A Parent's Complete Guide
Your child wants to play lacrosse — now what? This guide covers everything you need: what the sport is, what gear to buy, how the game works, and what to expect as an NGLA Bulldog family.
What Is Lacrosse?
Often called "the fastest game on two feet," lacrosse combines the continuous movement of soccer, the stick skills of hockey, and the field-reading of basketball — all in one non-stop sport. Players use a stick (called a "crosse") with a mesh pocket to catch, carry, and pass a solid rubber ball, trying to score in the opponent's goal.
Lacrosse is the oldest team sport in North America — it was played by Native American nations long before European contact, often as a ceremonial activity spanning miles and lasting days. Today it's one of the fastest-growing youth sports in the country, and Georgia in particular has seen explosive growth at the middle school and recreational level.
In Gwinnett County, lacrosse feeds directly into the North Gwinnett High School program — so starting young at NGLA gives your child a meaningful head start on competitive high school play.
Why Kids Love It
- Always in the action: Unlike baseball or football, there is very little standing around. Every player is involved every minute.
- Skill beats size: Agility, hand-eye coordination, and field vision matter more than height or weight — a great equalizer.
- Fast learning curve: Most kids are catching and throwing in their first week. Quick progress keeps motivation high.
- Built-in cardio: An hour of lacrosse burns more calories than almost any other team sport — and kids barely notice.
Youth Development
Lacrosse builds superior hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and lateral movement — skills that transfer to every other sport your child plays.
Football Players Love Lacrosse
Many football players play lacrosse in the spring. It's the perfect cross-training sport — faster pace, individual skill development, and teamwork. NGLA runs both fall and spring seasons. Your football teammates will be on the field with you.
Equipment Guide
Gear requirements vary by program. Here is exactly what to buy before your first practice — broken down by age group.
K-1 Coed
Kindergarten & 1st Grade
Our introductory program focuses on fundamentals. Equipment is minimal to keep the barrier low.
- R Short lacrosse stick (youth size)
- R Mouthguard (brightly colored, not clear)
- R Athletic cup (boys)
- O Cleats — soccer cleats work great
- O Athletic shorts / leggings
R = Required O = Optional
Boys Rec
Grades 2–8
Boys lacrosse is a contact sport. Full protective equipment is required and non-negotiable.
- R Lacrosse stick (age-appropriate length)
- R NOCSAE-certified helmet with cage
- R Lacrosse shoulder pads
- R Lacrosse arm / elbow pads
- R Lacrosse gloves
- R Cleats — lacrosse or soccer
- R Mouthguard (brightly colored)
- R Athletic cup
- O Rib pads / kidney pads
R = Required O = Optional
Girls Rec
Grades 2–8
Girls lacrosse is non-contact. Gear is lighter, but certified eye protection is required at all times during play.
- R Girls lacrosse stick (shallower pocket)
- R ASTM-certified goggles or approved girls lacrosse helmet
- R Mouthguard (brightly colored)
- R Cleats — lacrosse or soccer
- O Lacrosse gloves
- O Soft protective headgear
- O Chest protector / rib guard
R = Required O = Optional
Buying Used Gear
- — Used is great for starters. Sticks, shoulder pads, arm pads, and gloves are all safe to buy used. Your child may outgrow gear in one season.
- — Never buy a used helmet. Helmets must be NOCSAE certified and should not be purchased secondhand — you cannot verify its impact history.
- — Check Facebook Marketplace and local lax groups. Parents regularly resell gear between seasons. Our NGLA Facebook group is a great place to ask.
- — NGLA gear swaps. We organize gear swaps before each season. Ask at registration or check our Facebook page for dates.
What to Look for in Quality Gear
- — Stick pocket depth matters. Girls sticks have a shallower pocket by rule. Do not let your daughter use a boys stick — it will cost her penalties during games.
- — Stick length by position. Attack/midfield: 40–42". Defenders: 52–72". For K-2, any youth stick works fine.
- — Glove fit. Gloves should be snug but allow fingers to bend and grip. Loose gloves lead to poor stick control.
- — Entry-level brands to trust: STX, Warrior, Maverik, and Epoch all make reliable youth-grade gear at reasonable price points.
Understanding the Game
You do not need to become an expert to be a great lacrosse parent. Here is what you need to follow the action from the sideline.
1 Field Positions
Attack
Three attackers stay near the opponent's goal. Their primary job is to score. They rarely cross midfield.
Midfield
Three (boys) or four (girls) midfielders run the entire field — both offense and defense. The most physically demanding role.
Defense
Three defenders protect your team's goal using longer sticks. They guard opposing attackers and clear the ball.
Goalie
One goalie guards the crease and the goal. Boys goalies wear extra padding; girls goalies wear a chest protector and helmet.
2 Basic Rules (Sideline Edition)
The Crease
The circular area around the goal. Only the goalie can stand inside it. If an offensive player steps in the crease — even after scoring — the goal does not count.
Offsides
Boys lacrosse requires at least 3 players on each half of the field at all times. Too many players on one half results in an offsides call and a turnover.
Possession Restarts
When the ball goes out of bounds, the team whose player was closest to the ball gets possession. After a goal, the other team gets the ball at center field.
The Fast Break
When a team gains possession in their own end and rushes quickly toward the goal before the defense can set up — like a fast break in basketball. Very exciting to watch.
Fouls and Penalties
Personal fouls (cross-checking, slashing, tripping) result in the penalized player sitting out 1–3 minutes. Technical fouls result in a 30-second penalty or possession change.
Overtime
Youth recreational games typically use sudden-death overtime. First team to score wins. Clock management at the end of regulation matters.
3 Boys vs. Girls Lacrosse — Key Differences
What to Expect at Practice
NGLA practices run approximately 90 minutes. Here is what a typical session looks like so you know what to tell your child to expect.
