EGYLC Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Elk Grove Youth Lacrosse?
A: Elk Grove Youth Lacrosse Club (EGYLC) is a volunteer run, non-profit organization whose goal is to provide the youth of Elk Grove an opportunity to learn and play the fastest game on two feet; lacrosse.
The EGYLC season runs during the spring (approx. early January-May/early June). Elk Grove Youth Lacrosse is affiliated with the NCJLA, (the Northern California Junior Lacrosse Association) which schedules games with other teams in the Northern California region, and runs a season ending championship tournament. For more info on the NCJLA please visit their website www.ncjlax.org/ncjlax/
For the 2023 season EGYLC will look to field teams in the following age brackets: Boys: 10U, 12U, 14U, High School JV and Varsity, and High School Girls. (note girls may play co-ed on the 10U, and 12U teams)
Additionally EGYLC plans to field girls teams in the 12U, and 14U age brackets if we can get enough interest.
Divisions for the 2023 season (All ages are based on a August 31, cutoff)
BOY'S YOUTH (Girls may play co-ed on the 10U and 12U teams)
14U (14 and under) - Must be born between 9/1/20/2004 (Oldest) and 8/31/2006 (Youngest)
12U (12 and under) - Must be born between 9/1/2008 (Oldest) and 8/31/2010 (Youngest)
10U - Must have been born on or after 9/1/2010
At the 10U, 12U, and 14U levels emphasis will be placed on skills development, teamwork, and player encouragement and positive reinforcement. A "good" or "winning" season will be defined by how many returning players we have next year, not by our won/loss record. The 14U is more competitive, but still developemental. The High School JV and Varsity levels are very competitive. These teams will strive to compete to their best possible potential.
Q: What is Lacrosse?
A: Lacrosse was invented by North American Indians who played with sticks made of wood and leather and a rock was used as the ball. The game became a (slightly less dangerous) substitute for warring between tribes to establish dominance. The Canadians also adopted the sport from the Indians in Northeastern America and it is their national sport, not hockey as is commonly believed. Modern lacrosse has been played by athletes in the United States and the British Commonwealth for over a century.
The sport of lacrosse is a combination of speed, and strength and draws from skills found in basketball, soccer and hockey. Anyone can play lacrosse--big or small. The game requires and rewards coordination and agility, not raw strength. Quickness and speed are two highly prized qualities in lacrosse. Lacrosse is fast-paced and full of action. Players run up and down the field with lots of starts and stops, precision passes and dodges are routine in both men's and women's lacrosse. Lacrosse is played with a stick, called “the crosse”, which is used by the player to throw, catch and scoop the ball.
Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing team sports in the United States. US Lacrosse reports that its youth membership (ages 15 and under) has more than tripled since 1999 to over 100,000. No sport has grown faster at the high school level over the last 10 years and there are now more than 130,000 high school players. Lacrosse is also the fastest growing sport over the last five years at the NCAA level and that's just the tip of the iceberg. With club teams, private schools, and states not yet having sanctioned lacrosse, high school-aged participation is actually much higher. Varsity collegiate participation has grown by one-third since 1995, and collegiate and post-collegiate club teams field thousands of players as well, with NCAA sanctioning play at the collegiate level. For more information please go to the US Lacrosse web site. www.uslacrosse.org/
Q: Who plays lacrosse?
A: According the U.S. Lacrosse Association, youth and recreational programs playing both field and "soft" lacrosse are estimated at about 125,000 participants. US Lacrosse's 48 regional chapters indicated a total of 82,448 players participating in lacrosse at the youth level. Several areas of the country have youth programs but are not yet represented by a US Lacrosse chapter. Over 4,500 programs span the United States. Programs range in size from 50 to 15,000 children. Youth players range from 5 to 15 years of age.
Q: When does the season start?
