April 2005 - Table of Contents

	The President’s Corner
	Lacrosse as an Olympic Sport?
	Diary of a World Traveller
	Friends of International Lacrosse
	Spreading the Word of Lacrosse in Europe
	“It’s Better to Wear Out than Rust Out!”
	Fundraising - "Bernard Bear"
	Leaders in Lacrosse
	The Fire Within Sarah
	STX Level
	STX Ad

The President's Corner Fiona Clark       2005 ~ the year of the 7th IFWLA World Cup, and what a year it is gearing up to be!  Can you believe it’s 23 years since Jane Vache opened the first World Cup in Nottingham, England?  In her opening Presidential remarks Jane said “We meet here at Nottingham with a sense of anticipation and ecstasy as pioneers in our sport.  We epitomize co-operation between free nations, the sharing of competitive spirit, and the recognition of the rights of individual and member organizations.  From this beginning, let us go on to greater strength through unity, better understanding through shared concerns, and stronger fellowship through wholesome competition.”  How very proud Jane would be today to know that her words have lived on, as the IFWLA goes from strength to strength, continuing to value the ideals of friendship, sportsmanship and competitiveness in the International arena.  In 1982 six countries competed in this inaugural event, which ran over five straight days of round robin play, Monday to Friday, culminating in play-off positions on the final day.  The event this year is to be run over 10 days, and sees 10 countries compete for the first time.  2005 sees a team from the Land of the Long White Cloud make their debut appearance.  The players are excited to be coming to the World Cup, and looking forward to the experience of playing against other nations.  In this newsletter you can read about Denise Wescott’s recent travels to further develop the game of Lacrosse through coaching.  Denise’s travels took her to New Zealand, where she encountered a group of highly energetic lacrosse enthusiasts, eager to learn as much as they could. This issue also gives you the latest insight into World Cup 2005.  US Lacrosse promises this will be a spectacular World Cup, and Co-ordinator, Sarah Oglesby, is excited about the prospects.  Sarah’s enthusiasm is infectious ~ she exudes professionalism, and her inherent love of the sport has ensured that whilst all countries will be vying for the “World Champions” title, it will be LACROSSE, that will be the real winner!   Just to let you into a little secret, if you want to really keep in with Sarah she can always be ‘bribed’ with chocolate!  However the Aussies already have the ‘lead’ in this department, and will be showering Sarah with her favourite Arnotts Tim Tams.  Perhaps New Zealand will follow suit? ~ after all they are an Aussie product manufactured in the land of their East Coast neighbours! As with all World Cup events the opportunity to renew friendships, and make new ones, is welcome and valued.  This will actually be my first World Cup as President, and I can promise all those who looked after me so well in 2003 at the U19 World Championship that you won’t have to worry about ‘wheelchair access!’ En route to the United States I shall be stopping over in Japan, to attend the last few days of the 2005 Asia Pacific Lacrosse Tournament in Osaka, and participating in a meeting to discuss the future of the recently formed Asia Pacific Lacrosse Union.  With membership being open to any Asia Pacific country or region playing any form of lacrosse, it is important that the IFWLA ensures Women’s Lacrosse is indeed part of this program.  Japan has been the catalyst for development in the Asian region, and their efforts in this regard are to be highly commended. A special thank you to STX for their continued loyalty and on-going support.  This is the first of four newsletters for 2005, and we are grateful to acknowledge the contribution STX plays in lacrosse throughout the International lacrosse community.  I hope you enjoy reading this newsletter, and spreading the word of “Lacrosse Around The World” ~ this journey through various countries not only provides an insight into what is happening in the different regions, but it also provides many common threads ~ one of the most important of these is Friendship.  I am truly blessed to have made so many wonderful friends around the world, and I felt privileged this past year to be able to host Denise Wescott in my home in Perth, Western Australia.  Travel opportunities, friendship ~ joys like these are precious ~ “We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing each other.” TOP

