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Elk Grove Lacrosse Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Elk Grove Youth Lacrosse?
A: Elk Grove Youth Lacrosse Club (EGYLC) is a volunteer run, non-profit organization whose goal is to provide the youth of Elk Grove an opportunity to learn and play the fastest game on two feet; lacrosse.
The EGYLC season runs during the spring (Feb-May). Elk Grove Youth Lacrosse is affiliated with the NCJLA, (the Northern California Junior Lacrosse Association) which schedules games with other teams in the Northern California region, and runs a season ending championship tournament. For more info on the NCJLA please visit their website www.ncjlax.org/ncjlax/
For the 2010 season EGYLC will look to field teams in the following age brackets: U-9, U-11, U-13, U-15, High School JV, and possibly a Girls U-13-U-15 combo team.
Divisions for the 2010 season (All ages are based on a December 31, 2009 cutoff)
BOY'S YOUTH (Girls may play coe-ed on any of these teams)
U-15 - Must have a 1995 or 1996 birth year and not be in the 9th grade
U-13 - Must have a 1997 or 1998 birth year
U-11 - Must have a 1999 or 2000 birth year
U-9 - Must have a 2001 birth year or younger
At the U-9, U-11, and U-13 levels emphasis will be placed on skills developement, teamwork, and player encouragement and positive reinforcement. A "good" or "winning" season will be defined by how many returning players we have next year, not by our won/loss record. The U-15 and High School JV levels are more competitive. These teams will strive to compete to their best possible potential.
Q: What is Lacrosse?
A: Lacrosse was invented by North American Indians who played with sticks made of wood and leather and a rock was used as the ball. The game became a (slightly less dangerous) substitute for warring between tribes to establish dominance. The Canadians also adopted the sport from the Indians in Northeastern America and it is their national sport, not hockey as is commonly believed. Modern lacrosse has been played by athletes in the United States and the British Commonwealth for over a century.
The sport of lacrosse is a combination of speed, and strength and draws from skills found in basketball, soccer and hockey. Anyone can play lacrosse--big or small. The game requires and rewards coordination and agility, not raw strength. Quickness and speed are two highly prized qualities in lacrosse. Lacrosse is fast-paced and full of action. Players run up and down the field with lots of starts and stops, precision passes and dodges are routine in both men's and women's lacrosse. Lacrosse is played with a stick, called “the crosse”, which is used by the player to throw, catch and scoop the ball.
Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing team sports in the United States. US Lacrosse reports that its youth membership (ages 15 and under) has more than tripled since 1999 to over 100,000. No sport has grown faster at the high school level over the last 10 years and there are now more than 130,000 high school players. Lacrosse is also the fastest growing sport over the last five years at the NCAA level and that's just the tip of the iceberg. 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, with NCAA sanctioning play at the collegiate level. For more information please go to the US Lacrosse web site. www.uslacrosse.org/
Q: Who plays lacrosse?
A: According the U.S. Lacrosse Association, youth and recreational programs playing both field and "soft" lacrosse are estimated at about 125,000 participants. US Lacrosse's 48 regional chapters indicated a total of 82,448 players participating in lacrosse at the youth level. Several areas of the country have youth programs but are not yet represented by a US Lacrosse chapter. Over 4,500 programs span the United States. Programs range in size from 50 to 15,000 children. Youth players range from 5 to 15 years of age.
Q: When does the season start?
A: Our Spring season consists of month of pre-season practices at least once a week in February and weekly games along with practices beginning in March and running through the tournament Memorial Day weekend.
Games begin either the last weekend in February or the first weekend in March. Games are usually on Saturdays and Sundays, sometimes on Fridays and rarely but occasionally other days of the week depending if rainout makeups are needed. We won't know specific team schedules until the 2nd or 3rd week in February.
Lacrosse is an all-weather sport so we will practice or play rain or shine. When allowed by Field Administrators.
Q: Why do I need to join US Lacrosse?
A: The US Lacrosse Association in addition to being the main governing body for our sport also provides insurance coverage for its members. This insurance is required by Elk Grove Youth Lacrosse and Northern California Junior Lacrosse Association in order to practice or play with club.
Q: What kind of equipment do I need?
A: For those new players needing equipment, we will schedule a team fitting night or day at Lacrosse Fanatic later in November or December. We have negotiated a great discount on quality equipment and packages from Lacrosse Fanatic and we will get everyone geared up who needs to be. Full equipment packages (including Cascade CLH2 or CS helmet, STX Chopper shoulder pads, STX Stinger arm guards, STX Rival or Gladiator gloves, STX AV8 stick, and a mouth guard) will range approximately between $250 and $280 depending on the size of the player. These prices include sales tax. Additionally our discount will also apply to any returning players who may need some sort of new equipment. The protective gear required by the league and Elk Grove Youth Lacrosse consists of the following except where noted as optional.
Boys:
• A lacrosse helmet, Cascade brand preferred our team colors are all white w/ Navy decals (included in Equip. package)
• Colored Mouth-guard (included in Equipment Package)
• Athletic supporter with cup (Provided by player)
• Shoulder pads (included in Equipment Package)
• Arm/elbow pads (included in Equipment Package)
• Rib pads (optional but recommended)
• Lacrosse gloves (included in Equipment Package)
• Goalies need additional chest and throat-guard protection (provided by the EGYL)
• A “crosse” or stick with a pocket (included in Equipment Package)
• Cleats (football, soccer or baseball will do) – keep tennis shoes in your bag too.
• Balls to practice with
Q: Is Lacrosse a contact sport?
A: Boys lacrosse is a contact sport. Girls lacrosse is not a contact sport. Boys in 6th grade and below play with minimal physical contact. The focus is on developing their lacrosse skills. From 7th Grade and older physical contact is allowed and is taught by coaches appropriately.
Q: Who provides the uniforms?
A: Currently the EGYL will distribute jerseys and shorts to each player. Uniform package ($85.00) includes both Home and Away jerseys, one pair game shorts, and helmet decals.
Q: How do I improve my skills?
A: Practice, practice, practice! EGYL focuses on teaching skills and skills development during the practices held during the season. Between practice, “having a catch” with a friend or getting out and doing some “wall-work” will hone your throwing and stick skills which are the most important aspect of beginning lacrosse.
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