Club FAQ

View the New Player FAQ. Read Turf Rules.

What is the playing time philosophy?

The main goal of Novato Lacrosse Club (“NLC”) is to grow the sport of lacrosse in the North Bay Area of San Francisco. We accept all players regardless of experience subject to team roster availabilty.
A player's field time will depend on their athletic ability, their commitment to learn the sport, practice attendance and general attitude. We play to win and make our best efforts to play everyone in accordance with Positive Coaching Alliance.

Who do I contact if I have a question, comment or complaint?

If it is specific to your player's team, we urge you to contact the coach or assistant coach(es). They provide contact information at the beginning of the season. If it is specific to the Club, or you feel a team issue needs to be addressed by the Board, you can email Secretary@novatolacrosse.org and the email will be forwarded to the appropriate Board Member. You may also leave a message on our hotline (415.258.4820).

Does it cost to join a club or team?

For the 2009 season, NLC dues are based on the age group of your child. Please see 2009 registration information. Dues cover uniforms, fields, referees, equipment, league fees and other operational costs.

Why do players have to join US Lacrosse?

It is a requirement in order for us to maintain our insurance coverage. US Lacrosse provides insurance riders to our club for practices and games at the facilities we use. There are other player benefits as well. Information is available at www.lacrosse.org. Your registration fee includes a one-year membership with US Lacrosse.

How can we find out about the sport without joining the team or buying equipment?

NLC runs a Fall Ball Clinic starting November 1st through December 20th for new and returning players where players can come out and get a feel for the sport over the course of seven weeks. The NLC has limited equipment available for new players to borrow during the Fall Ball sessions.

Where can you get equipment and how much does it cost?

Local stores include Sling It! on 4th Street in downtown San Rafael and Sportsmart at Vintage Oaks. Most major sports stores carry lacrosse equipment or you can also buy it online (not recommended for helmets).

For boys: stick, helmet, arm and shoulder pads, athletic cup, mouth guard and gloves (rib pads optional). Prices vary but starter packages are available for approximately $225.

For girls: stick, mouth guard and protective eye goggles. Prices vary, but starter packages are available for approximately $85.

Remember, there is a difference between a girl’s and boy’s stick. Soccer shoes are ok, baseball cleats are not allowed.

How long is the season?

Lacrosse is a spring sport with practices beginning in February, games in March with playoffs in mid-late May.  Practices vary by club and team level. Games are Saturdays and some Sundays at sites throughout the greater Bay Area. It is also an all-weather sport meaning rain doesn't stop play (unless fields are closed by local park and recreation departments or if safety is an issue).

Where are the games played?

Games are played throughout the Bay Area with some games played around the Sacramento area. Carpooling for all our games is encouraged.

Is there a difference between the boys’ and girls’ games?

Yes!  Not only do the rules differ, but the equipment does too.  Perhaps one of the biggest differences is that boys’ is considered a contact sport (checking allowed) and girls’ is not.  www.lacrosse.org and www.ncjlax.org have rules and general game information.

How many players do you need for a team?

All teams will roster approximately 20 players depending on the age group. There are 10 players on the field for boys and 12 for girls.

Lacrosse is a contact sport. How safe is it?

The NLC is committed to maintaining the safety of the players above all else. Contact is limited by rule at the youth level. If a parent or player has any concern about this, they should not hesitate to let us know. For 2002-03, lacrosse ranked sixth behind men’s soccer, football, wrestling, men’s ice hockey and women’s soccer in average game injury rate and injury severity, according to the NCAA Injury Surveillance System.

Is there contact?

Boys lacrosse is a contact sport. Girls lacrosse is not a contact sport. Contact is limited depending on age group. For the U11 division, there will be no intentional contact. U13 will be allowed limited checking, and U15 will follow US Lacrosse rules.

What about checking?

That depends on your age level and gender. Take-out checks at any level are illegal and can get a player expelled from a game and/or the league. For NCJLA the following apply:

Are there any dates that we should set aside?

Yes, please see the events listed on the homepage and calendar.