FAQ

Lacrosse is one of North America’s oldest sports and originated with the Indigenous Peoples of the continent, where it held deep cultural, spiritual, and community significance. Historically, there were more than 200 different forms of stick games played among tribes, often involving large numbers of players and games that could last for days.

The modern game most closely resembles the version played by the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Nations, whose homelands included present-day New York, Pennsylvania, and southeastern Canada. In the mid-1800s, the game began to spread beyond Indigenous communities as missionaries and settlers adopted and adapted it. By the early 1900s, organized lacrosse clubs existed throughout much of the English-speaking world.

Today, field lacrosse is played on a field similar in size to a soccer or football field. Players use a crosse—a stick with a netted pocket—to catch, carry, pass, and shoot a rubber ball with the objective of scoring in the opponent’s goal.

Men’s and women’s lacrosse are distinct versions of the sport. The men’s game allows controlled physical contact, while the women’s game emphasizes finesse, spacing, and technical skill. Both versions are fast-paced and dynamic, combining elements often compared to soccer, basketball, and hockey.

Lacrosse continues to be one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, with expanding opportunities at the youth, high school, collegiate, professional, and adult levels.

Players should register based on their current grade level for the upcoming spring or fall season. Each age group is designed to provide appropriate skill development, competition, and a positive experience for players at that stage.

Grade-to-Team Guide:

• K–2 → K–2 Program

• 3rd–4th Grade → 3/4 Team

• 5th–6th Grade → 5/6 Team

• 7th–8th Grade → 7/8 Team

• High School (9–12) → JV or Varsity (placement determined by Program Directors and coaches)

If you’re unsure which team is the best fit or have questions about playing up, please contact TVYLA @ info@tetonlax.com before registering. We’re happy to help guide families—especially those new to lacrosse.

In most cases, registration issues occur because your child does not yet have a current USA Lacrosse membership. A valid USA Lacrosse membership is required for all players in order to register, as it provides insurance coverage and is required by our leagues.

Before registering, please make sure:

• Your child has an active USA Lacrosse membership https://www.usalacrosse.com/athlete-journey

• The USA Lacrosse membership number is entered correctly during registration

If you’ve completed these steps and are still having trouble, please reach out to us. We’re happy to help walk you through the process and get your child registered. info@tetonlax.com

A USA Lacrosse membership is required for all TVYLA players because it provides secondary medical insurance coverage and is required by the leagues in which we participate. This helps ensure that all players are properly covered and protected during practices and games.

USA Lacrosse membership also supports coach education, safety training, and the overall growth of the sport nationwide—benefits that directly support our players and programs.

Memberships are managed directly through USA Lacrosse and are separate from TVYLA registration. 

https://www.usalacrosse.com/players-parents

LeagueApps is our preferred method of communication. The LeagueApps help center has a ton of useful articles to help you navigate around in LeagueApps from adding family member emails, RSVP for events/tournaments and more. You won’t be able to receive texts or messages from coaches or other teammates until you verify your phone number with LeagueApps.

When:
TVYLA’s primary season is spring. This is the official lacrosse season for youth programs nationwide. Additional opportunities such as camps, clinics, and off-season programming may be offered throughout the year as interest and availability allow. TVYLA also offers Fall Ball for players who do not have a fall sport. Fall Ball is a shorter, low-pressure season focused on keeping players active, building skills, and maintaining stick work heading into winter.

Where:
Practices are typically held on weekday afternoons and are based in Driggs during the spring season and at Pioneer Park in Victor during Fall Ball, unless otherwise noted.
Game schedules, field locations, addresses, and directions are posted on each team’s schedule page once finalized.

Who do we play:

TVYLA youth teams compete against programs throughout Idaho and the surrounding region, including Jackson, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Sun Valley, and Bozeman. League affiliation and travel vary by age group to ensure appropriate competition and meaningful game experiences.

One of our unique challenges is geography. In our region, the only programs that consistently offer teams across all age groups (K–12) are Jackson, Sun Valley, and Bozeman. Many other nearby programs field teams only at select age levels or in certain years.

Because of this, creating balanced schedules for every age group often requires:

• Coordinating with multiple programs across a large geographic area

• Combining age groups or adjusting matchups when needed

• Being flexible with travel and game locations

Our goal is always to provide players with quality games, reasonable travel, and positive competitive experiences, even when logistics make scheduling complex.

