Saturday, May 10 #1 vs #4 2:00pm #2 vs #3 4:00pmFinals Sunday, May 11 Noon

 

Posted on April 02, 2008
The US Lacrosse-North Texas Chapter is hosting for the third year in a row the Mens Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) National Championship from May 13 through May 17. This year's event will have preliminary round games at the Ross Stewart Complex in Farmers Branch at the intersection of Luna Rd and Valley View Lane. The Semifinal and Finals will be held at Texas Stadium. On Friday May 16th there will be four semifinal games while on Saturday May 17th there will be two Finals games and other events at Texas Stadium.
Each player participating in lacrosse during the Spring 2008 season is eligible for a discount from the prices listed on our website site - www.mclachamptx.com. In addition, we are providing a discount to all of the players' family members and friends.
To purchase tickets for pick up at will call on Friday (May 16th) or Saturday (May 17th), please send an email to tickets@mclachamptx.com identifying the players team and how many tickets they want. This offer is good only through May 10th, 2008 and does not apply to tickets purchased the day of the event.
Posted on February 26, 2008

THSLL appoints Russell Cosby as DI North Coordinator effective February 25, 2008.  The DI Coordinator is a volunteer, voting position on the THSLL Board.  Russell has been involved with lacrosse in the North Texas District since 1998 with both a son ('03 graduate) and daughter ('05 graduate) playing for the Episcopal School of Dallas.  He subsequently went through the SWLOA training program in the fall of 2003 and officiated primarily at the youth level during the 2004 season.  Russell works full-time with Magellan Commercial Realty as a tenant-rep broker and has been active in commercial real estate since graduating from SMU in 1979.

Posted on February 25, 2008
2008-09 Annual Meeting of Member Schools Held in Austin or San Antonio, Oct. 11th, 2008. Time to be determined
Posted on February 20, 2008
THSLL appoints Stacie McKay as THSLL Board Secretary effective February 11, 2008.  The Secretary position is a volunteer, voting position on the THSLL Board. The Secretaries duties include taking minutes for all board meetings, assisting the other board members and assisting in posting information to the website.  Stacie works full time for a non-profit organization and has her own residential organizing business. Stacie has been working the tables at lacrosse games for 4 years, is the team statistician and webmaster for Cy-Fair Lacrosse, the Membership Chair for the new Houston Chapter of US Lacrosse, assistant to Mike Ormsby in the South District, and most recently has been assisting the SWLOA Southern region .          
Posted on February 20, 2008

 NCAA DIVISION I MEN'S LACROSSE ACTION COMES TO DALLAS No. 6/7 Cornell Big Red vs. No. 20/25 Denver Pioneers NCAA Division I Men's Lacrosse Highlander Stadium (Highland Park HS, Dallas, Texas) Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 7 p.m. DALLAS - Building off of the excitement generated in last season by the first ever NCAA Division I Men's lacrosse game played in Dallas, Texas, college lacrosse will return to the area when No. 6/7 Cornell University takes on No. 20/25 Denver on Tuesday, March 18 at Highlander Stadium at Highland Park HS in Dallas, Texas. The game will be the first-ever meeting between the two programs and face-off is slated for 7 p.m.   

TICKETS: Tickets are available for adults at $8 each and students $5 each LOCATION: Highlander Stadium, 4233 Grassmere, Dallas 75205    

