Before we can in any way explain how the founders of the GCLA
arrived at their "methodology", it is important to review the
very nature of the sport of club lacrosse itself.

We did not invent club lacrosse, we inherited it. Club lacrosse
has been in existence for over 100 years and, despite rumors to
the contrary, will continue to play a significant role in the
sport for years to come.

The most basic element, as well as the most essential, is the
club itself. Lacrosse clubs are distinct, privately-run organ-
izations designed to look out for their own self-interests.
They in turn compete against other clubs which are doing the
same. Typically, your best club teams are the ones who can
organize, recruit, and motivate their members the best.

The club component is extremely important, because it is
free enterprise at work. A club will work hard to uncover
new players as well as to practice and refine their performance.
It is this competitive aspect, between clubs, that helps
to advance the sport in both numbers of participants and
quality of play.

This type of framework is what distinguishes club lacrosse
from house-leagues. The club is the main component. 

Club lacrosse teams come in all shapes and sizes. Some are
extremely well-funded entities with high-powered teams and
corporate sponsorship. Many of the top players in the world 
compete on such teams.

Others are basically shoestring outfits, comprised of players
of any skill and experience level who simply play for the love
of the game. Some clubs choose this level of play, while others
are forced into it either by geography or demographics.

Others still, fall in between these two.

Club lacrosse leagues exist in every corner of the United States.
Some are geographically distinct, while others overlap each other.
Some emphasize competition to the highest degree, while others
emphasize participation and fun.

Club lacrosse is also essential in supplying coaches and
referees to high school and youth programs throughout the land.
Club lacrosse players are not paid to play, but rather pay
dues to their club to help pay the bills. It has often been
labeled the "pay to play" level of lacrosse.

As long as there are adults who wish to compete in the sport
of lacrosse, regardless of their experience level, there will
be club lacrosse.

For information on virtually every club lacrosse league in
the nation, simply visit The Club Lacrosse Network at the
link provided above.