Name of your Lacrosse Team/League Date

LACROSSE History Deemed the fastest game on two feet, lacrosse has a rich and storied history that spans centuries and is the oldest sport native to the North American continent. Rooted in Native American ritual and religion, the game was often played to resolve conflicts, prepare for war, heal the sick and build strength. Until the mid-1930s, men's and women's lacrosse were played under virtually the same rules, with no protective equipment. At that time, men's lacrosse rules began evolving dramatically, while women's lacrosse continued to remain true to the game's original rules. Mens college lacrosse allies with the NCAA in 1971; the first womens NCAA championship is held in US Lacrosse is founded in 1998 as the national governing body of mens and womens lacrosse.

LACROSSE General Overview Object of both mens and womens lacrosse is to score more goals than the opposing team by shooting the ball into the opponents netted goal. Women's rules allow 12 players on the field, limit stick contact, prohibit body contact and therefore, require little protective equipment. Men's lacrosse rules allow 10 players on the field and some degree of stick and body contact, but violence is neither condoned nor allowed. Lacrosse is played primarily in the spring, but is also played in the summer and fall. Resembles strategies of basketball, soccer, hockey and field hockey on a field similar to a soccer field.

LACROSSE General Overview Players primarily use sticks with aluminum alloy or titanium handles and plastic heads with mesh- or leather-strung pockets to catch, throw, scoop and shoot a solid rubber ball. Womens players can also use wooden sticks. Games involve quick sprints, passes, a motion offense and shots on goal. Its variety of movements provides a fertile training ground for other, more established sports like football, basketball and soccer. The game demands skill, aptitude and athleticism from its participants. Agility, speed, endurance, hand-eye coordination and accuracy skills are honed while playing lacrosse.

LACROSSE Growth Over the past decade, the number of men, women and youths playing lacrosse has increased another 9.6% each year to reach the estimated 684,730 people playing today. Level Youth 125,000265,214297,271324,673361,275 High School 100,925218,823227,624255,314275,281 College 20,29329,82231,61432,43133,929 Professional Post-College 7,56310,07111,34212,201 14,065 Total 253,931524, ,593684,730

LACROSSE Growth – College Snapshot Lacrosse is a fully-sponsored NCAA championship sport for both men and women US Lacrosse Participation Survey (Varsity and Club) Men:………………………………………………………..20,397 Women:……………………………………………… ,532 Total:……………………………………………………….33,929 No. College Players Annually 2001:……………………………………………………… 20, :……………………………………………………… 23, :……………………………………………………… 24, :……………………………………………………... 23, :……………………………………………………… 24, :……………………………………………………… 26, :……………………………………………………… 28, :……………………………………………………… 29, :……………………………………………………… 31, :……………………………………………………… 32, :……………………………………………………… 33,929

LACROSSE Growth – High School Snapshot 2011 US Lacrosse Participation Survey [National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) & USL Data] Boys:………………………………………………………. 162,416 Girls:……………………………………………………….. 112,865 Total:………………………………………………………. 275,281 Growth Rates of NFHS Sports Boys, Lacrosse ……………………………………………………..57.1% 2.Bowling………………………………………………………. 25.6% 3.Volleyball……………………………………………………. 20.4% 4.Water Polo…………………………………………………… 16.7% 5.Swimming…………………………………………………… 10.9% Growth Rates of NFHS Sports Girls, Lacrosse………………………………………………………48.2% 2.Bowling………………………………………………………. 30.2% 3.Ice Hockey………………………………………………… % 4.Indoor Track………………………………………………… 12.6% 5.Water Polo…………………………………………………… 12.4%

LACROSSE Growth – Youth Snapshot Data collected from the US Lacrosses 64 regional chapters following the 2011 calendar year indicated more then 360,000 youth players played lacrosse. Number Youth Players Annually 2001:………………………………………………. 125, :………………………………………………. 137, :………………………………………………. 150, :………………………………………………. 186, :………………………………………………. 204, :………………………………………………. 220, :………………………………………………. 241, :………………………………………………. 265, :………………………………………………. 297, :………………………………………………. 324, :………………………………………………. 361,275

US LACROSSE Leading the efforts for a rewarding, quality lacrosse experience Our Mission US Lacrosse is the national governing body of lacrosse. Through responsive and effective leadership, US Lacrosse strives to provide programs and services to inspire participation while protecting the integrity of the sport. Our Vision We envision a future which offers people everywhere the opportunity to discover, learn, participate in, enjoy and ultimately embrace the shared passion of the lacrosse experience. Contact US Lacrosse 113 West University Parkway Baltimore, MD Phone: Fax:

US LACROSSE Leading the efforts for a rewarding, quality lacrosse experience Largest, all-encompassing resource for lacrosse knowledge. Founded in 1998 as the National Governing Body of mens, womens and youth lacrosse. Largest lacrosse organization in the world, focused primarily on youth (U19) lacrosse, education, safety and opportunities for all. Volunteer-based organization - national board of directors and executive committee with equal representation from the mens, womens and youth games. Headquarters is located in Baltimore, Md., with a staff of more than 70, plus volunteers and interns. US Lacrosse has a network of chapters covering 43 states, committed to developing and promoting the game starting at the grassroots level. 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization relies on membership dues, annual giving grants, endowments, sponsorships to achieve organizational mission and vision. Membership base grown to 361,275 in 2011.

