New Lacrosse site - tell us what you would like to see!

[YouthLax_com]

LacrosseForums.com & YouthLacrosseUSA.com working together!

Youth Lacrosse USA, LLC is currently in the middle of upgrading to a new site as well as building two additional major sites.

With these expansions and new features we are proud to announce that LacrosseForums.com and YLUSA have started looking into ways to bring together all of the resources from both sites and build the best Lacrosse community and News site the web has to offer.

LacrosseForums.com will now be YLUSA's resource exclusively for lacrosse forums as well as the exclusive resource for two brand new Lacrosse sites. (As discussed between, Mark Wertz and myself [Rob Abbott])

With that said, we would like to know how we can better serve our users and what our users would like to have available to them or their idea of the best lacrosse site on the web.

As, we continue to build and upgrade our current site we would like to integrate features that you would be interested in using and have access to on a daily basis.

Currently we will be offering :

- In-depth Articles with reader reviews and ratings

- The Best Lacrosse Forums on the planet (LacrosseForums.com)

- Regional Event Calendars that are maintained by us and updated by Everyone

- The Largest Searchable Team and Lacrosse Program database on the web

- Collegiate Lacrosse Video Streams (LaxFilms.com) and Recruiting Seminars

- The Hottest News of the Lacrosse and Entire Sports World

- Weekly & Monthly prizes - including the latest in Lax equipment and apparel

- Access for Kids, Players, Parents, Coaches and Program Organizers to post their own articles, news, event information and anything they else they may want posted.

- Interactive Polls and monthly Lax Newsletters

Please help us build the best site for everyone, we really are interested in everyone's input.

We're also looking for talented web designers/developers to act as administrators and moderators with the authority and ability to publish and edit content on our brand new sites.

We're also looking for player's, coaches and parents who might want to report on their players, team or organization and write articles to display on our new sites as well! We're giving everyone a voice!

Thanks, Rob Abbott
YLUSA Webmaster & Senior Media Director of Lax International

You can reach me personally @ the following:

TEL: 978.740.3833
AIM: LacrosseNews
E-M: rob@youthlacrosseusa.com

The New and Improved YLUSA (http://beta.youthlacrosseusa.com)

[cloo24]

i think you should have a review of new items ever 2 or three days that wouild be awesome or not even new items just reviews on lots of lax equipment

[apmlax85]

well this is spam, and technically thats against the rules. But its a good cause, so Im hopping no one deleates this.

[cloo24]

not really cause lacrosse forums is in it also but i also think you should have lots of contests and give aways

[YouthLax_com]

Mark Wertz of LacrosseForums.com and YLUSA are working together with a common goal. This is a recent developement that will continue.

Please do not label our combined efforts as spam - this post is beneficial for both LacrosseForums.com and YLUSA as we are sharing & combining resources to build a better Lax community.

Thanks, Rob Abbott
YLUSA Webmaster

[cloo24]

hey mnark this site isn't gonna change at all is it cause i like it alot just the way it is

[YouthLax_com]

From what I've heard from Mark LacrosseForums.com to my knowledge has no current plans to change at all. The point of all this is to boost LacrosseForums.com over any Lacrosse Forums on the web.

YLUSA and it's two new sites are going to use LacrosseForums.com exclusively to support it in everyway we can and the same goes for us.

YouthLacrosseUSA.com is the only site seeing much change at this point in time.

Thanks, Rob Abbott
YLUSA Webmaster

[CDLax2]

I have never even heard of the YLUSA? What exactly is it that you do?

[YouthLax_com]

Go to the URL : www.youthlax.com (YouthLacrosseUSA.com) (http://www.youthlacrosseusa.com)

We've been around since 2000 - we just haven't ever advertised but we acquire 2,500,000 hits a year (about 200,000 hits a month) and a volume of 10,000 unique visits and 17,500 general visits on average a month.

#1 Google Ranking 3 and 1/2 consecutive years for "Youth Lacrosse"

This season we are going to start advertising constantly in every direction.

We're a Lacrosse News organization/resource...that's who we are. We've been mentioned quite a few times on this site.

Thanks, Rob Abbott
YLUSA Webmaster

[CDLax2]

k, thanks..

