Palm Harbor Girls’ Lacrosse Frequently Asked Questions

lthough lacrosse is the oldest American sport, it is still relatively new in the Southeastern United States. More youth leagues, high schools and colleges are A offering the sport, and many colleges, including the University of Florida, Florida State University, Florida Atlantic University, University of South Florida, University of , University of Tampa, and St. Leo University, to name a few, have women’s lacrosse teams. The list gets longer every year. Right now is the perfect time to jump on the lacrosse bandwagon. Because it’s still in its youth in this area, you have the chance to learn and grow along with your team mates. Unlike soccer or volleyball, you don’t have to have any previous lacrosse experience to be able to play and enjoy the sport.

What does it cost? The club fee is $225 if you pay by Why do I have to be a member of U.S. Lacrosse to Nov. 30, 2014. A late fee of $25 will be added for play? The annual membership fee for U.S. Lacrosse payments made Dec. 1 or after. There is also a $75 buy- for players is $35. This membership covers insurance out fee if you choose not to volunteer. There are two to participate in scheduled practices and league games. fundraising events that are mandatory regardless if you It protects the team, the league and the fields in exercise the buy-out option. (Save some money — show addition to the individual players. your daughter support and volunteer. You’ll learn about the sport and build relationships with other parents.) What equipment is needed? Girls need a The player also needs to become a member of U.S. mouthpiece, goggles, lacrosse or soccer cleats (if prone Lacrosse to play the sport anywhere. The annual to shin splints, you may want turf cleats) and a stick. membership fee for players for U.S. Lacrosse is $35. There are many types of sticks and heads. Talk to the coaches and other players to find what may work best What does my money go toward? Your club fees for you. Often it comes down to personal preference. pay for game referees, field fees, league dues and some You can find these locally at Dick’s Sporting Goods, team equipment. Lacrosse Xtreme, Play It Again Sports and Sports How many games will we have during the season? Authority. Many web sites also offer lacrosse equipment: The schedule is still being set, and it will depend on how many teams we have. However you can expect about a www.laxworld.com dozen games during the season and hopefully post- www.lacrosse.com season playoffs. While everyone will have an www.comlax.com opportunity to play, how much game time each player www.lacrosseunlimited.com gets is dependent upon a number of factors, such as www.lax.com skill level, attitude, practice and game attendance and www.lacrossemonkey.com knowledge of the game. And, of course, you can visit the individual brand sites When is the season? The season runs February as well. Check out www.clearwaterlacrosse.com for through May. Dick’s Sporting Goods coupons on lacrosse equipment When does practice start? Official team practices valid through Dec. 31, 2014.  start in January, but team captains will have informal practices beginning as early as November.