BOYS House and Travel Programs:  The Differences Explained

Our goal is to integrate House and Travel players by Age and Grade Level such that we ensure that all players have a chance to develop at a consistent pace with each other whether or not they choose to play House or Travel.  The House program is a building block and an essential, integrated component of the Travel Program.  That is why we think of Travel as House-Plus.

The House Program meet twice per week -- a mid-week skills sessions and a Saturday morning game.  Attendance is strongly encouraged but not mandatory.

The Travel Program is better thought of as House-Plus.  Travel players have mandatory attendance at all House events PLUS players must attend a mid-week Travel Team practice and a Sunday travel game.  There are no cuts from Travel.  If you sign up and follow the Attendance Policy and the Code of Conduct then you are on the team and play.  Please see the Playing Time Policy on the website.

Travel lacrosse requires attendance at 30 sessions for 3rd graders and 36 sessions for 4th/5th graders.  House lacrosse has an optional attendance policy and consists of 17 sessions that are fully integrated with the Travel players.  House shares the same coaches, same fields, same times and same experience as the Travel program, but the commitment required is less for House players.  House is a great alternative for boys who play multiple sports since missing lacrosse games or practices to attend another sports game or practice is not considered an excused absence for Travel lacrosse players and will effect a boys game playing time at the discretion of the team's Head Coach.

Based on our projected schedule for the 2009 season, here is the expected commitment for House and Travel players on a weekly basis.  We are not sure of the days of the week for these programs as we are awaiting confirmation from Weston Parks and Recreation. 

• Games are played crossfield -- from sideline to sideline between the end line and restraining line.  Field dimensions are 60 yards long and 35 yards wide.  Two games are played simultaneously such that all U9 players show up at the same time (generally 10-11a) and all U11 players show up at the same time (generally 11a-12p)
• Players are 2 attack, 2 middie and 2 defense and 1 goalie
• Each team member will play goalie for a minimum of 1/2 a game in the 6 game schedule
• Field players for each team will rotate from D to M to A every two minutes on the clock
• 2 players will be assigned to play Goalie each game and will rotate after the halftime
• Face off at the start of each 10 minute running time quarter
• 2 minute rest between quarters
• After a goal is scored, the defensive team's goalie starts the clear to the offensive end
• 2 players must be on the offensive half of the field and 3 players must be on the defensive half of the field at all times
• The team closest to the ball where and when it goes out of bounds gets possession on a Shot
• Each team must "attempt" (not complete) 3 passes and must move the ball through X (the area behind the goal) before attempting a shot on goal.  Failure to do so will result in a loss of possession and the goal, if there is one, will not count .  Tossing the ball back and forth at the midline or in some other open area to get around the 3-pass rule will result in a loss of possession as judged by the game referee
• All Rules of Play (technical and personal fouls) governing CONNY Lacrosse apply here
• Each player will get equal playing time
• All Travel Players are required to play in House Games as part of the Attendance Policy
• Teams will be mixed amongst grades and made even (as best we can) for the U11 level
• Teams will be grade-based at the U9 level

END