Lacrosse as an Olympic Sport? Headlines in a recent article read, “IOC sticks to the status quo. The Olympic future of softball, modern pentathlon and baseball is safe until 2012.”  Whilst the IOC has agreed that no sports would be excluded from the Games for the next eight years, what Lacrosse wants to know is “How will sports get included?”  Well, if any sport is to go in, one will have to go out ~ and the IOC has not thrown a sport (polo) out of the Games since 1936!  What we do know is that at this point in time we do not meet current requirements, however the importance of positioning our sport for the future participation of lacrosse in the Olympics is well recognized.  The introduction of a Women’s and Men’s Under 19 World Championship 10 years ago, should prove to be one of the catalysts in favour of our inclusion. For admission to the Olympic Program “A sport must show a direct emphasis on youth and development.  Sports should organize world and continental competitions for the youth categories, as well as for men and women.”  The admission of a new sport to the Olympic Program can only be considered if the sport is practiced by both men and women. However, this does not necessarily mean that sports must be represented by both men and women in the Olympics.  Lacrosse recognizes the opportunity for change is limited, however work is already underway towards meeting the Olympic Charter requirements, specifically a) to increase the number of countries playing lacrosse and b) to pursuing a potential merger of the two International Federations, i.e. the IFWLA and the ILF.  In the former the Olympic Charter states that “only sports widely practiced by men in at least 75 countries and on 4 continents, and by women in at least 40 countries and on 3 continents, may be included in the program of the Games of the Olympiad.”  The latter has seen both the IFWLA and the ILF unite to form a committee to investigate a potential merger.  A questionnaire has been sent to all countries to gauge the level of interest and support for pursuing a merger of the two Governing bodies. A Unification Committee meeting will be held in June 2005 to review the survey findings, and a report will be presented to the IFWLA and the ILF boards at their respective meetings in July. Did you know that Lacrosse has been a part of the Olympic program in the past?  The next edition will provide you with this history. TOP

Diary of a World Traveller by Denise Wescott   Over the last nine years I have been exposed to international lacrosse through working with Germany. This past year I had the fortune of travelling to many countries to compete against, coach, and enjoy watching women’s lacrosse. They say it takes a village to raise a child; well it will take the world to help the growth of women’s lacrosse. The sport has started to explode around the world and we need to be there to help.   Some of the things we can do to help: 1) Donate finances and new/old equipment to the lacrosse development committee to distribute to needy countries. 2) Volunteer to go to countries to coach players, train coaches, to referee, and to train referees. 3) Travel to other countries, or invite them over to compete against their youth, club, and National teams. 4) Get involved with committee or volunteer work at local, regional, national, or international levels. There are so many small things you can do to give back to the sport.   Everywhere I went the biggest common thread I felt was passion…..passion for the sport of women’s lacrosse, and camaraderie with lacrosse people that no other sport can match!   In a sport that does not yet have financial backing that other sports can boast, lacrosse is thriving because of volunteerism. The United States is the only country that pays its coaches and referees in some cases enough to live on. There are a few countries such as Canada, England, and New Zealand who pay part time for training the players, and about half that minimally pay their referees. So it is the love of lacrosse that has people sacrificing finances and time to travel many miles to play.    The first thing that is needed to create lacrosse in a country is a core of people to organize and administer the sport. The toughest part is the beginning when a few individuals are the only ones doing all the work! It is only when the sport has been around awhile that there will be enough former players and greater numbers to pool from to then be able to delegate out more of the work. Grin and bear it the rewards are worth it later on.   