Mimico lacrosse apparel. Mimico Lacrosse: A Comprehensive Guide to Registration, Programs, and Rules

How does the “Ux” naming convention work in lacrosse. What are the differences between box and field lacrosse. How do you choose the right program for your child. What is Rep lacrosse and who can participate.

Understanding Lacrosse Age Groups and Divisions

Lacrosse, like many sports, has adopted the “Ux” naming convention for age groups. This system can be confusing for newcomers, but it’s essential to understand when registering your child for the appropriate program.

Decoding the “Ux” System

In the “Ux” system, “U” stands for “Under,” and the number represents the age a player must be under to participate in that division. For example:

• U7: Players who have not and will not turn 7 years old in the current playing year
• U9: Players under 9 years old
• U11: Players under 11 years old

Ontario Lacrosse uses odd-numbered age divisions grouped into 2-year increments. The divisions progress from U5 through U17 in box lacrosse.

Age Restrictions and Exceptions

Players are not allowed to play in younger age divisions. However, they may receive “exceptional status” to play in a higher age division if they demonstrate exceptional skills and maturity.

How does the Mimico Lacrosse age chart help parents and players. The age chart serves two primary purposes:

1. It determines which divisions and programs your child is eligible for in the current season.
2. It outlines the Mountaineer Pathway, a roadmap showing the progression of programming available to club members.

Box Lacrosse vs. Field Lacrosse: Understanding the Differences

Lacrosse is divided into three main sectors: Box Lacrosse, Field Lacrosse, and Women’s Field Lacrosse. Each has its own set of rules and unique characteristics. Let’s explore these variations to help you make an informed decision about which program to choose for your child.

Box Lacrosse: The Canadian Favorite

Box lacrosse is the indoor version of the sport and is particularly popular in Canada. Here are some key features of box lacrosse:

• Played indoors, typically in an ice hockey rink with the ice removed
• Six players per team on the floor (5 players and 1 goalie)
• Fast-paced and physical game
• Emphasizes skills, agility, teamwork, and physical conditioning
• Contact is introduced at the U9 Rep level
• Considered one of the safest youth sports, with fewer injuries than hockey, soccer, football, and basketball

Field Lacrosse: The Outdoor Version

Field lacrosse is played outdoors and is the fastest-growing version of the sport in North America. Key aspects of field lacrosse include:

• 10 players per team on the field (3 attack, 3 midfielders, 3 defense, and 1 goalie)
• Played on a large outdoor field
• Substitutions made “on the fly,” primarily for midfielders
• Attack players generally remain on the offensive half, while defense (long poles) stay on the defensive half
• Players can exchange positions as long as another player temporarily fills their role

Women’s Field Lacrosse: A Unique Variation

Women’s Field Lacrosse has its own set of rules and equipment requirements:

• Introduced in 1890 in St Andrews, Scotland
• 12 players per team on the field
• No body contact allowed
• Uses a stick with a shallow pocket, checked for conformity before games and after goals
• Players are required to wear mouthguards and protective goggles

Choosing the Right Program for New Players

When it comes to selecting a program for new players, Mimico Lacrosse has specific recommendations to ensure the best experience and development opportunities.

Box Lacrosse: The Recommended Starting Point

For new players, Mimico Lacrosse recommends starting with Box Lacrosse programs. Why is Box Lacrosse considered the best option for beginners.

• Played inside a rink with boards, similar to hockey
• Increased game pace
• Maximizes participation and development opportunities
• More touches with the ball
• Keeps kids moving and engaged while learning the sport

Box Lacrosse programs at Mimico include:

1. Peanut program
2. 3-on-3
3. Local League

Field Lacrosse Opportunities

When does Mimico introduce Field Lacrosse for boys. Field Lacrosse opportunities for boys are not introduced until the U11 age group. This decision is based on two factors:

1. Avoiding conflicts with learn-to-play programs
2. Aligning with the overall philosophy of entry-level programming

Women’s Field Lacrosse

While Women’s Field Lacrosse opportunities are available for girls at early ages, Mimico encourages girls to participate in both Box and Field Lacrosse. This dual participation is beneficial because:

• The best Women’s Field Lacrosse players often have experience in Box Lacrosse
• The programs complement each other well

New in 2023: Mimico Lacrosse is offering 3-on-3 Box Lacrosse specifically for girls, providing another option for female players to develop their skills.

