Frequently Asked Questions:




Q: When is lacrosse season?
A:  Lacrosse is a spring sport, similar to baseball. Our teams generally begin practicing at the end of January and play games from late February through mid-May. We typically also offer a Fall into Lacrosse introduction program. Please see our registration PAGE for currently available programs.


Q: Which ages groups are eligible?

A:  USA Lacrosse recommends all youth players 14 and under to play in age groupings of a maximum of 24 months by birthdate, using September 1 as the beginning of the year to align with the majority of school systems nationwide. For boys and girls, we plan to have the following teams: 14U, 12U, 10U and 8U. We are also developing a 6U co-ed program.


We use the age of the player on August 31st of each year to determine eligibility. 


We use the USAL age and eligibility guidelines found HERE.  Our organization uses the 12-MONTH AGE GROUP CHART.


Q: Can my child play up or play down?

A:  All requests to “play up” or “play down” must go through three levels of authorization:


COACH EVALUATION – Players must first start the practice season with their age-appropriate team. Coaches will evaluate and may recommend a move up or down.

THE CLUB BOARD REVIEW – The Board must vote to approve any exceptions.

WCLC APPROVAL – The Wine Country Lacrosse Conference Board must also review and vote on all player movement requests.


PLAYING UP - “Playing up” to the next level is considered based on player skill, size, and roster needs.


PLAYING DOWN - 15U players in 8th grade may be allowed to play on a 14U team if there are no safety concerns.

All other players petitioning to play down must be first-year players, and their skill level and size must be appropriate for the younger team they are petitioning to join.


WHEN NO AGE-APPROPRIATE TEAM IS AVAILABLE - Occasionally, a situation may arise where a club does not have an age-appropriate team for a player.  In these cases, coaches will evaluate the player’s skill level, size, and safety to determine the best placement.  Based on that evaluation, the coach may recommend that the player “play up” or “play down” to ensure the most appropriate and safe playing experience.  All recommendations will still follow the standard approval process.


NOTE: Exceptions are rare and should not be expected.


Q: Where do practices take place?

A:  Most practices take place at Redwood Middle School.  Our reservations, while made months in advance, can be overridden by Napa Valley School District.  Sometimes we only get a 24-hour notice.  We appreciate your understanding when things change last minute.

 

Q: How often do the teams practice? 

A:  During the spring season, our teams practice 2 to 3 times per week.

 

Q: When are games played?

A: During the spring season, teams generally play games on Saturdays and/or Sundays. The teams typically play most weekends during the season.

 

Q:  Where are games played? Do we have to travel?

A:  We will attempt to schedule about half of each teams’ games at home (Redwood Middle School).  Most away games are in the wine country - as far south as Novato and as far north as Santa Rosa.  Rarely, games can be scheduled within the Greater North Bay area and beyond (ex: East Bay, Sacramento, Peninsula, etc.)


Q: What kind of equipment do I need?
A: 
Boys:

  • Lacrosse stick with a pocket
  • Lacrosse helmet
  • Shoulder pads *see 2022 rule changes here
  • Arm/elbow pads
  • Lacrosse gloves
  • Mouthguard
  • Athletic supporter with cup
  • Cleats (football or soccer will do)
  • Rib pads (optional)
  • Goalies need additional chest and throat-guard protection (provided by Napa Force Lacrosse if needed)


Girls:

  • Women’s Lacrosse Stick (NCAA approved), not boys'/men's
  • Protective Goggles (get cage style, not the see-through plastic type)
  • Mouth-guard – cannot be white or clear
  • Gloves (optional)
  • Cleats
  • Goalie gear is provided by Napa Force Lacrosse if needed


US Lacrosse also has an equipment diagram that might be helpful for new players here


WHERE TO BUY:


We offer an equipment swap before the season starts to offer more affordable opportunities.



Q: What kind of lacrosse stick should I buy?

A: ​In the Boy's division there are three kinds of sticks including: short stick, used by attack and midfield players; long stick, used by defense and midfield players, and a goalie stick. The basic lacrosse skills can be best learned with the short stick, and the club requires all players to start with a short stick. The club has a few goalie sticks that will be loaned to players wishing to try the goalie position. The stick consists of a head (basket and webbing) and handle. Both the heads and the handles come in a variety of styles and are made from a wide assortment of materials…which means that they come in a wide variety of prices as well.

In the girl's division there are a variety of sticks to choose from. Girls use a stick that is the appropriate length for them (there is no short stick/long stick). 


Here is a video that you may find helpful in choosing a stick: Choosing a stick video


Q: Can my child play lacrosse in addition to another sport?

A:  Playing two sports simultaneously will not keep a child from being registered and joining a lacrosse team. Please consider the practice and game schedules between the two sports. The player’s and team’s development are dependent on attendance at practices and games.  When a player misses practices, they will not be prepared for the games and therefore may not get as much game time.


Q: Is Lacrosse a contact sport?
A:  Boys lacrosse is a contact sport. Girl’s lacrosse is not considered a contact sport but can be considered physical in the older brackets where checking and contact play a role in team play. Boys in 10U and below play with minimal physical contact. The focus is on developing their lacrosse skills. From 12U and older physical contact is allowed and is taught by coaches appropriately.


Q: How much does it cost?

A:  Annual Club Fees - vary by age.  We also require U.S.A. Lacrosse membership - Register HERE - which carries a separate fee.

 

Q: Do you offer payment plans or scholarships?

A: We want to make Lacrosse affordable for everyone. During the registration process are you invited to choose a payment plan OR apply for a scholarship.  Scholarships depend on funds available and the number of applicants. 


Q: Do Napa Area High Schools have lacrosse programs?

A:  Yes! Napa High, Vintage High, and Justin High Schools have Lacrosse programs. We encourage you to get out there and support our former players!


Spring into Lacrosse!

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