Celebrate the Sport!
USA Lacrosse is excited to celebrate the sport of lacrosse once again this fall from Nov. 2-10. The fourth annual National Celebrate Lacrosse Week will bring the lacrosse community together virtually and in person to help showcase this special game.
Part of this initiative is to make the sport of lacrosse more welcoming, diverse and inclusive. We welcome all individuals from every walk of life to come and experience a sport that has so much opportunity for all youth.
A key component of National Celebrate Lacrosse Week will be free Pick Up & Play clinics for children, ages 6-14, that will give these youth players a chance to try the sport and connect with local lacrosse organizations that provide opportunities to further their exploration of lacrosse.
Program Calendar for 2024
- May 2-31: Application Open
- Week of June 10: Application Reviews
- Week of June 17: Applicants Notified
- June 24: Agreement Completion
- Week of July 22: Program Kickoff Webinar
- Week of Sept. 1: Marketing Promotion Webinar
- Sept. 10: Coach Rosters w/Bronze Level Compliance Due
- Sept. 10: Event & Venue Details Due
- Week of Sept. 25: Participant Registration Opens
- Week of Oct. 1: Curriculum and Event Execution Webinar
- Nov. 2-10: National Celebrate Lacrosse Week Events Executed
- Nov. 24: Post Event Survey Due
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Pick Up & Play clinics?
The highlight of National Celebrate Lacrosse Week will be a free in-person introductory lacrosse experience called a ‘Pick Up & Play’ clinic. These clinics will offer community lacrosse organizations the ability to grow the game locally. Participants will receive a great introduction to the sport and get connected to their local community lacrosse organization at no cost!
When will Pick Up & Play clinics take place?
A: The host program may conduct their clinic any day between November 2-10, 2024.
Who is the target audience for Pick Up & Play clinics?
The clinics are designed to provide the best introduction to lacrosse, at no cost, for school-aged children that have never played before.
What are the benefits for participants who attend a Pick Up & Play clinic?
Participants will experience a great introduction to the sport and get connected to their local community lacrosse organization.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria to be considered for the award.
- USA Lacrosse Member Organization
- 2024 Member Agreement Signed
- Roster Submitted for 2024 Season
- Compliance with Coach Bronze Member Status
- Non-Profit Business Status
- Required to Submit Current EIN & W9
- Ability to Execute Clinic During NCLW November 2nd – November 10th
- Compliance with USAL Native American Mascot Policy and Anti-Harassment and Discrimination Policy.
What are Pick Up & Play Hosts responsible for?
- Executing a Pick Up & Play clinic during National Celebrate Lacrosse Week, Saturday November 2nd 2024 – Sunday November 10th, 2024.
- Designating a Host Director who has comfort with multiple technology platforms. Computer and app usage may include:
- Utilizing a USA Lacrosse designated technology platform leading up to your event, for the following:
- Communication with the NCLW team, keeping in continued communication IS KEY to executing a successful event.
- Submitting all requested information including but not limited to completing and submitting coach roster, venue and clinic information, and other USA Lacrosse requested information.
- Reviewing and editing spreadsheets.
- Meeting all milestones, due dates, and deadlines.
- Sourcing and covering all associated costs for the Pick Up & Play clinic venue.
- Receiving and safely securing all equipment shipments and prepping equipment prior to event as needed.
- Promoting Pick Up & Play clinic within your local community to encourage registrants for the event. This includes but is not limited to updating your organization website with clinic information, utilizing your organization’s social media channels, email communication, sharing fliers in schools, rec centers and other local promotion tactics.
- Gathering local coach volunteers (a minimum of 6 adult coaches over age 18) and ensuring that they have valid USA Lacrosse Coach Memberships with Bronze level coach compliance. All adult coach members participating at the event must have Bronze Level requirements completed by September 10, 2024.
- Mandatory Bronze Level coach requirements include: Valid Membership, Background Check, Abuse Prevention Course, Cardiac Care Course, Cultural Competency Course, Annual Rules Test
- Facilitating all aspects of the Pick Up & Play clinic event utilizing the provided curriculum.
- Mandatory attendance at the Pick Up & Play clinic host webinars. USA Lacrosse will offer these webinars to learn about the National Celebrate Lacrosse Week initiative, learn about marketing best practices, learn how to execute the Pick Up & Play clinic curriculum, best practices for hosting the clinic and other helpful information.
What do new hosts receive?
All New Host packages will include the following:
- *60 Lacrosse Clinic Sticks
- Low Weight Lacrosse Balls
- USA Lacrosse Branded Signage Package
- USA Lacrosse Member Organization Insurance
- USA Lacrosse Registration Portal for Participants
- Pick Up & Play Clinic Curriculum
- Host Marketing Toolkit
- USA Lacrosse National Marketing Support
- Guidance from USA Lacrosse National Celebrate Lacrosse Week Team
*The sticks are intended for your organization to keep, so that you can host future introductory activities to continue to grow lacrosse in your community. The lacrosse sticks as well as the lacrosse balls should NOT be given to participants at the clinic for them to take home.