Rep Lacrosse: Understanding the Competitive Level

Rep lacrosse, short for “Representative,” is the highest caliber of play within the Mimico Lacrosse Club. It offers players the opportunity to compete at a more advanced level and represent the club in competitions against other clubs.

Rep Programs at Mimico Lacrosse

What Rep programs does Mimico offer. Mimico provides Rep programs in three lacrosse disciplines:

1. Box Lacrosse
2. Field Lacrosse
3. Women’s Field Lacrosse

Tryout Process for Rep Teams

Participation in Rep lacrosse requires players to go through a tryout process. Here’s what you need to know about Rep tryouts:

• Open tryouts are held for all interested players
• No invitation is required to attend tryouts
• Players must register for tryouts in advance
• Tryouts are typically held in the fall for the following season

How are players selected for Rep teams. Selection is based on several factors:

1. Skill level
2. Athleticism
3. Attitude and coachability
4. Team needs and positional requirements

The Importance of Box Lacrosse in Player Development

Box Lacrosse plays a crucial role in developing well-rounded lacrosse players, regardless of whether they ultimately specialize in box or field lacrosse. Many top field lacrosse players, including those in the NCAA and professional leagues, have a background in box lacrosse.

Skills Enhanced by Box Lacrosse

What specific skills does Box Lacrosse help develop. Playing Box Lacrosse can improve various aspects of a player’s game:

• Stick skills: The confined space requires quick, accurate passing and catching
• Shooting accuracy: Smaller goals and better goalies demand precision
• Footwork and agility: The fast-paced nature of the game improves quickness and coordination
• Field vision: Players learn to read the game quickly in tight spaces
• Physical toughness: The more physical nature of box lacrosse builds resilience

Transferable Skills to Field Lacrosse

How do Box Lacrosse skills translate to the field game. Many skills developed in Box Lacrosse directly benefit field lacrosse players:

1. Improved stick protection in traffic
2. Better off-ball movement
3. Enhanced shooting skills, especially in tight situations
4. Increased toughness and ability to play through contact
5. Superior passing skills in close quarters

Lacrosse Equipment: What You Need to Get Started

Proper equipment is essential for safety and performance in lacrosse. The required gear may vary depending on the type of lacrosse being played (box, field, or women’s field) and the player’s age group.

Basic Equipment for All Players

What are the essential pieces of equipment for lacrosse players. Regardless of the specific discipline, all lacrosse players need:

• Lacrosse stick
• Helmet (for box and men’s field lacrosse)
• Mouthguard
• Gloves
• Shoulder pads (for box lacrosse)
• Elbow pads (for box lacrosse)
• Athletic supporter and cup (for male players)
• Cleats or turf shoes (for field lacrosse)

Additional Equipment for Goalies

Goalies require specialized equipment to protect them from high-speed shots. What extra gear do lacrosse goalies need.

1. Larger, more protective gloves
2. Chest protector
3. Throat guard
4. Shin guards (for field lacrosse)
5. Goalie-specific stick with a larger head

The Role of Parents in Youth Lacrosse

Parents play a crucial role in supporting their child’s lacrosse experience and development. Understanding the sport, encouraging positive behavior, and maintaining a supportive attitude can greatly enhance a young player’s enjoyment and success in lacrosse.

