USA Lacrosse establishes eligibility guidelines to promote a safe and sportsmanlike environment. USA Lacrosse believes that leagues, associations, and other organizers of youth lacrosse should provide playing opportunities that, as much as possible, aim to establish a "level playing field" among players of similar age.
AGE SPECIFIC PHILOSOPHIES
U6 and U8 Co-Ed
U6 and U8 Co-Ed are the earliest experience with the sport of lacrosse for many young athletes. The players entering at this point have a vast difference in their physical and cognitive developments. The game they play should be designed to “level the playing field” and provide opportunity for any and every child that wants to participate. The emphasis at this age group should be to instill a love and excitement of playing, while developing fundamental movement skills that will be valuable in any future athletic endeavors. Careful planning must be used to ensure that the environment is inclusive of all athletes, provides multiple opportunities for each athlete to “touch” the ball, encourages experimentation, and is a place that the athlete will want to come back to again and again, helping to develop physical literacy. With respect to the competition at this level, coaches, parents, and officials should emphasize: - FUN - Simple rules of play - Good Sportsmanship
U10 Co-Ed
U10 lacrosse is where young athletes begin developing fundamental technical skills in lacrosse. The boys entering the sport at this point have a vast difference in their physical and cognitive development and the game they play should be designed to develop a combination of athletic movement skills, and fundamental technical skills for playing lacrosse. The emphasis at this age group is on instilling a love and excitement of playing, while developing the fundamental athletic skills that will be valuable in any future athletic endeavors. Careful planning must be used to ensure that the environment is inclusive of all athletes, provides multiple opportunities for each athlete to “touch” the ball, encourages experimentation, and a progressive development of existing technical skills. Athletes should be coached to have a “Growth Mindset” by having effort is praised ahead of results. With respect to the competition at this level, coaches, parents, and officials should emphasize: - FUN - Trying new skills in a team setting - Learning and exploring overall play of the game - Sportsmanship
U12 Co-Ed
U12 lacrosse is where young athletes are honing their technical skills and begin building the tactical skills needed in lacrosse. The boys entering the sport at this point have a vast difference in their physical and cognitive development and the game they play should be designed to reinforce fundamental technical skills and practical tactical applications for playing lacrosse. Essentially, they are preparing to be competitors. Careful planning must be used to ensure that the environment is inclusive of all athletes, provides multiple opportunities for each athlete to “touch” the ball, encourages experimentation, and a progressive development of existing technical skills. Additionally, the technical skills they are honing, are now being applied to the tactical aspect of the game. Athletes should be coached to have a “Growth Mindset” by having effort praised ahead of results. With respect to the competition at this level, coaches, parents, and officials should emphasize: - FUN - Using technical skills in game situations - Exploring and applying new tactical skills - Sportsmanship
U14 Co-Ed
14U lacrosse is where young athletes begin emerging into a competitive environment. With respect to the competition at this level, coaches, parents, and officials should emphasize: - Fun - Sportsmanship - Using technical skills in game situation. - Exploring and applying new tactical skills.
LACROSSE ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT MODEL
The LADM aim is to keep more players engaged with the sport longer, allowing the best players to emerge as they reach physical maturity. US Lacrosse Athlete Development. See BLC Resources section for detailed LADM Sheets. LADM Guidebook
DISCOVERY (BIRTH TO 6 YEARS OLD): U6, U8
Allows children to develop their movement ABCs-agility, balance, coordination and speed—and learn the basics of the game while emphasizing fun, cooperation, and maximum touches with the ball. Kids sample lots of physical activities and sports.
FOUNDATIONS (8 TO 12 YEARS OLD): U10, U12
This is the “golden age” of learning and sport skill development. Children become less self-centered and are able reflect on their actions and learn from their mistakes. This is the optimal time to learn and build a large repertoire of lacrosse-specific skills and learn the basic principles of play in a fun, challenging environment. Players sample many physical activities and sports in addition to lacrosse.
EMERGING COMPETITION (12 TO 14 YEARS OLD): U14
This is the stage in which we make or break the athlete; when children choose to continue participation in the sport. This is the time for developing strong technical skills and is the dawning of tactical awareness. Players are also introduced to concepts like mental preparation, goal setting, and coping with winning and losing. Players learn advanced technical skills and position-specific techniques. The major focus is on applying skills, strategies and tactics from practice to competitive situations. Athletes participate in several sports throughout the year or a variety of physical activities.
COMPETITIVE (14 TO 19 YEARS OLD): U19
Players are now fine tuning their lacrosse skills under a variety of competitive conditions in a game format that mirrors adult play. Along with continued refinement of advanced techniques, players work to develop their tactical awareness, discipline and mental toughness. They are honing their performance in competition during this stage. Athletes may start to focus on one or two key sports or continue with a variety of physical activities.