What is Lacrosse?

Not only is lacrosse the oldest known sport in North America, it is also the fastest growing.  The game was initially played by FIrst Nation tribes dating back 500 years or more.  The modern game has been popular in the Eastern US and Canada for many years, but has been spreading rapidly throughout the US at all levels.  Lacrosse is a fast-paced field sport, with elements that are similar to soccer, basketball and especially ice hockey (in fact many ice hockey rules originated with the sport of lacrosse).

How do you play lacrosse?
Lacrosse is played on a field similar in size to a football or soccer field, with goals at each end.  Players use sticks of varied length with a mesh net at one end.  A hard rubber ball is thrown, caught, and carried using the stick. The objective is to outmaneuver the defense and shoot the ball into a 6’ x 6’ goal, defended by a goalie.  Lacrosse is a relatively high scoring sport, with scores often exceeding 10 goals per side during a game.

Is lacrosse a physical game?
It depends! First of all, men’s and women’s rules are different, with minimal contact allowed in the women’s game.  Men’s lacrosse allows more contact, including some forms of body checking.  Youth lacrosse uses modified rules that progress from very limited contact at the U8/U10 ages up to full contact at the high school level.  Contact is generally more that you would see in soccer or basketball, but less than in football or hockey.  Additionally, physical conditioning is an important aspect of lacrosse, as it is a fast-paced full-field sport.

What sorts of skills are needed to play?
While players of all abilities can enjoy the sport of lacrosse, the most successful players will demonstrate skill in: hand-eye coordination, footwork, agility, tenacity and teamwork.  Throwing and catching are basic skills that we emphasize at all levels.  Nothing is more fun to watch than a team that executes crisp passing.  Footwork and agility are important on both offense and defense.  Tenacity is about playing hard and giving your best effort.  Lacrosse is a team sport, requiring everyone to play for the benefit of the team.  Above all else, we want our players to have a fun and positive experience.  We encourage players to play other sports outside of lacrosse season.

Does my kid have to know how to play lacrosse?

Nope!  We’ll teach them from the ground up. And if your player already knows the game, we have plenty of coaching and competitive activities for them too in preparation for the season games.

When is the lacrosse season?

Lacrosse is a spring sport. Practices usually begin in early February, with the first games scheduled from the end of February through mid-May.

Are there tryouts?
No. At this time, a player’s spot on the team will be determined by the date payment is received for each player’s registration.  There are no tryouts for membership on the team.  We play everyone.

What kind of fundraising do the parents have to do?

In general, we do not do fundraisers, however that is subject to change. As a non-profit sports organization run by volunteers, we do ask Parents to volunteer and help out where they can. During the season, volunteers are needed for Team Managers, Snacks, Scorekeeping, Field Setup/ Tear Down etc...

We ask that you help promote the sport through lawn signs and flyers and posting to our social media accounts.

We encourage purchase of swag (hats, shirts, visors) and ask parents to contribute to the cost when we have team parties.

Is equipment available to borrow?

Yes, but our stock is diminishing.

Loaner equipment is issued to NEW players on a first come first serve basis, and must be returned at the end of the lacrosse season or if not in use.

Returning players must have their own gear. Ensuring new players can try out the sport without spending a fortune on gear is important to us!

Can girls play?

Of course!  It is our priority to field girls’ teams!  We encourage girls to play on the girls’ teams and not the boys’ teams, as the rules are very different for each. However, if a girl would really rather play by the boys’ rules on the boy’s team, we’ll support that.

Can we use our own equipment?

We would rather you did!  Starter packs are reasonable on both Amazon and Lacrosse Unlimited. Lacrosse Fanatics in Rancho Cordova and Sling It in Danville also have a good selection.

What do I have to do to be a coach?

We ask you to commit your time to practices and games, and to the certification process endorsed by NCJLA and USA Lacrosse.  These certification classes are online and dblax.com may pay a portion of the class fees associated with your training depending on cost.

 

Is there travel required?
Yes. We play in a league that includes teams from throughout the Sacramento area, as well as the Bay Area and as far north as Redding. We will occasionally play games that require travel beyond one hour.  There is often a season-ending tournament in the Bay Area.

What is the best age to start?
Any age is fine.  We have had players as young as five.  Since we hope to become a feeder program for area high schools, our current age limit is 18.  Teams are based on the players’ age as of August 31 prior to the start of the season.  U8 teams are generally1st and 2nd grade, U10 teams are generally 3rd and 4th grade (we may allow U8 players to play up to U10 team if there is no U8 team). U12 teams are generally 5th and 6th grade. U14 is primarily 7th and 8th grade.  We always aim to field a high school age team for players 15-18 years of age. Youth players may be allowed play up one level with the permission of the parents, coach and NCJLA administration.

What equipment is needed?
To try the sport at one of our free practices, we will provide you with everything you need from our inventory of donated equipment (first come/first serve).  As we get closer to our first game, plan to have your own equipment no later than one week prior to our first game. Boys will need: a stick (boys/girls sticks are different!), gloves, arm pads, shoulder pads, mouth guard, helmet and athletic cup.  Rib pads are optional.  Girls will need a girl’s stick, mouth guard and eye cage.  Football/soccer shoes work well, but any athletic shoes are fine (except metal cleats).

Equipment will cost from $200 to $350, with the helmet as the most expensive item. Do not overspend on a first set – the emphasis should be on comfort and proper fit. Girls’ equipment will typically cost from $50 to $150.  Most equipment will last several years. There are plenty of opportunities to acquire used equipment in good condition from older players, Play it again Sports, Craigs List, eBay, etc.

Who are your coaches?
Our coaches are generally current/former college players and parents of current players.  All of our coaches are certified by US Lacrosse and the Positive Coaching Alliance, and must also pass a background check and meet the coaching requirements as set forth by the NCJLA and the State of California through Assembly Bill 506. We emphasize a fun and positive environment, fostering a love for the sport and the indigenous values it represents.  While winning is fun, it is not the primary emphasis of our coaching staff.

What is the role of parents?
This sport, and our club in particular, strongly encourages the active participation of parents in running and supporting our teams.  It gives the parents an opportunity to participate in an activity with their child and it also distributes the tasks required to run the team among the parents, leaving the coaches to do what they do best.

Where can I see a game?
Youth games are traditionally played at various middle and high school fields all over the bay area. You can see the schedules of various teams by going to their websites; Warrior Lacrosse Club, Diablo Scorpions, Stockton Spartans. Additionally, Diablo Valley College and UC Davis have both Men’s and Women’s lacrosse teams.  On television, you can see Division I NCAA lacrosse games on CBS and ESPN.  There is also a professional lacrosse league (MLL) that features many of the best lacrosse players in the world throughout the summer months on ESPN2.