Supporting Your Child’s Lacrosse Journey

How can parents best support their child’s participation in lacrosse. Here are some key ways parents can contribute positively:

• Learn the rules and strategies of the game
• Attend games and practices regularly
• Encourage effort and improvement rather than focusing solely on winning
• Help your child practice at home
• Maintain open communication with coaches
• Model good sportsmanship and respect for officials, coaches, and opponents

Avoiding Common Parental Pitfalls

What behaviors should parents avoid to ensure a positive lacrosse experience for their child.

1. Criticizing or yelling at players, coaches, or officials during games
2. Pressuring your child to specialize in lacrosse too early
3. Overemphasizing winning at the expense of skill development and enjoyment
4. Interfering with coaching decisions or strategies
5. Comparing your child’s performance to that of teammates or opponents

By avoiding these behaviors and focusing on supportive, positive involvement, parents can help create a nurturing environment for young lacrosse players to thrive and develop both on and off the field.

Registration for Dummies — Mimico Lacrosse

Discover how to:

✓ Understand the “Ux” naming convention

✓ Register your child in the right program

✓ Know the difference between field and box

“What do they mean when they talk about U7 and U17?”

✓ Age Groups Explained

Lacrosse, like many other sports, has recently implemented the “Ux” naming convention. We know this can be confusing at times for new parents and are working to improve our communication and promotional materials to reflect these changes.

“U” stands for Under and the number is the age your child cannot be to play in that division—make sense?    That means that a U7 program is for players who have not and will not turn 7-years-old in the current playing year. 

Ontario Lacrosse uses the odd number naming convention and age divisions are grouped into 2-year increments all the way up through minor, so in box we start at U5, then U7, U9, U11, U13, U15 and U17. Players are not allowed to play down at younger levels and require “exceptional status” to play in a higher level age division.

The Mimico Lacrosse age chart determines the divisions and programs your child will have the opportunity to play and participate in this season. The age chart also includes the Mountaineer Pathway, a roadmap that outlines the next levels of programming available to you as a member of our club.

“What the heck is box and field lacrosse?”

We get it—lacrosse is a little confusing. The sport is divided into three sectors, well, four if you include Sixes (the new Olympic version of the sport) but we’ll get to that later. The main sectors are Box Lacrosse, Field Lacrosse and Women’s Field Lacrosse and each has their own set of rules.

✓ Box Lacrosse

Box lacrosse is the indoor version of lacrosse. The game originated here in Canada, where it is the most popular version of the game played in contrast to the field lacrosse game. There are six players on the floor for each team (5 players and 1 goalie) and is traditionally played in an ice hockey rink once the ice has been removed.

Lacrosse is a fast physical game encompassing specific skills, agility, team work, physical conditioning, discipline, trust and respect. Contact is introduced in U9 Rep, but Lacrosse is one of the safest sports with the fewest amount of youth injuries, ranking safer than hockey, soccer, football and basketball, despite the high pace and physical nature of the game.

✓ Field Lacrosse

Field lacrosse is the outdoor version of lacrosse and the fastest growing game in North America.

There are 10 players on the field; 3 attack, 3 midfielders, 3 defence and a goalie. Substitutions are done on the fly, mostly for the midfielders, who play the entire length of the field. The attack will generally remain on the offensive half of the field while the defense (long poles) will remain on the defensive half. Players may exchange positions as long as another player remains in the area as a temporary replacement.

✓ Women’s Field Lacrosse

Women’s Field Lacrosse was introduced in 1890 in St Andrews, Scotland.

The women’s game is played with twelve players on each team and the rules of women’s lacrosse differ significantly from Men’s Field Lacrosse. There is no body contact. Equipment required to play is also different. The stick has a shallow pocket and is checked before every game and after every goal for conformity to the rules. Women are only required to wear a mouthguard, and protective goggles.

“Ok… so does it matter which one we register for?”

We’re glad you asked.

We recommend that all new players register for Box Lacrosse which include our Peanut program, 3-on-3, and Local League.