A: Our Spring lacrosse season consists of about six weeks of pre-season practices at least twice a week beginning in early January. Weekly games ( including tournaments) begin the last weekend in February or first weekend in March and run through the end May or early June. Parents and Players take note: the season does NOT necessarily come to and end after the last regular season game has been played. There are playoffs and tournaments that are played all the way into early June. By registering to play with one of our teams you agree to be committed to participating in playoff games and tournaments. Most times these games occur over Spring Break and at other times when people take vacations. Please honor your commitment to the Club and your fellow teammates and families and schedule your vacations accordingly.
Q: When, where, and how often are Practices?
A: Practices typically begin in early or mid January and run through the end of May. The 10U, 12U, and 14U teams typically practice twice a week in the evenings for about 1.5 hours (typical timeframe is 5:00 to 6:30 or 5:30 to 7:00pm*). The JV and Varsity teams typically practice three times per week for about 2 hours (typical timeframe is 7:00 to 9:00pm*) Practices are held at Bartholomew Sports Park under the lights. *Please note practice times are examples only and not set in stone. Additionally lacrosse is an all-weather sport and there will be times when we practice in the rain.
Q: When, and where are the Games played?
A: Games begin either the last weekend in February or the first weekend in March. Games are usually on Saturdays and Sundays, sometimes on Fridays and rarely but occasionally other days of the week depending if rainout make-ups are needed. We won't know specific team schedules until the 2nd or 3rd week in February. Home games are played at Bartholomew Sports Park. * Most away games are played in the greater Sacramento Valley Region (Sacramento, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Granite Bay, Davis, etc.)* Occasionally games are played in the Bay Area (Berkeley, San Jose, Pleasanton, San Ramon, Marin, etc.) *Please Note: Lacrosse is considered a "travel" sport and teams could play in games or tournaments as far away as Redding or Monterey. Players and parents should expect a certain amount of travel during the season. Additionally lacrosse is an all-weather sport so we will practice or play rain or shine. When allowed by Field Administrators.
Q: Why do I need to join US Lacrosse?
A: The US Lacrosse Association in addition to being the main governing body for our sport also provides insurance coverage for its members. This insurance is required by Elk Grove Youth Lacrosse and Northern California Junior Lacrosse Association in order to practice or play with club.
Q: What kind of equipment do I need?
A: For those new players needing equipment, we have negotiated a great discount on quality equipment and packages from Lacrosse Fanatic and we will get everyone geared up who needs to be. Full equipment packages (including helmet, shoulder pads, arm guards, gloves, stick, and a mouth guard) will range approximately between $250 and $300 depending on the size of the player. These prices do not include sales tax. Additionally the Club has a limited supply of loaner gear available on a need and case by case basis.
The protective gear required by the league and Elk Grove Youth Lacrosse consists of the following except where noted as optional.
Boys:
• A lacrosse helmet, (Cascade brand preferred) our team helmet colors are all white w/ Navy decals (decals are provided by the Club)
• Colored Mouth-guard
• Athletic supporter with cup (Provided by player)
• Shoulder pads
• Arm/elbow pads
• Rib pads (optional but recommended)
• Lacrosse gloves
• Goalies need additional chest and throat-guard protection (can be provided by the EGYLC)
• A “crosse” or stick with a pocket
• Cleats (football, soccer or baseball will do, but no metal spikes) – keep tennis shoes in your bag too.
• Balls to practice with
Q: Is Lacrosse a contact sport?
A: Boys lacrosse is a contact sport. Girls lacrosse is not a contact sport. Boys in 10U and below play with minimal physical contact. The focus is on developing their lacrosse skills. From 12U and older physical contact is allowed and is taught by coaches appropriately. The 14U and High School game can be very physical. Players and Parents should expect some bumps, bruises, scrapes, minor cuts, and on rare occasions even a little blood. It's part of the game.
Q: Who provides the uniforms?
A: Uniforms are included in the registration fees. Uniform package includes both Home and Away jerseys, and game shorts.
Q: How do I improve my skills?
A: Practice, practice, practice! EGYLC focuses on teaching skills and skills development during the practices held during the season. Between practice, “having a catch” with a friend or getting out and doing some “wall-work” will hone your throwing and stick skills which are the most important aspect of beginning lacrosse.
