Q: When was the Tualatin Lacrosse Club started?
A: The Tualatin Lacrosse Club began with high school boys junior varsity in 2006 (through Tualatin High School) and added a boys varsity team in 2007. A girls high school JV team and girls and boys youth teams from grades 1 through 8 were added for the spring 2008 season.

Q: Are boys and girls lacrosse the same?
A: There are similarities between boys and girls lacrosse. In both games, players use a “crosse” – a stick with a net at the end – to catch and throw a hard rubber ball and score by throwing the ball into the opponent’s goal. Both games emphasize speed, stick skills, and agility. But the rules, strategies, equipment, and even field markings are significantly different for boys and girls. The boys game is a contact sport, so boys wear protective pads, gloves, and helmets. The girls game focuses on finesse, with stick-to-stick contact only for older players, so girls require less protective equipment.

Q: What type of field is lacrosse played on?
A: Lacrosse is usually played on a standard-sized soccer or football field for teams in grade 5 and up. Grade 3/4 teams play on a smaller field but with full-size goals. Fiddle Stix teams play on a much smaller field with small-size goals.

Q: How are teams established?
A: Youth teams are separated by gender and then by grade. Typically, two grades are combined to create teams: grades 1/2, 3 /4, 5/6, and 7/8. High school teams are separated by gender and then by ability and experience into junior varsity and varsity teams.

Q: Are teams available for all grades for both boys and girls?
A: Teams are set up based on the interest level from players. If there aren’t enough players for a full team at any age level, we will try to offer developmental clinics for those kids, or we may combine some grade levels.

Q: Can girls play on a boys team?
A: Girls are allowed to play on boys teams, following boys rules for contact, if they, their parents, and the coach agree. To protect players’ safety, boys may not play on girls teams.

Q: Can youth players “play up” on a team above their current grade level?
A: Only if the player’s parent takes on the head coach position for the team.

Q: What equipment is required?
A: Boys need a helmet, shoulder and elbow pads, gloves, athletic cup, mouth guard, stick, and cleats (football, soccer, or lacrosse). Girls need safety goggles, mouth guard, and stick. Goalie equipment will be provided for boys and girls youth teams and high school girls teams. High school boys goalies need a neck protector, chest pad and a goalie stick, as well as standard player equipment (no shoulder or elbow pads).

Q: Where can I buy equipment?
A: New equipment is available from a variety of local and online vendors, including Bigfoot Lacrosse and Chopstix, as well most sporting goods stores. Used equipment can be found at local and online outlets, including Play it Again Sports.

Q: What is included in player fees?
A: Fiddle Stix player fees include uniform, stick, and team equipment. Youth fees include uniform and team equipment, but not individual player equipment. High school fees include uniform, bus transportation to all away games, and all league fees, but not individual player equipment. All player fees contribute to club management, field maintenance, and equipment costs.

Q: Where can I learn more about lacrosse?
A: See our Clinics & Resources page for links to outside resources and informative videos.