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Dear GYL Families,
We want to be clear at the outset:
- We are not permitted to accept non-residents into any GYL program.
- When non‑residents register, they take roster spots meant for Greenwich players who are following the rules, and that is not fair.
Greenwich Youth Lacrosse (GYL) is a registered 501(c)(3) non‑profit organization serving girls and boys in grades K–8 who are residents of Greenwich, Connecticut. In accordance with our bylaws and the guidelines of our governing body, CONNY Lacrosse, we are not permitted to accept non-residents into any GYL program. This requirement applies even if a child attends school in Greenwich or if a parent or guardian works in town. Only families who own or rent a home in Greenwich are eligible to register. These requirements protect the integrity and competitive balance of all neighboring town programs.
As many of you know, GYL is one of the largest town‑based lacrosse programs in the country, and managing enrollment is a significant undertaking. This year, we are facing a serious challenge: some families have registered using business addresses or the addresses of friends or relatives, even though they do not live in Greenwich. With enrollment surging, we have already had to close registration for certain grades and place others on a waitlist.
There are also competitive consequences. If a travel team is found to have a non‑resident on its roster at the year‑end state tournament, the entire team will be disqualified. This has happened before. GYL is a foundational, developmental program, and our goal is to ensure that every Greenwich resident—including players in our Kindergarten through 4th Grade House League—has access to the sport.
This is no longer an isolated issue; it is affecting multiple grades across the program. We do not have the staff capacity to verify every registration, and our honor system—trusted for many years—is now being strained by a small but impactful group of families. If you have concerns or information that may help us address this, please contact Pat Coleman so we can resolve issues promptly and fairly.
Thank you to the overwhelming majority of families who follow the residency rules and support the mission of GYL. Your partnership helps us keep this a strong, fair, and community‑based program for all Greenwich players and ensures that opportunities remain available to those who live here.
Let’s work together to make this our best season yet and uphold the values that make GYL a treasured town program.
Yours in lacrosse,
Greenwich Youth Lacrosse Board of Directors
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