May 2004 - Table of Contents

	From the President
	Lacrosse in Kiwi Land
	International Calendar
	COMPETITIONS   2003 IFWLA U19 World Championships - USA retains top spot   A Players Perspective, Meagan Gerrans, Australia   2005 IFWLA World Cup Championships
	RULES & UMPIRING   New IFWLA Rules Book   Stick Study   Selection of World Cup Umpires and Technical Delegates   Current IFWLA Umpires
	IF BIO:  Susie Ganzenmuller, VP Rules & Umpires
	STX

From the President - Fiona Clark   Welcome to the first publication of “Lacrosse The World”.  The goal for our quarterly IFWLA newsletter is to share our game with lacrosse enthusiasts around the world.  In addition to the facts, events, activities and accomplishments -- we shall also be providing an insight into the history and future of the International Federation, and the lives of those who have been, or continue to be contributors to our sport.  A special thanks to STX for their sponsorship of this newsletter.  STX has long been synonymous with the game of lacrosse, and their reputation is worldwide.  Over the years they have contributed tirelessly to the development of our game, from the grass roots level through to the elite level, and they have a genuine desire to see the game expand in new countries. The IFWLA is a progressive and exciting organization whose membership continues to increase.  All 10 member nations spanning four continents will be competing in the 2005 IFWLA World Cup. There are many other opportunities for sponsorship and promotion within the IFWLA.  We look to welcome new supporters ‘on board’ to join us in celebrating the pursuit and achievement of a proud sporting tradition throughout the world.  We would love to hear from you!  2003 was a memorable year with the first ever-combined Men’s and Women’s U19 World Championship.  The IFWLA and the ILF joined forces with US Lacrosse hosting what proved to be a very successful event in Towson, Maryland, USA.  Congratulations to the USA who were victorious in both the women’s and men’s events on home soil.  To all those who participated in the 2003 IFWLA U19 competition I hope that each of you have been enriched in some way by your experience, and inspired to remain committed to carve out for yourselves extraordinary lacrosse careers.  Perhaps you’re already setting your sights on the 2005 IFWLA World Cup or beyond! A brief overview of the U19 competition is part of this newsletter. Beyond the championship teams were the team of contributors that made this World Class event such a success.  From the staff and volunteers of US Lacrosse to all the individuals within each of the participating countries who developed the talent and structure for teams to participate at this level.  Without your vital contribution there would be no teams, no games and no IFWLA competition! Three significant contributors to the IFWLA are my fellow Officers, who continue to lead by example.  Commitment, drive, pride, ability and passion are all qualities possessed in abundance by each of them: Sue Redfern Vice President Administration, Susie Ganzenmuller Vice President Rules & Umpiring and Jenny Haynes Vice President Competition. Over the next 4 newsletters we shall be profiling each of these Officers. 2004 provides encouraging aspects for the continuing development of our sport and our people.  We look forward to our Annual Conference in Prague, Czech Republic.  This will be the first time the Czech Association has hosted the IFWLA, and for many of us it will be our first visit to what I am told is a very beautiful city.  This will also be the sight of the 2004 European Championship. The world of sport is constantly changing, and to keep up with the  and at the 2004 Officer’s Meeting in Perth, the current infrastructure of the Federation was reviewed.  Over the next 18 months a group of visionary and dedicated lacrosse administrators will establish future direction for our game, and shall produce a Development Plan, working towards 2020.  We shall keep you up-dated of our progress once underway. Of course there are always moments that will challenge our ability to ensure lacrosse continues to be an attractive optional sport to play, and whilst traditionally women’s lacrosse has focused on North America, Australia and Great Britain we are now entering into another exciting era where this focus is now shifting to countries such as New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, and Finland.  The International Lacrosse Development Committee is a joint committee of the IFWLA and the ILF, under the expert leadership of Tom Hayes, whose primary objective is to develop lacrosse around the world in new nations ~ in this newsletter we take a look at the lacrosse development in the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud.’ I am delighted that this newsletter has come to fruition, and I hope that this production will become a valuable developmental and promotional tool that will provide interest and education.  May you all enjoy the newsletters ~ HAPPY READING! TOP