Then it is necessary to find and expose individuals to the sport to create a player base. I was very impressed with how quickly New Zealand has grown due to a few organizers, and Ronnie Cole who travelled over to Australia to learn how to coach and then took a year to travel to the schools in New Zealand to expose lacrosse to their youth. Then you need to build on the playing numbers to help the competition level get stronger. Germany started in Berlin with a handful of players and has grown to 14 clubs mostly established around the colleges. They have a German Championship and also host the Berlin Open, which has brought in men’s and women’s teams from around the World. The Czech Republic hosts the Prague Cup, which also brings in teams from around the World. Denmark is also now hosting an international tournament. England, Scotland, and Wales are helping the level of play improve in the Czech Republic, Germany, and Denmark through the European Cup, which Denmark competed in for the first time. The three countries also help by allowing competition in their Senior National Games, and Under 21 Tournaments having hosted the Czech Republic, Germany, and Japan. Scotland also just hosted Germany in some test matches. The Germans have hosted Denmark and Austrian players to their January camps and a box lacrosse tournament this Fall. I was not able to go to Japan, but I know they are helping the sport grow in their own country and all other Asian Countries. International growth starts at the youth level, but it is necessary to expose countries to international play. Since Canada and the United States are more isolated, it is important for opportunities to continue to grow for teams to travel in both directions to play in competitions with them.   Many countries have strong Under 19 and Under 15 groups, which I think will take the sport to another level. I am very impressed with Australia’s, Canada’s, Japan’s, and the United States efforts to train players and coaches at every level. There is a core of people who have worked hard to train their athletes physically, mentally, and strategically to expand their depth of internationally talented players. Once you have a player base, coaches and umpiring clinics are important to raise the level of skill, to keep the sport safe, to make practices more beneficial and fun, and to improve play on game days. It is the players, coaches, referees, manufacturers, and spectators who are all responsible to keep the sport fair and safe, but the responsibility mostly lies on the referees because they get to decide what the game looks like during competition! Most countries are hosting coaches’ and umpiring clinics. The United States hosts their National Convention in January and I have seen many coaches and referees from other countries in attendance.    The last element to add is to find funding. Now that the sport is growing we must find more sponsorship because too many countries fund everything through their own players. There are lacrosse manufacturers, and larger corporations who need to be tapped to help with sponsorship at events, and to contribute to grass roots programs. There are many manufacturers who have already contributed, especially lacrosse companies such as Brine, deBeer, STX, and Warrior. Now we need to expand to non-lacrosse corporations who have companies across the globe.   I must thank the many people who organized my trips to coach this past year – Birgit Meyfarth in Germany, Lois Richardson and Linda Aslanian in England, Shelley Maher and Fiona Clark in Australia, Suzanne Wolton and Jacqui Thompson in New Zealand, Fiona Reid in Scotland, and Cheryl Quinn-MacNeill and Roxanne Curtis in Canada. It has been an amazing year having countries, clubs, families, individuals, and even pets taking me in and opening their hearts and their homes to me. Besides enjoying lacrosse almost every day as I traveled, I also got to sightsee, and be exposed to many different cultures. I climbed mountains, volcanoes and the Sydney Bridge, visited museums and slept in castles, sailed on a few oceans and went snorkeling with the fish, had some great tour guides through parks and took an aboriginal trek. I also think I carried half of the seashells from around the world home with me. The beaches were amazing!! But the most rewarding element of this year is the lasting friendships I have made through the sport of lacrosse. I met some wonderful people along the way, which have touched my life and made it more rewarding. My house is always open to any of you involved in lacrosse. Lacrosse is in great hands; we just need more of you to open them. TOP     Friends of International Lacrosse The IFWLA established a “Patron’s Club” in 1991, and 14 years later it is exciting that this club remains in existence, and continues to flourish in some countries.  2005 sees a name change to Friends of International Lacrosse, however its primary purpose remains the same “To support the IFWLA with special projects, and to continue friendships around the world as part of one big Lacrosse family.”  Co-organizers of the club in the USA are Dottie Connelly and her daughter Susan.  USA will be conducting a membership drive at the National Tournament over the weekend of 28/29 May, so this will be a great opportunity for US persons to become a part of this International group, and support the development of lacrosse around the world. Dottie and Susan are looking forward to welcoming visitors to Annapolis, and are working on maintaining the level of expectation for hospitality as extended at previous World Cups.  “Being on site at the US Naval Academy will be exciting.  