Divisions and Rules – Box Lacrosse

There are currently over 47,000 Box players in Canada. Both males and females play this version of Lacrosse and the ages of competition range from 5-65 years. Field lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in the United States.

The typical spring schedule for lacrosse includes about ~20 regular season games and starts in mid-March and ends at the end of June. A week is made up of one or two practices and up to two games, with some travel due to away games in other cities across the lower mainland. Schedules are typically finalized in mid to late March once final team sizing is known.

Practice and game days and times depend on the team to which your son or daughter is assigned, and our association tends to be flexible and will work with you to work around other (sports) commitments so your child is placed on the appropriate about team.

U7 (ages 5 & 6)

u7 is an important division in Lacrosse, because it lays the foundation for kids to learn the fundamentals of the game of Box Lacrosse. Kids learn to have fun while they are introduced to skills, basic rules, and are taught about fair play as well as being physically active.

u7 is for boys and girls aged 5 and 6 years old and is played with modified rules in an effort to help introduce the kids to the game of lacrosse while having fun.

u7 sessions are held at the Harry Jerome Rec Centre and typically start in early April and finish mid June.
The kids play 3 on 3, cross-court with two games played at the same time.
Smaller nets are used: 3 ft x 3 ft.
There is to be no body contact or stick to body contact – only stick to stick contact.
During the games coaches act as referees and stop play when necessary and to explain the rules of the game.
Practice sessions to include a 10 minute warm up, 4 x 71/2 minute skill training circuit and 20 minute scrimmage (2 games with four teams) with equal participation during the game.

Kids just need a Helmet with mask, knee pads, small stick, and a jock or a jill. No score is kept and the coaches manage the games with no players sent to the penalty box.

Parents are expected to assist on the floor and each family will take turns bringing “treats” for the kids on the Saturday games. All parents are encouraged to get involved – U7 requires one head-coach and (at least) four assistant coaches to help at the practices (more are always welcome so bring your sticks!). One manager is also required to organize (with help from other parents) jerseys, pictures, distribution of t-shirts, trophies and year-end parties.

U9 DIVISION (ages 7 & 8)

U9 is an important division in Lacrosse, because it lays the foundation for kids to learn the fundamentals of the game of Box Lacrosse. Kids learn to have fun while they are introduced to skills, basic rules, and are taught about fair play as well as being physically active.

U9 is for boys and girls aged 7 and 8 years old and is played with modified rules in an effort to ensure all kids on the floor are engaged and participating in the game and having fun.

U9 home games are held indoors at the Harry Jerome Arena and practices sessions are held either inside at Harry Jerome Arena or outside at Kirkstone box or Inter-River box.
The kids get equal playing time. Games are 3 periods of 15 minutes running time.
Our association will also have 3 vs 3 cross-court games, in order to get each player more time with the ball.
Smaller nets are used: 3 ft x 3 ft.
Passing rules – will be explained by your coach. (They change some seasons, so coaches will provide up to date rules on passing)
Contact:
- Defensive players may place their stick on the ball-carrier and push them away.
- There is to be no body-checking.
Referees control the game and stop play when necessary and explain the whistles.

Group and individual team practices start beginning of April with games usually starting in the second week of April. Details of practice times and schedules will be sent to you by email.

Necessary Equipment: click here for RUNNER, GOALIE.

Helmet/cage: required. Hockey type or field lacrosse type, CSA approved. Mouth guards: are required. Reduces risk of concussion in a fall. Elbow pads: are required. Hockey or skate board types are fine. Shoulder pads: are required. Hockey types are fine at this level. Gloves: are required. Hockey can be used but it is recommended to invest in proper lacrosse gloves. Hockey gloves have a rigid thumb which handicap your athlete’s ability to catch and throw properly and may hinder his development. 10″ is the normal size for this age and cost about $40. Jock (or jill): required. “Ouch!” Running shoes: make sure they fit well and offer your athlete proper support to avoid ankle injuries (court type shoes are best). Knee pads: are recommended. The outdoor courts can be pretty rough. Soft soccer/volleyball types are fine. Arm pads: are optional as gloves with elbow pads tend to cover the whole forearm at this age. Kidney & back pads: Required at this level. Stick: required. Coaches will check to ensure it is not too long. The stick should be junior type as the junior shaft is smaller diameter for smaller hands.

Stores in North Vancouver: Canadian Tire and the North Shore Sport Swap. Scoffs in Burnaby and Ice Level Sports in Richmond carry a broader selection of sticks and equipment.

Parents

The strength of the NSMLA is directly proportional to its base of parent volunteers. Like all good lacrosse parents you will be ask to participate with the team. It starts with a head-coach, a couple of assistant coaches and a manager, and ends with each family being asked to assist with time keeping and bringing treats to the game. The manager will also need your assistance with jerseys, pictures, distribution of shorts and t-shirts, tournaments, trophies, year-end parties and the occasional BBQ. It is a lot of fun.

U11 (ages 9 & 10)

U13 (ages 11 & 12)

U15 (ages 13 & 14)

U17 (ages 15 & 16)

Click here for the Minor Box Rules used in U11, U13, U15 and U17 divisions.

Minor Box Lacrosse is played on a standard sized arena floor and features 6 players (goaltender and five runners) of an 18-20 player team on the floor at one time.

The strategy of Lacrosse is similar to that of basketball, with all five runners involved in the offense and the defense. Added to the appeal are the speed and excitement created by a 30 second shot clock. The combination of action and reaction makes Box as much fun to play as it is to watch.

Box Lacrosse is played almost exclusively in Canada, with annual National Championships occurring at seven levels (u13 through Senior). The award of the premiere junior (17-21) championship is the Minto Cup, while the best senior players in Canada (over 21) play for the Mann Cup.