The LYL Boys Program is dedicated to introducing, teaching, and expanding youth lacrosse in Lexington and neighboring communities.

We believe that lacrosse, among all the sports options available to your son, provides a unique and exciting combination of individual athleticism (speed, endurance, hand-eye coordination), teamwork, and on-the-fly, creative problem solving, and we strive to bring these experiences to your son!

We have developed a comprehensive curriculum that is fun, competitive, and instructional, and is intended to teach age-appropriate skills in an integrated manner that builds across each youth age level and will prepare the players to play at the high school and college level.

The Boys Program comprises 4 age levels that are determined by school grade in the year of competition: Classic Pre-K - 2 (Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade), Classic 3/4 (3rd and 4th), Classic 5/6 (5th and 6th), and Classic 7/8 (7th and 8th).

The Basics:

Boy’s lacrosse teams use netted sticks to carry, pass, and shoot a ball along a field in an effort to score goals. A goal counts as one point and is scored when the lacrosse ball completely crosses the opposing goal line between the posts and under the crossbar. The team scoring the greater number of goals in the allotted time wins the game.

What's Needed: 

Lacrosse stick, solid rubber lacrosse ball, helmet with face guard and chin strap, lacrosse gloves, shoulder and elbow pads, cleats or sneakers, shorts and team jersey, mouth guard, and athletic supporter with cup. For more information on required equipment and where to purchase please see the below boys equipment article

Game Format:

A game is divided into four quarters or two halves. Depending on league rules, each quarter ranges from ten to fifteen minutes with a five-to-ten-minute break at halftime. Each period begins with a “face-off” at midfield. Teams switch playing sides after each period and are allowed two time-outs per half. If a game ends in a tie, teams may have the opportunity to play overtime periods of sudden death; the team to score first wins.

For more on how boys lacrosse is played and to see a glossary of terms visit The Beginners Guide to Boys Lacrosse.

Sticks:

There are many options when it comes selecting a lacrosse stick. Please reach out to your level coordinator if you have questions that are not answered in this guide.

• Grades K-4 should use a stick 37-40 inches in length.
• Grades 5-8 should use a stick 40-42 inches in length.
• Grades 5-8 Defensive players should talk to their level coordinator before purchasing a defensive shaft.
• All NEW players in Grade 1-3 (equipment programs ONLY) will receive a new strung stick.
• Sticks for other grades can be purchased strung or unstrung through LYL by contacting Ken Ford (treasurer@lexingtonlax.org), or from your local lacrosse supplier, or online.
• The strung sticks available through LYL are a good entry-to-mid level option.
• What type of mesh to use is a personal preference.  See the link below to learn about soft and hard mesh.  (We would recommend a semi soft or semi hard mesh and not use hard mesh)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4QJe-DhCoQ   
• An unstrung stick will give you the ability to have the stick strung to the players liking.  Most advanced players should be using a custom strung stick. LYL offers stick-stringing - contact Ken (treasurer@lexingtonlax.org) for more information.
• For beginner and intermediate players, all sticks should have a well-strung Low or Medium pocket.

Protective Gear:

• All players MUST be equipped at practices and games with the following equipment, or they will not be able to participate:     
  • Helmet
  • Mouthguard
  • Protective cup
  • Chest protector
  • Arm Guards
  • Gloves
• LYL has great customized starter gear packages and custom LYL helmets available at discounted pricing.  Contact Ken Ford ( treasurer@lexingtonlax.org) for more information
• Helmets need to be purchased separately. In general the Cascade and Brine series of helmets are very good, and fit a wide variety of heads; it is up to the players comfort level which brand they choose. Town-colored Cascade Helmets are available through our website in the online store for a discounted price.
  • ANY helmet, whether a new purchase or hand-me-down, MUST be NOCSAE approved for use. Players without a NOCSAE approved helmet (you can find this designation on a sticker on the inside or outside of the helmet) will likely be asked to sit out during games. US Lacrosse and MBYLL are very strict about this as it is a player safety issue.
• As of January 2022, all shoulder pads MUST be NOCSAE approved for use. This year especially, with the new rule update, referees will be checking.
• Protective cups and mouthguards are not sport-specific and can be purchased at any sports retailer. Tricon Sports in Lexington has many options of both.

Cleats:

• Please send your child equipped to play a fast-paced sport on a variety of slippery surfaces, both natural and artificial. Many surrounding towns have natural grass fields which can be slippery, even when dry. Artificial turf can be very slippery when wet.
• In general, soccer or football cleats can be worn, but lacrosse-specific cleats work best.
• Baseball cleats are not designed for lateral movements / quick cuts or lots of running, and typically have metal spikes, which are not allowed.
• Running shoes are NOT appropriate, as running shoes lack proper traction and lateral support.
• Please ensure that your child’s footwear is secured properly. Coaches spend a lot of time tying or retying footwear at practices and games, which cuts down on time spent with coaching athletes.
• The staff at Tricon, or any major sports store can help you determine the proper choice for your child.

New Equipment Purchases:

• LYL has great customized starter gear packages and custom LYL Blue/Yellow helmets available at discounted pricing. Contact Ken Ford ( treasurer@lexingtonlax.org) for more information

• Alternatively, Lacrosse Unlimited in Burlington has everything you will need for your lacrosse season.