Situated in the picturesque setting of America’s charmingly historic sailing capital, the Academy is within walking distance from downtown Annapolis which boasts delightful boutiques, side walk cafes and plenty of restaurants.” Members of Friends of International Lacrosse will be required to have identity from their respective countries to help ensure a smooth and pleasant recognition of ‘Friends.’ A breakfast will be held on the Sunday morning 26 June, at the O’Callaghan Hotel, for US and International members, who will be in town for the opening days of the event.  Feffie Barnhill, Dottie Connelly, Marge Garinger and Suzie Ganzenmuller will host the breakfast.  The IFWLA acknowledges with sincere thanks the work of the Chairpersons in each country.  In Japan Yoko Sasaki has been Chairperson for many years, and retires from this role in April 2005.  Yoko recently wrote “Lacrosse history of Japan is very short, so we, mothers of the players, have supported the World Cup held in Edogawa in 1997, and the International Friendship Games.  I have really had a wonderful time with lacrosse players and Chairpersons from around the world.  I took players to the USA, watched games, and stayed with host families.  Thanks to Lacrosse, I had a great experience I’ve never had before.  Now players in Japan grow up to be great supporters.  A young man, by the name of Akinori Yamamoto, will take over the Presidency of “Lacrosse Tomonokai”, and this has the support of the JLA.” The IFWLA acknowledges the role Yoko has played as Chairperson.  The ‘Patrons Party’ in Japan was a wonderful, cultural experience that bonded many International lacrosse friends together.  Thank you Yoko for all your hard work and commitment to development efforts around the world. TOP       Spreading the Word of Lacrosse in Europe  The IFWLA congratulates Michael Hoeck (Chief Editor) and his Board, on their first issue of the European Lacrosse Magazine.  This is a combined initiative of lacrosse players all over Europe, and it connects the European Lacrosse Community.  More information can be found at www.europeanlacrossemagazine.com.   Players from all 19 European lacrosse-playing countries contributed to the magazine.  Wow, 19 countries in Europe ~ did you know that?  How many can you name? [For answers, please go to the bottom of this page.] TOP     “It’s Better to Wear Out than Rust Out!”   As recently as 20 years ago there were limited opportunities for sports men and women to continue careers in their chosen field once they reached a ‘mature’ age.  In too many instances keen participants had to take up more passive and often less challenging recreational pursuits once they reached an age where open competition was no longer viable.  Lack of competitive sporting opportunities at mature age levels is now a thing of the past.  This is evidenced by the growing number of people worldwide that now compete in “Masters Sport.”  Friendly competition has become the hallmark of Masters Games, and the IFWLA is looking at including Masters events in future World events.   In October 2005 Lacrosse will be amongst the 50-team and individual sports included in the Australian Masters Games in South Australia.  The minimum age is 35 for women, and those in the 40+ age group will compete in a mixed event.  Australia is expecting more than 10,000 competitors ~ come and join in the competition with and against your peers in an atmosphere of fellowship, in which participation is more important than competitive success ~ although this is still an important incentive!  Visit the official Website, www.amg2005.com  for more information.

TOP   FUND RAISING? Do you have a novel idea for fund-raising that you would like to share with other countries? We all know that seeking revenue is critical in achieving many outcomes. In Western Australia, a fund-raising venture resulted from the sad and tragic loss of a little baby.  Many of you reading this newsletter, who have been involved with the world events conducted in Perth, will know Fran Maunton (nee Reid).  She was responsible for Team Liaison at the IFWLA World Cup in 1989, and Tournament Director at the U19 World Championship in 1999.  Tragically Fran and Robert lost their first born at 10 months of age.  We were touched and inspired by this story. Fran’s Story “We lost Claire on the 26 March 1993, aged just 10 months, from a congenitally acquired heart condition.  After Claire’s death I joined “Heart Kids” whose mission is “To provide hope and support to children, and the families of children with congenital and/or acquired heart disorders.”  They do this by providing practical and emotional support to families, and by supporting research into congenital heart disorders.   I joined primarily to get information that would help us learn more about Claire’s condition, and found a group of people, who although complete strangers, conveyed incredible empathy for our situation, and really understood the emotional roller coaster we were on. Although our family and friends were very supportive, these strangers provided what felt to me like a ‘warm blanket in our common bond.’ ‘Bernard Bear’ became a symbol of Heat Kids, when it was decided to start a series of bears to sell as a fund-raiser.  We were always looking for ideas for a design, and I could see the opportunity for a win-win for both Heart Kids and Women’s Lacrosse ~ Heart Kids needed a new bear, and Lacrosse gave them another potential market.  Heart Kids provided an opportunity for Lacrosse to purchase them, without the cost of artwork etc., and at a mutually profitable price, with proceeds therefore going to both Heart Kids and Lacrosse. The Lacrosse Bernard Bear was number 6 in the series.  Others have included a doctor, a valentine bear, a Xmas bear and a rose bear.  Number 9 in the series in now on the market. Linking Lacrosse and Heart Kids together in this program was a fairly simple process, because I had friends, and people who knew Claire, and who wanted to support my ‘other cause.’  People outside these two groups have commented on the collaboration between the two groups being a good thing, which has helped to develop community awareness into this condition, and has allowed us to spread the word of lacrosse.” Lacrosseurs from around the world will have their opportunity to show their support by purchasing a teddy bear badge.  They will be on sale on the Australian stall at World Cup 2005 for AUS $5.00. Do you have a novel idea for fund-raising that you would like to share with other countries?  If you do, send details to sue.clegg@btinternet.com. TOP     LEADERS IN LACROSSE Strategic Planning Workshop Our sport of Women’s Lacrosse can be justifiably proud of its heritage, and the progress of the Federation since it was founded in 1972.  It’s objective “To promote and develop the interests of Women’s Lacrosse throughout the world, and foster International understanding and goodwill” has been a strong influence in guiding and developing the Women’s game.  However now is not the time to rest on our laurels; It is important that this development continues, and translates to higher participation rates, increased global opportunities and new countries taking up the sport. Effective planning is seen as being a key component of a strong International Lacrosse system, and in December 2004 the Federation embarked on a process to look at the future of the sport, which involved conducting a Strategic Planning Workshop.  In Annapolis, USA, the Officers assembled a well-credentialed group of participants who brought a diversity of skills, knowledge and experience to the weekend planning session. Dr. Sue Lyons conducted the facilitated sessions.  Sue hails from England, where she played and coached from club through to international level.  She coached England, Great Britain and Wales, and is the author of a book “Coaching Women’s Lacrosse.’  Sue was IFWLA VP Development from 1996-1999. When her husband was offered a post at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, Sue moved to Australia with the family in 2002. The Workshop agenda included a SWOT analysis of the internal and external issues impacting on the sport, an infrastructure review looking at portfolios and responsibilities, and strategic directions required to further develop the sport.  In the workshop Sue explored the dimensions of these areas, and provided opportunities for participants to identify strategies that would reinforce the many benefits that involvement in Women’s Lacrosse can offer.  Papers were also presented on various topics eg, International Games Statutes, Volunteer Recognition and  Governance of a number of International Governing Bodies. A Strategic Plan will be submitted to delegates at Conference in July 2005, which sets out the broad directions of the IFWLA through to 2010. Emphasis is placed on four key priority areas.  Since the outcome is one that has been developed out of an effective consultation process it is considered this will help promote buy-in from the relevant stakeholders, who will impact on the delivery of the Plan.  Sue Lyons has been invited, and has accepted, to present the ‘Strategic Way Forward’ to Conference delegates in July following the World Cup.  A vote will be taken, and it is hoped, and anticipated, that this vote will allow the IFWLA to move forward in the direction the Workshop indicated.  