Policy overview
Academic Eligibility
The Teton Valley Youth Lacrosse Association believes that while lacrosse is a co-curricular activity, a student-athlete’s primary responsibility is their academics. We are committed to working with our student-athletes to ensure that their lacrosse experience supports and enhances their education.
Players in 6th grade and above must maintain passing grades in all classes in order to participate in practices and games. TVYLA coaches strive to work with parents to support the academic success of our student-athletes. Parents are asked to communicate promptly with coaches if their athlete is struggling academically and needs time or assistance to get back on track.
If a player becomes academically ineligible, the TVYLA coaching staff will work with the athlete, parents/guardians, teachers, and/or tutors to help the student regain good academic standing. We strongly encourage players and families to notify a coach of potential academic issues before they become a problem, so proactive support can be provided.
While TVYLA is a club program and not affiliated with the school district, every effort will be made to work with local schools to ensure our program meets or exceeds academic eligibility standards set by the district.
Anti-Discrimination & Harassment Policy
The Teton Valley Youth Lacrosse Association is committed to providing a sporting environment where all participants are treated with dignity and respect, free from harassment and discrimination.
TVYLA does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age (over 40), mental or physical disability, or sexual orientation. Such behavior undermines the integrity of our program and creates an environment that is uncomfortable, offensive, humiliating, or threatening.
All forms of harassment and discrimination are prohibited, not only because they are unlawful, but because they conflict with our core values.
Any individual who feels they are being harassed or discriminated against by another person or organization bound by this policy should contact a Head Coach, staff member, or TVYLA Board Member.
Attendance
While TVYLA does not enforce a strict attendance policy, families are asked to consider the following when deciding to miss practices, games, or team events:
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Lacrosse is a team sport, and team concepts cannot be taught without full participation.
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Commitment is a core value we strive to instill in our athletes.
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Coaches plan practices and games based on expected attendance.
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Even a few absences can significantly impact team development and coaching effectiveness.
We understand that absences are sometimes unavoidable. However, families are asked to make every effort to attend all practices, games, and team events.
If a player will be absent, parents/guardians must notify the Head Coach (not the Program Director) as soon as possible so adjustments can be made.
Extreme Weather
TVYLA events will generally continue regardless of weather. Exceptions may be made in cases of extreme cold, lightning, or heavy rain that render facilities unsafe or unusable.
In the event of visible lightning, all outdoor activities will be suspended for a minimum of 30 minutes from the most recent observed lightning strike.
TVYLA staff will make every effort to notify families of cancellations or delays using LeagueApps
Equipment Policy
The Teton Valley Youth Lacrosse Association requires all players to participate in practices and games with proper, legal, and well-maintained equipment.
Required Women’s Equipment
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Women’s-specific helmet (required K-8th grade)
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Women’s-specific stick
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Mouthguard (properly fitted and in good condition)
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Cleats for grass; athletic shoes for gym or pavement (cleats not required for K–2)
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Weather-appropriate athletic attire
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Goalies: NOCSAE-rated chest protector and properly fitted throat guard
Required Men’s Equipment
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Men’s lacrosse helmet (privately purchased helmets must be black)
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Mouthguard (properly fitted and in good condition)
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Shoulder pads (NOCSAE-rated strongly recommended and will be required in future seasons)
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Arm pads
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Gloves
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Cleats for grass
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Athletic shoes for pavement or gym play
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Legal lacrosse stick (shaft, head, and pocket)
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Athletic supporter and cup (mandatory)
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Goalies: chest protector and properly fitted throat guard (arm pads not required)
Child Protection & Concussion Policy
TVYLA is committed to age-appropriate play and player safety, with particular attention to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions.
A concussion is a brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head—or by a force transmitted to the head from elsewhere on the body. Symptoms may appear immediately or develop hours or days later. Loss of consciousness is not required for a concussion to occur.
TVYLA strongly encourages all parents/guardians and players to review concussion education resources provided by USA Lacrosse and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
TVYLA also strongly recommends baseline ImPACT testing for eligible players.
If a Concussion Is Suspected:
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When in doubt, sit them out.
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The player will be immediately removed from participation.
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No player may return to play on the same day.
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The player must be evaluated by a licensed healthcare professional.
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Written medical clearance is required before returning to any practice or game.
Return to play is defined as participation in any non-medically supervised practice or competition.
Discipline
TVYLA expects all members to behave ethically on and off the field. Unethical behavior—including illegal activity, drug, alcohol, or tobacco use—will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
TVYLA believes education and accountability are more effective than immediate dismissal. Disciplinary actions may include (but are not limited to):
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Community service
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Counseling
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Educational assignments
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Physical conditioning
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Other actions agreed upon with parents/guardians
Expulsion from the program will be used only as a last resort.
