FAQ
WHEN IS REGISTRATION?
We offer varying programs all year. Our main registration for the spring season opens in January.
WHO CAN PLAY LACROSSE?
Any child enrolled in 1st through 8th grade.
DO YOU HAVE TO LIVE IN NORWICH TO PLAY FOR NYLA?
No. We have kids from many of the surrounding towns, including Griswold, Lisbon, Preston, Bozrah, Franklin, Sprague, Voluntown, Canterbury, Plainfield, and Windham.
WHEN IS THE LACROSSE SEASON?
Lacrosse is a spring sport. Practices start around late March/early April and games will begin the first week of April and continue until mid-June.
WHEN ARE GAMES AND PRACTICES?
Most teams practice twice a week. Games are weeknights and weekends.
WHO ARE THE GAMES PLAYED AGAINST?
NYLA is a member of CONNY (a subsidiary of US Lacrosse) and we play home and away games against many of the CONNY member teams. This is up to the coach's discretion and may include Stonington, Ledyard, Groton, East Lyme, Waterford, Westerly, Colchester, Montville and some other out-lying leagues.
CAN MY CHILD PLAY MULTIPLE SPORTS?
Many players are enrolled in multiple sports. We encourage you to carefully consider your objectives for playing both sports and then do what is best for your child.
WILL THERE BE TRYOUTS?
No. This is an instructional program and children will be taught the game and skills.
WHO WILL BE MY CHILD'S COACH?
We have a team of US Lacrosse and PCA trained coaches. We are seeking experienced players in the area who may want to help coach. We will have training opportunities to get interested adults up to speed with the rules and the skills a coach will need.
WHAT EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED?
Boys need:
- Helmet
- Shoulder/chest and elbow pads **A Certified ND200 shoulder/chest protector is required for all goalies and all boys as of January 1st 2022.
- Gloves
- Mouth guard
- Athletic supporter
- Lacrosse stick
Girls need:
- goggles
- mouth guard
- lacrosse stick
We advise you to go to a store and try everything on. When buying a stick, there are a few things to look for. A stick with a hard mesh or a traditional pocket is recommended.
There are several local stores that carry lacrosse equipment; Dick’s Sports, Lacrosse Unlimited (Madison), Lacrosse Monkey (Norton, MA), and several websites.
Please refer to www.laxshopper.com. It is a handy tool when shopping for lacrosse equipment.
IS LACROSSE SAFE?
Yes, boys’ lacrosse is a contact sport; however, the rules and the equipment contribute to making it a very safe sport. US Lacrosse provides guidelines for coaching, refereeing and playing. Each game (for grades 3 and up) is officiated by 2 professional lacrosse referees who enforce sportsmanship and regulations which keeps the game safe. The national injury rate for boy’s lacrosse is 2.89 injuries per 1,000 participants, the most common injury being ankle sprains. For comparison purposes, the injury rate for football is 4.36, and soccer is 2.43. For more information on lacrosse safety, please visit www.USLacrosse.org.
WHY SHOULD WE TRY LACROSSE?
Lacrosse is the fastest game on two feet!
It builds strength! It builds confidence! It builds character!
It's also the fastest growing sport in the country!
It has the lowest drop-out rate of any youth sport!
Overall - It is extremely fun and exciting to play!