Our thanks to the ILAX member clubs who fielded teams at the Fall Jamboree on Oct 14 and also to our visiting guests from Omaha and Sioux Falls! A great time was had by all our boys and girls players ranging from 10U to High School. The event allowed players to test out the skills they have been learning all summer and fall AND we trained a number of new officials to help at our games across Iowa next spring.
We absolutely must develop additional officials (boys/girls). In particular, prospects in CR-IC, the Quad Cities, Dubuque, and Tama/Meskwaki, but even in the greater Des Moines region - we can't continue growing local game play opportunities without more officials. We may be fast reaching a point where we will have to turn kids away because we can't guarantee games for them to play. We don't want that and I suspect you don't either.
Help us by taking some on-line courses this winter. That's how you start -- watching videos to learn about the details of the game. If that builds your interest, then we can discuss next steps. But, we need people to step forward and start the process. Reach out with questions.
This opportunity is open to our High School players too! Email iowalacrossassc@gmail.com to get started.
As we get underway with the 2023-24 season, take a moment to review highlights from last year in the 2023 Annual Report.
During its annual meeting on June 14, the ILAX Board of Directors elected the following officers for the upcoming year:
President – Jeff Kueter, Iowa City
Vice President – Britt Mitchell, Meskwaki
Secretary – Vince McGee, Quad Cities
Treasurer – Bruce Maxwell, Ames
In addition to these officers, the following individuals were elected to the ILAX board for two-year terms: Steve Gudenkauf, Dubuque.
As is the case across the country, boys and girls in Iowa are discovering the exciting sport of lacrosse. If you are interested in trying lacrosse, or have played in the past and are looking for a new lacrosse home, there are several clubs in the state with youth programs. More information about those clubs is available here.
The ILAX Board recently established a statement that makes clear the importance of inclusion and the value of diversity within the Association and member youth organizations. ILAX encourages members to define diversity as an organizational priority along with expectations of inclusion and equity within their programs. The statement reads:
“The Iowa Lacrosse Association and its member clubs believe in and are committed to diversity, inclusion and gender equity among its players, coaches and volunteers. We want to establish and maintain an inclusive culture that fosters equitable participation and improves the learning environment for players and positive experiences for coaches and volunteers from diverse backgrounds.”
PROMOTION – EDUCATION – COMMUNICATION – COMPETITION – SPORTSMANSHIP
ILAX is helping you grow the game!