Lacrosse in Kiwi Land New Zealand has a distinguished history in the sports of rugby, netball and cricket ~ and one day they are hoping to add Lacrosse to this impressive list! Lacrosse however is not “new” to New Zealand ~ in fact the game dates back to the 19th Century ~ 1899 to be exact, when the New Zealand Lacrosse Association was first founded.  New Zealand’s first game was a men’s lacrosse match played on the 17th June 1899 on Stitchbury’s Paddock in Auckland, on the north island. This involved a few expatriate players, and a handful of local enthusiasts. The game ended in a four all draw.  That same year the Auckland Regional Championships were played, and by 1901 six clubs formed the Auckland League.  The First World War decimated New Zealand’s young men, and sadly by the 1920’s no structure to support or develop the game remained in New Zealand. Thankfully, though a century later, lacrosse would be ‘rediscovered’ on this Pacific island, with Mark Freemon, an expatriate American from North Carolina, arriving here, via the UK, where he had played lacrosse for Wales and English Club Hitchin. It was in October 2000 on Auckland’s North Shore, (home to one of the original clubs), that New Zealand’s first lacrosse game in 80 years was played, and the following year the New Zealand Lacrosse Association was reformed and constituted.  5 women’s teams were formed, and programs were commenced in 5 girl’s high schools.  Within 2 years there were 70+ women playing our game, and 6 high schools with boys and girl’s programs. In 2002 New Zealand joined the IFWLA as an Associate member, and one year later they became the 10th full member of the Federation.  Although unable to send a delegate to the IFWLA Conference in Ontario, Canada, a report was submitted which stated that there were 5 teams in the summer League, playing an 8-aside competition, with boundaries and restraining lines.  Approx. 52 schoolgirls, with 6 teams participated for the trophy at the annual schoolgirl’s competition.  There were also two boys teams playing women’s rules.   In 2003 this changed to 12 aside games and full field, with no boundaries or restraining lines.  One of the goals of the NZWLA is to integrate its National Teams into international competition at all levels, and to develop a strong junior and youth program. New Zealand has already been exposed to some overseas competition.  Development teams in both the senior and junior sides were selected to play Wycombe Abbey, when this school visited from the UK in July 2002.  A year later a senior team participated in the “Down Under Cup” in Melbourne, Australia.  Sharon Cole, President of the New Zealand Women’s Lacrosse Association told us in March that “Lacrosse in New Zealand is booming, and we (they) are trying to keep up with the demand for umpires and coaches!”  To this end Sharon attended the Level One Coaching course in Australia, over two weekends in March, with costs being subsidized by Women’s Lacrosse Australia.  The plan is to bring this Coach accredited course to New Zealand as soon as funding can be arranged and bring Australian presenters to Auckland to deliver same.  Meanwhile however, Sharon is running a “Level 0” course to help teachers integrate this sport into the school system. The focus for youth development in 2004 is the U19 age group, with a view to New Zealand competing in the next IFWLA U19 World Championship in 2007.  As a lead up the squad is hoping to gain match practice against Australian youth teams during 2005. The junior lacrosse season kicked off this month, with the New Zealand league operating in Auckland.  Schools have the opportunity to play weekly games, and because the schools have been playing since 2000, the league needs to have an A & a B grade to cater for the different levels of play.  July 2004 will see the fourth year of competition for the one-day tournament, which in 2003 involved 12 schools, and this year hopes to attract 18 schools.  Interest is also growing in the sofcrosse game with primary schools (U12) keen to ‘have a go.’ New Zealand is reaping the rewards of international exposure, having already competed against a visiting Japanese “Samurai” team earlier this year.  This exposure will continue when they participate in the Australian Senior National Championship to be conducted in Sydney, New South Wales in July.  Team New Zealand will encounter some strong competition, not only from the Australian State Teams, but also two touring England teams.  Sharon says this will be a great opportunity to further develop their skills, and observe some of the world’s best players in action. Of course this development also requires the necessary equipment, and New Zealand has been supported in this area by STX, who continue to contribute to the development of lacrosse particularly in new countries. Yes indeed, lacrosse is booming in the Land of the Long White Cloud! TOP

COMPETITIONS Jenny Haynes IFWLA VP Competitions   2003 IFWLA U19 World Championships USA retains top spot The 2003 IFWLA U19 World Championships were hosted by US Lacrosse from 26 June to 5 July at Towson University, Baltimore.  This was a joint event with the ILF and marked the first time in lacrosse history that men’s and women’s world championships were held jointly.  Teams from Australia, Canada, England, Japan, Scotland, Wales and the United States competed in the IFWLA U19 world championship over 10 days.   Most of the matches were played in the stadium at Towson which was a magnificent setting for playing and watching lacrosse.  The round robin matches, where all countries played each other, were keenly contested. Following this stage, Saturday 5th July brought the ‘play offs’ to determine final rankings.  Japan beat Wales 17 goals to 7 to secure 5th place.  Canada played England for the bronze medal, a repeat of the 1999 bronze medal match.  Canada retained their 3rd position edging England by 16 goals to 10.   For the third time in the history of the IFWLA U19 World Championships the USA and Australia met in the final.  Australia had defeated the USA 5-4 to win the 1995 Championship in Philadelphia, USA and the USA defeated Australia 15 – 8 to win the 1999 Championship in Perth, Australia.    Once again the USA proved too strong for Australia, never really allowing them to get into their stride, and our congratulations go to the USA who won by 21 goals to 9.  It is exciting to note that both the men’s and women’s championship games were televised live on College Sports TV. The IFWLA is indebted to US Lacrosse for the organisation of the event -- a massive undertaking given the number of teams – 16 from 10 countries – playing in the combined men’s and women’s event.  We look forward to IFWLA World Cup in 2005 in the USA. TOP 2003 U-19 World Championships A Players Perspective Meagan Gerrans, Australia As a player in the 2003 U-19 Australian Lacrosse World Cup team I gained some amazing experiences I will never forget. I also made the most incredible friendships with those in my team and those I competed against, and they too will never be forgotten. Leading up to the World Championship, during our selection process, were some of the most testing times. Mental toughness, physical toughness, and physical preparation were some of the hardest things to deal with (as well as being a teenager!), but as I look back now I don’t regret any part of my decision to the commitment and involvement I had in this team.  I don’t regret, or dwell, on giving up two years of my life to come 2nd place in a World Championship because I personally, (and I’m pretty sure I can speak for the rest of my team), know that I have lived this experience at the best time of my life, with the best people and I wouldn’t change that for anything. Since I’ve been back I have had this question asked to me a lot. “How was it coming up against The US, defending champions, in your first World Championship game?” ~ My Answer ~ “Wow!!! What an absolutely amazing opportunity.  And what a Game!”  The one feeling I will never forget about that game was the amount of fun I had. My first World Championship game ever! The Aussie’s were pumped, the US were pumped, and it was a fantastic game. As I remember it, after the game Fiona Clark, the IFWLA President, (who lives in my home State of Western Australia) said to me “Bad luck on the loss, but good game.” And then she asked me how I felt. I replied enthusiastically with “ I know we lost, but I just had sooo much fun!!” And it was, and that feeling will stay close in my heart forever. The whole experience of representing your country in this International event, and having the opportunity to play such a fantastic sport was unreal. Even now I can see the effects this experience has had through the improvement in the players, and their ongoing dedication and involvement still in the sport we are all so passionate about. “Thank you to the IFWLA for this unique and rewarding opportunity.”           