Levels of Lacrosse Play

Now that you have learned all of the cool terminology of lacrosse, you may be asking yourself, "Where can I show off my superior lacrosse knowledge?" Well, you are in luck. There are many different levels and areas where you can go to play or enjoy the game. We will start off young and work our way up to the major league play.

Youth Lacrosse

Lacrosse participation for youth can start as young as U-9 (ages 6-8) and is considered "youth" until U-15(roughly 8th grade) for both boys and girls. Leagues typically don't become competitive until middle school, where players can participate in teams that are grouped into divisions based on abilities. Another popular way to divide up the skill and age levels of youth players is by using three levels: A, B and C.

Level C: This is the youngest level, meant for new, young players. They use seven field players, and the use of a goal keeper is optional. The recommended field size is 50 yds. x 25 yds, with an 8m arc, no 12m fan, no restraining line, and only a center line (no circle). Manufacturers have created youth sticks that may use mesh in the pockets, unlike higher levels of play. Players can use a regular crosse, however the shaft must be decently sized for the player and they typically need a modified pocket. At this level there is no checking in hopes of avoiding as much injury as possible. The games operate with 20-minute halves (maximum), using running time meaning the clock does not stop for fouls.

Level B: The next level is for slightly more experienced and older players. There are eleven field players and one goal keeper on the field for each team. The recommended field size is 90 yds. x 50 yds, and regular field markings, including the restraining line, are used. Players are now expected to use regular crosse, but can still have a modified pocket. There is still no checking. Games have 25-minute halves (maximum), and also use running time.

Level A: The highest level of youth play is reserved for the oldest and most experienced youth players. This level also uses eleven field players, and one goal keeper. The field size that is recommended is 100 yds. x 70 yds. They use regular field markings, including the restraining line. At this level of play, regular crosses must be used with regulation pockets. Modified checking only is allowed, making sure they are not too aggressive or reckless. Games also have 25-minute halves (maximum) and have running time.

High School/ College Lacrosse

Once a player enters the high school age, they typically will search out a spot on either their high school's team or, if this is not available, they can try finding a club team in their area. In order to find these clubs, you can look at the database of chapters registered with US Lacrosse. This will provide you with team and contact information by region. This can help you get in touch with local coaches or managers of teams so you can begin playing. You also don't need to worry about any teams being left off of this list, because US Lacrosse membership is a necessity for every player in the nation. The rules that are first applied in this age group will stay the same for college level and any professional levels. I have written posts on both the women's and men's game previously in this blog, so you may reference them to compare this level to the youth level.

Post-Collegiate Lacrosse

The available opportunities for playing lacrosse after college are sadly few at this moment for lacrosse, however there are a few. For both men and women, there are national teams that you can try out for. There is a U-19 developmental as well as official national team availabe for both sexes. Another possibility for male players is Major League Lacrosse. Major League Lacrosse contains 10 teams from two separate conferences. The Eastern Conference has the Boston Cannons, Long Island Lizards, New Jersey Pride, Philadephia Barrage, Rochester Rattlers and Washington Bayhawks. The Western Conference has the Chicago Machine, Denver Outlaws, L.A. Riptide, and San Francisco Dragons. The MLL was created in 2001 and has been growing and expanding ever since. There is discussion of expanding to Cincinnati, Dallas, Portland, Salt Lake, San Diego, Seattle and St. Louis.