Posted on February 07, 2008
The 2008 Patriot Cup, a four game lacrosse showcase is coming to Texas Stadium in Dallas on March 15th. The Patriot Cup will feature a college doubleheader of Holy Cross vs. Navy at 12 p.m. and Rutgers vs. Army at 3 p.m. Episcopal School of Dallas will face St.Mary's of Annapolis at 9:30 a.m. and Dallas Highland Park will battle Memphis University School in the final game at 5 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Wounded Warrior, a non-profit organization which seeks to assist those men and women of our armed forces who have been severely injured during the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations around the world. For ticket and event information, go to www.2008patriotcup.com
Posted on February 07, 2008
THSLL appoints Nancy Powers as State Administrator effective February 1, 2008.  Texas High School Lacrosse League (THSLL) is proud to announce that Nancy Powers will join THSLL effective February 1, 2008 as its first State Administrator.  The State Administrator is the first paid position, accountable to the THSLL board, reporting to the THSLL Commissioner.  Much of the State Administrator's duties will be assisting the District Coordinators and taking day-to-day direction directly from the District Coordinators.  Nancy comes to THSLL with a breadth of non-profit and lacrosse administration experience to include Executive Director of The Elisa Project, Executive Director of Highland Park Alumni Association and President of Highland Park Boys Lacrosse for several years. Please join me in welcoming Nancy in her new position to our ever-growing Texas high school lacrosse family.    Respectfully Submitted, Jay Widdig  THSLL Commissioner    
Posted on February 07, 2008
First Ever Women's NCAA Division I Lacrosse Game in Texas
Who: Duke and Stanford Universities
Where: Westcott Field, SMU
When: Sunday, February 17, at 2:00 p.m.
On Sunday, February 17, the Duke University and Stanford University women's lacrosse teams will meet on the campus of Southern Methodist University in the first NCAA Division I women's lacrosse game ever played in Texas.  The game will be played at Westcott Field, just north of SMU's Ford Stadium, starting at 2:00 p.m. The Duke women are coming off last year's third consecutive trip to the NCAA Final Four and enter the season ranked #3 in the country by Lacrosse Magazine. Stanford's women won their third straight Mountain Pacific Sports Federation championship last year and in 2006 became the first women's team west of the Mississippi to be invited to the 16-team NCAA Tournament. Each team's roster includes a 2004 graduate of The Hockaday School. Senior Sarah Kirchhofer plays defense for Duke, and senior Megan McClain plays midfield/attack for Stanford. Both players earned All-American honors in high school, and McClain was the Dallas Morning News All-Area Player of the Year in lacrosse in 2003 and 2004. Don't miss this chance to catch these top teams play in this historic event. Tickets to the event are just $5.00 and will be available at the gate or in advance through the US Lacrosse North Texas Chapter's Web site at uslacrossentx.org.  For info contact Tom Fitzsimmons at tom@seimetalforms.com or 214-533-9547.        
    
   
 
Posted on December 04, 2007
The 2008 State Tournament Championship for Division I and II has been confirmed for Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11 in the THSLL South District - Houston area. The specific location is yet to be determined.
Posted on November 28, 2007
The Texas High School lacrosse League held it's Annual Meeting on October 20, 2007. Fifty-eight member schools were represented in-person or by proxies held by attending Member Schools. Highlights are as follows. Please review meeting minutes for complete information. Information was distributed to attendees regarding organizational and operational issues. Please see the menu bar at the left for links to THSLL League Information (including Meeting Minutes) for the 2007-08 season. The Commissioner addressed a 10-year vision for the league and continued concern for Safety and improvements in Sportsmanship. Please review Meeting BOTH Home and Visitor Site Administrators as well as Trainers will be required at ALL games. Posting Emergency Medical Plans and Rosters are required. Lightning Meters and EADs may become mandatory soon, Approved Voting Issues: * 2007 Budget (including a dues increase to fund part-time administrative position). * Creation of DIII Division (it replaces "New Team" status). * All coaches are required to be active members of US Lacrosse. * Nomination wording replaces application wording for New Member Team process. * Teams in transition between Divisions may now accept in-coming freshman in the year of transition. * Dual Division programs must maintain rosters with 21 unique players on each DI, DII and JV team. * Administrative revisions to NCAA Rule Waivers were approved. (see 2008 THSLL Rules Appendix A). * Division II teams must maintain 50% of it's players from a single school in order to qulify for a State Championship play-off berth. * The Board of Directors may waive the 50% rule above. * Dual Division programs may now move players from a DII team to a DI team. No player may move down.
Posted on September 26, 2007
Save the Date! An evening with Mike Pressler! Former Duke Lacrosse Coach. Saturday, November 10, 2007 7:00pm Fox Creek Farms, Shreveport Louisiana. Please see the attached flyer for details. Save the Date Flyer  
Posted on September 26, 2007
Save the Date Flyer
Posted on August 28, 2007
Clear Lake Winter Classic Tournament 2008 University of Houston January 19th & 20thTournament Brackets: Boys Varsity, Girls Varsity, Boys JV, Girls JV, Girls Middle School Boys 7th and 8th, Boys 5th and 6thJoin us at the University of Houston for the annual competition Intramural fields (I-45 at Cullen Blvd.)Link to tournament information: http://eteamz.active.com/clla/
Posted on August 26, 2007
Greg Bice (St. Mary's Hall, Ohio State) received the New Balance Sportsmanship Award at the MLL Championships held today in Albany New York. Bice, who plays for the Los Angeles Riptide contributed outstanding defense (covering Ryan Boyle) in the Riptide's bid to take their first MLL Championship, losing in a close contest 16-13. The Philadelphia Barrage become the first back-to-back champions in the MLLs seventh year of existence. Announcers reported that Dallas is among the "western" cities interested in the Barrage franchise. http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/ViewArticle.dbml DB_OEM_ID=17300&ATCLID=1175685
Posted on May 11, 2007