Given that it’s played inside of a rink with boards similar to hockey, playing Box Lacrosse increases the game pace and maximizes participation and development opportunities for all players. It allows for more touches with the ball and keeps kids moving and engaged while learning to play lacrosse.

Field opportunities for boys are not introduced until U11 in Mimico, as the earlier age groups conflict with our learn-to-play programs and the overall philosophy of our entry level programming.

While Women’s Field Lacrosse opportunities are introduced to girls at early ages, we encourage girls to play both, as the best Women’s Field Lacrosse players also play Box Lacrosse and our programs compliment each other very well!

New in 2023: Mimico Lacrosse is offering 3-on-3 Box Lacrosse just for girls.

“What’s Rep? Do we have to be asked to tryout?”

Rep

/rep/

“Rep” is short for “Representative”, as in the teams that represent the club in competitions with other clubs. It’s the highest calibre of lacrosse within the club. Mimico offers Rep programs in Box Lacrosse, Field Lacrosse, and Women’s Field Lacrosse. Players must be residentially bound to the club to play Rep.

In age divisions where there are enough players interested in Rep, a Rep development team is also established. Rep teams are rated annually from “A” to “E” and participate in league play and provincials under the Ontario Lacrosse Association.

Rep Box is introduced at U7 while Rep Field and Women’s Field are introduced at U11.

New players are always welcome (and encouraged) to tryout for our Rep teams!

Rep team tryouts are typically held in March and April. Players must be registered for a Rep program to tryout. Players that do not make a Rep team will be refunded in full, however we strive to ensure that all players wishing to play Rep have the opportunity to do so.

It’s never too late to get into rep lacrosse! You will meet like-minded families and give your child the experience of a lifetime while they stay active, learn valuable life lessons and become part of an amazing lacrosse community. Worried about experience? The most successful players are often those who are eager to try something new and want to be part of a great team! 

Local Requirement for U7 and U9

U7 and U9 players must also play locally in the 3-on-3 program on Saturday mornings with the exception of the June 2-4 and June 23-25 weekends when the U9 Rep teams are away at tournaments.

Players interested in the U7 Paperweight Rep team can declare interest here.

Now that you’re a Mimico Lacrosse expert, let’s get you signed up!

Register Now

Here are some more FAQs

• The registration fees payable to the club cover a number of administrative expenses, including but not limited to: uniforms, floor and field permits for tryouts, practices and games, Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA) team and provincial entry fees, equipment, coaching certification, referees and timekeepers, iPad rental for Game Sheet Inc. , insurance and the Lacrosse Canada (LC) member fees per player.

• The Mimico Minor Lacrosse Club Refund Policy applies to registration fees paid directly to the Mimico Minor Lacrosse Club.

  The principle behind our refund policy is to allow a reasonable period of time following registration for parents/players to withdraw, while still safeguarding the long-term financial stability of our programs.

  Mimico Minor Lacrosse Club commits to program expenditure based on registrations. The expenses are not recoverable to the program if/when a member withdraws.

  All refund requests must be made in writing or email to the Mimico Minor Lacrosse Club Registrar by the individual who paid the fee(s).

  An administrative fee will be charged on approved refunds. The Administration Fee will be set annually by Mimico Minor Lacrosse Club to reflect deductions at source that are not received by the club as part of the registration payment (Insurance, OLA Registration Fees, etc. ) and that are not refunded to the club by the OLA.

  The amount of any refund, including special or extenuating circumstances, is at the discretion of the Mimico Minor Lacrosse Club Board of Directors.

  Mimico Minor Lacrosse Club shall not be responsible for any monies paid directly to a team, team coach, or team official, and Mimico Minor Lacrosse Club shall not entertain requests for any such refunds.

  Mimico Minor Lacrosse Club shall not be responsible for any monies raised and collected by teams through sponsorship or fundraising efforts and shall not entertain requests for any such refunds.

