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Lacrosse Uniforms Rules Change for High School Teams by the NFHS 2009

NFHS LACROSSE UNIFORM RULE CHANGES 2009

www.LightningWear.com

For Team Uniform Sales information, please contact us at TeamSales@LightningWear.com.

Greetings Lacrosse fans,

I have decided to start this blog to address the recent changes made by the National Federation of State High School Association for lacrosse uniforms for the upcoming season. In full disclosure, I would like to say that I am a Sales Representative for Lightning Wear Apparel, based in Maryland. Lightning Wear manufactures and sells custom lacrosse uniforms and team apparel to high schools, colleges, clubs leagues and youth organizations across the nation and beyond.

I am not writing this blog as a plug or as self promotion, (although if your team needs some NFHS approved unis please call me!!  hehe), but more so to publish a sideline view of the recent changes that affect every lacrosse program governed by the NFHS rules in the US. Because of my position at Lightning Wear selling uniforms, I have been able to become familiar with the recent changes made by the Association that impact the sport. Please note that the opinions in this blog are my own and not Lightning Wear's or anyone else. Further, I would love to add your opinions on this matter to my blog so feel free to write me, Larry Gibbons.

Being out and about on the lacrosse field, I run in to many high school coaches and directors of athletic programs. The consensus of a majority of these guys and gals is that the new lacrosse uniform rule "stinks". Some of them have recently spent thousands of dollars on jerseys and shorts. Now they are being told that if they wear the uniforms, they should expect to see harsh penalties per game for not being in compliance with the rules.

Because of the recession and the pinch for cash by schools and parents, many programs are scaling back their spending of team uniforms and accessories. They are providing only the basics. The new rule requires immediate financial action by all programs, and many say they just do not have it.

Before I get in to any more detail about the rules, I have attached a link that outlines the new regulations enacted. This is quoted from the NFHS website.

"Officials are reminded that a revised jersey rule took effect with the 2008 season

The jersey must be a single, solid color with only limited trim in a contrasting color
allowed. These trim requirements are included in rule 1-9 in this rule book. Should
a team have jerseys or other uniform violations, these must be identified by the
officials prior to the beginning of the contest and penalized accordingly. Following
the contest, the officials must notify the state association of the school's illegal
uniforms so that they can address the situation with the school. Realize that
equipment violations are handled differently as stipulated in the rules."

Sorry to fill the page up with more reading, but here are the specifics taken from the NFHS site.

 

 

NFHS Boys Lacrosse Jersey Rule
The NFHS Boys Lacrosse Rules Committee approved a revised jersey rule in 2003 with a delayed implementation until 2008. The current jersey rule follows:
g. Jerseys shall be of a single, solid color with the following trim specifications permitted:
1. Collar, cuffs and waistband may be of contrasting colors, but not more than 2 inches wide.
2. Side inserts (armpit to waistband) may be of contrasting color(s), but no more than 3 inches wide.
3. Numbers shall be centered vertically and horizontally and at least 8 inches tall on the front and at least 12 inches tall on the back.
4. Numbers may contain contrasting color trim(s) not to exceed 2 inches (the number shall contrast with the body of the jersey).
5. The jersey shall completely cover the shoulder pads.
6. Duplicate numbers on jerseys shall not be permitted on the same team.
7. Jerseys shall be of contrasting colors for opposing teams. The home team shall wear light jerseys and the visiting team shall wear its dark-color jerseys. The visiting team is responsible for avoidance of similarity of colors, but, if there is doubt, the referee may require the home team to change jerseys.
h. Uniforms shorts: All players on the same team shall wear uniform shorts of the same dominant color.
i. A visible manufacturer’s /trademark may not exceed 2¼ square inches and 2¼ inches in any direction on the jersey and/or pant/short. Beginning in 2010, no more than one manufacturer's /trademark or reference on the outside of each item. (The same size restriction shall apply to either the manufacturer's /trademark or reference).
NOTE: An American flag, not to exceed 2 by 3 inches, and either a commemorative or a memorial patch, not to exceed 4 square inches and with written state association approval, may be worn on the jersey provided neither the flag, nor the patch, interferes with the visibility of the number.
The rule allows trim only as specified. The following are samples of jerseys that will be illegal beginning with the 2008 season:

see website for jersey pic.

