FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Eligibility for United Youth Lacrosse

Families residing in the Westlake and Thousand Oaks communities will be eligible to play for United Youth Lacrosse. If you live in a town that does not have its own youth lacrosse program or if that town cannot field a team at your age group, you are also eligible to play for United Lacrosse, pending SCLA approval.  

When will the season begin?  

See below for the tentative 2025 schedule.   

What are the Age Groups for the 2025 Season?

There are 4 age divisions for Boys Youth Lacrosse.   Age is determined as of 9/1 in the calendar year prior to the season (i.e., age as of 9/1/2024 will be used to determine eligibility for the 2025 Spring Season).

• Boys Under 8

• Boys Under 10 (Stripes & Stars)

• Boys Under 12 (Stripes & Stars)

• Boys Under 14 (Stripes & Stars)

There are 2 age divisions for Girls Youth Lacrosse.   Age is determined as of 9/1 in the calendar year prior to the season (i.e., age as of 9/1/2024 will be used to determine eligibility for the 2025 Spring Season).

• Girls Elementary (K-5th)

• Girls Middle School (6th-8th)

How Many Teams in Each Age Group?

Number of teams will be determined by number of players registered for each age group.

What if my child has never played lacrosse before?

Beginner players are strongly encouraged to play. They're the sport's future! Basic lacrosse skills (catching, throwing, cradling, shooting, ground balls) are taught and practiced at every practice.  

An “equitable” playing time approach guarantees that all kids will play In games, regardless of skill level.  

If your child is interested in lacrosse, please buy them a lacrosse stick and ball ASAP and start practicing.  YouTube has numerous helpful videos demonstrating basic lacrosse skills and techniques.   

Free Fall Clinics are offered each year to introduce new players to the game of lacrosse.

What are the rules?

See the following links:

Boys lacrosse US Lacrosse Rules - Boys 

Girls lacrosse US Lacrosse Rules - Girls 

How physical is lacrosse?

Boy’s lacrosse is a contact sport.  However, U9 has a no checking rule (no body-checking and no stick-checking) and U11 has a no body-checking rule.  Player safety is a primary concern and focus in our league.  

Girl’s lacrosse is a non-contact sport.

How is the league run?

The Southern California Lacrosse Association (SCLA) is the governing body for Youth Lacrosse in our area. The SCLA coordinates administrative logistics (rules, game schedules, game dates, game locations, referees, rankings, playoffs, etc.)

The following towns participate in the SCLA:  Agoura, Calabasas, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Oak Park, Simi Valley, San Fernando Valley, Ventura, Pasadena, Santa Barbara and Santa Clarita.  

Each program is responsible for registering eligible players, establishing teams, securing coaches, buying uniforms and coordinating their youth lacrosse program. United Youth Lacrosse oversees these responsibilities for families eligible to play in Westlake and Thousand Oaks.

If you live in a town that does not have its own youth lacrosse program or if that town cannot field a team at your age group, you are also eligible to play for United Lacrosse, pending SCLA approval.  

Where are games?  How many?

Actual game fields, dates and times are typically available In early/mid February.   Games last approximately 1 hour.     Historically, there has been a “Jamboree” at the beginning of the season where each team gets 3 pre-season games, followed by 8-9 regular season games and a one weekend playoff. Many of the games will be played at Arroyo Vista in Moorpark; however, due to the SCLA's town-based structure, you may have to travel to Simi Valley, San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita and/or Pasadena.  Please note that game times and locations change regularly during the season.  Flexibility and patience are required.

Where will we practice?  

Location TBD

What equipment does my child need?

USA Lacrosse is the Governing Body of Lacrosse in the United States. United Lacrosse and the SCLA follow equipment guidelines as set by USA Lacrosse. 

Review required Boys equipment on our Boys Lacrosse page

Review required Girls equipment listed on our Girls Lacrosse page

Lacrosse Unlimited in Westlake Village and Dick’s Sporting Goods in the Thousand Oaks Mall have the best selection of equipment and the most knowledgeable staff. 