HARRINGTON INVITED TO

PARTICIPATE IN 2007

WARRIOR MAJOR LEAGUE

 SENIOR CHALLENGE

BOSTON, MA (May 8, 2007)€”Hampden-Sydney senior midfielder Ryan Harrington (Dallas, TX/Plano) has been selected to participate in the 2007 Warrior Major League Lacrosse Senior Challenge on May 31, 2007 at Stony Brook University in New York.  At the challenge, the top 40 seniors in collegiate lacrosse (Division I-Division III) will participate in an exhibition, followed by the 2007 MLL Draft.  Harrington becomes the first Tiger to participate in the challenge since its inception nearly seven years ago.

This season, Harrington led the Tigers with 34 goals and 43 points.  Harrington's nine assists placed him fourth on the team.  Harrington was honored as a 2007 team captain and helped lead the Tigers to a 12-3 overall record.  For his career, Harrington has notched 67 goals and 19 assists.   

 

Posted on April 20, 2007
The Texas High School Lacrosse League State Championships will be held in Dallas this year. In preparation for that event, the Championship Host, Dallas Jesuit, has launched the League Championship web site. Use the Site Menu at the left for developing information about the championships.
Posted on April 20, 2007
In 2005, The Texas High School Lacrosse League, Board of Directors established Sideline Policy in order to promote efficiency, fairness and sportsmanship on both sides of the field.  "The field and all limit lines should be marked in accordance with the NCAA rulebook. All spectators should be on the opposite side of the field from the team benches. The team box should contain a maximum of 4 coaches, 1 equipment manager, team trainers, and only players in uniform. The scorers table should contain a total of 4 people. This includes 3 from the home team and 1 from the visitors. The home team has the official scorekeeper, a game timer and a penalty timer at the score table. The visiting team has a scorekeeper at the score table. The site administrator has full access to the facility and should have constant communication with the scorers table. It is the responsibility of the home team and site administrator to manage this policy. It is at the discretion of the officials to assess any penalties resulting from this policy."  

For more information about THSLL Rules click on League Information at the left.

Posted on April 18, 2007

The Ray Maitland Memorial Scholarship as Awarded their Top Five Winners.

Every year the Ray Maitland Memorial Scholarship awards $500.00 cash scholarships to graduating seniors (male and/or female) who plan to attend a college or university and continue to play lacrosse.  We would like to thank everyone that applied for the scholarship and wish each and everyone one of you the best of luck as you make your way off to college to continue your education and growth.  However, as much as we wish we could give everyone a scholarship, we can only award a few ... and the winners for this year are:
Name: School:
Luke S. Wade Jesuit Prep, Dallas
Will Campbell Trinity High School, Euless
Cole Smith Highland Park High School, Dallas
TJ Daniel Richardson High School, Dallas
Matthew Braud Clear Lake High School, Houston

Again, Congratulations to you all.