• No. For insurance purposes, all players must be registered to attend tryouts. Players that do not make a rep team will be refunded.

• Prior to submitting a release request, the player must be registered and paid with their resident OLA association for the current year.

  The OLA “Release Request Form” for the current year must be used in all cases where a player wishes to be released from his/her current lacrosse association in order to sign and play for another association.

  The player, the parent or the guardian must complete all fields in Section 1 of the form and send it to the President of the association from which the release is requested.

  Only the information presented in Section 1 will be considered; new reasons for a release will not be entertained should the association’s decision be appealed at any other level.

  The association must respond to the applicant within 72 hours to acknowledge receipt of the request for a release. Within a reasonable time, the association is responsible for setting a date, time and location for when a release hearing will be held so that the applicant may be present to formally discuss the request.

  There may be a fee for a release hearing at the association level.

  Following the hearing, the association must complete Section 2 of the form with written reasons for granting or denying the request and provide the applicant with the information necessary to appeal to the Zone, should the applicant qualify to do so under the OLA Appeal’s Process. The reasons for submitting an appeal at any level are outlined in OLA Rules and Regulations 11.3(d).

3-on-3 Mini Game — Mimico Lacrosse

Learn to Play

We Just Hope Both Teams Have Fun

The 3-on-3 Mini Game is a non-contact introductory version of the game scaled for young children. The smaller floor size dimensions reduce the playing space to increase the game pace, in an effort to maximize participation and development opportunities for all players. It allows for more touches with the ball and keeps kids moving and engaged while learning to play lacrosse.

The program only requires players to wear helmets and gloves as opposed to full equipment, significantly reducing the cost of participation for parents.

Each year our 3-on-3 divisions are booming with graduates from our free peanut program. Dubbed The Most Fun Lacrosse Club™, the emphasis of the program is having fun while learning new skills.

Learn to play lacrosse for boys and girls

The 3-on-3 Mini Game is a non-contact lacrosse environment that allows for more touches with the ball and keeps kids moving and engaged while learning to play lacrosse.

The Mini Game program is open to the U7 and U9 age groups and is a requirement to be eligible for U7 and U9 Rep.

NEW: 3-on-3 Mini Game just for girls! See below for details.

• Players turning 5 and 6-years-old in the current playing year are eligible for the U7 program. Players turning 7 and 8-years-old in the current playing year are eligible for the U9 program.

  The Mimico Lacrosse age chart determines the divisions and programs your child will have the opportunity to play and participate in.

• Registration for this program is $99 and includes 10 weeks of lacrosse and a uniform.

• Start Date: Saturday April 15, 2023

  End Date: Saturday June 24, 2023

  U7 Group 1: 10:30 AM

  U7 Group 2: 11:15 AM

  U9 Group 1: 12:15 PM

  U9 Group 2: 1:00 PM

  Location: Mimico Arena

• Players are required to wear a helmet with a face mask and lacrosse gloves.

  Lacrosse sticks may be purchased from the club for $50.

• We group everyone based on age from youngest to oldest and strive to create balanced and fair teams for play.

  Sibling requests will always be accepted if they meet the age criteria.

Registration

Introducing: 3-on-3 Mini Game just for Girls!

Mimico Lacrosse is committed to achieving gender equity and driving change for women and girls in lacrosse. We do this by striving to offer the same opportunities and experiences for girls in all aspects of our programming.

With the continued growth of girls playing box lacrosse in our co-ed programs, we are now offering 3-on-3 box lacrosse for girls in 2023. It is our intention to introduce a rep program by 2025.

• Girls turning 5 and 6-years-old in the current playing year are eligible for the U7 program. Girls turning 7 and 8-years-old in the current playing year are eligible for the U9 program.

  The Mimico Lacrosse age chart determines the divisions and programs your child will have the opportunity to play and participate in.

• Registration for this program is $99 and includes 10 weeks of lacrosse and a uniform.