For more details on girls and boys lacrosse equipment go to the USA Lacrosse Equipment Guide 

What about uniforms? 

The 2025 uniform colors will be some combination of Red, White and Blue.  The design will represent a “united” theme.  

Uniform Package

• Reversible Jersey/Tank

• Shooter Shirt

• Shorts

How will teams be determined?   

Players will be assigned to teams to ensure the combined program is able to field as many teams as possible. It will be up to the United board to allocate players to teams regardless of legacy boundaries but will make every effort to roster teams in the best interest of fair and balanced competition for all SCLA teams, not just the United program.

Will my child be able to play with their friends?  

Possibly. You will have the opportunity to request two friends during the registration process. Players will be assigned to teams to ensure the combined program is able to field as many teams as possible. It will be up to the United board to allocate players to teams in the best interest of fair and balanced competition for all SCLA teams, not just the United program.  We will do our best to accommodate those requests, but can not make any guarantees.  

What are Stars vs Stripes teams?   

For Boys U10, U12 and U14, the league allows programs to field Stars teams (made up of more experienced/more talented players) and Stripes teams (made up of less experienced/less talented players).   Stars teams from our program will play against Stars teams from other Towns.   Stripes teams from our program will play against Stripes teams from other Towns.  The United board and coaches will assess players at the U10, U12, U14 program during the first 2-3 weeks of practice and will assign players to appropriate teams in the best interest of player development.   All decisions regarding Stars vs Stripes assignments are at the full discretion of the United board.   However, if you son would prefer to opt out of consideration for placement on a Stars team – please let us know.   Opting out of placement on a Stars team can increase the probability of friends playing together on a Stripes team.

What is Floating?  

Floating describes a scenario where a player who is rostered on one team is able to play a game(s) for another team.  Our league allows for floating on a limited basis.   Floating rules include:

• Floating is allowed within the same division  (i.e., from one Under Boys 10 Stripes team to another Under Boys 10 Stripes team or from one Under Boys 12 Stars team to another Under Boys 12 Stars team)

• Floating is allowed from Stripes to Stars within the same age group (i.e., from one Under Boys 12 Stripes team to an Under Boys 12 Stars team)

• Floating down a division is NOT allowed (i.e., players are NOT allowed to float from a Boys Under 14 team to a Boys Under 12 team)

• Floating from Stars to Stripes is NOT allowed (i.e., players are NOT allowed to float from a Boys Under 14 Starts team to a Boys Under 14 Stripes team)

• Individual players are only allowed to float a maximum of 3 times throughout the season

• Notify your coach, Team Parent and/or Division Director if you have a need to float;  those discussions should occur prior to game days

How do I register?

We use Ramp for registration. Click here to Register for the Spring 2025 Season.

When will registration be open? 

Registration opened In mid November 2024 for the Spring 2025 season.       

When does registration close?

The closing of registration varies based on team and number of players registered. Registration will close once we have reached maximum capacity for a particular team and waitlists may be created. Early registration is strongly encouraged.

What will registration fees be?   

See table below:

What do the registration fees cover?

United Lacrosse is a non-profit organization and has a 100% volunteer board of directors.  United Lacrosse and the SCLA have many significant expenditures including: coaching fees, uniforms, field rental, referee fees, insurance, and equipment.

What is the refund policy if my son or daughter decides to quit?

75% refund if requested before the first practice.  50% refund if requested before the first game.  No refunds after the first game.  

How can I help?

There are several ways you can help out and support the United Lacrosse community. We are always looking for volunteers to help out as a Team Parent, Board Member, and with Game Day Support. To learn more about how you can help, please see our page on how you can Make an Impact. 

Additionally, we are always in need of experienced lacrosse coaches to take on head or assistant coaching roles. If your son or daughter is a High School lacrosse player and interested in getting community volunteer credit hours as an assistant coach, please email unitedyouthlax@gmail.com. 

 Who do I contact with questions? 

Please email unitedyouthlax@gmail.com