TVYLA High School Girls participate in the Teton Valley Women’s Lacrosse League (TVWLL). This league provides organized, competitive play for high school girls programs in the region, with a focus on player development, sportsmanship, and meaningful competition while keeping travel manageable for families. TVWLL is only Idaho teams and is based out of Boise. 

https://tvwll.org/

TVYLA Boys Varsity competes in the Great Western Lacrosse League (GWLL), a regional high school league made up of teams from Washington, Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho.

TVYLA is part of the GWLL Eastern Region, which includes Ammon, Bozeman, Idaho Falls, Jackson Hole, Magic Valley, Pocatello, and Sun Valley. Regional play helps create balanced competition while keeping travel reasonable for families.

Registration Refund Policy

The Teton Valley Youth Lacrosse Association understands that circumstances can change. The following refund policy is designed to be fair to families while allowing TVYLA to responsibly plan staffing, league fees, equipment, and field use.

Refunds Prior to and During the Season

~Before the First Friday Following the First Organized Practice

• Full refund minus a $30 administrative fee

~After the First Friday Following the First Organized Practice

• Non-medical reasons:

  • 50% refund of registration fees

• Medical reasons:

  • Full refund minus a $30 administrative fee

~After Two Weeks of Organized Practice or Play

• Non-medical reasons:

  • No refund

• Medical reasons:

  • Refund amount will be determined by the TVYLA Board based on timing and circumstances

Medical & Injury Refund Clarifications

• Prior to the first day of practice, medical refunds are eligible for a 100% refund

• After the first day of practice, medical refunds are eligible for up to a 50% refund

• No medical refunds will be granted after the team’s first tournament or league event

All medical refunds require appropriate documentation.

How to Request a Refund

All refund requests must be submitted in writing to the TVYLA Board President at:

📧 board@tetonlax.com

Lacrosse is a fast-paced sport, and having the proper equipment is important for both safety and development. Equipment requirements differ slightly between boys’ and girls’ lacrosse.

Boys’ Lacrosse Equipment

Players are required to have:

• Lacrosse stick

• Lacrosse helmet (Black only)

• Colored mouthguard (must be visible)

• Gloves

• Arm pads

• Shoulder pads (NOCSAE-rated recommended and becoming required)

• Athletic cup (mandatory for all TVYLA boys players)

• Cleats for grass play; athletic shoes for gym or pavement

Goalies (provided by TVYLA) must wear:

• Helmet

• Mouthguard

• Gloves

• Chest protector

• Throat guard

• Pelvic protection (strongly recommended)

Girls’ Lacrosse Equipment

Players are required to have:

• Women’s lacrosse stick

• Colored mouthguard (must be visible)

• Cleats for grass play; athletic shoes for gym or pavement

• Lacrosse helmet (Black only) - TVYLA helmet policy

Goalies (provided by TVYLA) must wear:

• Helmet with face mask

• Gloves

• Mouthguard

• Chest protector

• Throat guard

• Pelvic and abdominal padding (required for youth goalies)

Mouthguards

All players must wear a colored mouthguard so it is visible to coaches and referees. While any properly fitted mouthguard is allowed, TVYLA strongly recommends higher-quality mouthguards (such as dentist-fitted or Shock Doctor-style guards), as studies show they provide significantly better protection than inexpensive alternatives.

Clothing & Footwear

Players should also have:

• Athletic shorts and/or pants

• Long and short-sleeve shirts (weather dependent)

• Cleats for outdoor play

• Athletic shoes for indoor or pavement practices

TVYLA is committed to keeping equipment affordable and accessible for all families.

Dates for Gear Handout and Returns will be communicated via LeagueApps and social media before the first day of practice.

Girls Gear Rental

• $50 — Includes helmet and stick

Boys Gear Rental

• $60 — Includes helmet, stick, and pads

Age-Group Rental Guidelines

To ensure younger players have everything they need and older players have safe, well-fitted gear:

• Full gear rentals (helmet, stick, pads) are reserved for K–2 and 3/4 players
• Helmet-only rentals are available for 5/6 players
• 7/8 players should have their own full gear, as play becomes more competitive and individualized fitting is important for safety

Free Rentals for First-Time Players at every age level

To encourage new athletes to try lacrosse without a financial barrier:
All first-time players—any age group—receive free gear rental for their first season.

This helps new athletes get started with confidence while reducing the upfront cost for families entering the sport for the first time.

