Lacrosse is a team sport that is played by ten players, each of whom uses a netted stick (the crosse) in order to pass and catch a very hard rubber ball with the aim of scoring goals, each worth one point, by propelling the ball into the opponent's goal. The team scoring the most points after four "quarters", of varying length from competition to competition, and overtime if necessary, wins.
Players scoop the ball off the ground and pass the ball through the air to other players. Players are allowed to run carrying the ball with their stick. Players may kick the ball, as well as covering it with their sticks, provided they do not withhold it from play. Lacrosse is a contact (the amount of contact allowed varies according to age groups) sport and play is typically quite fast.
The standard (size varies by age group) field of play is 110 yards long and 60 yards wide. The goals are 6 feet by 6 feet and contain mesh netting similar to an ice hockey goal. The goal sits inside a circular "crease", measuring 18 feet in diameter.
Players line up with 3 offensive players called "attack men"(The players who shoot on the opposing team's net), 3 "midfielders" or "middies"(The players who shoot on the opposing team's net and also defend their own net), 3 "defensemen"(The players who guard their own team's net), and 1 designated goaltender, or "goalie". Lacrosse sticks may measure between 40 inches and 42 inches long (a "short crosse"), or 52 inches to 72 long (a "long crosse"). The designated goalkeeper is allowed to have a stick from 40 inches to 72 inches long. The head of the crosse on both long and short crosses must be larger than 6 inches at its widest point and it must also be 2.5 inches wide or wider at its narrowest point. The head of a goaltender's crosse may measure up to 15 inches wide. Although most of the time attack men and midfielders use short crosses, defensemen, along with one midfielder when his team is on defense, carry long crosses, some teams choose to distribute their sticks differently; this is not uncommon because a team may only have 4 long crosses on the field during live play, excluding the benches and penalty boxes. Most modern sticks have a metal shaft, made usually of aluminum or titanium, while the head is made of hard plastic. Metal shafts must have a plastic or a more popular rubber cap or ("butt") at the end, and it must be adequately taped to avoid injury although some butts are capable of staying on without tape. The heads are strung with string mesh. This forms a net of whatever material was used in stringing the stick called the "pocket".
How much does it cost for equipment?
All players will need a lacrosse helmet, a short stick, shoulder pads and arms pads. The helmet runs around $125.00 and the other gear (stick, pads, gloves) are around $150.00. All boys are required to wear cleats (no metal tips), colored mouth guard and a jock strap and cup at all times. Information on purchasing equipment is available on the web-site. http://www.hselacrosse.com Regardless of where you buy the equipments, it is important that it fit properly, especially the helmet. Not all retailers have the same level of expertise in fitting lacrosse equipment. If you have any questions, please contact one of the coaches.
The Indiana High School Lacrosse association requires that all players are current members of the U.S. Lacrosse Association (http://www.uslacrosse.org/). Teams are required to show U.S. Lacrosse membership for all of its players. This association provides insurance to the individual players and the HSE Lacrosse Club. Each player is responsible for maintaining their own valid U.S. Lacrosse membership. U.S. Lacrosse membership must be valid for the duration of the season (or function: i.e. winter indoor).
Are there any other costs?
Your registration fee covers registration only. In addition, you will be responsible for a valid U.S. Lacrosse membership and the purchase of a uniform package. Uniform packages are divided by grade levels (Freshmen, Sophomore, etc.), and costs may fluctuate.
There are additional opportunities during the off-season, including but not limited to indoor leagues, tournaments, off-season practices. Each of these activities has its own specific fee.
Also, any travel expenses, including but not limited to transportation, hotel and meals are the responsibility of the player and their parents.
Spiritwear is available to order periodically through out the year. It is up to the individual player and their parents to decide what to order and how much to spend.
When and where are practices held?
Practice will begin the first week of March (weather permitting). There are five to six practices held per week. There will be no games or practices during spring break. The complete practice schedule will be posted on the web-site. http://www.hselacrosse.com
What are the expectations for practice?
Attendance at all regular season practices is required. Lacrosse is a team sport and practicing, as a team is essential.
When and where are games held?
The JV and Varsity teams may play several scrimmages before the regular season begins. JV and Varsity games are typically within the greater Indianapolis area, but occasional games are held in Fort Wayne, Elkhart, South Bend and Evansville. There are out of state tournaments in Kentucky and Ohio. Games usually start the middle of March and run through the first week of June. The complete game schedule will be posted on the web-site. http://www.hselacrosse.com
Do parents need to make any type of time commitment?
We do require a commitment from parents to voluntarily assist the club. Information is available at the call out meeting and during the season.
Where do I get information on the HSE Lacrosse Club?
All information is available on the web-site (http://www.hselacrosse.com). Please check this site on a regular basis. Team rosters, practice and games schedules, games directions and weather related information will be posted there. Occasionally players will receive e-mails but all important information is on the web-site.
Code of Conduct
All players and their parents will be required to sign and abide by a Code of Conduct, which is handed out at the call out meeting.