• Start Date: Saturday April 15, 2023

  End Date: Saturday June 24, 2023

  U7: 11:15 AM

  U9: 12:15 PM

  Location: Mimico Arena

• Players are required to wear a helmet with a face mask and lacrosse gloves.

  Lacrosse sticks may be purchased from the club for $50.

• The 3-on-3 Mini Game is a mini version of box lacrosse. Box lacrosse and women’s field lacrosse are two different sports with different sets of rules. They also require different sticks.

  Box lacrosse allows for more touches with the ball and keeps girls moving and engaged while learning to play lacrosse.

  We encourage girls to play both as the best women’s field lacrosse players also play box!

Registration

Goaltender (Boxing Lacrosse) Equipment and Rules

Goalkeeper or Goaltender indoor or box lacrosse position. More so than the armored field lacrosse goaltender, ^[1] since the invention of indoor lacrosse in 1931, ^[2] box lacrosse goaltenders have evolved into a much different position than its field lacrosse cousin. ^[3]

National Lacrosse League goalie Tye Belanger in the summer of 2015.

Equipment

In box lacrosse, the goaltender is usually more armored than the field lacrosse goaltender. Lacrosse goalie boxers are known for their massive upper body gear, large shin guards known as “irons”, and ice hockey style helmets. ^[1]

Sticks and gloves

Diagram of the Mitchell brothers wooden lacrosse stick.

There are three types of lacrosse sticks currently used by modern boxing goaltenders. Traditional wooden sticks that are made from long strips of wood and pockets woven with leather and cord. ^[4] This variant goes back to the roots of the game and is still popular with goaltenders at the amateur level (senior, junior and junior), but comes at a high cost with new sticks priced between CAD 250 and 400. ^[5] Another long-used stick type is the NCAA stick. ^[6] Much smaller and takes up less space between the legs, the NCAA head controls the ball much easier. ^[7] The newest brand of clubs is the “carbon triangle”. ^[6] NCAA-style club-like materials, the carbon triangle is sized to mimic the finish of a wooden stick, but NCAA-style lightness. The style becomes very popular at junior and junior levels, but is banned in the National Lacrosse League. NLL goaltenders typically use NCAA sticks. ^[8]

Although many goaltenders traditionally wear hockey gloves to protect their hands from high-speed impacts ^{[9] [10],} many goaltenders have switched to specialized gloves made specifically for boxing lacrosse. On the goalkeeper’s free hand, there is a possibility of damage to the back of the hand, knuckles and wrist as a result of a strong blow. Lacrosse goalkeeper gloves have an extra layer of padding on the outside of the glove to help deflect dangerous shots. This extra padding is found on both gloves and also serves to protect the inside of the wrist of the stick hand, which is often exposed in the crouching position when wearing hockey gloves as a lacrosse goaltender. At the same time, lacrosse goaltending gloves are essential to give the goaltender wrist mobility when they have to hold the ball. ^[11]

Helmets

Goalkeeper London Blue Devils Jr. in a hockey helmet (2014).

Windsor Clippers Jr. goaltender wearing field helmet (2014).

Box goalkeepers wear two different types of helmets. One type is a standard field lacrosse helmet, the other is an ice hockey mask. Field masks ^[12] have heavily reinforced face masks, as thick as the bars on a football helmet, and also provide a wider range of vision than hockey masks. Field helmets do little to protect the throat area. Hockey mask padding ^[13] can be formed on the wearer’s head for comfort. Very easy to remove, quick release and shaped specifically for shock absorption. In addition, despite the narrowing of the user’s field of vision, it actively protects the throat area from direct blows. In recent years, baseball catcher-style masks have been proposed as a medium between the two types of helmets. ^[14]

On a secondary level, most goalkeepers must wear throat guards or “cow traps” ^[15], which attach to the helmet to provide additional coverage for the throat and neck area. ^[16]

Leg protector

Leg examples. The left one is typical for the 2000s and 2010s, the right one is for the 1990s.

