What is lacrosse?
For many families, lacrosse is still unfamiliar territory. The basic definition: lacrosse is a team sport played with a lacrosse stick and a lacrosse ball. Players use the head of the lacrosse stick to carry, pass, catch, and shoot the ball into the goal. The USLacrosse website has a history of the sport article, a Lacrosse 101 video, as well as rule books for the girls and boys programs.
When does the lacrosse season start?
Lacrosse is a spring sport. Practices may start in mid-March depending on the age group, level of play, and indoor availability. Outdoor practices typically begin April 1st, weather permitting. Games start in mid-April and run through the third week of June. Games are played against other programs across Rhode Island and are scheduled on Saturday mornings. As a spring sport, lacrosse season runs through Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and Father’s Day. There WILL be games on holiday weekends.
At what age can my player begin playing lacrosse?
New players are always welcome at any age (prior to high school) to try this incredible sport! New players (and their adults) quickly realize the sport is exciting to play and watch.
Players are eligible to start playing as early as pre-school in the Little Patriots program. Teams for grades 1-8 are organized into the following grade-based groups: 1st/2nd, 3rd/4th, 5th/6th and 7th/8th.
What team will my child be on? When are practices and games held?
Players at the Pre-school and Kindergarten level can join The Little Patriots program. This team meets once a week on Saturday afternoons in the Spring to develop stick skills, play lacrosse-based games (relay races, obstacle courses, etc.), and prepare for the competitive teams that start with grade 1. This program is open to boys and girls.
Players at the 1st/2nd grade level practice twice each week and have games on Saturdays. Players will be divided evenly to ensure all Warwick teams are balanced and players of varying skill-levels can enjoy the game while learning. Scores are not tracked, and the season ends with a Jamboree. There are boys teams and girls teams and these player require the gear detailed below.
Players at the 3rd/4th grade level practice twice each week and have games on Saturdays. Players will be divided evenly to ensure all Warwick teams are balanced and players of varying skill-levels can enjoy the game while learning. Scores are not tracked, and the season ends with a Jamboree. There are boys teams and girls teams and these player require the gear detailed below.
Players at the 5th/6th and 7th/8th level practice two or three times each week and have games on Saturdays. Players at this level may have tryouts to determine teams. The state has D1 and D2 brackets and these tryouts are geared toward setting up teams that can compete at each of those levels. Tryouts are held in early March and notices for team designations are send out shortly afterwards. There are boys teams and girls teams and these player require the gear detailed below.
Practices are generally held on weekdays starting at 5:30. 1st-4th grade teams generally practice twice weekly. Older groups may hold three practices per week. Games are Saturday mornings but there are some early afternoon games. Practice schedules are finalized in March and shared with the teams. The fields at Bend Street are used for all home games. Practices are held at Bend Street, Aldrich School, and Gorton School.
What equipment does my child need to play?
Players in 1st grade through 8th grade require the following gear:
Boys need a lacrosse helmet, mouth guard, gloves, cleats, elbow pads, shoulder pads, stick and athletic supporter. Each player should have a water bottle with a “straw” that can reach through the face mask of the helmet for each practice and game.
Girls need a stick, mouth guard, cleats and eye protection (lacrosse goggles). Many girls also wear gloves. Each player should have a water bottle for each practice and game.
Mouth guards are mandatory for all practices and games.
Uniforms for grades 1-8 are not covered by the registration cost. Each player is required to purchase a uniform the first season they play. They will only need to replace that uniform as they grow out of it, so “up-sizing” is recommended when possible. Information about uniform fittings and purchase can be found in the registration process documentation.
Little Patriots (Pre-school and Kindergarten) do not need to purchase any gear. All equipment is provided by Warwick Lacrosse as part of the registration cost. This will include a stick, ball, and a team jersey.
Is lacrosse is a dangerous sport that involves physical contact?
When played properly, there is very little body contact. It is a game of speed, quickness, agility and skill, with a common mantra being “The ball moves faster in the air than in the stick.”
Contact is minimal in girls lacrosse. Body checks are not permitted, and stick checks are limited. While more contact is allowed in boys lacrosse, body checks are illegal for players in grades 1-4 and severely restricted for the older player groups. Stick checking at all boys levels is permitted but restricted to minimize the risk of injury.
Why do I have to purchase a US Lacrosse membership?
US Lacrosse is the national governing body for the sport of lacrosse. Member benefits include insurance, training sessions, discounts, a great magazine, and other programs for coaches and players. All RI lacrosse programs have the same membership requirement for players. You will be directed to the US Lacrosse website during registration in order to locate or renew an existing membership or to apply for a new membership. You will then be returned to the Warwick Lacrosse website to complete the registration. US Lacrosse fees are collected and administered by US Lacrosse.
My child plays multiple sports and can't make it to every practice or game. What is the 80/20 rule?
Your child must be committed to this program. In order to create viable teams for our coaches to coach and for our program to commit to the RIYLL schedule, your player must attend at least 80% of all practices and games. If there are extenuating circumstances and your child cannot attend a practice or a game, you must notify the coaches well in advance. If you cannot make these commitments, please do not sign up.
I received a notice my child has been wait listed. What should i do?
The waitlist can quickly grow into a second or third team at your players age group. Please complete the registration and be patient. The wait list for all teams is a first come, first served basis. If a space becomes available, your child will be moved into the available spot and you will receive notification via email.
