What are the different types of lacrosse played in Intermountain region. How can youth players register for fall leagues. When are the office hours for Intermountain Lacrosse organization. What age groups are eligible for fall lacrosse programs.
Types of Lacrosse: Indoor and Outdoor Variants
Lacrosse, a dynamic sport with Native American origins, has evolved into several distinct variants. Understanding these different types is crucial for players, parents, and enthusiasts looking to engage with the sport in the Intermountain region.
Indoor Lacrosse: Box and Intercrosse
Indoor lacrosse primarily consists of two variants:
- Box Lacrosse: Played on an ice-free hockey rink, usually indoors
- Intercrosse (Soft Lacrosse): A modified, non-contact version often used for introductory programs
Box lacrosse, often referred to as “boxla,” is a fast-paced 6v6 game. It features five “runners” and one goaltender per team. The playing area, called the “floor,” is divided into offensive and defensive zones. Teams aim to outscore their opponents within the allotted time, typically consisting of three periods.
Outdoor Lacrosse: Field Variants
Outdoor lacrosse is further divided into two main categories:
- Boys’ and Men’s Field Lacrosse
- Girls’ and Women’s Field Lacrosse
Boys’ and Men’s Field Lacrosse is traditionally played on a full soccer or football field with 10 players per team. However, modified versions such as 7v7 and the Olympic 6v6 format are gaining popularity. These variations are often played across the width of the field rather than its full length.
Intermountain Lacrosse: Fall League Registration and Programs
Intermountain Lacrosse offers a comprehensive fall league program for youth players in the region. The organization has recently announced important updates regarding registration for the upcoming season.
Fall Registration Details
- Registration Opens: Wednesday, July 19
- Eligible Age Groups: Grades K-8 (Boys and Girls)
- New Registration Platform: All players, both new and returning, must create a new account
Are you wondering how to register for the fall lacrosse league? Follow these steps:
- Visit the official Intermountain Lacrosse website
- Look for the “Fall Registration Link”
- Create a new account, even if you’ve played or registered before
- Complete the registration process and submit any required documentation
Intermountain Lacrosse Office Hours and Contact Information
To better serve the lacrosse community, Intermountain Lacrosse maintains specific office hours throughout the year. These hours vary based on the season to accommodate the changing needs of players, parents, and coaches.
Seasonal Office Hours
- Spring Season (February 1 – May 31):
- Monday-Friday: 11:00am-6:00pm
- Closed: Saturday and Sunday
- Summer Season (June 1 – July 31):
- Monday-Thursday: 11:00am-5:00pm
- Closed: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Fall Season (August 8 – October 31):
- Monday-Friday: 11:00am-5:00pm
- Closed: Saturday and Sunday
- Winter Season (November 1 – January 31):
- Monday-Thursday: 11:00am-5:00pm
- Closed: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Do you need to contact Intermountain Lacrosse outside of regular office hours? Here’s how you can reach them:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (801) 590-9950
- Address: 676 W. Confluence Ave (4260 South), Murray, UT. 84123
Please note that the office is closed on State and Federal Holidays, as well as from December 21st to January 2nd.
Youth Lacrosse Programs: Age Groups and Divisions
Intermountain Lacrosse offers a variety of programs catering to different age groups and skill levels. Understanding these divisions can help parents and players choose the most appropriate program.
Age-Based Categories
Youth lacrosse programs are typically organized into age categories ranging from 5 to 21 years. These categories ensure fair competition and appropriate skill development for players at different stages of growth and experience.
Competitive Levels
- Recreational (Rec) Lacrosse: Also known as “house league,” this level focuses on introducing the sport and developing fundamental skills
- Representative (Rep) Lacrosse: A more competitive level where teams represent their local association in regional or provincial tournaments
Is your child new to lacrosse? Consider starting with a recreational program to build foundational skills and gauge their interest in the sport.
Equipment and Safety in Youth Lacrosse
Proper equipment is essential for player safety and performance in lacrosse. The required gear can vary depending on the type of lacrosse being played.
Essential Equipment for Field Lacrosse
- Helmet with face mask
- Mouthguard
- Shoulder pads
- Arm pads
- Gloves
- Athletic supporter (for boys)
- Cleats
- Lacrosse stick
Are you unsure about the specific equipment requirements for your child’s age group or league? It’s best to consult with the coach or league organizers for detailed information.
The Role of Parents in Youth Lacrosse
Parental involvement plays a crucial role in a child’s lacrosse experience. From providing emotional support to volunteering at events, parents contribute significantly to the youth lacrosse community.