Foot pads or “shackles” ^{[17] for} lacrosse have undergone a significant evolution since the early days of the sport. Early goalkeepers wore cricket pitches made of thin but stiff padding and thick cloth material. ^[18] They eventually evolved into a cross between a cricket leg guard and a baseball catcher leg guard. ^{[ citation needed]} Like cricket, irons are closed above the knees, but have an exoskeleton of molded plastic caps and shin plates to deflect shots and leave less or no bruising like in baseball. In the 2000s and 2010s, these shoe sizing rules were put to the test as the market for new lacrosse goalie equipment emerged. Irons grew in width until it was argued that they were no longer meant to protect the shin, but mainly to cover more mesh. Eventually, the backlash came, with the Canadian Lacrosse Association and its partners setting limits on the width of the shin guard. ^[19]

Top and pants

Goalkeeper training with modern boxing shoes.

Until about 2005, the distribution and price of top lacrosse pads was extremely restrictive. Prior to this, goalkeepers were mainly engaged in “build-ups”. Extensions were common practice, with a goaltender buying a set of hockey headgear and completing them. Hockey uppers typically do not have sufficient padding to protect against downstrokes or upbounces on bounce shots, so materials and other equipment have often been added to protect against them, ^{[20] to} including: football lineman shoulder pads, hockey shoulder pads, kidney pads, baseball belly pads, sectional PVC pipes (also used in older lacrosse pads), and thick pieces of foam. These improvements were added not only to increase the size of the goaltender’s upper body, but also to increase their safety, comfort, but still have to maintain mobility. ^[20]

Ice hockey goalkeeper pants commonly used in box lacrosse.

Since about 2005, the Canadian Lacrosse Association has required one-piece, unmodified chest protectors for all of its goaltenders. Because of the price, the lacrosse team or small organization often pays the bill for this expensive equipment. The allowable top should protrude from the shoulders at any point by only three and four inches at the arms. ^[21]

As far as pants are concerned, the boxer-goaltender usually wears hockey pants or a specially modified version of hockey pants to accommodate airflow. ^[9]

Other equipment

• Goalkeeper athlete: Due to the danger of rebound shots, goalkeepers usually wear goalkeeper sports equipment and a bowl for protection. Goalie shorts provide plenty of padding on the lower abdomen and genitals while providing enough undercarriage protection to deflect the most dangerous rebound shots.
• Shoes: Most goalkeepers wear normal shoes. Goaltenders need the mobility to run and the grip to secure themselves to the floor while standing, which can be provided by a good pair of shoes. Toe guards are generally not required as toe shackles provide very long and wide leg guards.
• Underwear: As in ice hockey, wearing underwear under playing equipment reduces the chance of skin infections in cuts and scrapes. It also provides a layer that protects the skin from damage when a strong shot finds a “bare spot” of the skin. Traditionally, goalkeepers have worn shorts and T-shirts or long underwear, but in recent years, sweat-soaked clothing has been designed to better suit the needs of athletes.

Rules

The lacrosse boxing goaltender may play in any area of ​​the playing surface and is not restricted to any area. ^[22] Despite this, the boxing goalkeeper has a crease all over the net, and the whole thing. Defenders may enter this area to pick up a loose ball, but may not enter it while in possession of the ball. Forwards cannot enter the penalty area. At minor levels and some minor leagues, this includes a vertical crease plane, but at junior A, senior and professional levels, it is not uncommon for a player to be allowed to enter a vertical plane while shooting or bouncing, as long as their feet or body are not touching the creases painted on the floor . Such a performance is called a “dive of the fold.” ^[23]