     
   
 
Posted on April 15, 2007
Every season the THSLL Division 1 team are required to play a game with a team from each of the other 2 Districts. These games are taken into consideration towards the voting process for the state playoff final four wildcard team selection. The Inter-District is designated as an official game type for THSLL scheduling. There are 3 THSLL Districts; North, South and Central. The games are set such that each Division 1 team will travel to one of the games and host the other. The district travel is rotated each season. The travel for the 2007 season was North Travels to South, South travels to Central, Central travels to North. The game pairings are set each season by the THSLL Board of Directors at their annual meeting. Click here for the 2007 THSLL Inter-District game results.
Posted on April 09, 2007
The Lone Star Alliance (LSA) is the premier college lacrosse conference in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.
The Lone Star Alliance Championships will be held April 28 and 29 at Gerald
J. Ford Stadium on the campus of Southern Methodist University. For more
information, please visit our site at www.lonestaralliance.org
Posted on April 04, 2007
2007 THSLL State Championship Tournament (Division I & Division II) May 5 & 6th Haggar Stadium Jesuit College Prep of Dallas
Posted on March 24, 2007
The Knights Lacrosse Team celebrated more than a home game against Round Rock foe, Stony Point High School Friday night.  The man who led them through the 2006 season and was subsequently deployed to Iraq in command of a cavalry troop was welcomed home.  Despite wounds from a grenade blast and fragments, Captain John Gilliam, U.S. Army, looked right at home among his players and their families and promised to return to the Harker Heights program as soon as he can lead his players in wind sprints. A soldier who leads by example and holds the Purple Heart Medal,  John Gilliam has played an integral role in bringing families in the Fort Hood community to the game of lacrosse and in teaching his players lessons that apply both on an off the playing field. To learn more about this fighting leader's return, click on KCEN-TV's coverage of the event at http://www.kcentv.com/news/c-article.php?cid=1&nid=12490 http://www.kdhnews.com/news/story.aspx?mode=id&id=14956
Posted on March 13, 2007
After enjoying a great inaugural camp the Spartan Lacrosse Camp invites all interested players to the Second Annual Spartan Lacrosse Camp. The camp is back and strives to be the best around. Camp Directors are also excited to announce the addition of a girls' camp that will take place during the same period as the boys'. The camps are open to all boys and girls from grade 5 through 12. Please check out the attachment or the Spartan Lacrosse Camp site for more details: http://www.sstx.org/camps/athletics/lacrosse.html: If you have any questions please feel free to contact Camp Directors Christopher Figueroa & Domenic Alfieri. Christopher Figueroa (512) 791-1245 cfigueroa@sstx.org: Domenic Alfieri (512) 663-5031 Domenic2710@yahoo.com:        
Posted on March 12, 2007
Division III Seeks Harmony Between Field and Classroom By BILL PENNINGTON The N.C.A.A.'s Division III, a group of mostly small colleges that prohibit athletic scholarships, has long been viewed as a model of the amateur ideal. But rampant growth has swelled the membership to 420, making it by far the National Collegiate Athletic Association's biggest division, with enrollments ranging from 400 to 40,000. The diversity has bred discord, and now the alliance is preparing to split in two, a recognition of how fractured the membership is over issues like money, national championships and the appropriate mission of athletics in higher education. The dispute would be more suited to the major college sports landscape, except that Division III is home to many of the nation's top small colleges, and that brings an even bigger stake to the debate: the impact a split could have on academic rankings used by prospective students and their parents. The result could be a new Division IV or a sub-division with a lesser designation. At many Division III institutions, athletics is a leading admissions recruiting tool that has been credited with raising retention rates. Any real or perceived de-emphasis of sports could diminish applicant pools or cause prospective students to decline admission offers €” major factors used in the powerful U.S. News and World Report rankings. Already, conferences are aligning themselves in various coalitions, although some prominent conferences involving athletic and academic elites, like Williams College in Massachusetts and Washington University in St. Louis, seem resistant to change. Hundreds of colleges could face awkward decisions, choosing between athletic or academic peers. "It's going to be like a middle school dance where everyone is watching to see who moves from one end of the gym to the other first,€ said Dick Rasmussen, the chief executive of the University Athletic Association, a group of eight academically respected institutions that have also won dozens of Division III national championships. "Once you start to see who is dancing with whom, the philosophical underpinnings to this whole thing might get stretched. "Who is where might become more important than what is where. Then, what happens when someone you didn't want to come to the dance ends up dancing on your side of the gym?