Grievances & Complaints
Purpose
TVYLA is committed to providing fair and effective processes for resolving concerns and grievances.
Informal Resolution
Whenever possible, concerns should be addressed directly and respectfully with the appropriate individual outside of game or practice time.
Formal Resolution
Formal written complaints must be submitted to the TVYLA Board President board@tetonlax.com and include:
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Complainant’s name and contact information
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Description of the issue and actions taken to date
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Desired outcome
A response will be provided within two weeks of receipt.
Payment Policy
Player registration fees are due in full at the start of the team’s first organized practice.
If extenuating circumstances exist, families may submit a grievance for Board review. Scholarships may be available based on need and available funds. Please see the Scholarship Application section of the website.
Registration Refund Policy
The Teton Valley Youth Lacrosse Association understands that circumstances can change. The following refund policy is designed to be fair to families while allowing TVYLA to responsibly plan staffing, league fees, equipment, and field use.
Refunds Prior to and During the Season
~Before the First Friday Following the First Organized Practice
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Full refund minus a $30 administrative fee
~After the First Friday Following the First Organized Practice
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Non-medical reasons:
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50% refund of registration fees
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Medical reasons:
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Full refund minus a $30 administrative fee
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~After Two Weeks of Organized Practice or Play
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Non-medical reasons:
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No refund
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Medical reasons:
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Refund amount will be determined by the TVYLA Board based on timing and circumstances
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Medical & Injury Refund Clarifications
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Prior to the first day of practice, medical refunds are eligible for a 100% refund
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After the first day of practice, medical refunds are eligible for up to a 50% refund
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No medical refunds will be granted after the team’s first tournament or league event
All medical refunds require appropriate documentation.
Privacy Policy
TVYLA collects personal information only as necessary to provide services such as registration and billing. All personal and financial information is handled with the utmost confidentiality and is not shared outside of required service providers.
Equipment Rental Policy
Rental equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Rental packages may include a stick, helmet, gloves, shoulder pads, and arm pads.
Families are responsible for care and timely return of all equipment in clean, serviceable condition. Normal wear is expected.
Charges for lost or damaged equipment may include:
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Helmet: $200
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Shoulder pads: $50
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Elbow pads: $50
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Gloves: $60
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Stick: $80
Travel Policy
TVYLA does not provide transportation to away events. Players and families are responsible for travel arrangements. TVYLA will provide schedules and directions whenever possible.
USA Lacrosse Membership
USA Lacrosse is the national governing body of lacrosse. Membership provides insurance coverage, coaching education, grant opportunities, and eligibility for awards.
All TVYLA players must be active USA Lacrosse members at the time of registration and throughout the season.
A valid USA Lacrosse number is required to register.
Play Up Policy
TVYLA Policy on Players “Playing Up” to a Higher Grade Level
At the Teton Valley Youth Lacrosse Association (TVYLA), we are committed to the thoughtful, long-term development of every player. While we recognize that some athletes may be ready for additional challenges, we believe that remaining with age-appropriate peers is most often the best path for individual growth, team health, and program sustainability.
Regular Season Guidelines
During the regular season, players will remain with their designated grade-level team:
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3rd–4th grade players will remain on the 3/4 team
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5th–6th grade players will remain on the 5/6 team
Exceptions for Practice and Tournaments
In limited circumstances, coaches may invite players to participate with an older age group for practice or tournament play only.
3/4 players may be invited to:
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Practice with the 5/6 team (typically Friday practices)
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Participate in tournaments with the 5/6 team, if roster space and team needs allow
5/6 players may be invited to:
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Practice with the 7/8 team
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Participate in tournaments with the 7/8 team, based on player readiness, roster needs, and positional gaps
These opportunities are temporary and supplemental and do not constitute a permanent roster move.
Decision-Making & Approval
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All “play up” decisions are made by the coaching staff, with fairness and player development as the priority
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Coaches will make every effort to rotate opportunities so multiple players gain exposure to the next level
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Any play-up arrangements must be reviewed with the TVYLA Board, which retains final approval for implementation
Why We Take This Approach
This policy exists to support both individual athletes and the overall health of the program:
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Developmentally appropriate: Players build confidence and skills most effectively when competing with similarly aged peers
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Leadership opportunities: Strong players remaining at their level can lead, mentor, and elevate teammates
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Team growth: Younger and developing players benefit from experienced teammates staying engaged at their age group
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Program sustainability: Thoughtful movement between age groups preserves depth and competitiveness across all teams
Our Commitment
This policy is not about limiting opportunity — it’s about providing the right opportunity at the right time. TVYLA is proud of our athletes and committed to developing confident, skilled, and team-oriented players at every grade level.