Sometimes a lacrosse boxing goaltender will run up and join the offensive zone on a slow whistle or a delayed penalty kick, but the goaltender is usually drawn out and replaced by an outfield player. Goaltenders in box lacrosse have been known to occasionally score goals for their team in power play or slow whistle situations. Also, due to boxing lacrosse’s unique lack of offside rules, it is not uncommon to see a goaltender leading his team in scoring on the game tables through multiple passes, usually through long passes to teammates who try to get away from unsuspecting defenders. Goaltenders in boxing lacrosse are also encouraged to aggressively check the stick around the ball and cross checkers furiously when necessary (cross control is allowed in boxing lacrosse). ^[24] If a goalkeeper leaves the pitch in possession of the ball, opponents are allowed to cross control the goalkeeper unless there is an attempt to injure.

Box lacrosse goaltenders play in front of a four-by-four-foot net at most levels, as opposed to the outfield goaltender, who plays in front of a six-by-six net. ^[3] The National Lacrosse League, Major and Junior A levels use a net four feet high and four feet nine inches wide. ^[25]

Styles

Boxing goalkeeper challenges the shooter to a corner in the main stance. Equipment typical of the early 2000s.

Goal play in box lacrosse is more like goal play in ice hockey than field lacrosse. ^[26] The goaltender’s stance is similar to that of an ice hockey goaltender. The goalkeeper is crouched, but the knees are spread apart, not pinched, as in hockey. Heels shoulder-width apart, toes tend to point outward to allow entry into the frame. One hand sits on the top of the thigh, holding the club in a position that covers the five holes (the area between the legs), while the other hand rests or is propped up in the area between the waistline and the outside of the top. hip. The elbow is forward, ready to swing towards the high kick. ^{[27] [28]}

The two main styles of boxing lacrosse goaltending are stick play and run. Stick play or positional style is about staying at an angle with the shooter’s stick, challenging the shooter by approaching him to limit the amount of net he can see and using his size to his advantage to block the shot. ^{[29] [30]} Giving or yielding is when the goalkeeper stays on the inside of the post on the same side of the shooter as the shooter, intentionally giving away the opposite side to him. This gives the shooter a shot from the wrong angle, which the goalkeeper is trying to force him to take. When a player shoots, the goalkeeper quickly moves over and closes the other side of the net and blocks the shot. ^[29] This style can be very effective, but can be a victim of false shots. ^[29]

Notable players

National Lacrosse League (1987-present)

The best goaltenders in the modern NLL.

• Rob Blasdell
• Aaron Bold
• Anthony Cosmo
• Steve Dietrich
• Matt Disher
• Dallas Eliuk

90 107 Bill Jerry

• Dwight Matche
• Brandon Miller
• Ken Montor
• Gord Nash
• Marty O’Neill
• Pat O’Toole
• Curtis Palidvor
• Mike Poolin
• Larry Quinn
• Tyler Richards
• Matt Royk
• Buzz Shane
• Matt Wink
• Bob Watson

Main Series Lacrosse (1932-1987)

Mimico Mountaineers goaltender in 2014 season.

Top OLA and NLL goaltenders (1974-75) before the founding of modern NLL. These listed goaltenders have either won top honors in their major leagues or led their team to the Mann Cup final.

• Pete Anthony
• Pat Baker
• Tim Barry
• Grant Brick
• Wayne Colley
• Doug Favell
• Te d Jurney
• Ted Hall
• Frip Harrison
• Bill MacArthur
• Merv Marshall
• Barry Maruk
• Bob McCready
• Ernie Mitchell
• Bill Moreau
• Ray Mortimer
• Wayne Platt
• Gary Powless
• Bob Romer
• Dave Russell
• Bob Savage
• Ron “Ham” Thomas
• Jim Thompson
• Joe Tomchishin
• Sean Quinlan
• Bill Whittaker
• Harry Woods
• Lloyd “Moon” Wootton

Western Lacrosse Association (1933-1987)

St. Catharines Spartans goaltender in 2014 season.

The best goaltenders on the west coast before the founding of the modern NLL.