Ways Parents Can Support Their Young Lacrosse Players
- Encourage regular practice and skill development
- Attend games and cheer positively from the sidelines
- Help with team logistics, such as carpooling or organizing team events
- Volunteer for league or club activities
- Foster good sportsmanship and respect for teammates, opponents, and officials
How can you become more involved in your child’s lacrosse journey? Consider reaching out to the team manager or coach to learn about volunteer opportunities or ways to support the team.
Developing Lacrosse Skills: Tips for Young Players
Success in lacrosse requires a combination of physical skills, strategic thinking, and teamwork. Young players can improve their game through consistent practice and focus on fundamental techniques.
Key Skills to Practice
- Cradling: The basic motion of keeping the ball secure in the stick pocket
- Passing: Accurately throwing the ball to teammates
- Catching: Receiving passes cleanly and maintaining possession
- Shooting: Developing power and accuracy when attempting to score
- Ground Balls: Picking up loose balls quickly and efficiently
- Dodging: Evading defenders to create scoring opportunities
Are you looking to improve your lacrosse skills outside of team practices? Consider these solo drills:
- Wall Ball: Practice passing and catching against a wall to improve stick skills
- Cone Drills: Set up cones to practice footwork, dodging, and changing direction
- Target Practice: Aim for specific spots on a wall or goal to enhance shooting accuracy
The Benefits of Playing Youth Lacrosse
Participating in youth lacrosse offers numerous benefits that extend beyond the field. From physical fitness to character development, the sport provides a well-rounded experience for young athletes.
Physical Benefits
- Cardiovascular endurance
- Strength and agility
- Hand-eye coordination
- Overall physical fitness
Mental and Social Benefits
- Teamwork and communication skills
- Strategic thinking and decision-making
- Self-discipline and time management
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Sportsmanship and respect for others
How does lacrosse contribute to a child’s overall development? By combining physical activity with strategic thinking and teamwork, lacrosse helps young players develop a wide range of skills that are valuable both on and off the field.
Intermountain Lacrosse’s commitment to providing quality programs for youth players is evident in their comprehensive fall league offerings and year-round support. By understanding the different types of lacrosse, registration processes, and the benefits of participation, parents and players can make informed decisions about their involvement in this exciting sport. Whether your child is a beginner or an experienced player, the Intermountain Lacrosse community offers opportunities for growth, fun, and athletic development.
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The Different Types Of Lacrosse
Lacrosse is divided into two main types – indoor and outdoor. The indoor game is primarily box lacrosse, and sometimes intercrosse also known as soft lacrosse. The outdoor game is divided into boy’s & men’s field lacrosse and girl’s and women’s field lacrosse.
Box Lacrosse is played on an ice-free hockey rink, which is usually indoors, but sometimes may be an outdoor rink. Box, sometimes called ‘boxla,’ is a 6v6 game, which includes a goaltender and 5 ‘runners.’ The ‘floor’ is divided into offensive and defensive zones and the object of the game is to score more goals than the other team in the allotted time, usually three periods of varying length; shorter periods for younger players and a full 20-minute stop-time period for Junior (U21) and above.
Youth box lacrosse in Ontario is referred to as ‘minor lacrosse’ or ‘minor box’ and can include both boys and girls, although there is a girls-only box sector that goes all the way to a women’s league. Minor lacrosse played at the provincial level is called ‘rep’ (short for ‘representational’) lacrosse. Teams are organized around age categories from 5 to 21 years and compete all summer culminating in the Provincial Championship, usually held the first two weeks of August at the Ontario Lacrosse Festival.
Minor Lacrosse played at the local level is often referred to as ‘rec’ or ‘recreational’ lacrosse, and better known as ‘house league.’ In Oshawa, our house league is called the City League and teams compete for the City Championship after a 10 week season that begins in April and finishes at the end of June. Oshawa’s rec box programs include a U5 ‘Peanut’ division for players aged 3& 4, but they do not play competitive games. While contact is a part of box lacrosse, City League has modified contact rules to favour the development of stick & game skills for newer players.
Boy’s and Men’s Field Lacrosse is played on a full soccer or football field usually between teams of 10 players each, although popular modifications include a 7v7 format and the new 6v6 Olympic format. The latter are played across the width of the field rather than the full length. Field lacrosse in Ontario ranges from ‘minor field’ with age categories ranging from U7 to U17 and play a short spring season with Provincials in late May; U19 Junior Men & Senior Men play in the autumn. Boy’s and Men’s Field Lacrosse is a full contact sport and the equipment – including the stick – is compatible with box lacrosse. Oshawa Blue Knights enters teams in the minor field season as part of the rep team programming. A separate U19 club operates the Junior Men Blue Knights. Many local high schools also enter field lacrosse as part of their varsity athletic program.
Girl’s and Women’s Field Lacrosse is played on a full soccer or football field between teams of 12 players each.
