Frequently Asked Questions
Boys Grade 7/8 Program
1. What are the goals of the program this year?
The Boys 7/8 program is a competitive experience and offers a significantly higher level of play. Coaches will continue to provide each participant with the opportunity to become a better player, but each player is expected to have more fully developed stick skills and a more sophisticated understanding of the game in order to be successful. New players are welcome and encouraged to register.
Players will test their skills during weekly league games, primarily on Saturdays. Game schedules will be available in early March, but teams will likely play ten (10) games against other teams in the South Sound Youth League. The season will end with full team participation in an end of the year tournament. All 7/8 players are expected to play through the tournament.
2. Who will coach the program?
the head coach is a voluntary position. Parent volunteers will have the opportunity to support the team in roles such as head coach, assistant coach, sideline manager, timer, scorekeeper, and team parent.
3. Will players get equal playing time?
All players will receive playing time, but it may not be equal. The 7/8 program serves as a bridge between the developmental side of the youth program and the more competitive experience the players will face as they move into high school. The coaching staff, in accordance with GHLA philosophy, will inform players of the expectations required in order for each player to maximize his playing time. Factors including, but not limited to attendance at practices and team events, attitude both on and off the field, being coachable, effort, and respect for coaches and teammates are considered.
4. When does the program begin and end?
The Boys 7/8 teams start practice in mid-February and run through the end of May (Memorial Day). Practice location is TBD. The Boys 7/8 teams typically practice 3 days per week. Players will be notified of the practice schedule as soon as it is available which is typically the first week of March.
Post Season Opportunity: There are sometimes opportunities for our teams to play in tournaments that take place after the end of our regular season. Coach and player availability are often, but not the only, determining factors. These opportunities require fees not covered by the GHLA registration.
5. What equipment do players need?
The following equipment is required of every player: lacrosse helmet, lacrosse stick (crosse), shoulder pads, elbow pads, and gloves. A mouth guard (cannot be white or clear) and athletic cup are also required. Cleats are optional (baseball cleats are not permitted). Players without required equipment will not be allowed to practice or participate in games.
6. Do you have rental equipment available?
Players at the 7/8 level and above are responsible for providing their own equipment. There are a number of local options for buying lacrosse equipment (Big 5, Dick's Sporting Goods) and even more online options (www.sportstop.com, www.lacrossemonkey.com, www.lacrosse.com, etc.).
7. Are physicals required?
Physicals are not required at the 7/8 level.
8. Program Cost and Registration
The 7/8 registration fee is $350.00. There is also an additional fee of $79.99 to purchase the mandatory new player uniform kit for all new players. Additionally, every player MUST have a US Lacrosse number ($35 paid directly to US Lacrosse) in order to be eligible to register and participate in practice & games.