Warm-Up and Stretching
Dynamic stretching, light jog, and quick agility work. Coaches use this time to get energy up and prevent injuries. Encourage your child to arrive 5–10 minutes early so they are not rushed.
Individual Skill Drills
Wall ball technique, catching and throwing in pairs, cradling footwork, and ground ball drills. Repetition builds muscle memory. Do not be surprised if your child comes home wanting to practice against the garage door.
Team and Position Drills
Small-group plays: 2v1s, 3v2s, clears, rides, and set offensive/defensive structures. Coaches will start placing your child in a position, but positions are flexible in rec play, especially at younger ages.
Scrimmage
Full or partial field scrimmage applying everything learned. This is the part kids look forward to most. Coaches often pause play to teach in the moment.
Cooldown and Team Huddle
Light stretching, coach debrief, and announcements. NGLA teams often end with a team cheer. Ask your child what the team cheer is — they will love telling you.
Tips for Parents at Practice
Bring a full water bottle. Hydration is critical, especially in Georgia heat.
Let the coaches coach. Sideline instruction from parents can confuse kids receiving different cues at once.
Encourage your child to ask coaches questions directly. It builds confidence and communication skills.
Do not judge early skill level. The learning curve in lacrosse is steep in weeks 1–3, then flattens quickly.
If your child is frustrated, that is completely normal. Catching a hard rubber ball with a mesh pocket takes time.
Wall ball at home — even 10 to 15 minutes a day — will dramatically accelerate improvement.
Game Day Guide
Game days are exciting and a little chaotic at first. Here is how to be prepared, show up ready, and make the experience great for your child.
What to Bring
- ✓ Full equipment — double-check the night before
- ✓ 2 full water bottles. Games go fast and Georgia is warm.
- ✓ Healthy snack for after the game
- ✓ Camp chair or small blanket — fields vary
- ✓ Sunscreen and a hat — spring sun in Georgia is strong
- ✓ Light jacket for early-season morning games
Sideline Etiquette
- ✓ Stay on your team's designated sideline.
- ✓ Cheer for your player and teammates — not against opponents.
- ✓ Never coach from the sideline during play. It creates confusion for the child.
- ✓ Do not question referees publicly. Your child is watching how you react.
- ✓ Thank the refs after the game. Youth officials are often volunteers.
Weather Policies
- ✓ Gwinnett County fields follow a lightning policy — play stops immediately at thunder.
- ✓ Cancellations are posted via TeamSnap and the NGLA Facebook group. Check before heading out.
- ✓ Rain games are played unless fields are unsafe. Gear up.
Positive Cheering
- ✓"Let's go Bulldogs!" is always the right call.
- ✓Cheer effort and hustle, not just goals.
- ✓"Good try!" after a missed shot builds resilience.
- ✓Make sure your child can hear you after a big play.
NGLA-Specific Info
Where we play, when the season runs, how to volunteer, and how to reach us.
Practice Location
NGLA spring practices are held at the George Pierce Park football field in Suwanee, GA. Fall practices are held at North Gwinnett Middle School. Home game locations are confirmed with each season schedule.
Address: 55 Buford Highway, Suwanee, GA 30024
Parking: Free on-site. Arrive 15 min early on game days.
Amenities: Restrooms, concessions, pavilions, paved walkways.
Season Timeline
Registration Opens
Season registration opens a few months before play begins (winter for spring, summer for fall).
Gear Check / Rosters
Coaches assigned, rosters formed. Gear check at first practice.
Regular Season
Regular season practices (1–2x per week) and weekend games.
Playoffs + Celebration
Playoff tournament for competitive divisions. End-of-season party.
Volunteer Opportunities
NGLA is community-run and depends on volunteers, board members, coaches, and parents. Some coaching roles may be paid, but there is always a need for helping hands — whether you know lacrosse or not.
- Head or Assistant Coach: No prior coaching experience required. Lacrosse knowledge is a plus but not required — training is provided.
- Field Setup Crew: Help set up and take down goals, cones, and sideline materials before and after games.
- Scoreboard Operator: Run the clock and scoreboard during home games. Training provided.
- Board Member: Help govern the organization, plan events, and keep NGLA growing year over year.
Contact Coaches & Staff
Have a question about your child's team, playing time, or progression? Here is the right way to reach us.
Registration & Fees
president@northlax.comQuestions about signing up, scholarship opportunities, or payment.
The College Pathway
Lacrosse is one of the fastest-growing college sports in America. Here's what parents should know:
NCAA Programs
Men's AND women's lacrosse across D1, D2, D3, and NAIA — and growing every year.
Youth Players
Compare to soccer's 3M+ players. Significantly better per-player odds for college recruitment.
Sanctioned in Georgia
Boys and girls lacrosse are official GHSA sports. College coaches actively recruit from growing states like Georgia.
A child starting lacrosse at age 9 can still be competitive for college play — unlike soccer where specialization often starts at 5–6. The lacrosse talent pool is smaller, the sport is growing, and coaches are looking for athletes from emerging programs.
Unlike many youth sports, you don't need to have played since age 4 to have a shot. Late starters are the norm in lacrosse, not the exception.
A Note from NGLA
NGLA is a recreational program focused on development and fun. But we're proud to be the starting point for players who go on to play in high school and beyond. Our job is to build the foundation — the love of the game, the skills, and the confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions every new lacrosse parent asks. We have answers.
Don't see your question? Email us at info@northlax.com and we will get back to you.
Ready to Join the Pack?
Registration is open. Whether your child is brand new to the sport or has been playing for years, there is a place for them on the Bulldogs.
Questions? Email president@northlax.com — we respond quickly.