The TVYLA gear container is located at Sherman Park 250 Stevens Way, Victor ID 

 https://maps.app.goo.gl/zz5VhW1FUZ3wekZv7

TVYLA is dedicated to developing great athletes and great humans. Lacrosse should be fun, challenging, and rewarding. While winning is never the sole goal, competition and player development increase as athletes get older, and playing time expectations evolve with each age group.

Attendance & Missing Practice

We understand that families are busy and that absences occasionally happen. However, attendance matters.

• Practices are where players learn skills, systems, and teamwork

• Missing practices can impact team preparation and player development

• Players who attend regularly are better positioned to contribute confidently in games

If a player will miss a practice or game, families should notify the Head Coach as soon as possible.

How Playing Time Is Determined

Playing time at TVYLA is age-appropriate and developmentally based. As competition increases with age, playing time becomes more performance-based.

Playing Time Philosophy by Age Group:

• K–2: 100% Fun (Retention-focused, equal play)

• 3–4: 90% Fun / 10% Competitive (Retention-focused, equal play)

• 5–6: 50% Fun / 50% Competitive

• 7–8: 30% Fun / 70% Competitive

• High School: 10% Fun / 90% Competitive

What Coaches Look For

Players who earn increased playing time consistently demonstrate the following qualities. These are not skill-based, but effort- and attitude-based:

• Work hard in practices and games

• Are good teammates and encourage others

• Show respect and accountability

• Do not place blame on teammates

• Show concern for others

• Are willing to do what’s best for the team

• Make an effort to execute coaching instruction

• Ask questions when they don’t understand

• Work on stick skills outside of practice

• Attend most practices and arrive on time

• Show improvement in understanding and executing basic lacrosse concepts throughout the season

The Big Picture

At younger ages, equal play and fun are the priority. As players grow older, commitment, attendance, effort, and team-first behavior play a larger role in determining playing time.

If families have questions about attendance expectations or playing time, we encourage open, respectful communication with the Head Coach at an appropriate time (not during games or practices).

The most effective way to support your child’s development is to encourage free play. Playing catch in the backyard or driveway, shooting on a wall, or inviting friends over for small-sided games like 2v2 or 3v3 builds skills naturally—and keeps the game fun.

Just as important, encourage your child to take ownership of their game. Support activities that spark their love for lacrosse, whether that’s casual play, trying new moves, or watching the game. Passion fuels progress—when kids enjoy the sport, they’re more motivated to practice, learn, and grow both on and off the field.

If your child is excited about lacrosse and you’re looking for a great gift, there are plenty of fun and useful options that help build skills and confidence.

Top Gift Ideas

1. A Quality Lacrosse Stick
A well-made stick with a properly strung pocket is the best investment for any player. Until high school, one good stick is all a player needs — having multiple sticks is usually unnecessary and often discouraged.

2. A Bounce-Back (Rebounder)
A bounce-back (sometimes called a rebounder) allows players to throw and catch on their own and is one of the best tools for developing stick skills. It’s great for backyards and driveways.

3. Lacrosse Balls (Lots of Them!)
You can never have too many lacrosse balls. Extra balls make backyard practice easier and keep players from constantly chasing the same one.

4. Backyard Goal (Optional but Fun)
A backyard goal adds excitement and encourages shooting practice. Pair it with plenty of balls and, if needed, a net or safe setup to protect nearby areas.

5. Small Skill-Building Tools
Items like a Cradle Baby (a ball on a short tether that attaches to the stick) are great for younger players to practice cradling and ball control without worrying about stray balls.

A Helpful Tip

If you’re unsure what to buy, start with a stick or a bounce-back — both are useful for players of all ages and skill levels.

If you’d like guidance on selecting the right stick or equipment, check out the Buyer’s Guide in the Resources section of our website or feel free to email us @ info@tetonlax.com. We’re happy to help you choose something your player will love.

Yes — we are always looking for positive, committed coaches at every age level.

Prior lacrosse playing or coaching experience is helpful but not required, especially at the youth levels. Many of our best coaches are parents who are new to the sport and want to give back. TVYLA provides required USA Lacrosse registration, background screening, and access to coaching education and training resources.

Coaches are supported by Program Directors and fellow coaches throughout the season. If you’re enthusiastic, dependable, and focused on creating a positive experience for players, we’d love to hear from you.

To get started, please email the appropriate Program Director for your child’s program.