Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
for LTYA Lacrosse
How do I register my child for lacrosse?
Registration takes place on-line at www.ltya.org.
When is the registration period?
Regular egistration takes place from 1/15/08 through 1/31/08. Late registration (subject to $50 late fee) runs from 2/1/08 through 2/10/08.
How many teams will be formed during the spring 2008 season?
LTYA plans to form 8 boys' teams: two 7th/8th grade teams; two 5th/6th grade teams; two 3rd/4th grade teams; and two 1st/2nd grade teams.
Will there be girls' team in spring 2008?
No. We hope to offer a girls' lacrosse program in the future, and will continue to survey parents to determine when the interest level warrants forming a girls' team. In the meantime, girls are welcome to register and play on the boys' teams, subject to boys' lacrosse rules and regulations.
What is the difference between boys' lacrosse and girls' lacrosse?
Girls' lacrosse involves very limited physical contact, somewhat like basketball or soccer. Boys' lacrosse is more physical, and is somewhat like hockey.
When does the season begin/end?
Lacrosse season will begin in mid February, and end in early May. There will be no games on Easter weekend, or the weekends book-ending Spring Break.
What is the cost?
$250 for boys in grades 5-8; $150 for boys in grades 1-4.
Why is there a difference in the cost?
Teams for grades 5-8 practice 2 times per week, with paid referees for weekly games. Teams for grades 1-4 only have one practice and one game per week.
Can new, inexperienced players join the league?
Absolutely! Every team in the league will have at least a few players who have never played before. The 1st-4th graders will almost all be new to the sport. Even at the 8th grade level, new players are welcome and encouraged to sign up. We will have a few early-season practices that are strictly for new players.
How many players form a team?
In boys' lacrosse, there are 10 players on the field at any given time. An ideal team size is 16-20 players, to allow for frequent substitutions--the game involoves a lot of running. Exact team size will depend upon the number of registrants.
Who coaches the teams?
Coaches have played lacrosse at the college level or above.
When/where are practices held?
Practices will take place on weeknights at either the LTYA Field of Dreams Complex or at Hudson Bend Middle School.
When/where are games played?
Games will be played mostly on Sunday afternoons. "Home" games will be played primarily at the LTYA Field of Dreams Complex. "Away" games will be played at the home fields of other Austin area youth lacrosse leagues.
How long are the games?
LTYA will follow US Lacrosse Guidelines with regard to game times. Boys in grades 5-8 play four 10-minute quarters, stop time. One 4-minute overtime period will be played. Total game time is usually about 90 minutes, without overtime. Boys in grades 1-4 play 12-minute running-time quarters. Total game time is approximately 1 hour.
What equipment is required?
Boys' lacrosse requires a helmet, mouth guard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, protective cup, and stick.
Can equipment be rented?
There is currently no established rental program in Austin. LTYA will offer limited rental sets on a first-come, fist-served basis for a $50 rental fee with a $150 refundable deposit. Date and time of rental equipment pickup will be posted on the website as soon as this information becomes available.
Where can equipment be purchased?
The widest selection is at South Swell Sports in Westlake (3636 Bee Caves Road, (512)732-0002. The staff is knowledgeable, and they offer a discount starter package (which includes everything except a cup and mouth guard) for around $200. Some used equipment can be found at Play It Again Sports, and on Craig's List.
What if I have other questions?
Please email your questions to laketravislacrosse@yahoo.com