Are there tryouts for Spring AYLC rosters?

This depends on the division and league play.

U6 and U8 divisions - does not hold tryouts as most players are new to lacrosse and all players participate in an Arlington-only House league (see details on roster placement below)    

U10, U12 and U14 divisions – pre-season assessments are required for players interested in playing on an NVYLL roster, but not required for a House roster. AYLC fields teams in both an Arlington-only House league (all skill levels) AND in the Northern Virginia Youth Lacrosse League (more advanced skill levels). NVYLL requires that all programs conduct assessments to build teams at appropriate skill levels of play - A and B for U10 (A being the most competitive).

U12 and U14 divisions - pre-season assessments are required for all players because all rosters play in the NVYLL. NVYLL requires that all programs conduct assessments to build teams at appropriate skill levels of play – A, B, and C (A being the most competitive).

How are final Spring season rosters formed?

U6 division: House League only. AYLC volunteers do their best to place players on rosters based on elementary school boundaries, geographically close neighborhoods, and teammate requests.  

U8 division:

• House League - AYLC volunteers do their best to place players on rosters based on elementary school boundaries, geographically close neighborhoods, and teammate requests.  

• NVYLL League – AYLC volunteers place players on rosters based on the assessor recommendations. 

• • Players can request to move to a House team to play with a requested teammate.

  • Players can request to move to another roster of the same level to play with a requested teammate (e.g. there are 2 B rosters). 

  • Players can request to move down a level to play with a requested teammate (e.g. player is placed on a B roster and would like to play with a requested teammate on a C roster).

U10, U12 and U14 divisions: NVYLL League only.

• AYLC volunteers place players on rosters based on the assessor recommendations. 

• Teammate requests may be made on the registration form. Players will not be placed on a higher level roster due to a teammate request. 

• • Players can request to move to another roster of the same level to play with a requested teammate (e.g. there are 2 B rosters). 

  • Players can request to move down a level to play with a requested teammate (e.g. player is placed on a B roster and would like to play with a requested teammate on a C roster).

How are Spring coaches assigned?

AYLC Coaches are all volunteers and most are “Parent Coaches” of AYLC players, assigned to coach their child’s team.

• “Parent Coaches” are assigned to their child’s team

• For NVYLL rosters, “Parent Coaches” are assigned to their child’s team; this occurs after assessments are complete and their player has accepted their offered roster spot.

• Coaches for NVYLL rosters are experienced coaches and/or former players.

Note that all AYLC coaches are registered with USA Lacrosse, required to complete USA Lacrosse-mandated trainings, and have undergone a background check.

What can I expect at the Spring pre-season assessments for U10, U12, and U14?

AYLC designs our assessments to get a holistic view of players' skills relative to one another, to ensure we make the best possible rosters to be competitive in each NVYLL level - A, B, and C.

We also use the assessments as skills clinics for new and returning players to practice lacrosse basics before the season starts.

New players will be grouped together with coaches who will teach basic skills and give a comprehensive introduction to the sport of lacrosse.

Returning players will be grouped together with coaches who will refresh the players on technique, then run drills covering cradling, ground balls, passing and catching, shooting, defense, and some game play.

Players trying out for NVYLL rosters in the A and B levels will be grouped together with coaches who will run a number of drills and game situations to assess lacrosse IQ, strong defense, throwing and catching with both hands, placement shooting, and solid mastery of basics like ground balls, cradling, and field sense. This is a more intense lacrosse experience – but focused on development and fun too!

Who are the Spring season assessors?

Assessors are AYLC volunteers with significant lacrosse coaching/playing experience.

• Assessors are held to a high standard of neutrality, to ensure fair and unbiased assessments. If an assessor is the parent/guardian of a player trying out for a roster, that assessor will not be assigned to that roster’s assessment. We aim for 3+ assessors for each group to ensure multiple points of view.

•  Assessors are experienced coaches and/or former players, and are assisted by other AYLC volunteer coaches and local HS players.

• Assessors write observations during the assessment sessions, then participate in live discussions to recommend final rosters.

How are rosters formed for Summer, Fall, or Winter season leagues and tournaments?

Depends on the league or tournament, as each has different rules, team sizes, and age brackets. This means that if a player chooses to participate in these opportunities, they may play with different Arlington teammates (or other NoVA area teammates), have a different coach, play on different types of fields (grass v. box v. indoor), or play with different rules.

AYLC will communicate these opportunities in a timely manner either through league-wide e-mail communications or through your Spring season coach.

Note that your spring registration fee will not cover registration fees for these additional leagues or tournaments and additional fees will apply.