What is Lacrosse?

Lacrosse is North America's oldest team sport, combining elements of basketball, soccer, and hockey into an exciting, fast-paced game. Players use a stick with a netted pocket to catch, carry, and pass a small rubber ball, working together to score goals.

The game is played on a field roughly the size of a football field, with teams of 10 players (or fewer for younger age groups). The objective is simple: work as a team to get the ball into your opponent's goal while preventing them from scoring on yours.

Basic gameplay:

• Players advance the ball by running with it in their stick, passing to teammates, or dodging defenders
• Only the goalie can touch the ball with their hands
• Games are divided into quarters with running time
• Physical contact rules vary by age - youth leagues emphasize skill development and safety over aggressive play

For our Middle Tennessee community, lacrosse may be new, but it's one of the fastest-growing youth sports in the country - and for good reason.

Why Lacrosse for Your Child?

Builds Multiple Skills: Lacrosse develops hand-eye coordination, footwork, spatial awareness, and strategic thinking all at once. Kids learn to catch, throw, run, and make split-second decisions - skills that transfer to other sports and life.

Truly a Team Sport: Every position matters in lacrosse. Whether your child is naturally athletic or still developing coordination, there's a role where they can contribute and grow. Attack players, midfielders, defenders, and goalies all work together - no single player dominates the game.

Inclusive Entry Point: Since lacrosse is newer to our area, kids are often starting on a level playing field with their peers. There's no pressure to "catch up" to kids who've been playing since age 4. Everyone's learning together.

Promotes Fitness & Fun: Lacrosse keeps kids constantly moving - running, cutting, dodging. It's an incredible workout that doesn't feel like exercise because players are focused on the game. The fast pace means there's always something happening.

Teaches Life Lessons: Communication, perseverance, sportsmanship, and handling both success and failure - lacrosse naturally reinforces these values. Our coaches emphasize character development alongside athletic skills.

Equipment Guide

What We Provide:

• Jerseys (reversible practice jerseys)
• Team equipment for practice drills

What You'll Need to Purchase:

Required for All Players:

• Lacrosse stick - Boys and girls use different stick types. Entry-level sticks run $30-60. We recommend complete sticks (head and shaft attached) for beginners.
• Helmet with face mask - Boys require full helmets; girls require goggles and optional headgear. ($60-120)
• Mouthguard - Must be worn at all times during play. ($5-20)
• Gloves - Protect hands and improve grip. ($30-60 for youth sizes)
• Cleats - Soccer or lacrosse cleats work great. No metal spikes. (If your child plays soccer, they can use the same cleats!)

Boys Additional Required Equipment:

• Shoulder pads - Lightweight protective gear. ($40-80)
• Arm pads - Elbow/forearm protection. ($20-50)
• Athletic cup - Required for all male players.

Girls Additional Gear:

• Goggles - Eye protection required. ($30-60)
• Optional: Padded headgear for extra protection

Where to Buy Locally:

• Play It Again Sports (Franklin, TN) - Great for starter gear and used equipment
• DICK'S Sporting Goods (Cool Springs)
• Online: Sportstop.com, LacrosseMonkey.com, SidelineSwap.com (used gear marketplace)
• Note: Some online retailers also offer youth “starter sets” that includes multiple pieces of gear.

Budget-Friendly Tips:

• Start with entry-level equipment - kids don't need premium gear to learn
• Check around our club for other families selling outgrown equipment
• Many items can be purchased used except helmets and mouthguards (always buy new for safety)
• Expect to spend $150-250 for a complete first-time setup

Sizing Help: Not sure what size to get? Reach out to us or attend one of our equipment fitting sessions before the season starts.

Safety & Fair Play

Our Commitment to Safety: Youth lacrosse has evolved significantly with safety as a top priority. Body checking is not allowed at recreational youth levels - the game emphasizes stick skills, positioning, and teamwork over physical contact.

• All coaches are required to complete USA Lacrosse safety certification
• Age-appropriate rules limit contact and emphasize proper technique
• Referees enforce safety rules strictly at youth levels
• Equipment standards are designed to protect players while allowing freedom of movement

Injury Rates: Studies show lacrosse has lower injury rates than soccer, basketball, and football at youth levels. The required protective equipment and modified contact rules make it a safe introduction to team sports.

Concussion Protocol: We follow USA Lacrosse concussion guidelines and each coach is trained and certified in the same guidelines. Play/practice is suspended for any suspected head injury and the player cannot return without medical clearance.

Sportsmanship: We emphasize respect for opponents, officials, and the game itself. Lacrosse has a strong tradition of post-game handshake lines and mutual respect - values we reinforce throughout the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lacrosse only for athletic kids? Not at all! Lacrosse has positions suited for different body types and skill levels. Speed, size, coordination, and strategic thinking all have a place in the game. We've seen kids who struggled in other sports thrive in lacrosse.

My child has never played - will they be behind? Many kids in our program are first-time players. Our coaches design practices to teach fundamentals from the ground up. Since lacrosse is newer to Tennessee, most kids are learning together.

How much does equipment cost? Plan for $150-250 for first-time players buying new equipment. Costs decrease in following years as kids reuse helmets, pads, and sticks (though growing kids may need sizing updates).

Can girls play lacrosse? Absolutely! Girls' lacrosse is one of the fastest-growing youth sports. The rules differ slightly from boys' lacrosse (less contact, different equipment), but it's equally exciting and competitive.

What's the time commitment? For our youth programs, 1-2 practices per week (weekday evenings) and games on Sundays. Our rec program is designed for families with multiple activities - we understand lacrosse may not be your only commitment. Full practice schedules can be found on our programs page.

Do you need volunteers? Yes! From coaching to team parent roles, volunteer support makes our program possible. No lacrosse experience required - we provide training and support.

What if my child wants to try it but isn't sure they'll like it? We encourage trying a season! The best way to know if lacrosse is a fit is to give it a shot that’s not just one-time.

Still Have Questions?

Contact us at [email protected]. We're happy to talk through any concerns or help you determine if lacrosse is right for your family.