FAQ

The sport of lacrosse is a combination of basketball, soccer, football and hockey. Known as the oldest sport in North America, lacrosse was played by native American tribes probably for centuries before the first account of it was written in 1636 by a French Jesuit missionary in Canada. Among native Americans, lacrosse was played by tribes throughout the Great Lakes region, and in what is now the southeastern United States, and all along the East Coast, a range which encompasses Maryland.

Lacrosse is played with a stick, the crosse, which is used by the player to throw, catch and scoop the ball. An exhilarating sport, lacrosse is fast-paced and full of action; long sprints up and down the field with abrupt starts and stops, precision passes and dodges are routine in lacrosse.

There are 10 positions on a boy’s team and 12 on a girl’s team. The object of the game is to put a 5 oz. hard-rubber ball into your opponent's net, while keeping your opponent from doing the same to you.

Although similar, Boys and Girls lacrosse are also very different. The main difference is that Girls lacrosse does not allow for any bodily contact whereas the Boys do. Hence the difference in equipment requirements.

Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing team sports in the United States and has been called the fastest game on two feet. Effective October 1, 2004, Lacrosse became the official team sport of Maryland (Chapter 272, Acts of 2004; Code State Government Article, sec. 13-308).

Boys' lacrosse and girls' lacrosse are completely different games--completely different skills, tactics and strategies. There are different sticks that are used; the boys have a larger pocket than the girls do and defensive boys can use longer sticks. The field setup is different. Boys use protective equipment and padding and can hit each other; girls do not (except for goggles/helmet). Since no protective equipment is used in the girls game rules have been created for safety purposes (shooting space, dangerous propel, are examples) It is definitely not the same game.

Although Spires supports the Gov. Thomas Johnson High School and Frederick High School area feeder schools we do not turn away children from other districts. Our registration is open to ANY child who wants to play lacrosse regardless of school, or experience.

Teams are formed for the following age groups for both boys and girls:

• Grades 7/8- Players who are currently in grades 7 or 8

• Grades 5/6- Players who are currently in grades 5 or 6

• Grades 3/4- Players who are currently in grades 3 or 4

• Grades 1/2- Players who are currently in grades 1 or 2 

• Scoopers- For players in preschool, kindergarten, or new players in first grade. 

Everyone has to start playing sometime!! Spires welcomes new players each season and urges everyone to come out and give lacrosse try. We take new players and work very closely with them to ensure that they learn the skills necessary to be successful. Once you start playing, you’ll be hooked!

Our lacrosse season runs from March 1 through the end of May. The season ends with a large tournament played at 1 Frederick County location. Two practices occur during the week with games played on either Saturday (boys) or Sunday (girls).

Field are located at Clover Hill Park, Clerestory Park and Greenleaf Park.

Teams from Spires Lacrosse participate in the Western Maryland Youth Lacrosse Conference (WMYLC). This conference supports teams from all around Frederick County, Washington County and Martinsburg, WV.

Boys

• Lacrosse helmet

• Mouthpiece

• Shoulder pads

• Arm pads

• Gloves

• Cleats

• Boys LAX stick

• Athletic supporter/cup

• Rib pads (optional)

Girls

• Lacrosse goggles/helmet

• Mouthpiece

• Cleats

• Girls LAX stick

Scoopers will need goggles, mouthpiece, and a stick (no Fiddle Sticks)

Goalie equipment is different than normal field players equipment. Although Spires does maintain some goalie equipment for use of players wishing to try the position it is suggested that players interested in becoming goalies check with their coach for specific requirements.

Coaches and volunteers are always needed for this rapidly growing program; please consider volunteering. Experience is not required. Coaching clinics are offered to assist you. Please contact us at info@spireslacrosse.org Thank you!!!

If you have additional questions please send them in an email to info@spireslacrosse.org please include your name, athlete's name, age and grade.