Parents Guide

Lacrosse – The Game

Lacrosse, considered to be America's first sport, was born of the North American Indian, christened by the French, and adapted and raised by the Canadians. Modern lacrosse has been embraced by athletes and enthusiasts of the United States and the British Commonwealth for over a century.

The sport of lacrosse is a combination of basketball, soccer and hockey. Anyone can play lacrosse--the big or the small. The game requires and rewards coordination and agility, not just brawn. This allows players of all sizes and speeds to successfully participate in the game.

Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing team sports in the United States. Youth membership (ages 15 and under) in US Lacrosse has doubled since 1999 to over 60,000.

The National Federation of State High School Associations reported that in 2001 better than 74,000 students played high lacrosse. With club teams, private schools, and states not yet having sanctioned lacrosse, high school-aged participation is actually much higher. Varsity collegiate participation has grown by one-third since 1995, and collegiate and post-collegiate club teams field thousands of players as well.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a difference between boys and girls lacrosse?

While both boys and girls play lacrosse with the same size goal and a lacrosse stick, the games differ quite a bit. The Women's game stresses finesse, body positioning and stick skills. No body checking is allowed. The only equipment required is a women's lacrosse stick, a mouth guard and eye protection. Additionally, women play on a larger field with 11 players per team.

The Men's game is played with a helmet, gloves, elbow pads and shoulder pads in addition to the stick. Don't let this scare you away, as the incidence of injury in lacrosse is lower than soccer. There are 10 players to a side and based upon the age of the player, body checking may be allowed. Body checking is not allowed in U-13 leagues and only limited bumping in allowed at the U-15 level.

What is physical skills are needed to play lacrosse?

Lacrosse is a great sport because kids of all sizes and abilities can play. Lacrosse is a sport that involves running, team play, and stick skills. While individual athletic ability is rewarded, so are team work, stick skills and a positive attitude. Youth leagues are operated as to give every child a chance to play.

When is Lacrosse Season?

Lacrosse is typically a spring sport. The great thing about the sport of lacrosse, is it does not require your child to compete year around in one discipline. There is an innate advantage to allowing our children to participate in multiple sports. It is our goal at the ILA to allow kids to participate in as many activities as they and their parents deem appropriate. The season typically runs February through May for High schools teams, and March through mid-May for youth programs. High school teams have practice 5-6 days a week, while youth programs have 1-2 practices a week. The YMCA operates Fall and Spring leagues. Additionally, there are opportunities such as the Idaho All-Star teams, summer camps and fall clinics.

I'm thinking about signing my kid up, where do I start?

The Boise area has lacrosse opportunities for kids from 4th grade on up through college and beyond.

Please see the 'League Info' Link on the main page to see what program your child is eligible for and the appropriate contact information.

My son/daughter is interested, but there is no program in our area?

The Idaho Lacrosse association is about providing opportunities for people to play lacrosse. In most cases, we can find a way for your child to play. Whether on an existing team that is near your area, or by helping to start up team in your area. Please do not hesitate to contact us and we'll do our best to find a way for your child to participate in lacrosse.

What are the costs involved?

Most leagues have a fee to cover field space, team equipment, insurance and officials. Additionally, you'll need the appropriate equipment to play. For girls this consists of a stick, mouth guard and eye protection. All three can be purchased for about $70. For boys, you'll need to purchase a stick ($30), mouth guard and then determine if you want to purchase the other protective gear ($180), or rent gear from the ILA ($75 per season). For the YMCA league, all you need is a lacrosse stick ($30). Please see the parents guide to purchasing lacrosse gear for information on what to buy.

How can I become involved as a parent?

There are ample opportunities to get involved in the growing Idaho lacrosse community. These range from providing a positive attitude on the sidelines, to being a team parent/manager, to coaching and officiating. The ILA provides clinics on a range of issues and can help steer you to a position you feel comfortable with. Please contact us and we'll help you find a role that fits with your experience and availability.