[jmplax31]

Yeah, i found at about a year ago and I go to it everyday (along with many other lax sites). I like it cause you could sometimes find things that other sites didn't have. I think the new site looks great and I will keep going to it everyday. With that siad I hope that lacrosseforums does not get taken over. I would rather like to see cross promotion or something. Like, I don't want this site to be called "Youthlacrosseusaforums" or something like that. I would just like it if they shared banners or something. I think this Lacrosseforums is special in the fact that its grown so big, just being a forum and nothing else, but as long as all these members stay and the general rules stay the same I'll be happy.

[YouthLax_com]

Cross promotion is all Mark and I have in mind right now. It's nothing major it's all just beneficial for everyone if we work together and support one another.

We plan on staying independent for sure; I think both of us realize that separate paths that run parallel are an even better combination.

Thanks, Rob Abbott
YLUSA Webmaster

[CDLax2]

thats an analogy that my math teacher uses...

[Mark]

Yes everyone, it's true. We will be working together to bring upward growth to both websites. Instead of YLUSA creating it's own forums and competing, Rob and I have agreed that it would be best to cross promote each other through links and banners. This would allow for each of us to tap into each others resources and grow together, bringing you the best of both worlds.

Things shouldn't change much here for the most part. The Lacrosse Forums are growing rapidly and moving up on major search engines such as Google. Currently we rank #1 for "lacrosse forums" and #33 for "lacrosse". It would be wise to expect some tweaking of the forums. An example would be adding forums to suite "Youth Lacrosse".

I promise you will not see to many major changes. I do plan in the future a complete overhaul of the look and feel of TLF's. This look would be more lacrosse friendly, but the main features of the site will remain the same.

Everyone.......look forward to great things in 2004 ! :agree

[Hooligan]

Mr. Abbott,

I don't want to seem cynical with this post, but I don't really understand the connection here between LacrosseForums and YouthLacrosse. LacrosseForums as I've seen, being a mod here almost from the start, concentrates mostly on high school to pro level lacrosse. I clicked on your site, and it seems to focus more on little league to middle school lax. I do see links for college and pro.....but the picture on the front page of children playing lax is what worries me.

Do you have plans to bridge this gap?

Also, Mark....if YouthLacrosse is going to be catered to a much younger crowd than we're all used to, are we prepared to handle such a situation? I mean, if we have an influx of kids here under 13 years of age, can we ensure that this forum will not have to lose the laid back feel?

Personally, I am a bit warry about this merger. I'm only posting this from my personal stand-point. I love to discuss lacrosse in a way that adds information with fun. See, I run a news site for the Philadelphia Wings, and am also a reporter for the Lacrosse Journal magazine and website. In addition, I have close personal contacts with all sorts of lacrosse news websites out there (both covering pro and amateur lax). My point is that I enjoy providing for the casual and hard-core user of this forum, information that I dig up. When I write an article, I rarely hear any feedback. Here, I get all kinds. I love to see when someone agrees or disagrees with me. But if we have a bunch of children throughout this forum, that laid-back atmosphere will be gone, and the unbridled reaction of the average poster, will be replaced by random chatter.

I don't want this to sound like I am saying that kids under 13 can't hold a logical discussion, but working with kids (being my other job as a teacher) I know that straying off track gets easier, as you get younger in age. I can really see how this will be a definite problem.

Please, can you explain to me exactly how we can keep this fear of mine from happening. Thank you.

Matt

[YouthLax_com]

Matt -

I understand your concern, but...

If you think LacrosseForums.com is going to run it's course free from minors (which are not allowed -technically- to sign up to any moderated adult topic related forum on the internet at all –age 13 or younger- you being a Mod, I’m sure you’re aware of this.) or younger Lax players of the appropriate age who aspire to learn more about the sport of Lacrosse from the more experienced network of players on this forum then you're speaking on a naive level, a level that is seemingly unfounded and built on assumption only.

We’re not here to open the floodgates of “children” that are filled with off topic issues unrelated to your own discussion. This site is called LacrosseForums.com – do you think in anyway shape or form that makes you immune from any demographic signing up and registering? This site is not even a year old and you guys have no idea on the amount of traffic that is about to pour in just from the fact that you’re #1 in Google for “Lacrosse Forums”…not to mention Mark has his eye on the #1 spot for “Lacrosse” as well.