This jersey is illegal due to the contrasting colored yoke, the white trim that outlines the yoke and the fact that the trim under the arms goes beyond the armpit and extends onto the bottom portion of the sleeve.

This jersey is illegal only because of the white stripe that outlines the yoke."

PROS

While I can see the point of the angry mob that wants to overthrow this ruling because they do no want to be limited on how cool their kid can look, I do see the overall message and point that the association has made. The bottom line is that there needs to be standardization among programs and the leagues. When ten kids on the field are wearing eight different shorts and three different types of lacrosse jerseys, it makes the official's job (and the coaches I might add) very difficult. The word uniformity might be a little cliche here but the point is made.

The specific color combination requirements addressed by the Association are also somewhat agreeable. When I watch some of the pro teams and the sick jerseys that they put their men in, it makes me wonder where the limit is. Personally, I know that if I showed my design or customization department at Lightning Wear one of Cannons lacrosse uniforms, I would probably be launched out of the room. My point is, too much dazzle and dance on the field takes away from the game. We must remember this is a HIGH SCHOOL ruling. The color and design limitations that the association have placed once again assist the officials. They have an idea of what to look for on the field. Numbers are not hidden by the schools team falcon logo. Lightning Wear has made changes to our jerseys to remove the piping and back panel. While I do not think it was flashy or harmed anyone, I accept where they are coming from.

CONS

Now, I get to write about what I do not like about the new ruling. First and foremost is the "12 inch back number rule. I can guarantee that the people that came up with this ruling have never worked a day in a screen printing or a custom logo/numbering shop. At Lightning Wear, we never stocked any "12 numbers. We now have to. Trying to find a screen printer on this side of the ocean is impossible without giving your right arm to pay for it. Screen printers and transfer design companies only produce and stock 8" - 10" numbers. 12" are impossible to find and when you do, they are a pain to heat press. Therefore, the rule, in my opinion, needs to be changed to 10" on the back MAX.

The only other opinion I have (and my boss may kill me for saying this) is that I feel there should be a little more time given for teams to progress in to the changes. While they may say that adequate time has been given for teams to prepare for this, I personally do not agree. Lacrosse is a new and growing sport. We all want it to continue to grow and prosper. Many parents that let their kids start playing the sport are already unhappy about spending close to $400 getting their kid equipment. To sock them with another $100 for a new uniform is not fair, especially in today's economy.

I am very interested in seeing how the enforcement of the new regulations go. Some coaches said they have decided to ride it out and take the gamble. I hope for their sake it does not cost them a two minute penalty that changes the outcome of a game. Good luck teams and thank you for reading my blog. If you have anything you would like to add or address, please email me directly at lgibbons@lightningwear.com. Have a great season and keep Lax Alive!!

About the Author

Larry Gibbons, Team Sales Associate
Lightning Wear Apparel

http://www.LightningWear.com

lgibbons@lightningwear.com

Maximizing Your Sales Function

Managing the Sales Team

Set the Sales Targets & KPI's. Set the periodic sales targets for individuals, teams and the company. These could be daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, half year and annual. They should be stretch targets but achievable. Not too easy not too hard.

Autonomy. Having interviewed many sales people, the most common frustration they have is being micro-managed. Below I outline how to approach internal sales meetings which are pivotal to getting the most out of the sales function. Beyond that, let them have ownership and accountability of their sales area. Be there to support and guide but don't get in their way.

Understand the Motivation behind Sales People. Sales people are typically very driven and singularly focused individuals. They get a massive kick out of the "thrill of the chase" and "closing the deal". They are generally motivated by sales turnover and their earning capacity including commission. Understand this in motivating and driving them.

Pay Structure. This would be the number 2 frustration of sales people. Agree on their base pay, superannuation, benefits, bonus scheme or commission structure at the start. Then measure, monitor and make good on all of these to the letter. Make sure payments are on time within predetermined lead times. If you can't explain the bonus or commission structure in a few minutes on 1 page, revisit the basis of calculation. This is absolutely critical.

