Is this safe? What does my athlete need? Where do we start? This page provides answers, from your first look at the game through your athlete's first practice. 

For youth players, practices are organized around stations so your athlete gets more touches on the ball and more chances to try things. Drills are matched to their current stage rather than their age on paper, and coaches are trained to teach it that way.

It's also why USA Lacrosse encourages playing other sports alongside lacrosse rather than specializing early.

Building broad athleticism lowers injury risk and keeps the door open for your athlete to figure out what they love. 

Nobody expects you to understand the game on day one. Coaches build skills in stages — starting with cradling, passing, catching and ground balls — before easing into scrimmages and games.

If an athlete comes home after the first practice still fuzzy on the rules, that's normal. It is not a sign they're behind. 

A few things worth knowing before that first practice:

• Boys' and girls' lacrosse are two different games — different rules, different equipment, different level of contact — so make sure you're looking at the right one for your athlete. 
   
• Younger age groups play modified, non-contact or limited-contact rules that scale up as your athlete gets older, so the intensity grows with them, not ahead of them. 
   
• Games run in short, fast shifts. Most athletes rotate in and out frequently, so don't expect (or worry about) a full-game commitment from a younger player. 
   
• Wondering who's on the field with your child? Our member coaches are background-checked and trained before they're allowed on the field. 

Most parents on the sideline are learning right alongside their kids. What you want is peace of mind: that the environment is safe, the play is age-appropriate, and the adults on the field have been vetted.

That's what a USA Lacrosse membership provides.

• Safe, age-appropriate play. Youth rules are modified by age group — less contact, shorter shifts, simpler formats — so your athlete is never playing a version of the game built for someone years older.
   
• Trained, background-checked coaches. Every coach in a USA Lacrosse member program has passed a background check and completed training before they're allowed to lead a practice, so you know exactly who's responsible for your athlete.
   
• Coverage if something goes wrong. Membership includes individual insurance that kicks in if an accident occurs on the lacrosse field. It is one less thing to worry about on game day.
   
• Support when you have questions. Plain-language resources are there so you're never guessing on your own, whether it's about safety, rules, or just getting started.

But it helps to know boys' and girls' lacrosse are governed by different rules, and that youth levels play a modified, age-appropriate version of the adult game, not the full version. If you're watching a game and something looks confusing, it's probably one of these differences, not something you're missing. 

Start with the youth guidebook for your athlete's age group. It's written for parents watching from the sideline, not officials studying for a test.

But what your athlete actually needs comes down to two things: their position, and whether they're playing boys' or girls' lacrosse. For each there is different gear and different contact rules, so a boys' checklist won't match a girls' bag. 

• Girls/Women: stick, mouthguard, and protective eyewear are required; headgear and gloves are optional. 
   
• Boys/Men: helmet, stick, gloves, shoulder pads, arm pads, mouthguard, and a protective cup are required.
   
• Goalies (Both Bames): helmet with face mask, throat protector, padded gloves, and chest protector. 

Search our database by state, city, and gender to see community, school, park-and-rec and club programs in your area.  

Every program that shows up is a USA Lacrosse Member Program. It has already met safety standards with certified coaches and officials and proper insurance coverage.

1. Get a feel for the game. Attend a local practice or game and learn more about the sport through USA Lacrosse resources.
    
2. Find a program near you. Search Where to Play for a verified program in your area.
    
3. Come prepared. Check the Equipment Guide and with your local program to see if they provide loaners to get started.
    
4. Become a member. Sign up your athlete for Field Pass so they're insured and on a verified roster before the first practice.