You're on the Web...the Internet; you cannot control an open community site. You can regulate and set guidelines, but you have to know that the users hold up this site and not it's owners or moderators, that’s why forums exist. A domain supported by a following of many can stand on it’s own.

Your fears and point are understandable but you can’t possibly expect to close your doors to the one demographic that encompasses the future of your beloved sport. The basic and fundamental fact is “children” are fueling the Lacrosse world…especially with every parent behind them holding their wallet. Every year a fresh group of kids go to camps, join teams and get recruited – if you are against the future stars of Lacrosse being included in a community site such as this, then I really am speechless.

YouthLacrosseUSA.com isn’t just youth and in one of my initiating statements of this thread, I stated that YLUSA is building two additional major sites. Those sites aren’t targeted towards “children” those sites are targeted towards every demographic in the Lacrosse market. We have huge stakes in several lacrosse sites and organizations that many are unaware of. The connection for Mark and myself is simple…growth. Growth for the sport of Lacrosse and its community, one that kids, parents, coaches and you are all a part of.

In this current year, YLUSA will become an offspring under an umbrella of one major site that we are driving all our advertising towards. The fact is Mark and I see no point in bunting heads in the lacrosse forums world. We’re just embracing resources.

Regards, Rob Abbott

[Hooligan]

You took what I said way too seriously. I posted in the premise that you could shed some light on my (most likely) mistaken mindset. I am a bit surprised you responded with such distain, but I will ignore that. It is likely you thought I was attacking your site. Not so. I was basically just trying to understand the merger.

Now let me clear the air, since I feel I need to make some things clear.

I am in no way suggesting this forum be cut off to anyone. I embrace the opportunity to match wits, stories, and discussions with any and all lacrosse enthusiasts, like myself. I don't care if they're 2 or 102, so long as they can conduct themselves within th guidelines of the mandate on which they signed up, as stated in the rules and regulations from registration.

Now, with that in mind....I am not ignorant to the fact that children under the age of 13 are signed up here, as well as on other boards. I welcome them here with open arms, and hope that in some way they benefit from seeing topics in this forum.

Being as how this site is bringing in enormous amounts of hits a day, and new members sign up by the dozens per week, I am proud to call myself a leader in this community. As a leader, I feel it is my place to question certain things, especially when something is on my mind. Expect this to happen often. But at the same time, I understand my moderator duties, and embrace them as best I can. I am proud to call myself part of this community, and be such an intricate part of how things on this forum operate.

Your assumption that I do not embrace the future of lacrosse, and suggest that in your post is in my mind a bit preemptive. I don't remember saying that I want to make sure that a child never picks up a lacrosse stick again. When I used the word "fear", I meant it in the way that I do not ever want this site to end up like the Brine Forums, or worse. We have some of the smartest, and most informed lacrosse minds and players here on this forum. In no way did I suggest that your site would lower the intelligence level of this site. I only wanted to express that I personally have concerns about children, especially the ones at the age where they should be supervised by parents while exploring the internet, may come across some threads on this forum, that may not be suitable. Even if you could prove that every member on this forum is over the age of 13, there is no way to tell how old a guest is. I already know that there already is the significant possibility that a young child is viewing this forum right now! As mods, it is our job to keep things as clean as possible. Sometimes, though, we do not get to threads as quickly as we should. I said I embrace all new members, no matter what age, and I do. My concerns may be unfounded....but you can see a little where I'm coming from.

Your "Major Site" is probably what I really want to see. I know from seeing the site linked in your signature, there were links to other branches of lacrosse, from college to the pros. This is where I see the merger benefitting this site. If this is the angle in which you wish to run the site, and have YouthLacrosse be one of those branches under your said "umbrella", then this whole thing make so much more sense to me. Being a former moderator of AllLacrosseAmerica.com, I can tell you that the ALA was a great site for information, and was ranked extremely high for anything lacrosse, until its unfavorable downfall. Now, with the anticipation of that site being reborn, a new site which can house a competitive approach to the sport is to me a good idea.

I would like to offer my services in helping you set up whatever you need. Though, you must understand, my first loyalty is to a main competitor of yours (theLacrosseJournal.com). But since the name of the game is spreading the word of lacrosse, I would think that in no way would I be over-stepping my boundaries if I were to offer you some help. As I stated before, I do have direct ties to information regarding the National Lacrosse League. If you need anything, just ask. I'm not opposed to helping. If you have all the help you need in that regard, thats fine as well.

