What are the key elements of youth lacrosse field diagrams. How do lacrosse rules vary by division. What are the essential components of game day setup and officiating in youth lacrosse.
Understanding Youth Lacrosse Field Layouts
Youth lacrosse field diagrams are crucial for players, coaches, and officials to understand the game’s spatial dynamics. These diagrams vary depending on the age group and level of play, reflecting the developmental needs of young athletes.
Key Elements of a Youth Lacrosse Field
- Field dimensions
- Crease area
- Midfield line
- Wing areas
- Substitution box
- End lines and sidelines
For younger age groups, such as K2 and 34 divisions, fields are typically smaller to accommodate developing players. As athletes progress to higher levels, field sizes increase to match their growing skills and endurance.
Navigating Lacrosse Rules Across Divisions
Lacrosse rules exhibit significant variation across different divisions, particularly in areas such as field dimensions, player contact, and timekeeping. This adaptability ensures that the sport remains challenging yet safe for participants at every stage of development.
Boys’ Youth Lacrosse Rules
In boys’ youth lacrosse, rules are designed to foster skill development while prioritizing safety. The governing bodies provide comprehensive guidelines that evolve with the players’ growth.
- USA Lacrosse Boys’ Game Overview
- Annual Boys’ Lacrosse Rule Book
- Boys’ Lacrosse Rule Changes
- League-specific adaptations (e.g., GELL)
How do league-specific rules impact gameplay? Local leagues like GELL often implement modified rules to enhance gameplay or clarify national guidelines. For instance, GELL organizes divisions by school grade rather than birthdate, promoting fair competition among peers.
The Role of Governing Bodies in Youth Lacrosse
Various organizations play pivotal roles in shaping the landscape of youth lacrosse. These entities work collaboratively to ensure the sport’s integrity, safety, and continuous improvement.
USA Lacrosse: The National Authority
USA Lacrosse stands as the preeminent national governing body for the sport. Its responsibilities extend far beyond rule-making, encompassing crucial aspects of player development and safety.
- Defining game rules and equipment standards
- Collaborating with NFHS and NCAA for higher-level play
- Training and certifying coaches and officials
- Spearheading player safety initiatives
Why is USA Lacrosse’s role critical in youth development? By establishing consistent standards and focusing on safety, USA Lacrosse ensures that young athletes can enjoy the sport while developing skills in a protected environment.
High School Lacrosse: Bridging Youth and Advanced Play
As players transition from youth to high school lacrosse, they encounter new rules and organizational structures. This progression prepares athletes for more competitive play while maintaining educational values.
NFHS and State-Level Associations
The National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) provides overarching guidance for high school sports, including lacrosse. State-level associations, such as the Washington High School Boys Lacrosse Association (WHSBLA), manage more localized aspects of the sport.
- Developing league rules
- Enforcing compliance
- Organizing seasonal play
- Facilitating state playoffs
How does the structure of high school lacrosse differ from youth leagues? In many states, lacrosse operates outside traditional school district sanctions, requiring unique organizational approaches to ensure fair and competitive play.
Game Day Essentials: Table Crew and Field Setup
Successful lacrosse games rely heavily on the efforts of volunteers who manage various aspects of game day operations. These roles are crucial for maintaining order and accuracy during play.
Table Crew Responsibilities
The table crew’s duties evolve as players advance through age groups, reflecting the increasing complexity of the game.
- K2: Timekeeping
- 34: Timekeeping, scoring, and penalty administration
- 56-HS: Full game statistics in addition to lower-level duties
Why is proper training for table crew volunteers essential? Accurate timekeeping, scoring, and stat-tracking are fundamental to fair play and provide valuable data for player and team development.
Field Setup and Cleanup
Field preparation is a community effort that varies based on the level of play and game schedule.
- K2/34: Small field setup and cleanup
- 56/78: First game setup, last game cleanup
- HS: Setup and cleanup for each game
How does efficient field management contribute to the overall lacrosse experience? Well-prepared fields ensure safety, enhance gameplay, and demonstrate respect for the sport and its participants.
