Read the Program Dates/Policies page for program dates/deadlines.

It is the mission of OYAA Boys Lacrosse to provide Olentangy youth a safe and fun environment that fosters the development of fundamental lacrosse skills, sportsmanship and gameplay IQ. Our program will help educate and inspire families within the community to embrace the game of lacrosse.

We seek to create the best lacrosse experience for younger ages. Our program encourages player growth of all skill and experience levels. Our coaching and gameplay strategy is designed to ensure skill development appropriate to age, physical size, maturity and skill. Progression through the program will prepare our boys for higher levels of competition and position them to successfully transition into middle school and high school play.

Interleague (“Rec”) Teams
All players participate in the interleague division that corresponds to their grade level. Players will have the opportunity to gain experience with all field positions and can expect to share balanced playing time with teammates to the extent possible based on the flow of the game. The program is divided into 3 divisions for rec play:

Stingers (K thru 2nd grade) – NON-CONTACT* $130 early bird

Equipment: This level requires helmet, gloves and mouthpiece supplied by player/parent. Your child will be provided a stick from OYAA as part of the registration fee.
Coaching: Focus on player development of fundamental skills and introductory gameplay IQ.
Games: Played on a small-area field, 6v6 format (subject to change based on roster sizes). Goals are 4’x4’ with no goalie. Passing rules are in effect for interleague play. Players are grouped with peers of similar age and skill level. Games are played on Sundays between 12:00 – 6:00 PM.

Juniors (3rd/4th grade) – LIMITED CONTACT* $170 early bird

Equipment: This level requires full equipment supplied by player/parent. This includes helmet, shoulder pads**, arm pads, gloves, mouthpiece, protective cup, non-metal cleats and stick.
Coaching: Focus on player development and strengthening of fundamental skills and intermediate gameplay IQ.
Games: Played on a small-area field, 7v7 format (subject to change based on roster sizes). Goals are regulation 6’x6’ with goalie play. Defensive long poles are NOT used at this level. Passing rules are in effect for interleague play. Games are played on Sundays between 12:00 – 6:00 PM.

Seniors (5th/6th grade) – CONTROLLED CONTACT* $170 early bird

Equipment: This level requires full equipment supplied by player/parent. This includes helmet, shoulder pads**, arm pads, gloves, mouthpiece, protective cup, non-metal cleats and stick.
Coaching: Focus on player development and strengthening of fundamental skills and intermediate/advanced gameplay IQ.
Games: Played on a full-size field, 10v10 format. Goals are regulation 6’x6’ with goalie play. Defensive long poles are used at this level. OYAA will provide each team with long poles for players to use during practice and games. Passing rules are in effect for interleague play. Games are played on Sundays between 12:00 – 6:00 PM.

* Body contact is allowed and expected to be introduced to players over time to safely prepare them for higher age levels and outside league competition. Our coaches will introduce these concepts to players as they advance through the program to ensure they understand the proper rules and technique of contact.

**Effective January 1, 2022, NOCSAE certified shoulder pads are required.  Learn more: Lacrosse Chest Protector FAQ | USA Lacrosse

Skills Assessment (grades 3rd thru 6th): 
All 3rd – 6th grade athletes must be assessed prior to team assignment. The assessments for 2023 will be held on Sunday, March 5 between 1:00 – 5:00 PM. Time slots will be based on grade level and will be announced closer to the evaluation dates; players will NOT need to be there for the entire 4 hours. Date is subject to change based on weather; make-up date TBD as needed.

Team Placement: 
The priority for team placement is to ensure teams are as balanced as possible. Assignments will be based first on player skills assessment, and then on school attendance area. OYAA recognizes the size of the district and difficulty of commuting for weekday practices. To reduce the burden on parents and caregivers for weekday transit, every effort will be made to keep players in the same general geographic location on teams that will practice in those same areas. OYAA is under no obligation to honor parent requests for player team assignments based on coaches, teammates or any other reason. We value our coaches and the friendships among players and can appreciate the want for placement on teams for a specific desire; however, balancing the program for level competition is a priority and will supersede individual needs if they conflict with this objective.
 
Practices & Games:
Individual team practices will begin mid to late March and will be scheduled weekday evenings. Days and times will be determined by team coaches. Athletes in K – 2nd grade should expect 1 practice per week; 3rd – 6th graders can expect 1 or 2 practices per week. Game schedules will be determined and published after teams are formed, late March. All games will be played on the Olentangy Orange High School campus, times TBD.

2023 Program Schedule:
Sunday, March 5 – Player evaluations | grades 3–6
Sunday, March 12 – Player training camp | all levels
Sunday, March 19 – Player training camp | all levels
Sunday, March 26 – Player training camp | all levels (OLSD SPRING BREAK)
Sunday, April 2 – Game Day Week 1
Sunday, April 9 – NO GAMES, EASTER
Sunday, April 16 – Game Day Week 2
Sunday, April 23 – Game Day Week 3
Sunday, April 30 – Game Day Week 4
Sunday, May 7 – Game Day Week 5
Sunday, May 14 – Game Day Week 6 (MOTHER’S DAY)
Sunday, May 21 – Game Day Week 7

Select Teams (3rd/4th Grade) & (5th/6th Grade)  
In addition to interleague play, OYAA Boys Lacrosse will offer a select team option for families and players looking for a more competitive and higher skill level of play. This will be available for players of intermediate/advanced skill sets. Select teams will be formed from OYAA players during the course of the interleague season. Select teams will participate in round robin and tournament play with other select teams in Central Ohio. Participation in Select will be in addition to interleague play and will add 1 or 2 practices a week, with games held on some (not all) Saturdays. Additional fees apply; schedule is TBD.

For additional information or questions regarding the program, please contact us at [email protected]
 
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