I don't want you to think I'm some snobbish punk. If you read any threads on this forum on which I contribute, you will see that 99% of the time I am a "happy-go-lucky" kind of guy. But, I do like to voice my concerns, when they arise. I just felt that I needed this merger to be better explained. Maybe I missed that part where you talked about a "major site" housing the other demographics underneith. All I needed was you to restate that, or draw my attention to where you originally said that. I must say that I really didn't appreciate having my loyalty to lacrosse, and the progression of the sport being questioned, especailly since I listed for you the types of work I do for this sport, not to mention the countless hours I've invested, to help.

I look forward to what this merger could bring. And I want you to know that I am sorry we seeminly got off on the wrong foot, but I would like to think that Mark and I have a very good working relationship on this board, and I only hope it extends to include you as well.

[Alex]

Well I don't mean to beat a dead horse, and I won't continue with the essay format, but there are a couple issues here. I think it is a legitimate concern Hooligan, I mean look at the Brine boards if you want to see a joke. Obviously you shouldn't unequivocally deny anyone because of age, but you don't want it to end up too juvenile. So that's your job as a moderator. But, the argument that you would be "denying the future" is preposterous, borderline propaganda. That's like saying that strip clubs should cater to young people because that is "the future" of their business. Now lacrosseforums.com is obviously not so taboo (I personally find strip clubs repulsive), but at the same time mature people do want to get together sometimes independent of comments from complete juveniles (I'm not terribly old, but I do enjoy intelligent conversation without being interrupted by some kid who's being a bad boy on the internet while mom has her back turned). So potentially advertising to that crowd is a legitimate concern I would agree, but I don't think it would be something that the moderators could not handle. I don't forsee problematic issues to the point of uncontrollability, but it's something for you (Hooligan) and the staff to take care of, not this guy. Yes I do value these forums for their (relative) maturity, it's something that we should be concerned about, but if we already have like 10 moderators then they should all address such issues. Ok I think I'm starting to violate the essay format clause I made, so I'll leave it at that.

[Paul_Gait_RULZ]

ok, well I dunno about people in here, but i love the new equipment, but what about retro equipment sections, people often talk about the original excalibur and the dominator and turbo by stx and etc..., well, why not have a section with a directory of pics and descriptions of past equipment, some PPl must have them kicking around and must be able to take pics.... eg: pics and review of the original stuff, AN ARCHIVES LAX PAGE!!!

[jmplax31]

I think the difference between this forum and other terrible ones, like the brine one's, are that the Mod's are legit (as well as the all might Mark:) The mod's here really do work hard and visit almost everyday to make sure that everything here is clean and intelligent. That is why I don’t see this place stepping down to that level. Having said that I think the youthlacrosseusa.com is just named that, and has nothing to do with the fact that only 12 year olds and under go. I go all the time and like the site a lot. It just a general lax site.

[YouthLax_com]

YouthLacrosseUSA.com reaches a demographic that is 73% Male and between the ages of 16-45. That at least puts the age issue out of the picture. YouthLacrosseUSA.com reports on Youth Lacrosse to educate coaches, program organizers and parents about how best to raise kids & teenagers in the sport of lacrosse. For example, what camps they should send their children to, what are the best prep schools and colleges for their children to play Lax at...etc. This is only one of hundreds of subjects covered on Lacrosse at YLUSA.

I'm sorry your first impression of YouthLacrosseUSA.com was a site that seemed to "...focus more on little league to middle school lax", this is of course untrue. I want to make that clear and that YouthLacrosseUSA.com, LLC, for close to 4 years has been a Non-Profit News Organization and Resource for anyone who would like to learn about the sport of Lacrosse as well as stay up-to-date on the latest news & issues in the Lacrosse World.

My colleague (Owner/Editor of YouthLacrosseUSA.com) has also issued a response, based on your post:

Mr. Matt -

Congratulations on the new print edition of The Lacrosse Journal that you write for. I know a lot of hard work has gone into that publication by its editors and key management team. Also, I am happy for you that you are a writer for that publication.

