PHILOSOPHY

HYLA's new motto is "Fun and Fundamentals".  When HYLA started in 1993, the sport of lacrosse was very new to our area, the motto was "The Fun Starts Here".   HYLA's objective has always been introducing and teaching elementary school age children to the game of lacrosse in a manner that is positive and fun.  That objective will not change.

But, in Central Ohio and across the state, the sport of lacrosse has seen tremendous growth, while for the most part, HYLA stayed the same.  This is not the case for other programs, some of which were originally modeled after HYLA's program.

In 2006 and beyond, therefore, HYLA's program will add features at the older participant levels to increase competition to an extent, as well as reflect the more traditional manner in which lacrosse is played. The intention of these changes is assist players in learning the skills and tactics that more closely reflect the true way lacrosse is played.  In part, we believe these changes will better prepare those who plan to continue with the sport at the middle and high school levels.  Improving the fundamentals our players learn and the way the games are played, in our view, will not change the level of fun HYLA has always felt to be important at the youth sport level.  In fact, we believe the changes we implement will make practice and play even more fun.

HYLA's league structure will not change.  We offer instructional league play for boys and girls divided into divisions by grades, and, when feasible, will give league players the opportunity to participate in area tournaments and festivals. Starting in 2007, HYLA began offering a beginners program called Laxkidz, for ages 4 through the first grade, to teach lacrosse fundamentals to both boys and girls.  We also offer a special training program for goalies called Goalbusters.

All league participants become members of U.S. Lacrosse. This membership, paid for as part of the HYLA sign up fee, provides players with liability and medical excess insurance coverage, a monthly national magazine, discounts, and eligibility to participate in U.S. Lacrosse sanctioned events

HYLA's home league games are played at Hilliard Memorial Field, located on the grounds of Scioto Darby Elementary School.  This is a family oriented venue with three fields, a concession stand, bleachers, scoreboard and a playground.  HYLA teams also play away games against teams from a variety of other area youth lacrosse programs.