Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does the lacrosse season start?
A: Lacrosse is a spring sport, much like baseball. At Sonoma Youth Lacrosse, practices usually kick off in late January/early February, with games running from late February through mid-May.
Q: What ages can participate?
A: We follow USA Lacrosse’s recommended age groupings based on birthdate, with September 1 as the cutoff to align with school year norms. Our teams include:
- 14U, 12U, 10U, and 8U (separate for boys and girls)
Player eligibility is determined by their age as of August 31. For specific details, check out the USA Lacrosse age chart we follow.
Q: Can my child "play up" or "play down"?
A:
- Playing Up: Moving to an older age group depends on skill, size, coach approval, and team needs.
- Playing Down: This requires league approval. Players attending high school but still eligible for 14U may choose to play at either level.
Q: Where are practices held?
A: Practices are typically at Adele Harrison Middle School. While we secure field reservations well in advance, changes can occur due to school district priorities. We appreciate your flexibility with last-minute updates.
Q: How often do teams practice?
A: During the spring season, teams usually practice 2–3 times a week.
Q: When and where are games played?
A: Games are mostly held on weekends, with many taking place at our home field at
Adele Harrison Middle School. Away games are mostly played locally (Petaluma, Napa, Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa), but some games may involve travel across the North Bay, East Bay, Sacramento, or beyond.
Q: What equipment is required?
Boys:
- Lacrosse stick
- Helmet
- Shoulder pads (check updated rules for 2022 and beyond)
- Arm/elbow pads
- Gloves
- Mouthguard
- Cleats (soccer or football work)
- Optional: Rib pads
- Goalies need extra chest and throat protection (provided by Sonoma Youth Lacrosse if needed)
Girls:
- Women’s lacrosse stick
- Protective goggles (cage style preferred)
- Mouthguard (must be a visible color)
- Cleats
- Optional: Gloves
- Goalie gear is provided by the club if needed
We also offer:
- Affordable equipment rentals—apply during registration!
Q: What type of lacrosse stick should I buy?
A: For boys, start with a short stick (used by attack and midfield players) to develop basic skills. Defensive and goalie sticks can be introduced later. For girls, choose a stick sized appropriately for their height.
Q: Can my child play lacrosse and another sport at the same time?
A: Yes, dual-sport participation is allowed, but please consider practice and game commitments. Consistent attendance is crucial for both individual and team development.
Q: Is lacrosse a contact sport?
A:
- Boys' lacrosse: A contact sport starting at 12U, with limited contact at 10U and below.
- Girls' lacrosse: While not classified as a contact sport, physical play increases at older levels with skills like checking introduced.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Registration fees vary by age group. Players must also join
USA Lacrosse (membership required).
Q: Are payment plans or scholarships available?
A: Yes! We offer both payment plans and scholarships during registration. Scholarships depend on funding and application volume. Equipment rentals are also available at a low cost.
Q: Do local high schools offer lacrosse?
A: Absolutely! Sonoma Valley High has lacrosse programs for both girls and boys and all of our Youth Coaches are actively involved with their program! Be sure to support our alumni at their games!