€ The schism in Division III has been apparent for more than a decade with the camps divided over how zealously institutions should pursue nationally prominent, winning athletic programs. Finally, at the group's national convention last month, its leadership formally recognized a reformation movement by establishing two committees to recommend the models for a split. "The status quo in Division III is not a workable option,€ said John Fry, the chairman of the Division III President's Council and the president of Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania. "We must have fundamental change in the structure of the division. The tent has been stretched far enough.€ Fry said examples of how the division might be reorganized would be revealed later this year for debate at the next national meeting, in January. A vote deciding how, or whether, to split the division would follow in January 2009. Which Division III institutions would go where is unresolved. But tentative concepts on reorganization were proposed at the convention. One division would require institutions to play a large number of sports, perhaps as many as 18, and would restrict athletic departments in the sensitive areas of recruiting, the lengths of playing seasons and number of off-season practices. The other division would be more permissive in its recruiting, practice and competition rules, and require as few as 6 to 10 sports so that members could more easily focus on high-profile sports. These models reflect the philosophical rift between the old guard €” private, traditional Division III institutions €” and newer, often larger, publicly funded schools with a different approach to athletics. Typical examples from the differing camps include: ¶The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, a state institution, with an enrollment of 8,800 and 16 varsity sports. Stevens Point has been particularly successful in a few sports, having won two of the past three Division III men's basketball championships. The Stevens Point women's basketball team won the national championship five years ago and made the Final Four two years after that. The women's ice hockey team has been to the N.C.A.A. Final Four two out of the past three years. The baseball team was recently ranked fourth in the nation in a preseason poll, and the men's swim team also went to the N.C.A.A. Final Four last year. ¶Colby College, a founding member of Division III from Waterville, Me., with 1,871 students and 32 sports. The college is competitive but not dominant in what is by far Division III's most restrictive league, the New England Small College Athletic Conference, which, for instance, does not let its football teams play in the postseason. Colby has abundant on-campus athletic facilities and one team national title, in women's crew in 2003. But it will not be as simple as segregating institutions with diverse athletic or institutional outlooks. A look the current Division III men's basketball rankings reveals how messy breaking up might be. Stevens Point is ranked No. 2, but one of Colby's conference partners and another small institution, Amherst College in Massachusetts, is the top-ranked team. If the division splits along the lines expected, Amherst would probably go with its conference members to the traditional category and would forfeit playing against the most competitive, national-level basketball programs and the spotlight that goes with it. Now multiply the angst of that choice by 30 sports and hundreds of institutions. While it is a given that the New England colleges will stick together €” they are among the most acclaimed small colleges in the country €” a split of Division III would probably break up other athletic conferences and splinter the academic benefits by association that those groupings currently yield. Talk of reorganization has already caused public- and private-sector rifts, been likened to class warfare and stranded in the middle of the debate other institutions who wonder why change is necessary at all. At many Division III colleges, including the top academic institutions, varsity athletes make up a third or more of the student body. Division III coaches, like their major-college brethren in Division I, spend countless hours recruiting athletes. Recruiting top students to a Division IV could be more difficult. "My coaches have already told me, 'Forget it, it would be such a negative to be in a sub-division,' € said Ronald D. Liebowitz, the president of Middlebury College. "Personally, I doubt students would stop choosing Williams, Amherst or Middlebury because we're in a Division IV. But I know others feel differently.€ At Cortland State, a campus of 6,000 in the State University of New York system, 700 recruited varsity athletes are on campus. It would seem unlikely for Cortland State to join the more restrictive N.C.A.A. classification expected. "We look at our coaches as admissions officers,€ said Erik J. Bitterbaum, Cortland State's president. "Over 70 percent of our student body played high school sports. You have to be very careful how you treat athletics. We would never do anything to create the impression we're giving it less than our full support.