Lacrosse 101: A Beginner’s Guide for Parents
Lacrosse is "the fastest game on two feet," combining the agility of soccer with the fast-paced transitions of hockey. At the youth level, our primary goal is development, safety, and fun.
A Focus on Safe Play
If you’ve watched college or professional lacrosse, you’ve seen heavy hitting. Youth lacrosse is different. COYLL enforces specific rules to ensure players can learn the game without the risk of high-level collision:
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Limited Contact: Body checking is strictly limited at the youth level to encourage proper positioning and stick skills rather than brute force.
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Strict Officiating: Our refs are trained to prioritize player safety, especially regarding "slashing" or illegal stick contact.
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The "3-Yard Rule": In many youth divisions, players must be within 3 yards of a ball to engage in legal, age-appropriate contact.
Know the Rules
We believe in transparency and consistency. Whether you are a coach or a parent in the stands, you can follow along with our official 2026 guidelines:
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2026 COYLL Operations Manual: The full blueprint of how our league runs, from field dimensions to player eligibility.
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2026 COYLL Rule "Cheat Sheet": A quick-access guide to the most common rules you'll see on game day.
The Basic Objective
Two teams use long-handled sticks to catch, carry, and pass a ball to score in the opponent’s net.
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The Face-Off/Draw: Every period starts with a battle for possession in the center of the field.
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The Crease: The circle around the goal. Think of it as a "no-go zone" for offensive players.
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Ground Balls: In youth lax, the team that works hardest to scoop the ball off the grass usually wins!