As an astute observer of all things lacrosse you know that there is not a whole lot of regular lax youth team news on a regular basis. Accordingly, www.YouthLacrosseUSA.com does not "focus more on little league to middle school lax", as you stated. No general visitor to our site could actually visit the site and come away with that fractured conclusion, unless, of course, they intended to have that opinion, and I am surprised you did.

www.YouthLacrosseUSA.com is the USA's #1 source for news and information on youth, high school, college and pro lacrosse. We also tailor much of our content to the parents, coaches, players and fans of youth and high school lacrosse. Many of our core regular site visitors are youth, middle school and high school coaches and program administrators, I.e., active parents participating in building lacrosse programs. We also have news and information on Sports Business and Sports Medicine because we found that younger players learn to read and think so much more readily when they are working in subjects that interest them. As a parent, youth lax coach, lacrosse official, and sports lawyer I have first hand knowledge in watching young people learn grow. In fact, I think you will find this a trend in teaching younger children--using sports examples to teach reach life lessons.

In my opinion, and I am not an experienced forum moderator, your post betrays a pre-determined bent, an attitude on a mission. I guess that is acceptable for forum postings because forums exist for folks to share their ideas and discuss them. Let me also say that I understand you may have some trepidation on this new joint project between www.YouthLacrosseUSA.com and LacrosseForums. Let me assure you that we really hope this project works out well for all involved.

I would really like to see some of your sports writing and reporting skills. Anytime you would like to submit a story or article about lacrosse or the Wings to www.YouthLacrosseUSA.com please send it along to editor@YouthLacrosseUSA.com. We accept articles from professional players, coaches, high school players, and folks who have general or specific subject matter expertise on a regular basis.

One final comment. I think it was clear throughout the lacrosse world that www.YouthLacrosseUSA.com did the best job of any lacrosse sites, including yours, of covering the news and providing information on the recent PLPA-NLL players strike. I am sorry you were not aware of that. Perhaps because you felt we only reported news, information and insight on "kiddie lax" you overlooked us.

Good Luck!

Gerald Goulder
Editor/Publisher
YouthLacrosseUSA.com

It seems that this issue has gotten off on the wrong foot and I’m sorry we have both misunderstood each other’s views about this new affiliation. We too hope for the best and look forward in working with you & everyone associated with LacrosseForums.com. I deeply appreciate that you have offered up your services to us as well, that is very generous.

Regards, Rob Abbott

[Mark]

Wow, you all love to type don't you?

I spoke with Rob tonight on the phone for almost 2 hours. I want to make it clear to everyone, The Lacrosse Forums is not selling out or being taken over in any form or fashion. We are not merging as one. The simplest way to put it is an "alliance". A agreement to help each other out, trade banners, links and resources to promote the sport throughout the globe. You will see no major changes here with content and/or administration. I understand everone's concerns and all are warranted. Just remember this....This website belongs to everyone here. I simply provide the venue. Without good moderation and quality members that return over and over, the site would not exist. Will we have growing pains, yes ! Trust me....I can handle them. I am very experienced with running large forums and with your help we will grow to be the absolute best !

Ok, I'm typed out and need to stop sounding like a politician. Onward to #1

[Hooligan]

Just one more thing to make clear, then I'm done with this topic. Honestly, I've never heard of your site before it was mentioned here. Altough, your opinion and mine would differ on who covered the strike the best.....I am glad to see that your site is attentive to the professional end of lacrosse.

Now, that everyone thinks I'm some sort of opiniated buffoon, I'll just go back to my forum, and keep my thoughts to myself from now on. I don't want to disrupt anyone's morning coffee.:clap

[enjoi]

I'm with Hool.

YLUSA seems kinda... idk. Get a good name for what is on the site.

Seems like real simple marketing. If i saw a site that said "youth lacrosse" i would not go there. Why? its for youth! I dont care about anklbiters.

Well my 2 cents. BTW do not PM me about this topic.

[YouthLax_com]

There isn't a for or against issue here - It's an announcement.

This isn't about the marketing structure of YLUSA. So I don't know why anyone would comment about the site - especially in the manner you just did. That in turn offends the contributors (including myself) that have done nothing but worked very hard to maintain and build.

This is what Matt was talking about when he said "...straying off track", off-topic and unnecessary critisim isn't what this thread is about.

I guess there is one in every crowd, leave this to the adults and the people (Owners, Admins & Mods) who are working hard behind the scenes.

It's all about having the best intentions anyway. There isn't a reason to ragg on anything or anyone.

:dummy