Let Them Sell. Sales people are there to sell. Don't burden them with financial or administrative tasks unless they are Sales Managers leading a team. Outside of the internal sales meetings which are critical, let them do what you employed them to do.

Weekly Sales Meetings. Weekly Sales Meetings should be laser focused, short, sharp and direct. Use an agenda. No waffle. Discuss current leads, open order status, business development opportunities and other current prospect/customer status. If weekly sales data is available, report it quickly against pro-rata budget. Keep product, training and HR/admin issues for the Monthly Sales Meeting. A good productive meeting may only run for 20 minutes or less.

Monthly Sales Meetings. Monthly Sales Meetings include a review of prior month's individual, team and group sales performance against budget targets. Use an agenda. A monthly spreadsheet detailing sales turnover and key performance indicators against budget should be tabled and analysed. Report the news. Relevant product/service updates, training and general business administration issues should also be tabled. Commissions and other performance criteria should be reviewed and resultant follow up actions noted.

 

Quarterly Sales Meetings. Quarterly Sales Meetings are to review the prior quarter's performance at an individual, team and group level. Break your year into four quarters and report Q1, Q2, Q3 & Q4 results. They should be quantitative and qualitative. Customer data and feedback should be included as well as sales team needs and gap analysis. This may also include marketing and business development initiatives. What went well and what went badly in the prior quarter? What can we do in the next quarter to be even better?

Annual Sales Meeting. This is the big macro review to conduct each year. This includes a full detailed review of prior year. It includes setting or tabling of the following financial year's sales targets and marketing plans. This meeting is often done off site with a structured agenda.

Communication

In-Person Communication. Define your expectations in regard to personal grooming and dress code for client meetings. Have a consistency and professionalism in the way you present your sales force in person.

Email Communication. Review your email etiquette. I recommend a standard greeting and close. Ensure a consistent e-signature is used on all email correspondence. Advise the team what "should and shouldn't be said" in emails. The casualness and ignorance surrounding email communication can pose a genuine business risk. Work on minimising this risk.

Written Communication. Develop a solid knowledge bank of standard letters and proposal/sales precedents. This not only creates consistency and best practice but delivers massive sales productivity gains.

Phone Communication. Appraise your telephone communication. Who answers the phone and in how many rings? How often do you need to transfer calls? What does the customer hear on hold? What's your standard greeting? How friendly and helpful are staff in taking calls? If your answers to these questions aren't solid, hold an internal session on telephone communication.

Customers

Marketing Materials. Have hard-copy and soft-copy versions easily available to the sales team so that they can quickly prepare correspondence and get back to prospects and customers. Examples include product/service brochures, product specifications, samples, FAQ sheets and quote/proposal templates.

Customer Feedback. Develop systems and processes for capturing customer feedback and report this in your internal sales meetings.

Customer & Prospect Response Times. Have clear expected response times to customers. How quickly do you respond to prospect enquiry or customer contact? Educate staff on these maximum response times and advise your customers. Measure and manage expectations.

Sales Process. Is your business' sales process clearly documented, understood and followed by the sales team? Do you effectively educate your customers on that process and manage their expectations?

Back Office Support

Payment of Variable Sales Remuneration. Have strong systems in place to ensure that sales people are paid their bonuses, commissions and benefits accurately and on time. This is key for maintaining morale and motivation within the sales team.

Sales Administration. Ensure the back office delivers on what the sales team have promised. Implement systems to process purchase orders and invoicing on time. A shabby back office can quickly damage your reputation and sales channel.

Debt Collection. Make sure the appropriate person makes contact with customers regarding collection. Draft a collection process so that everyone knows the steps involved. Keep the sales team in the loop and always "ask questions first" when in doubt before making customer contact.

 

Darren Bourke, Business Influence, 2008. You are welcome to "reprint" this article online as long as it remains complete (including the "about the author" information at the end).

About the Author

Darren Bourke is a Consultant, Business Coach & Mentor who helps small & medium businesses struggling to maximize profitability, productivity, people and performance. His Free Report titled What Successful Owners of Growth Businesses Do That You Don’t, newsletter and updates are full of strategies and tips to make your business boom. Sign up now at www.businessinfluence.com.au



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