Lacrosse Politics in Washington

Over the years here in Washington, the politics of "the maker's game" have grown faster than the sport itself.  Some would argue this has helped Lacrosse succeed, some would argue politics really do only one thing- punish kids and reduce the available opportunities for them to grow.
I remember back in 2001, we all (all 16 of us) would sit around a table at TOPS to discuss the upcoming season, and challenges with travel, games, etc.  Since that time, we have seen the Boys High School league grow from 16 teams to 31 this year, and a three conferences within each league. 
We have seen Boys Youth Lacrosse grow at a tremendous rate as well.  orginally supporting only 7th and 8th graders with a few 5th/6th grade teams, Lacrosse has exploded to include 3rd grade up to 8th grade with several programs having three or even four teams at the same age range! 
With all this growth and so much to be done, you would think there would hardly be time to introduce politics into something as pure as Lacrosse.  Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case.  With growth of the love of the sport, comes with an equally increasing number of people who want to control it, shape it, mold it- just how they like it.  While that isn't everyone in this small community, these kinds of folks are becoming more than the "unsilent minority".  What I mean by politics is this, players, parents, coaches, officials, anyone who has something discrediting or degrading to say about somone else in the community who is trying hard to help support Lacrosse here in the Northwest.  Folks that find the scores of youth games to be the most important factor in developing young Lacrosse players.  Lets remember what Lacrosse is about- 1) a sport that almost anyone can play for their entire life if they want to, 2) team sport designed to help work with others 3) positive coaching influence promoting mistakes from trying rather than not trying for fear of making a mistake.  Navy's Richie Meade said it best, "...we are not building just Lacrosse players here, we are building young men and women to lead this country".  With all of that important responsibility collectively on the Lacrosse leaders in our community, is there really time to play politics with one another?