Officiating in Youth Lacrosse: Beyond the Whistle
Referees play a pivotal role in youth lacrosse, not just in enforcing rules but in shaping the culture of the sport. Their presence on the field contributes significantly to player development and game integrity.
The Path to Becoming a Lacrosse Official
Organizations like the Washington Lacrosse Officials Association (WALOA) provide comprehensive training and certification programs for aspiring referees. This process ensures a consistent standard of officiating across all levels of play.
- Initial training and certification
- Ongoing education and rule updates
- Mentorship opportunities
- Advancement through different levels of play
What makes youth lacrosse officiating unique? Many youth game officials are high school players themselves, offering a valuable opportunity for young athletes to give back to their sport and gain leadership experience.
Respect and Support for Officials
The lacrosse community’s attitude towards officials can significantly impact the sport’s growth and the retention of referees.
- Recognizing the learning curve for new officials
- Encouraging positive sideline behavior
- Understanding the shortage of referees in many areas
- Appreciating the official’s role in player safety and game flow
How can the lacrosse community better support its officials? By fostering a culture of respect and understanding, teams and spectators can help create a positive environment that attracts and retains quality officials.
Innovative Approaches to Field Management
As lacrosse continues to grow, organizations are adopting new technologies and methods to improve field management and game-day operations.
GPS-Guided Field Painting
Some lacrosse programs are utilizing cutting-edge technology to enhance field preparation. For instance, GPS-guided robotic painting devices are being employed to create precise and consistent field markings.
- Increased accuracy in field dimensions
- Time-saving for volunteer crews
- Consistent appearance across multiple fields
- Potential for complex designs and branding
How does advanced field painting technology benefit the lacrosse community? By streamlining the field preparation process, these innovations allow organizations to allocate more resources to player development and community engagement.
Digital Resources for Team Management
Lacrosse programs are increasingly turning to digital platforms to streamline communication and organization.
- Online parent meeting slide shows
- Digital field diagrams and maps
- Team-specific information portals
- Tournament countdown timers and schedules
Why are digital resources becoming essential for youth lacrosse programs? These tools enhance communication, ensure consistent information dissemination, and help parents and players stay engaged throughout the season.
As youth lacrosse continues to evolve, understanding field diagrams, rules, and operational aspects becomes increasingly important. From the precise layout of playing fields to the nuanced responsibilities of officials and volunteers, each element contributes to the sport’s growth and the positive development of young athletes. By embracing innovation, fostering respect for all participants, and maintaining a focus on player safety and skill development, the lacrosse community ensures a bright future for this dynamic and exciting sport.
Rules – Liberty Lacrosse Club
Lacrosse rules vary by division. This is especially true in field dimensions, allowable player contact, and time keeping. The governing organizations listed below provide detailed, up to date rules and videos explaining rules interpretations, fouls, and gameplay.
Boys’ Youth Lacrosse
Youth Boy’s Lacrosse
GELL Youth League Rules
2022 Boys’ Game Overview
2023 Boys’ Lacrosse Rule Book
2023 Boys’ Lacrosse Rule Changes
GELL 2023 Game Rules Adaptations
GELL 34 Rules Explanation
2023 GELL League Participation Rules
USA Lacrosse is our national lacrosse governing body. They defining game rules and equipment standards at the youth level, and collaborate with NFHS and NCAA for rule development of game rules at upper levels of play.
USA Lacrosse also guides the training and certification of coaches and officials, as well as leading critical initiatives that support player safety on and off the field, such as concussion safety, commotio cordis, and player abuse.
GELL is our local boy’s lacrosse youth (K-8) league. The league has several modified rules to enhance gameplay or clarify ambiguity in national rules. For example, GELL divisions are organized by school grade rather than birthdate. These rules are reviewed at a league level annually.
