All we are asking is that the high school district (228) give the kids who love the game a chance to play the game at NO COST TO THEIR DISTRICT. Even if the kids go to college and play at that level, there is still no cost to the high school. If they sign the Emerging Sports Agreement it will mean that they are keeping an eye on the students and giving these students more of a reason to try their best in school and be an asset to the community. This is a "Win-Win" for everyone. These kids want to play the game. Please give them a chance. This program is 3 years old. It went from 30 kids the first year to 90 the second year to almost 200 the third year. The kids love the game. Give them a chance to play it against other high school teams who are close to us. This is about doing the right thing. It costs NOTHING to the school and the kids who play pay a registration cost to cover equipment, games, refs and tournaments.
For some kids, this can be their only means of getting in a college and making something of themselves. Let them feel good about something and give them encouragement for their future. PLEASE District 228, sign off on this and give these kids a future at NO COST TO YOU!

I don't understand Kendall's comment about the kids eventually going on to college. I thunk he's suggesting that this group of kids is the only group interested in playing lacrosse. We need to show him that lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in the country. If the district signed the agreement, the sport would be accessible to more students due to an extended schedule.

And, if there are already coaches volunteering, there is no need to hire a coach.

Shine from Yahoo, April 26, 2012

We really thought curling had a shot. But the fastest-growing sport in the United States is actually lacrosse.

The sport saw explosive growth between 2001 and 2010. According to U.S. Lacrosse, the number of players had tripled by the end of the decade.

The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) conducted an in-depth study last year and also found that lacrosse was the fastest-growing sport. Over the last 10 years, according to the study, "participation is up 218.1 percent." Unlike football, lacrosse is popular among men and women alike.

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I don't know what this emerging sport thing is about, but I would have to guess that they are testing it out to see if there is enough interest. If there is enough interest, then it becomes a sanctioned sport through IHSA. If it becomes a sanctioned sport through IHSA, it absolutely will cost the district money. I can't believe there is no cost to the district at all. There at least has to be insurance that has to be covered, background checks of everyone involved, things like that. Why don't we worry about making sure that all the schools have the same amount of teams per school first before we add new ones? You all answered your own question. It makes no sense for them not to do this if there are no cost involved. Perhaps the problem is that you aren't hearing the answer you want to hear.

If you are saying LaCrosse will make your kid a better student, shame on you. If it takes this to make your kid study and be an "asset to the community", that says alot.

Regarding kids playing in college and possible scholarships? Plenty of scholarships are given out to kids on club teams, they have college exposure tournaments especially for that purpose.

Sue1, Obviously you don't have a child who's interested in this game. Nobody said "lacrosse" would make their kid a better student, but every child need encouragement. We are asking the district to sign the Emerging Sports Agreement. We are not asking for coaches, field space or insurance. We have that covered. So NO, it will not cost the district any money.

I guess we are all just a bit baffled on why the district is set against signing the emerging sports agreement for lacrosse. They really have not given a clear answer. Of course I think it would be wonderful if they really could offer this as a high school sport, but for now the emerging sport would be a nice first step. As a park district sport, lacrosse has seen tremendous growth. This has been an excellent physical and social outlet for almost 200 kids this past season. It is such a shame that our area is not supporting this into the high school years. Why do I once again feel like our community is "behind the times?" (just my opinion) I have a daughter that stopped playing in 8th grade knowing that she couldn't play for her high school. My son has fallen in love with the game! It is a shame we will have to find a club in order for him to continue to play into his high school years.
I understand about possible future soft costs. For now though, that cost is not there. It is a shame that in this day and age when we are searching for ways to keep kids physically active and out of trouble, we can't find a way to support a program that would benefit sooo many.
Also, as for the comment about lacrosse (or any sport) making your kid be a better student.... I am pretty sure that we all can agree that for most of our children, being active on sporting teams, activities and clubs does indeed help them stay focused in school as well.

Lets focus on education first.... Right now our district is cash short and is in a contract dispute with the teachers. We dont have the money to start new sports.

Hamish, I would have to agree with you that getting teachers a contract would be a priority but since the lacrosse program is NOT asking for any money from the school district I still don't see the point.

Dont get me wrong.... As far as the teachers contract I'm all for them going on strike and then replace them all.... As far as lacrosse im thinking that the"no cost" mantra is not realistic.... Making this a H.S sport WILL cost the tax payers with very little return on thier money.

Umm. The cost is already paid by the team players and has been for a few years.

Doesn't OF have a Boys volleyball team that no other school in the district has. I heard they never let any students from other district schools play in it, is that accurate? Are we a district with each school being equal or not?

MK.... Once out becomes a school sport who do you think is going to pay the freight? Yep the tax payers..... OF also has a baseball organization buy who pays the freight for the HS team?

I have a problem thinking there will be NO cash outlay by the school district since they will have manpower hours required to sanction the program, monitor the program and follow IHSA rules. Sure, the club can say they will handle it but realistically there is no way the cost will be zero to the district. I am sure the club will do their best to minimize the cost but there will be some!

Michelle..... You really think the club is going to pick up the bill???? Can i have a toke?

Hamish, Now you're just being rude. This sport is a "pay to play". The parents incur the costs and would be happy to pay the minimal cost it would be to sign an emerging sports agreement which states the kids are eligible to participate in extra curricular activities. I am no longer communicating or bantering with you. This didn't need to get ugly. Just hoping the kids can play the game they love.

my kids are grown now, no longer in school, but if they want to take a few bucks out of my takes to give these kids something to do after school other than play video games, so be it. We see so much of our taxes wasted on stupid things (politicians?), that I don't mind paying for a few good ones.

EMM you hit the nail on the head!

You Bernie are the fool if you think this isnt going to cost the taxpayers any money by the nature of it being a "School Sanctioned Sport" it will cost in lawsuits when some player gets hurt and decides to sue. As far as Crook County... The vast majority of our tax bill goes to the HS District (about 90%) i guess you didnt know that. And yes i did play HS sports all through HS and into College so I do know what im talking about.

Keep drinking the district 228 kool aid! How much has the wolves cost the tax payers ? When you find out let me know. Not a dime same type of club

Hamish just having some fun with you. I'm with you I don't want to pay any more taxes than I have too. But I know with out a doubt that it will not cost the tax payers a dime. That's all I never go on these sites and I'm probably done I just wanted to voice my opinion and that's all it is an opinion. p.s. beer pong and dodge ball don't count as a team sport!

Mr. Hedke is on a school board, why doesn't he start this at his school? Why doesn't the district even participate in the State competitions for the teams they do have? My kids sure would like to go down state, but they aren't even allowed. For that matter, isn't Mrs. Sopko on a board too? If there are no costs, let's see it.