JOIN THE Athletics

WHAT AGE DIVISION IS MY CHILD?

AGE GROUPS EXPLAINED

Ontario Lacrosse uses the odd number naming convention and age divisions are grouped into 2-year increments all the way up through minor, In Box Lacrosse, we start at U5 (Soft lacrosse), then U7 (Paperweight), U9, U11, U13, U15, U17 and U22.

The SCMLA age chart determines the divisions and programs your child will have the opportunity to play and participate in this season. The age chart will also help you better understand the levels of programming available to you as a member of our club.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BOX AND FIELD LACROSSE?

The main sectors of lacrosse are Box Lacrosse, Field Lacrosse and Women’s Field Lacrosse and each has their own set of rules.

BOX LACROSSE

Box lacrosse is the indoor version of lacrosse. The game originated here in Canada, where it is the most popular version of the game. There are six players on the floor for each team (5 players and 1 goalie) and is traditionally played in an ice hockey rink once the ice has been removed.

Lacrosse is a fast physical game encompassing specific skills, agility, team work, physical conditioning, discipline, trust and respect. Contact is introduced in U9 Rep, but lacrosse is one of the safest sports with the fewest amount of youth injuries, ranking safer than hockey, soccer, football and basketball, despite the high pace and physical nature of the game.

MEN’S FIELD LACROSSE

Field lacrosse is the outdoor version of lacrosse and the fastest growing game in North America.

There are 10 players on the field; 3 attack, 3 midfielders, 3 defence and a goalie. Substitutions are done on the fly, mostly for the midfielders, who play the entire length of the field. The attack will generally remain on the offensive half of the field while the defense (long poles) will remain on the defensive half. Players may exchange positions as long as another player remains in the area as a temporary replacement. (For younger age groups there is slight variations on the number of players on the field)

WOMEN’S FIELD LACROSSE

Women's Field Lacrosse is another outdoor version of the sport for women.

It was introduced in 1890 in St Andrews, Scotland. The women’s game is played with twelve players on each team and the rules of women's lacrosse differ significantly from Men's Field Lacrosse. There is no body contact. Equipment required to play is also different. The stick has a shallow pocket and is checked before every game and after every goal for conformity to the rules. Women are only required to wear a mouthguard, and protective goggles.

NEW TO LACROSSE?

GETTING STARTED AT ANY AGE

If you're brand new to the sport, we recommend starting with our Co-Ed Box House League. This fun, local program is perfect for players of all ages who are learning the game for the first time. It focuses on building core skills, understanding the flow of the game, and developing confidence — all while having a great time! Many players use House League as a stepping stone toward trying out for Rep teams in the future.

FOR OUR LITTLEST PLAYERS

For 3 and 4-year-olds, our Soft Lacrosse program is a great introduction to the sport. This 10-week program uses junior sticks and balls in a playful, low-pressure environment that helps young athletes build coordination, teamwork, and a love for the game. Please note, eligibility for any team goes by birth year.

MORE OPPORTUNITIES AS YOU GROW

Men’s Field lacrosse begins at U9 at the Rep level, while girls can start Women’s Field Lacrosse as early as U11. We encourage girls to play both box and Women’s Field lacrosse — the two formats complement each other, and many of the best Women’s Field Lacrosse players also play Box!

DID YOU KNOW?

St. Catharines Athletics has one of the fastest-growing girls’ box lacrosse programs in Ontario — from U13 to U22, with many championship titles along the way.

REGISTER TODAY!

(tell your friends too)

IMPORTANT FAQs