Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is lacrosse?
A: Lacrosse is a team sport where players try to get a rubber ball into a net or goal. Players use a long stick with a net on the end of it called a lacrosse stick, or crosse. They can run, carry, catch, shoot, and pass the ball with the net of the stick. The lacrosse team with the most points or goals at the end of the time period wins the game.
Lacrosse is a very athletic and active game. It provides good exercise and competitiveness. There is a lot of running in Lacrosse and speed and endurance are great assets to the Lacrosse player. The sport's nickname is "The fastest game on two feet". Lacrosse has become popular with high schools, colleges, and has had success as a professional sport.
For more information about the game or its history, please visit our Lacrosse 101 page.
Q: Are boys and girls lacrosse the same?
A: There are similarities between boys and girls lacrosse. In both games, players use a lacrosse stick with a net at the end to catch and throw a hard rubber ball and score by throwing the ball into the opponent's goal. Both games emphasize speed, stick skills, and agility. But the rules, strategies, equipment, and even field markings are significantly different for boys and girls. The boys game is a contact sport, so boys wear protective pads, gloves, and helmets. The girls game focuses on finesse, with stick-to-stick contact only for older players, so girls require less protective equipment.
Q: What type of field is lacrosse played on?
A: Lacrosse is usually played on a standard-sized soccer or football field for teams in grade 5 and up. Grade K-2 and 3/4 teams play on a smaller field and with small-size goals.
Q: How are teams established?
A: Youth teams are separated by gender and then by grade. Typically, two grades are combined to create teams: grades K-2, 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8. High school teams are separated by gender and then by ability and experience into junior varsity and varsity teams.
Q: Are teams available for all grades for both boys and girls?
A: Teams are set up based on the interest level from players and volunteers. If there aren't enough players for a full team at any age level, we will refer players to a neighboring club while continuing to support our kids by offering developmental clinics and hosting recruiting events to build numbers.
Q: Can girls play on a boys team?
A: Girls are allowed to play on boys teams, following boys rules for contact if they, their parents, and the coach agree. To protect players' safety, boys may not play on girls teams.
Q: When is lacrosse season?
A: Lacrosse is a spring sport, and runs from February through early June. League games start in March. Youth teams practice 2-3 times a week, while high school teams practice 5 days a week.
A shorter Fall season, commonly known as Fall Ball, is also held for youth and high school boys. Fall Ball is an opportunity for new players to develop their skills, and for returning players to get additional reps in.
Q: Where are Everett Lacrosse Club's Facilities?
A: Our home fields vary by division, and include turf and grass fields managed by Everett Parks or Everett Public Schools. For more information, visit our Facilities page.
Q: What are Everett Lacrosse Club's registration costs?
A: Our fees vary by age level. Please see our Programs & Pricing section for additional information.
Q: What if we can't afford the registration fee?
A: We offer installment plans for our regular season registrations to help spread the cost over a longer period.
In addition, ELC provides a limited number of partial scholarships to families that demonstrate financial need. Please contact the ELC Club Registrar for more information.
And finally, unused equipment can often be borrowed from other lacrosse families, or purchased second-hand.
Q: Are there additional costs in addition to registration?
A: Yes.
Uniform Fees:
- Boys and Girls in grades 3-12 own their own uniforms. Costs vary by division from $40 to $125.
- The K/2 divisions use club-owned uniforms that are returned at the end of the season.
Equipment:
- Players are responsible for their own equipment (please see below).
- ELC offers free equipment rentals for first-year players.
USA Lacrosse Membership:
- Required for all players
- Cost is $30 for youth players, $35 for High School
Q: What are the benefits of a USA lacrosse membership?
A: The primary benefit (and requirement) is Insurance Coverage and Risk Management Guidance for your player:
US Lacrosse partners with RPS Bollinger to provide Excess Accident Medical and General Liability Insurance to members while participating in covered amateur lacrosse activities.
Other Benefits include:
- Subscription to USA Lacrosse Magazine
- Access to Playing Opportunities and Tournaments
- Discounts on Game Tickets, Gear, Apparel and More
- Educational Programs, Videos, Clinics, Drills and More
- Eligibility for Programs & Grants
Q: What equipment is required?
A: Boys need a helmet, shoulder and elbow pads, gloves, athletic cup, mouth guard, stick, and cleats (football, soccer, or lacrosse). Girls need safety goggles, mouth guard, cleats (soccer or lacrosse) and a stick.
Goalie equipment is provided by the club, though some players prefer using their own. Goalie equipment includes a neck protector, goalie chest pad and a goalie stick, as well as standard player equipment. Thigh pads and shin guards are also recommended.
For more information, visit the Equipment Page.
Q: Where can I buy equipment?
A: New and used equipment is available from a variety of local and online vendors.
Local vendors include Lacrosse Wolf and Play it Again Sports in Lynnwood.
Other vendors include:
Q: Can I rent equipment?
A: Equipment can be rented from local vendors. For information, visit our Equipment Rental & Sales page.
Q: Where can I learn more about lacrosse?
A: See the Lacrosse 101 section of our site for more information and links to outside resources. YouTube is a great resource as well!
