What is the history of Lacrosse?
A. 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
How old does my child need to be to play in the Key West Youth Lacrosse League? Is it based on age, grade, or weight?
A. Key West Youth Lacrosse League intends to support boys & girls divisions based on age and US Lacrosse guidelines:
*eligibility date is Aug. 31. For example, if your child is 5, or 6 yrs. old as of Aug. 31st than he or she would be eligible for the U7 Division and for the Fall Clinics. The divisions may be changed slightly to reflect the ages and number of players who sign up.
5, 6 yrs old – U7 Division
7, 8 yrs. old- U9 Division
9,10 yrs. old- U11 Division
11, 12 yrs. old- U13 Division
13, 14 yrs. old- U15 Division
15, 16 yrs. old- U17 Division
When does the Competitive League start?
A. Lacrosse is considered a spring sport and our competitive league will begin mid January and end in April. The actual start and completion dates will depend on field availability. We hope to offer all divisions listed above, however the divisions are dependent upon the number of players signed up.
Does my child need to have any experience in the game of lacrosse?
A. All levels of play are welcome! Our league is in its second year in Key West. 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 playing time in games. We want this to be the best possible lacrosse experience for your child.
What are the fees to play in the spring league?
A. We will have a registration fee of $125 per player which includes a US Lacrosse membership which is required to play in this US Lacrosse sanctioned Youth League.
What is the difference between girls and boys lacrosse?
A. 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 U13 division (modified checking), U15, and up. No checking is allowed in the U9 and U11 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.The girls are only required to have a mouthguard, stick (which has strings instead of mesh) and eye protection to protect the eyes from a thrown ball.
Boys lacrosse is a skilled game as the girls is, however allows limited contact. There is controlled stick to stick contact allowed in the U9 and U11. Limited body checking in allowed in U13 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?
A. Girls Lacrosse:
Field Positions- There are 12 players
Attack (3 per team)
Midfield (5 per team)
Defense (3 per team)
Goalie (1 per team)
Boy’s Lacrosse:
Field positions- There are 10 players
Attack (3 per team)
Midfield- (3 per team)
Defense- (3 per team)
Goalie- (1 per team)
*U9 will play 7 v. 7 on a smaller field
What equipment do boys & girls lacrosse players wear?
A. The following equipment is mandatory for both the Fall Clinics and Spring League. In order to properly teach the skills of the game and for insurance purposes all players will need the necessary gear.
*contact Tim Parks at LaxWorld.com [email protected] for team pricing or call him at 1-800-752-9529
BOYS:
Lacrosse Helmet
Lacrosse Shoulder Pads
Lacrosse Arm Guards
Lacrosse Gloves
Lacrosse Stick
Lacrosse Rib Pads (optional)
Mouthpiece of a visible color
Cleats
Cup
GIRLS:
Girls close fitting Lacrosse Gloves (optional)
Girls Lacrosse Stick
Girls Lacrosse Eye Protection/Goggles
Mouthpiece of a visible color
How should I choose a stick?
A. 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?
A. The KWYLL has some equipment on a first come, first served basis. We rent equipment for those needing it for $35 per season.
How often will the teams meet for practice and how often will they play games?
A. This depends on the division your child is playing in. Most divisions practice 1-2 times per week with one game played per week. We are aware of other sports leagues and schedules and will do our best to schedule our practices/games around other sports leagues.
Can I sponsor a team or make a donation to the league?
A. Yes! We are actively seeking sponsorships at all levels! Please see our sponsorship form located under documents.