€ In recent years, the traditionalists, led by the North Coast Athletic and Centennial conferences, who have allies in the Midwest Conference, the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and the New England conference, have been associates in a reform movement. More than 20 people interviewed said at least 150 institutions would join them. "We are not lone voices calling out in the wild any longer,€ said Richard J. Cook, the president of Allegheny College, a North Coast Athletic Conference member. "A lot of people now see the wisdom of like-minded institutions working and playing together.€ But predicting unanimity among conferences and even within institutions is hazardous. Lisa Melendy, the acting athletic director at Williams College, said that at last month's convention she was seated with several other athletic directors from her New England conference who are viewed as reform-minded traditionalists. "When the leadership started telling us about the inevitability of a split, we all looked around and said, 'Who decided we had to split?' € Melendy said. "We like the way things are. It's a big group, but we can handle it. I like the diversity, instead of just playing the same New England or Eastern schools. "When push comes to shove, I still think the membership won't want to split.€ Institutions ultimately will choose which category to join, and a tussle over the grouping that gets to call itself Division III has already started. The traditionalists say they were there first and should remain. The nonreformers say they did not force the changes and that the traditionalists can go to Division IV if they are unhappy. Majority may rule. Some, like officials at Williams, a top-ranked academic institution with perhaps Division III's best athletic program, worry about the stigma of being associated with a Division IV. "At the convention, there were people walking around saying, 'I'll never join a Division IV,' € Melendy said. "No one wants to be in Division IV. The name has such a substandard sound. It sounds like you've been demoted.€ At the American Southwest Conference, a grouping of 16 colleges in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas, Amy Carlton, the commissioner, wondered why the proposed models for a split would not take into account the size of an institution's endowment. "Don't these more restrictive proposals come down to how deep your pockets are?€ Carlton said. "We might want to play in the more restrictive group, but we don't have the big endowments those Eastern schools have. When you've got 600 students, how are you supposed to pay for the extra sports teams that are required?€ Ultimately, the presidents of colleges and universities will make the decisions on how, and whether, to segregate Division III. "It will sort itself out because those leaders will look for affinities, not differences,€ said Myles Brand, the N.C.A.A. president. "It's a natural evolution.€ No one wants to tackle the prickly subject of what to call the new divisions. A Division IV could be avoided with a Division III-A and Division III-AA. Others have proposed using proper names for the divisions. And some administrators suggested there would be enough discord that the N.C.A.A. should be prepared not just for a Division IV but also a Division V. The outcome is too hard to predict. "What if they give us the models and no one decides to leave?€ Carlton said. "What if 420 people pick one division? What do they do then?€
Posted on March 03, 2007
Two NCAA lacrosse contests are planned for Dallas in the upcoming weeks. On March 14, 2007 Springfield will play Geneseo in a Division III contest to be held at Episcopal School of Dallas, at 7:00pm On March 17, 2007 Navy will play Holy Cross in a Division I contest to be held at SMU at 12:00pm. LaxWorld & Brine will host a free clinic for kids before the game with Mikey Powell and A.T. Bailey
Posted on March 02, 2007
Three cash scholarships of $500.00 will be awarded to three graduating seniors (male and/or female) who plan to attend a college or University and play lacrosse at this higher level of competition. The Scholarship was set up to defray the cost that can add up while playing and traveling with a collegiate lacrosse club or varsity team. Click to the left for application information. THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS APRIL 30TH Don't miss an opportunity.
Posted on February 07, 2007
THSLL follows the rules and mechanics of the NCAA and US Lacrosse MDOC. This year, the NCAA has asked officials to perform six pairs of stick checks during a game. SWLOA will do the same as they officiate THSLL games. SWLOA has posted the mechanics by which these checks will be implemented. Visit the SWLOA site for further information and learn more about SWLOA. The Star in the Circle under "Favorite Sites" - to the right - gets you there in a hurry. Look for the mechanics under "Training". The stick checks are now also on the League Rules page. click here to see the stick check proceedure 
Posted on February 05, 2007
