FAQs
General Questions
What age groups can participate in youth lacrosse?
Youth lacrosse programs typically offer divisions for players ages 5 to 14, grouped by age brackets such as U8, U10, U12, and U14.
What age group should I register my child for?
The McLean Lacrosse Club participates in the NVYLL, families should use their age verification tool to determine their child’s age group.
What age group will my son fall under if he was born on a given day?
McLean Lacrosse Club will uphold to the rules and regulations of the NVYLL. There rules are as follows.
League Play - NVYLL organizes boys’ competition by age, and considers physical, cognitive, and emotional maturity when grouping players.
The following age groupings are determined as of the August 31st preceding competition:
14U: All players must not yet be 14 years old on the August 31st preceding competition. NVYLL allows an exception for 8th and 9th graders to play 14U where they must not be 15 years old on the March 15 preceding competition for that Spring season.
12U: All players must not yet be 12 years old on the August 31st preceding competition.
10U: All players must not yet be 10 years old on the August 31st preceding competition.
8U: All players must not yet be 8 years old on the August 31st preceding competition.
NOTE: Age group references used in this section are in common usage but should not be understood literally. The 14U (read: “Under 14”) grouping means that, if a player is 14 years old prior to the cutoff date, he may not participate in 14U competition.
Source: NVYLL V 03.04.2024 page 18 Link
What equipment does my child need to play lacrosse?
Boys' lacrosse requires a helmet, mouthguard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, a protective cup, cleats, and a lacrosse stick.
Girls' lacrosse requires goggles, a mouthguard, cleats, and a lacrosse stick. Goalies need additional equipment like chest protectors, throat guards, and goalie gloves.
What is the time commitment for youth lacrosse?
The season usually lasts eight (8) weeks, with practices and games requiring 3–5 hours per week.
Are boys’ and girls’ lacrosse rules different?
Yes, boys' and girls' lacrosse have different rules, particularly regarding contact. Boys' lacrosse allows limited body checking, while girls' lacrosse emphasizes stick skills and non-contact play.
Does my child need prior experience to join?
No, youth lacrosse programs welcome beginners. Coaches focus on teaching fundamental skills, such as passing, catching, shooting, and ground ball control.
How can my child improve their skills outside of practice?
Encourage your child to practice cradling, throwing, catching, and shooting in the backyard. Wall ball drills are also an excellent way to build hand-eye coordination.
Is the program and the athletes insured?
Yes, our program and athletes are by insured by NVYLL. Those costs are tied into the registration
Who will coach my child?
Our lacrosse club is designed as a community-based program that relies on volunteers, including parents and selected high school seniors (both boys and girls), to serve as coaches. This collaborative approach has been successful and aligns well with the efforts of our neighboring teams.
Why are you requesting me to sign up with USA Lacrosse?
We are asking all families to register their child with USA lacrosse. This protects the family's and our organization with age verification, code of conduct, and in addition it covers liability insurance for the player(s).
Practices and Games
Game Weekends
Week 1: March 22/23, 2025
Week 2: March 29/30, 2025
Week 3: April 5/6, 2025
Week 4: April 12/13, 2025 [Note: beginning of FCPS spring break]
No Games: April 19/20, 2025 [Easter Weekend]
Week 5: April 26/27, 2025
Week 6: May 3/4, 2025
Week 7: May 10/11, 2025
Playoffs: May 17/18, 2025 [win Saturday, play Sunday]
Weeks 2 through 7 each team will have one double-header weekend scheduled to complete 8 game regular season. Game Saturday and another game Sunday. This will only happen one weekend.
Practices
Skills sessions by age group will be held in February.
Team practices will begin in March. Locations and times will be announced once Fairfax County releases field permits.
How often are practices and games?
This varies by program, but most youth teams practice 1–2 times per week with games on weekends. Games are held in various locations. For home games, they will be held at McLean High School main stadium.
What is the time commitment for youth lacrosse?
The season usually lasts 8 weeks, with practices and games requiring 3–5 hours per week.
Parent Involvement
How can I get involved as a parent?
Parents can volunteer as coaches, team managers, or scorekeepers. Our league also seeks help with event coordination and fundraising efforts.
Do I need lacrosse experience to coach?
No! Most leagues provide training for new coaches, covering rules, drills, and practice plans.
Mobile App
What app can I install on my phone to keep track of my child’s MLC team?
MLC is currently using demosphere to manage the club and associated teams. You can download this app on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
Can I add my child’s MLC team calendar to my personal calendar?
Yes! Once you’ve downloaded the demosphere app to your phone, sign in and you can subscribe to the team calendar. (Directions below are for the iPhone but Android should be similar)
Open the Calendar section of the app
Click on the “SYNC” button
Demosphere will display instructions for adding the calendar