General Program Information

New players are welcome at any age level and into any program. Please do not shy away from registering your child from a program simply because they have never played before, including high school. You are welcome to come and observe what lacrosse is all about, and those not registered will be allowed to sample lacrosse with a coach off to the side of practice. However, in order to participate in regular practices, insurance requires that you have a current USA Lacrosse membership and register for the program.

As a reminder for all programs at all levels, BMLA wants to make sure that all players, parents, coaches and officials are demonstrating good sportsmanship at all times.

Please see the other pages of our website for more information on our free try lacrosse event, equipment requirements, as well as the most current practice and game schedules.

Girls 9U & Above

BMLA is committed to building a girls lacrosse program. Because of our growing program, this group will cover everything from basic stick and movement skills all the way to game tactics. Scooping, throwing and catching are the focus of skill development, and advanced skills are introduced such as the utilization of both hands. Tactical skills are introduced, and position-specific skills may be covered.

Play of the game occurs in one of two ways: on a regulation size lacrosse field, with 12 players each side or on a cross-field, with 8 players each side. A mouthguard, protective eyewear and stick are required. Minimal stick checking and body contact is allowed.

Practices will most likely be 1-2 times per week, with the specific days and times set by the coaching staff. Girls of all ages from 10U up to High School will practice together.

• Travel opportunities are a possibility, as other regional associations have expressed interest in trying to put together game jamboree weekends. These weekends may or may not coincide with the Boys travel weekends. This may require an additional cost, if established.
• If there are enough total girls participants, BMLA may try and establish a 8v8 intramural league and provide weekly game opportunities.

Co-ed Little Laxers 8U & Younger

Little Laxers 8U lacrosse is our introductory program to provide young athletes with their first experience with the sport of lacrosse. The emphasis at this age group is to instill a love and excitement of playing, while developing fundamental movement skills, having fun and learning the basics of the game. Scooping, throwing and catching are the focus of skill development. Game tactics such as defense and positioning will be discussed, but at a high level.

Play of the game occurs on a cross-field, with 4 players each side. A mouthguard and stick are required. Both regulation and mini lacrosse sticks may be used. No stick or body contact is allowed.

Practices will most likely be once per week, with the specific day and time set by the coaching staff.

• The program is set up so the first portion of the time will focus on building and developing skills, while the second portion will allow for an introduction to actual game play.

Boys 10U (travel and non-travel)

10U lacrosse is the age group where BMLA introduces full equipment and body contact. The emphasis at this age group is further development of technical lacrosse skills, trying new skills in a team setting, and learning and exploring the overall play of the game. Continued development of the basic stick skills scooping, throwing and catching are built upon. Tactical skills and position-specific skills are also introduced.

Play of the game occurs on a cross-field, with 7 players each side. Full equipment is required, and limited stick checking and limited body contact is allowed. Body checking and one-handed stick checks are not allowed.

Practices will most likely be 2 times per week, with specific days and times set by the coaching staff. All 10U level participants will practice together. Depending upon coaching staff availability, 10U participants may be grouped with 12U participants.

• Travel opportunities are a possibility, as other regional associations have expressed interest in creating a 10U travel division. This would require an additional cost, if established.
• If there are enough total 10U participants, BMLA may try and establish a 7v7 intramural league and provide weekly game opportunities.

Boys 12U (travel and non-travel)

12U lacrosse is where BMLA has typically introduced the travel option. The emphasis at this age group is building and honing technical skills, as well as begin building the tactical skills needed in lacrosse. Developing stick skills with the use of both hands becomes a focus, and position specific training is increased. Play will focus more on using technical skills in game situations and exploring and applying new tactical skills.

Play of the game occurs in one of two ways: on a regulation size lacrosse field, with 10 players each side or on a cross-field, with 7 players each side. Full equipment is required, and limited stick checking and some body contact is allowed. Body checking and one-handed stick checks are not allowed.

Practices will most likely be 2-3 times per week, with specific days and times set by the coaching staff. All 12U level participants will practice together.

• Non-travel participants, an intramural jamboree will be put together towards the end of the season to provide game opportunities.
• Travel participants, 5-6 travel weekends of game jamborees will occur during the spring, from late April until early June.
• If there are enough total 12U participants, BMLA may try and establish a 7v7 intramural league and provide weekly game opportunities.

Boys 14U (travel and non-travel)

14U lacrosse is the beginning of a competitive environment, and an introduction to High School level lacrosse. The emphasis at this level is building on solid fundamental technical skills and tactical awareness. Conditioning, strength and speed are worked on, as well as advanced technical skills and refinement of position-specific techniques. The major focus is applying skills, strategies and tactics from practice to competitive situations. The speed of the game increases, and more complex game strategy is introduced.

Play of the game occurs on a regulation size lacrosse field, with 10 players each side. Full equipment is required, and body checking is legal. However, takeout checks and one-handed stick checks are not allowed.

Practices will most likely be 3 times per week, with specific days and times set by the coaching staff. All 14U level participants will practice together.

Non-travel participants, an intramural jamboree will be put together towards the end of the season to provide game opportunities.

• Travel participants, 5-6 travel weekends of game jamborees will occur during the spring, from late April until early June.

Boys High School (travel and non-travel)

High School lacrosse is where young athletes fine tune their lacrosse skills, both technical and tactical, in a competitive environment. Athletes at this level will be divided into Varsity and JV levels based on player evaluations at the beginning of the season. Evaluations are based on skills, tactical awareness, sportsmanship, work ethic, attitude and player safety. Even with the higher competition at this level, coaches, parents, and officials should continue to model and emphasize fun and good sportsmanship.

Play of the game occurs on a regulation size lacrosse field, with 10 players each side. Full equipment is required, and body checking is legal. However, takeout checks are not allowed.

Practices will most likely be 3 times per week, with specific days and times set by the coaching staff. All high school level participants will practice together.

• Non-travel participants, an intramural jamboree will be put together towards the end of the season to provide game opportunities.
• Travel participants, 5-6 travel weekends of game jamborees will occur during the spring, from late April until early June.