You're absolutely, right. Not a huge commitment, but it has a big impact. Improving the game and promoting GOOD lacrosse at the youth level is a key building block for the future of the sport, and its reputation in athletic departments everywhere.

My team here at HomeField is volunteering with CityLax.com to help spread the game here in NYC. Great organization.

The coaching part is especially important IMO. It doesn't necessarily have to be a giant commitment either because youth programs around the country are generally starved for young, energetic coaches who can relate to the kids.

I know that coaching was one of the most rewarding experiences I've had (including when I was a player) and I found out teaching basic lacrosse skills actually helped my own game.

Mary Cate Slay
PROUD Coordinator of the BRIDGE and Emerging Groups programs at USL: http://www.uslacrosse.org/bridge/index.phtml

You're absolutely, right. Not a huge commitment, but it has a big impact. Improving the game and promoting GOOD lacrosse at the youth level is a key building block for the future of the sport, and its reputation in athletic departments everywhere.

My team here at HomeField is volunteering with CityLax.com to help spread the game here in NYC. Great organization.

The coaching part is especially important IMO. It doesn't necessarily have to be a giant commitment either because youth programs around the country are generally starved for young, energetic coaches who can relate to the kids.

I know that coaching was one of the most rewarding experiences I've had (including when I was a player) and I found out teaching basic lacrosse skills actually helped my own game.

Mary Cate Slay
PROUD Coordinator of the BRIDGE and Emerging Groups programs at USL: http://www.uslacrosse.org/bridge/index.phtml

Lacrosse is one of the truly great games on this planet and lacrosse players are real athletes. While it's a shame that we have a bad reputation around town, it's not insurmountable.

The fix(es)?

Be a great lacrosse player. Play hard on the field and outwork every other team in every other sport.

But be a great person, too. Sure, start your usual shenanigans, but when you tally it up at the end of the day, don't be a douche.

Coach younger kids! Help improve play at every level and we will all be better for it.

Be an ambassador! I was once somewhat ashamed to be a lacrosse player, given the reputation on campus at the time. I didn't tell people I played, because I didn't want it to reflect poorly on me. Wrong approach! If you're a good guy, there's no reason to be ashamed! Tell people you're a lacrosse player and next time you invite people to a game they'll say “Oh I know one of those guys, he's cool. Yeah, I'll go to their game.”

These are just a few things we can do. I don't have the time to write out the solutions for the NLL/MLL/marketing debacle (though I'll find some soon).