This article appears in the May/June 2020 edition of US Lacrosse Magazine. Don’t get the mag? Head to USLacrosse.org to subscribe.

Sixteen years ago, US Lacrosse established itself as a leader in online learning when it launched the Coach Development Program Level 1 curriculum.

That pedigree has never mattered more than now.

With the majority of Americans sheltering in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, US Lacrosse has amplified and eased access to its vast educational database while also keeping members and the lacrosse community connected through various digital channels.

Despite trying circumstances, US Lacrosse continues to provide value and service to its members, propelling its mission to fuel the sport’s growth and enrich the experience of participants.

COACH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

20 Minutes

Length of the program, “How to Coach Kids,” designed specifically to help coaches understand how to coach athletes age 12 and under.

7

Modules in the course. It includes age-appropriate techniques, practice planning strategies, ways to ensure a safe and fun experience and tips for integrating parents.

$0

Cost for US Lacrosse members to take the course, which includes downloadable resources and links to other useful websites and information.

OFFICIALS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

25

Online training opportunities packaged for officials during the COVID-19 shutdown to supplement or replace in-person training.

6

Weeks of live webinars hosted by the US Lacrosse Officials Development Program starting in March. View recordings at uslacrosse.org/webinar.

120

Average attendance of each webinar. “This is very informative and helpful,” said Rich Bardol, a football ref in Ohio who just starting officiating lacrosse. “This will be fun. Thank you.”

BY THE NUMBERS

77

US Lacrosse Convention sessions from 2016 and 2017 that are now free for all members. Use your social distancing time to soak up knowledge from some of the brightest minds in the sport with multimedia presentations and takeaways at learning.uslacrosse.org.

216K

Average daily reach of the hashtag #LaxAtHome on Twitter during a three-day stretch in early April. US Lacrosse has led the social media campaign, using U.S. national team players and partners like MedStar Health as influencers in the effort to get people playing lacrosse creatively at home. Post videos with the hashtag and tag @USLacrosse to participate in the movement.

4

Years since USLaxMagazine.com generated as many page views as it did in March, as the US Lacrosse Magazine editorial team kept the community informed on the latest developments in the sport related to the coronavirus outbreak and shared the experiences of players, coaches, officials and others during this trying time.

A TOUCH OF NORMAL

“Lacrosse has been a small bastion of normalcy in this crazy time, and I sincerely appreciate you guys publishing new content to keep us informed and entertained.” — Paul Gonzer, Denver