TOP     US Lacrosse is proud to host the 2005 IFWLA World Cup Championships at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland from June 23 through July 2, 2005.  This unique venue offers the players and fans an experience on the grounds of a U.S. military institution as well as the picturesque setting of America’s charming historic sailing capital.  A high school festival will be held in conjunction with the World Cup from June 29 to July 2 at Anne Arundel Community College, conveniently located 10 minutes from the U.S. Naval Academy.  This tournament will celebrate international play, allowing teams from all over the world an opportunity to be a part of the World Cup experience.    Sarah Oglesby 2005 World Cup Coordinator US Lacrosse 410.235.6882 x134 soglesby@uslacrosse.org   TOP

RULES & UMPIRING Susie Ganzenmuller IFWLA VP Rules & Umpiring New IFWLA Rules Book The new IFWLA Rules Book 2003-2006 has been published and available for sale in each IFWLA member country or by contacting Susie Ganzenmuller at susieganz@aol.com. The cost of the book is US$7.00, which includes shipping.  We gratefully acknowledge and thank our three primary IFWLA Rules Book sponsors: Sue Heether at “Sports Her Way”, Jeremy Gurley at “Harrow Sports”, and Bob Reese at “Edwin Doran Sports Travel”.  A 2004-2006 IFWLA ‘New Rules Summary’ document can be found on the IFWLA website (www.womenslacrosse.org).        TOP Stick Study The publication of new Rules Book was delayed one full year until the IFWLA Stick Study that was commissioned following the 2001 World Cup had been completed. We wish to thank Dr. Lori Livingston, Ph.D. at Dalhousie University, Canada, for conducting this study. The Study sought to answer two questions: 1.    Does the offset construction of the newer women’s lacrosse stick heads contribute to increasing the velocity of a thrown ball at release when compared to the more traditionally constructed planar heads designs? 2.  Do sticks with offset heads require more forceful checks to release the ball from a crosse when compared to the more traditionally constructed planar heads? Based upon the results and recommendations from the study, the IFWLA Field and Goalkeeper Crosse specification rules were revised.  In January 2003, the IFWLA signed an agreement with the R.I.H Orthopeadic Foundation, Inc., an independent laboratory affiliated with Rhode Island and Brown University Hospitals in the USA. Forward from September 2003, all women’s lacrosse sticks must be evaluated against the new IFWLA Crosse specifications.  Only crosses that meet the new standard will be approved for use in IFWLA World Events, IFWLA Test Matches, at any other Tournaments where IFWLA Rules are strictly enforced.  Almost every IFWLA member country has established a transition period of at least a year or more before the new IFWLA crosse specifications will be enforced for domestic play in their home county. Beyond the transition period, the national governing body in each member country has the sole authority to ‘grandfather” or determine that any crosses currently manufactured for the women’s game may be deemed legal for domestic play in their home country. TOP Selection of World Cup Umpires and Technical Delegates With the 2005 World Cup quickly approaching, IFWLA member countries are required to rank their qualified internationally rated umpires for selection to umpire at this event.  Countries must also submits names of umpires wishing to assist Susie with the Technical Delegate duties. All nominations are due to Susie Ganzenmuller and must be post marked no later than midnight November 1, 2004. TOP Current IFWLA Umpires Lisa Clark – USA Nancy Coffman – USA Lynn Craun – USA Susie Ganzenmuller - USA Marge Garinger - USA Sandy Goldthorpe - USA Rala Heinen - USA Jackie Hufnell - USA Ann Hutchings - England Janet Jackson - Australia Anne Kingston - Australia Patricia Klecha-Porter - USA Shoko Koide - Japan Molly McIntyre - Canada Kristine Palmer - Australia Ann Parker - England Cheryl Quinn MacNeill - Canada Cheryl Silverman - USA Joan Sitterly - USA Stephen Taylor - England Fran Trumbo - USA Mara Wager - USA Joan Wagner - USA Eri Watanabe - Japan   TOP