Registration for the Spring 2012 Boys and Girls Lacrosse season is now open. 

Information about youth lacrosse and our program may be found below and through the documents tab to the left.

Please contact us through email if you have additional questions.

Sincerely,
Board of Directors, HKYLA

by posted 12/09/2011
 
·         When does the season begin and when does it end?
The 2012 season will begin in March 2012, practicing outside if weather permits or inside if we can get gymnasium space.  We will start to play games in April with the season ending in mid June. 

·         Do the boys and girls play together?
Boys and girls lacrosse is very different; from the equipment, to the field, to the rules.  They do not play together with the exception of the first and second grade house league, where girls were allowed to play in 2011.   

·         My child knows nothing about lacrosse...will he/she be able to play? What does my child need to know?
He/she does not need to know anything about lacrosse.  We will teach them.  Being a third year program (or second year in the case of the girls program), many of our players will have little to no experience.  Most will need to learn basic rules, how to play safe, technical skills and team skills.  We plan to host some sessions in February and March that will introduce the players and parents to the game and some of the games concepts and technical skills, such as scooping, cradling, passing, catching etc.

·         How many times per week do you practise and play games? 
We will likely practice 1 to 2 times per week in March and practice/ play games 2 to 3 times per week from April to June.  This will depend on a number of things including field space.

·         How many games will you play during the season? 
We won't know definitively until we go to the scheduling meeting with nearby clubs in early March.  Our goal is to have between 10 and 15 games per team and participate in 1 or 2 tournaments. 

·         My child is already committed to another sport or plans to play another spring sport, is it OK if he/she plays lacrosse also?
We can not speak for the other sport, but we are open to players in this situation.  At the higher level team strategy and cohesiveness becomes more important so players at the senior level (grades 7 and 8) require more commitment.   

·         Will there be several teams within our towns that play against each other like Rec. Basketball?
The grade 1/2 House League will have several small teams that will practice together and play in scrimmages together.  For the boys and girls grades 3 to 8,  there is a possibility of multiple teams within and age bracket, so yes they could play some games and scrimmages together, but for the most part games will be played with surrounding towns.  If your child is interested in playing the sport but you are not able to commit to traveling, many families carpool to away games.  If this is still not an option, but your child is interested in playing we would like to still hear from you.  If there is enough interest we may start a "town only" house program for new players with limited to no travel.
 
·         I have a daughter in first (or second) grade and I really want her to get involved in lacrosse.  Is it ok if she plays in the Boys House program? 
We have decided that both boys and girls will be allowed to play in the house program.  The girls will need to wear all of the protective equipment that the boys use.  When the girls graduate to the Girls program at grade 3 there will be plenty of new players coming into the league to sell their equipment to.
 
·         Are full pads really necessary for the grade 1/2 House Program since there is no body contact?  What if my child decides he does not like the sport after a couple practices what will I do with all that equipment?
We feel that it is necessary to play with full equipment because while there is no “body contact”, contact will still occur whether by ball or stick, so it is important for each child’s safety to wear protective equipment.  We play with a hard ball (standard lacrosse ball as opposed to soft practice balls), because we feel that it is easier for the player to learn to play.  Regarding the equipment, HKYLA does not want to be an equipment “owner” due to storage, liability, etc; however we will work with families to broker equipment deals as best we can.  We plan to open up a section on the website where players can swap equipment which should be helpful.  There will always be new players coming into the program that will need equipment.  Used equipment typically sells for half the price of new equipment so it should not be a problem to sell it.  Interested in having your first or second grader play but don't want to invest in the equipment??  Let us know, and we will try to help. 

·         Will there be travel involved for grades 3 to 8?
Yes, there are many teams that are local to us, but all require a degree of travel.  We do not anticipate the need to travel more than 45 minutes and on average about 25 minutes. 

·         Lacrosse looks like a physical game...will my child get hit?
The boys and girls games are very different.  Boys lacrosse is a contact sport.  Boys youth lacrosse has rules that allow body contact at “age appropriate” levels.  As an example, in the Bantam age group (grades 3 & 4), stick checking is allowed but “intentional” body checking is not allowed. 

Girls lacrosse, on the other hand, is a game of speed and finesse and is a non-contact sport, more comparable to basketball than hockey, for example.

·         How much will it cost to play?  Do I need my own equipment?  What is the cost of equipment?
Registration fees are $145 per child with discounts for additional children in a single family.  Please click on the “Register Online” tab (available December 15, 2011) from the website home page for additional details.  Equipment is not provided and must be purchased by the player.  Boys equipment includes: NOCSAE approved helmet, Shoulder pads, Arm pads, Gloves, Stick, mouth guard, and protective cup.  Optional equipment includes rib guards.  The cost of boys lacrosse equipment can range widely and may be purchased new or used.  Used equipment packages may cost from $100 to $150.  New equipment packages (including stick) start at $200.  On the flip side, there are stores in the area that will buy used equipment if your child decides to not continue playing.  We plan to organize an equipment exchange where parents looking to sell outgrown equipment can also look to purchase the next size up from an older player.

Girls lacrosse equipment is considerably less and consists of a stick, goggles and mouthguard. 

·         Do I need to go out and buy equipment now?  What should I get?
Unless we have indoor winter clinics, equipment will not be needed until March, so it is not yet urgent to get it.  Please see the equipment descriptions under the “Documents” tab and where to buy under the "Equipment" tab on the home page of the website.  Helmets should be white Cascade brand, and pads should be dark blue or black.  We are working with area retailers to get discounts for HK players so stay tuned for where to go.

·         Do you have equipment to loan to my child?
We do not have loaner equipment per se; however a limited amount of financial aid is available depending on your families’ financial situation.  Please send an email direct to the association President, Mike Civiello ( ) with any questions.   Inquiries will be handled in confidence.  

·         Will there be a Boys High School lacrosse team added in the not too distant future?
YES!  The boys high school lacrosse Club had their first season in 2011.  Interest has continued to grow and they are very excited to continue in 2012.  We are now hoping that the tremendous interest will allow the team to become varisity soon!!!
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by posted 01/19/2010
 
If you are interested in volunteering please email us at .  We are currently looking for coaches, assistant coaches, administrators (for several functions), fundraisers etc.  Just let us know what you are interested in doing.  No matter what commitment level you can offer, we will find a place for you!!  

For new parents unsure about coaching or being an assistant coach.  Don't be intimidated!!!  In our first season we had 3 coaches that had not played or coached the game before.  They all loved it and are coming back for more.  We will work with you to help you understand the rules and techniques.  Most parents are quite surprised when they realize that parts of lacrosse are really no different than basketball, hockey, soccer or even football!  We have a great community of volunteers and you won't be left on your own!

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by posted 01/19/2010
 
Lacrosse is an exciting fast-paced game combining individual skill with team tactics.  New players can get a head start by learning to pass and catch with a friend or simply by bouncing a ball off of a wall.  There are also many resources on the web!  To get you started, click on the  "Documents" tab to the left.  Additional resources may be found on the links tab.
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by posted 01/12/2010
 
As we begin our Haddam Killingworth Youth Lacrosse program, sponsors will be critical to our success.  These sponsors have generously donated their resources to our program.  Please be sure to support them through your patronage.

Note to new sponsors:  We are still in need of funding and continue to have room on our sponsors page.  Please contact Mike Civiello and Bill Burley at  if you would like to participate in helping to fund the success of this program.


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