South Hadley, MA - Boys' Lacrosse

Program Design: The program is designed to teach the basic skills of lacrosse such as throwing, catching, and scooping through various fun drills and games. The season will progress towards an end of season game/event. Parents are needed to coach these drills with the assistance of the high school players and older youth coaches.

Lacrosse is a fast, physical, contact sport that incorporates some aspects of ice hockey, basketball and soccer. There is some physical contact in this sport; however the game is designed to be based on skill and finesse. Stick and body checks are not allowed in the Bantam division (grade 3/4).

It is our goal to have two teams in each age division. If there is more than one Senior team, there will be evaluations to separate the group into two teams based on ability level. This evaluation is required by league scheduling guidelines. For the Junior division, past practice has us separating the two teams by grade level, while the Bantams will be split up evenly between both age groups.

Practice Times / Games: Practices start in late March or early April (depending on the weather and game schedule). Practices typically start around 5 or 6pm and may be held indoors at the beginning of the season (ultimately up to the coach) or in parking lots. Games start in mid/late April and will be played during the week and on the weekends. Teams should meet about 2-4 times per week between practices and games.

Tournaments: The teams will enter some tournaments which are typically held on weekends. A nominal tournament fee may be charged; however fundraising through the SHBYL will help pay the tournament fees. Your user fee helps to cover the cost of at least one tournament. Dates and game times for tournaments will be announced as the information becomes available.

Travel: Away games and tournaments will be held in Western Massachusetts and parts of Connecticut. Car pools may be available to assist those players in need of rides to and from these events. Directions to playing fields can be located at the Connecticut Valley Youth Lacrosse website: www.eteamz.com/CVYL/ South Hadley will play its games at the Town Farm or the Michael E. Smith Middle School.

Mouth Guard: Mouth guards are mandatory for all players and will be supplied by the Recreation Dept. Many local dentists will make a custom fit mouth guard for you at little-to no cost. If your child has braces, these mouthpieces will not be adequate and you will have to consult with your orthodontist.

Equipment: Participants are responsible to purchase all lacrosse equipment. The necessary equipment is listed below. The SHBYL and Recreation Department will have a limited number of kits available to rent for new players. If you are interested in renting equipment, please contact the Recreation Dept. and equipment packages will be passed out based on need. If you have any additional questions, you can ask them at the parents meeting before you make your purchases.

Places like Whips Sporting Goods (Page Blvd in Springfield 739-0069) or Dick’s Sporting Goods are great places to purchase equipment. There are many websites and mail order catalogues that will have information. Check out the boys lacrosse website for helpful links.

Contact Information: If you are interested in coaching or have any questions about the program, contact the Recreation Department at 538-5039 or by email to recreation@southhadley.org.