OVERVIEW
Minor Lacrosse Players within the Ontario Lacrosse Association Zone 5 boundaries are invited to join the Ottawa Black Bears for an exciting opportunity to showcase your lacrosse talent and represent the Black Bears at the Jr. NLL Tournament in Toronto. This program is designed for minor lacrosse players aged U13 (born in 2013 and 2012), U15 (born in 2011 and 2010), or U17 (born in 2009 and 2008) who demonstrate exceptional skill and dedication to the sport.

KEY DETAILS
TRYOUTS
Scouts & Coaches will be on the lookout for promising players to represent Ottawa at the tournament during the OLA Qualifiers July 19-21. Formal tryouts will not be held.

ROSTER SELECTION
Players will be selected from across all Minor Lacrosse Associations within OLA Zone 5; best efforts will be made to ensure representation. Rosters are a maximum of 20 players (18 runners + 2 goalies).

TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION
Selected players will be required to ensure they are onsite for the event. The Ottawa Black Bears will work with the Tournament Host to identify hotels and rates. Rooms are to be booked by the participants.

COMPETITION
Selected players will compete against other junior lacrosse teams from across North America representing other National Lacrosse League team markets, showcasing your talent on a national stage.

PRACTICES
Attend 1-2 practices before the tournament weekend to fine-tune your skills and strategize with your teammates. Location and timing to be determined at a later date.

HOME OPENER SHOWCASE
As a bonus, players will receive a ticket to the Ottawa Black Bears Home Opener. You'll have the opportunity to witness high-level lacrosse and be recognized during the event.

REGISTRATION FEE
Players who qualify for the Jr. Black Bears team will be required to pay a registration fee of $350. As part of the fee, each participant will receive two (2) jerseys, a pair of shorts, t-shirt and hat.

CONCLUSION
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to represent Ottawa in a prestigious lacrosse tournament! Showcase your skills, compete against top talent, and experience the thrill of being part of the Black Bear’s community. Join us for an unforgettable weekend of lacrosse and camaraderie.

SUMMARY
The Ottawa Black Bears are looking to put forth a team in the U13, U15 and U17 age groups to attend and compete at the JR. NLL Tournament in Toronto in August. The teams will be comprised of Minor Lacrosse players representing the Ontario Lacrosse Association Zone 5 region.

Tryouts for the team will be held through the Qualifiers in July, with team selection finalized prior to the end of July 2024.

Two Coaches per team will be required and selected from active coaches within the Ontario Lacrosse Association’s Zone 5. Acting as Assistant Coaches will be active roster players from the NLL’s Ottawa Black Bears.

KEY INFORMATION
Team Tryouts: Zone 5 Qualifiers; July 19-21, 2024 in Ottawa, Ontario

Practice(s): To be determined

Tournament: August 16-18, 2024, Toronto, Ontario

SELECTION CRITERIA FOR COMMUNITY "ALL STAR" PROGRAM COACHES:
COACHING EXPERIENCE
• Minimum of 3 consecutive years coaching lacrosse at the youth level.
• Preference given to candidates with coaching experience at multiple age levels (U13, U15, U17) or with elite youth teams.
• Actively engaged within Zone 5 Minor Lacrosse Associations in a coaching capacity during the 2024 Minor Lacrosse season.

UNDERSTANDING OF THE GAME
• Demonstrated knowledge of NLL box lacrosse rules, strategies, and player development techniques.
• Ability to effectively teach fundamental skills, tactics, and game concepts appropriate for each age level.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK
• Successful completion of a comprehensive criminal background check.
• Coaches must adhere to all child safety and protection policies set forth by the Ottawa Black Bears, Ontario Lacrosse Association and participating Minor Lacrosse Associations.

COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS
• Strong communication skills to effectively interact with players, parents, fellow coaches, and program administrators.
• Ability to lead and inspire young athletes, fostering a positive and supportive team environment.

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT FOCUS
• Commitment to the holistic development of players, emphasizing skill improvement, sportsmanship, teamwork, and character development.
• Willingness to provide constructive feedback and individualized instruction to players of varying skill levels.

AVAILABILITY AND COMMITMENT
• Selected Coaches must be available to attend practices (if held) and/or the tournament in Toronto the weekend of August 16-18, 2024.
• Selected Coaches must be available to attend Team Tryouts the weekend of July 19-21, 2024 in Ottawa and virtual meeting in advance of Tryouts at a date yet to be determined.
• Commitment to fulfilling coaching responsibilities for the duration of the tournament and any associated training sessions or events.

CONTINUOUS LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
• Shown a track record of engaging in ongoing coaching education and development opportunities.
• Desire to stay current with evolving coaching methodologies, trends, and best practices in lacrosse coaching.

POSITIVE ROLE MODEL
• Exemplify sportsmanship, integrity, and respect for all participants on and off the field.
• Serve as a positive role model for young athletes, promoting values of fair play, perseverance, and self-discipline.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other coaches, program staff, and stakeholders to achieve program goals and objectives.
• Genuine passion for the sport of lacrosse and a desire to promote its growth and development within the local community.

SELECTION COMMITTEE
The Selection Committee will be comprised of staff, players and executives of the Ottawa Black Bears as well as up to 4 members of the Black Bears Advisory Committee.

Applicants will be reviewed based on their submissions to the Ottawa Black Bears interest form.

These selection criteria aim to ensure that coaches selected for the Community "All Star" Program possess the necessary qualifications, skills, and attributes to effectively lead and mentor young lacrosse players while representing the Ottawa Black Bears and fostering positive relationships within the local lacrosse community.

LINK TO APPLICATION
Submission of Interest: Click here All coaches interested in the opportunity to participate must submit their interest no later than June 21, 2024. Submitting interest, does not guarantee your spot on the coaching roster.

Thank you in advance for your interest in participating.