What is the history of Lacrosse?

Lacrosse is the oldest American sport.  Native Americans played lacrosse centuries ago, long before our colonies were settled.  Through lacrosse, Native Americans celebrated and emphasized their spiritual and cultural values. It is often referred to as the Creator’s game.  French Canadian, Jean de Brebeuf, first coined the game “La Crosse” which means the stick.

Other facts:

• New York University fielded the first men’s team in 1877
• The women’s game is very similar the Native American game played centuries ago. The men’s game started evolving in the 1930’s to what it is today.
• Lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. at the youth level and at the college level.
• Lacrosse is a combination of soccer, hockey, basketball, and football.US Lacrosse supports the multi-sport athlete.
• US Lacrosse wants every child to have a positive experience and has partnered with the Positive Coaches Alliance. Its CORE VALUES of Spirit, Tradition, Virtues (respect, honor, integrity), good sportsmanship, and teamwork, are to be modeled by coaches, players, and spectators.  
• Lacrosse is a recognized sport by the Florida High School Athletic Association- Coral Shores has a boys’ varsity and j.v. team and a girls’ varsity team
  
  
  

When does the season start?

Lacrosse is considered a spring sport and our competitive league will begin on February 1st and end in late April. Games will start on Saturday, February 15th.  

Does my child need to have any experience in the game of lacrosse?

All levels of play are welcome! Our coaches will concentrate on fundamentals; scooping ground balls, passing, and catching, shooting, player positioning, and defense. We want all of our players to have fun and to learn the game of lacrosse in a positive atmosphere.  All players will have the opportunity to develop their skills and will be given equal playing time in games, much like AYSO mandates.  We want this to be the best possible lacrosse experience for your child.

What are the fees to play in the spring league?

The registration fee of $100 per player (which includes a $25.00 one-year membership to US Lacrosse). The fee for full equipment rental (if needed) is just $25 for the entire season. Sibling discounts are offered and applied at checkout.

Our Mini Sticks program for 4 and 5 year olds has a registration fee of $65. Equipment is included in that fee. 

What is the difference between girls and boys lacrosse?

There are many differences between the two including equipment, rules, and field markings. Our league is affiliated with US Lacrosse and follows the rules, guidelines, and best practices regulated by US Lacrosse, the national governing body of men’s and women’s lacrosse.  Please see the Youth Rules and Best Practices Guidebook for Girls or Boys.

Girls lacrosse is a finesse game and only allows controlled stick to stick contact starting at the U10 division (modified checking at U10). No checking is allowed in the U6-U8 divisions so that the players can focus on the fundamentals of the game.  The purpose of checking is to dislodge the ball from your opponent’s stick.  Limited body checking is allowed in U14 and up.  No take out checks are allowed at any level.

How many players are on a lacrosse field at any point in time and what are the positions?

 

Girls Lacrosse: 12 players
Attack (3 per team)
Midfield (5 per team)
Defense (3 per team)
Goalie (1 per team)

Boy's Lacrosse: 10 players
Attack (3 per team)
Midfield- (3 per team)
Defense- (3 per team)
Goalie- (1 per team)

*These are traditional numbers, and may be modified per division depending on team size. 

What equipment do boys & girls lacrosse players wear?

Click on the below links for boys and girls to determine needed equipment.

Equipment is mandatory for the Spring League.  In order to properly teach the skills of the game and for insurance purposes all players will need the necessary gear.

BOYS 

GIRLS

How should I choose a stick?

Make sure you purchase the correct stick for your child- boys sticks and girls sticks are different.  Shorter sticks are recommended to develop the correct stick skills for the game.  We recommend using a regular women’s or men’s lacrosse stick and cutting the stick down if needed. The length of the stick usually is the length of your child’s arm to the back of the shoulder blade.  Fiddlesticks will not be permitted since they are difficult to throw and catch with.

Will the Key West Youth Lacrosse League provide player equipment – or will players have to provide their own equipment to play?

The Key West Youth Lacrosse League does offer a full set equipment rental at a cost of just $25 for the entire season. We do encourage personal purchase of at least a stick (to fascilitate play/practice year round) but understand the full gear can be pricey. 

How often will the teams meet for practice and how often will they play games?

7U and up practives twice a week and games are held every Saturday. Mini Sticks practice once a week and do not have official games.

Can I sponsor a team or make a donation to the league?

Yes! We are actively seeking sponsorships at all levels!  Please contact Jamie Strunk at [email protected]. Community support for our kids is one of the reasons Key West is so great!