Texas High School players have secured spots on NCAA programs in increasing numbers as the sport grows in Texas. You only need to track the "Recruits€ sections of LaxPower to get a feel for how many players matriculate to both NCAA and Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) programs. Each year Inside Lacrosse issues the Face-Off Yearbook. This year ten Texans appear on the roster of a Top 15 Division I team. Princeton (4): Jim Weiss, Jr, Lamar Duke (6): Rob Wellington, Jr, Highland Park Cornell (8): Drew Webb, Jr, Episcopal Houston Navy (9): Greg Clement, Jr, ESD Penn (13): Drew Lassiter, So., St. Mark's Denver (14): Joe Hamill, Sr, Austin Charley Dickenson, Fr., Highland Park Jon Dickenson, Fr., Highland Park Hofstra (15): Tom Shuey, So., Highland Park Mike Vaccaro, Fr., Plano
Posted on February 01, 2007
Visit the North District Web page for more information about what is going on the Big D. Click on North District (to the left).
Posted on January 19, 2007
Lacrosse Magazine has relased it's 2007 picks In NCAA Division I (Men) 1. Virginia 2. Johns Hopkins 3. Princeton 4. Duke 5. Syracuse 6. Georgetown 7. Maryland 8. Cornell 9. Navy 10. Denver 11. Massachusetts 12. Notre Dame 13. Delaware 14. Loyola 15. Towson 16. UMBC 17. Fairfield 18. Penn 19. Albany 20. Penn State Visit US Lacrosse (https://www.lacrosse.org/) or LaxPower (http://www.laxpower.com/laxnews/news.php?story=4620) for more information.
Posted on January 19, 2007
The THSLL web site supports a calendar feature that allows relevant items to be posted (click on "Calendar of Events" at the left). If you believe you have an item that serves the lacrosse community in Texas, contact your District Coordinator. He can help with postings on the calendar. Please use this tool as a resource for league-related deadlines and statewide events when planning your local calendar. Maintenance of the League Calendar falls under the purview of the THSLL Secretary. Currently, we have no secretary and the calendar (and news) functions are under-utilized. If you are interested in supporting the growth of lacrosse in Texas, please contact David Hamill (drhamill@austin.rr.com) about helping maintain these features.
Posted on January 17, 2007
See story posted on Central District Web site. http://centralboys.thsll.org/
Posted on January 12, 2007
MCLA The MCLA stands for the Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association. This new national organization of men's collegiate club teams was formed in the Fall of 2006 to provide more direct attention to collegiate club lacrosse and it replaces the old USL MDIA.
See the full story on their new website: http://www.collegelax.us/faq.php
Posted on January 11, 2007
US Lacrosse Criteria for U-15 State, Nat'l Tournaments BALTIMORE - The US Lacrosse Youth Council has announced the criteria for the 2007 US Lacrosse Cup, a series of state and national tournaments for boys and girls that US Lacrosse has partnered with Kroenke Sports Enterprises to provide to the national lacrosse community. The inaugural national tournaments are slated to be held in early September 2007 at the new Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Denver. http://www.laxpower.com/laxnews/news.php?story=4637 
Posted on December 21, 2006
The new 2007 NCAA Rulebook is now available for download in PDF format. You can find a link to this and other THSLL rules on the THSLL Rules page. A link to the rules page is now on the Site Menu or click here: http://thsll.org/thsll-rules/
Posted on December 21, 2006
THSLL games are played in accordance with all NCAA lacrosse rules, with waivers approved at the annual meeting of member teams. The THSLL also publishes a rulebook specific to the league for rules, policy, and procedure. Texas Scholastic Lacrosse Association 501(c)(3) Information:
Posted on December 18, 2006
westsidelax.com_logo WestSideLax.com, the Western United States' leader for lacrosse news and information, is now covering Texas lacrosse. Rely on WSL for complete coverage of the Texas High School Lacrosse League. Now available online at WSL, team-by-team previews of all 65 varsity boys teams in the Lone Star State. Once the season begins, WSL will have constant news updates, up-to-the-minute scores and game coverage, breaking news and recruiting news. West Side Lax: "Comprehensive coverage of Western lacrosse, from the Pacific to the Mississippi."
Posted on December 15, 2006
2007 Texas A&M Aggieland Classic High School Tournament February 10th and 11th, 2007 Coaches and Teams from around Texas, The Aggies invite you to one of the longest running high school tournaments in the country, the 2007 Aggieland Classic, on the campus of Texas A&M in College Station, TX. Every year this tournament kick starts the seasons of many of the most competitive high school teams in the state of Texas, and has been a model of successful lacrosse tournaments for years. The cost is $400 per team, with three levels of play: Varsity DI, Varsity DII, and Junior Varsity. This entry fee guarantees your team three games. All proceeds go to support the A&M lacrosse team's travel expenses. Registration is open online now. Further Information Registration
Posted on December 14, 2006
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Posted on November 05, 2006