GELL rules take precedence over USA Lacrosse rules for in season youth games.
GELL rule adaptations do not apply to tournaments organized outside of the GELL season.
Boy’s High School Lacrosse
High School Boys’ Lacrosse
WHSBLA
National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) provides guidance and standards for competitive athletic and fine arts across the country to ensure that all students have an opportunity to enjoy healthy participation, achievement, and good sportsmanship in education-based activities.
Washington High School Boys Lacrosse Association (WHSBLA) is the governing body for high lacrosse in our state.
This developing league rules, enforcing compliance, and organizing season play, and facilitating state playoffs.
Lacrosse generally not a school district sanctioned sport in Washington, and not governed by WIAA as other high school sports.
Game Day – Table Crew and Field Setup
Team volunteers have an important role to play in our weekly games. Running the clock, administering penalties, keeping score, and recording stats must happen at each game.
Table Crew (Scorekeeping)
- K2 – Keep Time
- 34 – Keep time, score, and administer penalties
- 56-HS – Keep time, score, administer penalties, and full game stats.
Field Setup and Cleanup
- K2/34 – Small field setup and Cleanup
- 56/78 – First of Day – setup; Last of day – Cleanup
- HS – Setup/Cleanup each game
GELL Lacrosse Table Crew Training
Liberty Lacrosse Scorebook Training
34 (Small Field) Diagram
Officials
Are you good at catching those bad calls from the sideline? Try doing it on the field!
Become a Ref!
Washington Lacrosse Officials Association (WALOA) provides officials for Boys’ Lacrosse at all levels of play.
This includes ongoing training and certifications for new referees.
Let the refs call the game. Let the coaches work with the refs.
Referees calling youth games are often high school players, and likely the child of someone near you on the sideline. They are learning and growing experience in calling games, just as your player is developing their love for lacrosse in every game they play. They take pride in what they do, and enjoy giving back to a sport they love. They are also in short supply. Please, respect the refs.
Shakopee Lacrosse
Saber Fields are officially OPEN!
Check out the fields! They look great and are ready for the season!
Cool tidbit….they were painted this year by a GPS guided robotic painting device!
Parent Meeting Recap
Thank you to everyone that was able to make it to the parent meeting! If you missed it, you can see the slide show for some important dates and season information!
2023 Parent Meeting Slide Show
Saber Fields Field Diagram
13200 Townline Ave
Shakopee, MN 55379
Team Season Information
6U Coed
8U Boys
8U Girls
10U Boys
12U Boys
12U Girls
14U Boys
14U Girls
Tournament Info Coming Soon!
0
Days
0
Hours
Northstar Lacrosse & Epoch Lacrosse Sponsorship
The SYLA is excited to share a new sponsorship for the 2023 season!
Northstar Lacrosse and Epoch Lacrosse are proud to announce a multi-year partnership with the Shakopee Youth Lacrosse Association (SYLA).
Through this agreement, SYLA and its members are provided access to top tier lacrosse products and special discounts at Northstar Lacrosse in Hopkins. Northstar Lacrosse and Epoch Lacrosse will also be donating player scholarship equipment packages along with other special donations and promotions to benefit the association and its members.
We’re thrilled to partner with the Northstar/Epoch team. Our shared vision of growing lacrosse at all levels of play, allows opportunity for increased value and experience for all Shakopee Lacrosse players and families.
Shakopee Youth Lacrosse is PLL Verified!
As we began planning the 2021 season and beyond, the SYLA board challenged themselves to answer the following:
“What legacy are we leaving for future generations of SYLA athletes?”
With that question in hand, we began conversations with the Premier Lacrosse League. We submitted our application, took additional trainings, and we were selected to be part of their PLL Verified Program!
The benefits that come from this partnership positively impact our association and we couldn’t be more excited to grow our sport.
A quick example of what this brings to our association: direct access to professional male and female lacrosse players that will host clinics and training for our youth! More details will come, but we wanted to share this amazing news!
