by posted 11/27/2011
 
Dear Parents,
 
We are pleased to announce that Billerica Youth Lacrosse Boys Division will be rejoining the Massachusetts Bay Youth Lacrosse League (MBYLL) for the 2012 spring season.  This will end our affiliation with the Town Pride League after 4 great seasons.  After careful evaluation of all the options for this coming spring, the BLA Board believes that returning to MBYLL is the best choice for our program moving forward.  Billerica was a founding member of MBYLL and the league is very excited to have us has back in the fold.
MBYLL will be entering its 19^th season and is by far the largest organized youth lacrosse organization in the region.  The MBYLL mission is teach, grow and honor the game of lacrosse throughout Massachusetts by providing leadership, guidance, training and structure to all participating town programs.   The league philosophy includes some core tenants such as:

• All players participate equally (i.e. equal playing time) in all games. 
• Teams are evenly balanced based on player skill, experience, size, etc., at every age level, in all MBYLL games.
• There are NO ‘stacked’ teams and NO ‘A’ & ‘B’ teams at any level in any town program playing in the MBYLL. 
•  NO standings are kept and NO playoffs or league championships are held in the MBYLL. 
• The MBYLL is an inclusive organization that provides a safe, enjoyable, learning experience for all participants; and in an environment not swept up in the pressure filled, win-at-all-cost mentality all too common in today's youth sports.
• The overriding goal is for all players, coaches, teams & programs to reflect role-model sportsmanship on & off the field while we learn, share, and teach the fundamental skills & teamwork required to play the game well.
• MBYLL has created a “select” program which Billerica may choose to participate (additional fee)

The MBYLL mission and philosophy aligns well with that of Billerica Youth Lacrosse and was a key consideration for this change.  Additional key considerations included travel distance to games, Sunday vs. Saturday game days, and overall competition level.  Based on this, here are some changes you will see for 2012:

• Most of the teams we will compete against will be border towns or relatively close. 
• The primary game schedule will be played on Sundays.
• The teams will be age based rather than grade based (U15, U13, and U11).  As an example, the U15 team(s) will primarily be a combination of 7^th and 8^th graders.   
• At the U11 level, MBYLL still uses a full field format although there is a strong push from member towns to go to a modified (small ball) field, which BLA firmly supports.  A vote on this by the MBYLL is expected soon. 
•  U9 level boys will continue as an in-house program as in the past.

In addition to the above, the BLA Board has set limits to team sizes as follows:

• Full field – 22 players
• Short Field – 13 players
• In-house (grades 1-2) – No limit

We hope you will embrace this change and continue to provide your generous support as we truly believe will enhance the lacrosse experience for everyone, players, parents and coaches alike.   We will continue to provide you with regular updates as to our progress so please check the website regularly.  If you have any immediate questions, please feel free to contact us directly. 
 
Best regards,
 
The BLA Board of Directors.