Coaches, Team Representatives,

The Loyola Lacrosse Club extends an invitation to your team to participate in the Lax'n on the Red Lacrosse Tournament. This tournament, held in the Shreveport-Bossier area, provides a high level of competition for high school boys and girls teams and middle school boys teams. The tournament will be played at Tinsley Park in Bossier City, on February 17th & 18th, 2007.

We look forward to seeing you and your team at the 2007 Lax'n on the Red Lacrosse Tournament.

Sincerely, David Volentine

Email: david@davidwvolentine.com

Link to registration form.

Posted on October 16, 2006
STX and Stony Point Girls Lacrosse would like to invite you to an exciting new tournament that we hope to make an annual event. The Texas Lacrosse Showdown will take place on December 16 and 17, 2006 at the Williamson County Regional Park (12 miles NNW of Austin, TX). The tournament will host a total of 48 teams, comprised of 16 boys and 16 girls varsity teams and 8 boys and 8 girls junior varsity teams. Each team will be guaranteed three games. Teams will participate in bracket play with successful teams advancing to single elimination playoff games on Sunday. STX is presenting the tournament and will be introducing their new line of boys and girls equipment. STX will also have a fastest shot and most accurate shot contests with prizes on site. Other prizes will be awarded throughout the tournament weekend. Chris Glancy President of Stony Point Girls Lacrosse Director of Texas Lacrosse Showdown cjglancy@hotmail.com Links to tournament forms: Registration Roster Release
Posted on October 07, 2006

Clear Lake Winter Classic Tournament 2007 University of Houston January 13th & 14th

Tournament Brackets: Boys Varsity, Girls Varsity, Boys JV, Girls JV, Girls Middle School Boys 7th and 8th, Boys 5th and 6th

Join us at the University of Houston for the annual competition Intramural fields (I-45 at Cullen Blvd.)

Link to Winter Classic registration page

Posted on September 27, 2006
Three cash scholarships of $500.00 will be awarded to three graduating seniors (male and/or female) who plan to attend a college or University and play lacrosse at this higher level of competition. The Scholarship was set up to defray the cost that can add up while playing and traveling with a collegiate lacrosse club or varsity team. Please get your application in as soon as possible! Email powers21@sbcglobal.net for an application

Link to application and instructions

Posted on September 15, 2006
Central District: Team ATX is an off season program that provides top notch training, competition and excellent coaching for serious players. This fall, the team will practice on Saturday afternoons and will attend two or three fall tournaments. Team ATX is holding tryouts for all players in grades 5th-12th. ATX tryouts will be held at the University of Texas Whitaker Fields, located at 51st and Guadalupe on Sunday, October 1st. Please see www.utlacrosse.com for directions. Tryouts times for following teams will be: 11:00-12:30: Tryout for players currently in 5th and 6th grade. 12:30- 2:00: Tryout for currently in 7th and 8th grade. (Two teams) 2:00-3:30: Tryouts for Varsity and Elite teams. Players in 9th-12th. (Two Teams) Players will be chosen by a selection committee. Criteria for selection will include, but not be limited to: skill level, athletic ability and attitude. All local players in the central district are encouraged to attend tryouts. Please bring to tryouts the completed registration form, waiver and $20 tryout fee. Checks are made payable to Texas Youth Lacrosse. Please direct any questions to noah@southswellsports.com. We look forward to seeing you at the tryouts. Noah Fink Head Men's Lacrosse Coach University of Texas www.utlacrosse.com
Posted on September 08, 2006
recipients of the 2006 scholarships... Riche Sedei Plano West Senior High Matt Moran Plano Senior High Shelby Delvo Coppell High School Matt Malcolm Bowie High School (Austin)