2022 State Champions! 12UA Boys & 12U Girls
City – Ventspils.lv
28.09.2022, 16:26
28.09.2022, 13:45
28.09.2022, 13:22
Municipal ŪDEKA Ltd. continues the implementation of the energy efficiency project, within the framework of which two solar power plants were built for own consumption, and several technological devices were replaced, including this week two sewage pumps at the largest sewage pumping station in the city on Muitas Street.
28.09.2022, 11:36
On Saturday, October 1st, the International Day of Seniors will be celebrated all over the world and in Latvia.
In honor of this day, the Ventspils Science Center “VIZIUM” invites parents, grandparents and families to take part in creative workshops “Ah, youth is a wonderful time!” in a soulful atmosphere, and also offers family moments to capture in a beautiful photo.
28.09.2022, 10:18
Autumn is one of the most beautiful and colorful seasons. Ventspils Digital Center invites you to capture autumn moments and capture the yellow-and-scarlet season in practical classes, where you can learn about the settings of a SLR camera and useful tricks that will help you take high-quality and impressive photos.
28.09.2022, 09:48
On Friday, September 30, the Ventspils Digital Center in cooperation with the Ventspils Library invites everyone to free classes organized as part of the European Night of Scientists.
Visitors will be able to learn about the use of technology in the forest and in the kitchen to beautifully decorate blanks for the winter. In addition, residents will be able to view the premises of the new Digital Transformation Center.
28.09.2022, 09:46
Ventspils Digital Center offers a creative, adventurous and emotional photo course “A Click in the Distance”. Over the course of several days, under the guidance of an experienced photographer Renard Bolshevitz, the participants of the course could master the theoretical aspects of photography and apply the acquired knowledge in practice. The course participants could see the already familiar streets, natural objects and sights of Ventspils from a completely new point of view – through the camera lens.
27.09.2022, 15:39
Every year in September throughout Europe, the Night of Scientists is celebrated to popularize science and its achievements.
Ventspils Science Center “VIZIUM” has also prepared various, creative and interesting free events and activities for the whole family, which will be held on Friday, September 30, from 20:00 to 23:00 on the 2nd floor of the Science Center.
27.09.2022, 13:19
On Thursday, September 29, at 2:00 pm, the Feast of the rafters of the 248.6 m2 service building will be celebrated on the ski slope “Lembergs Hat”, according to the Ventspils Communal Administration.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- ..
- 470
- Older
Rotenberg made a revolution in Russian hockey: he did not play, but coaches – this is done only in North America
Roman Rotenberg / Maxim Stulov / Vedomosti
On January 4, SKA announced the appointment of Roman Rotenberg as head coach.
The news occupied the first lines in the feeds of information sites, and somewhere it even received special marks in the form of lightning bolts or exclamation marks. But it hardly became a sensation for those who have been following the St. Petersburg club for the past year and a half.
The first conclusions about Rotenberg’s serious intentions in relation to the position of mentor could be made back in September 2020. Then SKA fell under a powerful wave of coronavirus: the infection knocked out most of the main players and almost all coaches from the game. St. Petersburg attracted young people to the cause: MHL players appeared on the ice, and 39-year-old and unknown at that time coach Roman Rotenberg appeared on the bench. He spent almost the entire match against Sibir Novosibirsk with a headset to communicate with the video assistant and did not interfere in the gameplay, concentrating all his efforts on cheering and patting the players on the shoulders and helmets.
But already on September 25 and October 7, Rotenberg led the team as acting head coach for home matches with Ak Bars and Magnitogorsk.
A fierce controversy unfolded in the press and comments on it: what right did he have to assign such a position? Rotenberg explained the decision during a press conference: “The situation has developed in this way. But if you studied my biography, then I have been in sports since I was three years old. My father is a coach. I have been a sportsman all my life. In hockey, from 10 – it turns out, already 29years”.