This should ultimately move to a unification of the two International Governing Bodies, in the best interests of the development of LACROSSE worldwide. Sincere thanks are acknowledged to the following participants, whose combined wisdom, knowledge of the sport, energy, enthusiasm and commitment has provided the IFWLA the ability to move forward to influence future circumstances to the best advantage of the Federation. Jenny Haynes (IF VP), Susie Ganzenmuller (IF VP), Sue Lyons (Facilitator), Feffie Barnhill (USA), Denise Wescott, (USA), Sue Lubking (USA), Jen Eames (USA), Laura LeMire (USA), Ayana Green (USA), Shelley Maher (Australia), Takasaka Tomohiro(Japan), Joanne Stanga (Canada), Cheryl Quinn-MacNeill (Canada), Beth Lyons (Wales/Recorder). TOP   The Fire Within Sarah                                                            Meet Sarah Oglesby ~ an energetic and dedicated lacrosse enthusiast, whose current mission is to co-ordinate the seventh IFWLA World Cup.  Her role is one that only 6 people throughout the lacrosse world have done before ~ and it’s one that doesn’t get any easier, as each time the ‘mission’ is to be ‘bigger and better than the last.’ Sarah takes us on ‘her journey’ as she reaches for the World Cup! “I grew up in Baltimore, and went to Georgetown University, where I double majored in Field Hockey and Lacrosse, with a minor in Psychology.  I never really took the time to think about my future at Georgetown, as I rushed from the dining hall, to class, to practice, and back to the dining hall, always squeezing in time for friends, and a little bit of studying.  I was never nervous for the future, and just knew everything would work after that final whistle, when I received my diploma. I have always been open to new adventures and challenges, so after becoming Head Coach of the St. Paul’s Varsity Field Hockey team, and taking my team all the way to the Championship, I sought new challenges, and decided to explore part of the southern hemisphere.  With my backpack, and a burning desire to share experiences of other cultures, my travels took me to Australia and New Zealand for an eight-month adventure, before heading back to Baltimore ~ the home of Lacrosse. My love of event management started with managing running races in the Baltimore area.  During this time I was hired to co-ordinate the Event Office, and run promotions for Pam Shriver’s Charity Tennis Challenge.  The lessons I learned in this role over a two-year period have been invaluable since I joined US Lacrosse, and indeed set me up for the position I’m now in.  I was hired on 1 March 2004 as the Event Co-ordinator for World Cup 2005.  I had never even been to a World Cup.  The first time it was played in the US was in Philadelphia in 1986, and I was just seven years old! Presently the 2005 IFWLA World Cup is really coming together, and will prove to be a first class event.  We are excited about ten countries participating, and particularly this being New Zealand’s debut appearance on the world stage. Ticket sales are on target.  The Cup of Nations High School Festival running in conjunction with the World Cup will bring over one thousand girls to Annapolis from over 17 states and six countries.  One by one, sponsors join us in our mission to provide an unforgettable experience for the participants, and an entertaining and high-energy setting for the fans. Why are we so excited about this year’s event?   For many reasons~ it’s the setting ~ ten teams from ten nations competing for the World Cup title in one of the most saturated areas of women’s lacrosse in the world.  It is the timing ~ women’s lacrosse is presently the fastest growing sport in the United States.  The event will be making history with the most teams ever to compete, and the potential for the first host nation ever to win the World Cup title.  It is the venue ~ the World Cup participants will have the unique opportunity to stay at the US Naval Academy, and fans will get to watch the action unfold at the Glen Warner Soccer Facility along the Severn River, as well as the first class, newly renovated Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.” There is no doubt that the fire in Sarah has never smouldered since she was introduced to the game of lacrosse, and the same fire that this particular challenge ignites, will continue to burn even after the final whistle come 2 July 2005. Sarah Oglesby 2005 World Cup Coordinator US Lacrosse 410-235-6882 x134 soglesby@uslacrosse.org   Did you know that two of the current IFWLA Officers have been two of the seven World Cup Co-ordinators?  Which two, and which World Cups did they co-ordinate?  [For answers, please go to the bottom of this page.] TOP     is not your mothers lacrosse company, it’s yours.  Our past was built on technology.  Our history, performance and innovation are fueled by understanding exactly what makes your game come alive.   We begin with players and coaches.  We are out there on the field and in the game learning firsthand the features, fit and feel players demand most.  The rest is a study in engineering and craftsmanship.  We draw from players all over the world, using the latest technologies to produce products that address specific needs of female athletes.  We have no limits to what we can do….mentally…physically…or otherwise.  We will uphold the game of lacrosse together. 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