Lacrosse 101

What is COYLL?

The Central Ohio Youth Lacrosse League (COYLL) is the premier recreational hub for youth lacrosse in the Greater Columbus region. Geared toward supporting community-based programs, our league is dedicated to growing and honoring the game by providing a structured, competitive, and supportive environment for young athletes.

Who We Are

We are a collective of community programs, schools, and private organizations that believe the best way for kids to learn lacrosse is by playing for their local towns. COYLL serves as the governing body that organizes the spring season, provides leadership to local program directors, and ensures a consistent standard of play across the region.

  • Community-Focused: We emphasize the social and developmental benefits of playing with schoolmates and neighbors.

  • Skill Development: Our league structure includes divisions for various age groups (from K–6th grade), utilizing age-appropriate rules to maximize player involvement and fun.

  • Leadership & Support: We provide officiating, scheduling, and educational resources to help local town programs thrive and grow.

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:

  • Limited Contact: Body checking is strictly limited at the youth level to encourage proper positioning and stick skills rather than brute force.

  • Strict Officiating: Our refs are trained to prioritize player safety, especially regarding "slashing" or illegal stick contact.

  • 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:

The Basic Objective

Two teams use long-handled sticks to catch, carry, and pass a ball to score in the opponent’s net.

  • The Face-Off/Draw: Every period starts with a battle for possession in the center of the field.

  • The Crease: The circle around the goal. Think of it as a "no-go zone" for offensive players.

  • Ground Balls: In youth lax, the team that works hardest to scoop the ball off the grass usually wins!