Roman Rotenberg /Petr Kovalev/TASS
Rotenberg really played hockey. But the peak of his playing career was getting to the summer training camp of the SKA team born in 1981. Later it turned out that Rotenberg was a graduate. On October 1, 2018, he entered, and eight months later he graduated from the Higher School of Coaches of the Omsk SibGUFKA.
Nevertheless, the example of Rotenberg is an amazing, almost unique phenomenon in Russian hockey, where almost always only those who have played before are coaching. The last known mentor who did not have significant experience inside the hockey box is Igor Zakharkin.
He, like Rotenberg, started playing at the age of 10. At the age of 14, he entered the CSKA school, grew up to the junior team, but could not even rise to the youth team and hung up his skates.
Putting aside the dream of becoming a hockey player, Zakharkin methodically pursued a new goal. At the age of 21, he graduated with honors from the Moscow State Central Institute of Physical Education, and then became a graduate student and defended his Ph.D. thesis.
Zakharkin’s first serious place of work was the Leningrad SKA, but before taking a place on the coaching exchange, he spent five years in the status of the head of the so-called complex scientific group. For the next two seasons, Zakharkin worked as a coach-methodologist.
The first team where Zakharkin received the powers of the head coach was the modest “Hudiksvall” from the second Swedish division. In Scandinavia, Zakharkin gained experience for almost 10 years and only after that he returned to Russia, where he became an assistant to Vyacheslav Bykov, first in CSKA, and then in the national team.
Zakharkin worked in tandem with Bykov for 11 seasons. Together they won two world championship golds and two Gagarin Cups, but failed at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. The failure of the national team aroused the wrath of the famous veterans of the national hockey. Many of them noted that a person without experience in the game is not able to manage world-class stars like Ovechkin or Datsyuk.
Igor Zakharkin / Egor Aleev / TASS
Probably, this attitude prevented Zakharkin from arranging an independent career in the KHL. After parting with Bykov, a specialist nicknamed “Professor” led “Salavat Yulaev” for two and a half seasons, and then for another six months “Ugra”.
More successful examples of coaches who never performed at a high level, but turned out to be tactical geniuses, can be found in North America. The leader of the National Hockey League (NHL) in terms of the number of victories, Scotty Bowman, left the sport before reaching adulthood – a skull injury prevented him from breaking into the masters.
A severe neck injury prevented Barry Trotz from becoming a professional hockey player – but he managed Nashville for 15 years in a row, and then took the Stanley Cup with Alexander Ovechkin’s Washington.
The current owner of the most prestigious club trophy in the world, John Cooper, lost his dreams of a hockey career in his teenage years: he was much better at playing lacrosse. Cooper decided to train as a financier, worked in his father’s construction company, and then moved to Wall Street.
September 2020 John Cooper with the first of two Stanley Cups in his coaching career /Zuma\TASS
The monotonous work on the stock exchange soon bored the young man, and he went for a second higher education – law. During training, Cooper played for an amateur team of lawyers and judges. One of them completely changed his life.
Having successfully passed the exams, Cooper went in search of a new job and turned to Thomas Brennan, a referee by profession and a partner on the hockey team.
Brennan agreed to help with employment, but on one condition – Cooper had to coach his young son’s team.
Cooper got involved in the process right away. Subsequently, his wards won the championship among their peers twice in five years. Then John was noticed in the NAHL (North American Hockey League), one of the strongest US junior organizations at that time.
Team based in Texas. Here Cooper first began to be paid for his work as a coach, but the development of game formations and the study of opponents had to be combined with ticket sales, logo design and painting the ice after pouring. Cooper’s team also played in a rodeo barn with mice and rats. However, these circumstances did not stop the coach – he won two championships in four seasons.
For the next 15 years, Cooper actively traveled: he worked with teams in St. Louis, Green Bay, Norflok, Syracuse … And in 2013, he suddenly settled in one place – Tampa came to the coach. And I didn’t guess. The Lightning’s last two seasons under Cooper have been undefeated.