LACROSSE So how safe is lacrosse? Research shows mens and womens lacrosse to be relatively safe compared to other commonly played team sports. Most injuries are minor strains, sprains and contusions, but more significant injuries can and do occur. Sport Science and Safety Committee of US Lacrosse is sponsoring research to monitor injuries, better understand their mechanisms and design preventive programs. Visit for helpful articles, links and contact information regarding lacrosse science and safety, access to concussion awareness programs, availability of AED grant programs, tips on nutrition, heat and hydration, risk management and emergency plans, age-appropriate athlete development and injury prevention and conditioning.

LACROSSE Why add a lacrosse program? Lacrosse offers a sport option for athletes of all weights, shapes and sizes. Lacrosse is a great preparation for other sports that require strength, speed and agility. Games involve quick sprints, passes, a motion offense and shots on goal. Its variety of movements provides a fertile training ground for other, more established sports like football, basketball and soccer. Lacrosse offers opportunity for student-athletes - one that may not be available in other sports - to continue sports participation in college through a growing number of divisional and club programs. Lacrosse embodies the student-athlete ethos. From the 2009 NCAA Graduation Rates Report, mens lacrosse has the highest graduation rate (88%) of all NCAA mens sports; womens lacrosse is tied for the highest graduation rate (94%) of all NCAA womens sports. Lacrosse can offer coaches and officials of other sports opportunities in off-seasons from other sports.

LACROSSE So how do we get started? New Start Program – The New Start Program is not a program; rather it is a free resource for both members and non-members of US Lacrosse. It provides all of the necessary tools, resources, and information you need to launch lacrosse in your area. Simply apply online to receive immediate access to these materials. Visit to learn more about the program. US Lacrosse Regional Chapters – Connect one of our 64 regional volunteer-based US Lacrosse boards for assistance, information and even grant assistance specific to your location. Most up-to-date contact list at

LACROSSE What about equipment ? Outfitting boys and girls lacrosse teams costs less than football or ice hockey. – Boys lacrosse: Helmets, shoulder pads, rib pads, arm pads, gloves and mouth guards required. Approximately $250- $400 per player. – Girls lacrosse: Protective eyewear and mouth guard mandatory, gloves optional; required only for goalkeeper: full protective equipment, including a chest and throat protector. Approximately $125-$175 per player. First Stick Program: The ultimate grassroots initiative for new and developing youth (U19 and below) lacrosse teams nationwide, this program is designed to deliver comprehensive USL developmental and safety resources, equipment, USL membership and coach training to awarded teams. – More can be found at – Application available on in April with a submissionwww.uslacrosse.org deadline of July 1.

LACROSSE What about coaches? Coaches Education Program – Online Courses: Interactive coaches resource to teach new/developing coaches philosophy, skills and strategies for boys or girls lacrosse. Free to all current USL members, available 24 hours a day through – Instructional Clinics: These clinics provide the hands-on, in-person interaction based on the knowledge you received from the course. For a schedule and to learn more please visit, CEP Clinic page on Clinic – Level 1 Certification: A nationally recognized certification program that offers lacrosse coaches baseline, sport-specific training in order to provide the most effective, safe and enjoyable playing environment for participants. Level 1 certification components include completion of: CEP Level 1 Online Course and CEP Level 1 Instructional Clinic PCA Double Goal Coach 1 Course Background check through National Center for Safety Initiatives

LACROSSE What about coaches? Sportsmanship Matching Grant: USL and the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) have partnered to make lacrosse a positive, character building experience for every athlete. This program provides matching grants to deliver PCA workshops to help organizations educate their coaches, officials, athletes and fans on honoring the game. For more information, visit US Lacrosse Convention: 5,000 coaches, officials and administrators come together annually in January to expand their knowledge at the largest and most comprehensive educational and networking event in the lacrosse world. Appropriate for all levels of coaching: youth, high school, collegiate and post-collegiate. Visit to learn more.

LACROSSE What about officials? Mens and Womens Officials Education & Training Programs: USL develops and maintains the national standards and training programs for the certification of mens game and womens game officials at all levels. – Online Courses: Developed in 2012, each course will take the learner through the basics of foul recognition in each game. – Resources such as videos, manuals and senior officials mentorship programs – Instructional Clinics: A platform of nationwide USL clinics offer mens and womens game Officials on and off field education, training and evaluation. – Scholarship Programs: Awards scholarships to deserving Official recipients to subsidies the travel and registration costs associated with attending the USL National Convention. Resources for Recruiting and Retaining Officials: Resources such as a free publication to help programs and leagues around the country plan for and secure lacrosse officials; available through

LACROSSE Whats available to help new players? US National Teams Clinic: Youth and high school players learn from the worlds elite playersmembers of the US Lacrosse-coordinated Mens and Womens National Teams annually at sites across the country Online tips at and Skill and training tips in Lacrosse Magazine Keeper of Lacrosse Project: An educational and cultural initiative to preserve and promote the core values of lacrosse. Visit for more info and to sign up. – Play in the spirit of the game – Embrace traditions – Promote the virtues of honor, integrity and respect – Inspire and encourage acts of good sportsmanship – Value the importance of teamwork – Own the responsibility and connection to the greater community

US LACROSSE Membership Benefits Lacrosse Magazine – 12 issues Insurance Staff Support/Information Center Discounts on products Partnership Benefits Access to grants and educational programs Physical Education Curriculum First Stick equipment grants Coaches Education and Officials Training Access to Special Events US Lacrosse Convention for coaches, officials and administrators Lacrosse festivals and competitions Regional Chapter Network Specific Benefits by Member Category Resource Material Discounts And more!

Your Team Put your team name as the title and explain what you have done already to help form this team such as: developing your mission, vision, and goals; securing some or all of necessary funding, player interest and leadership, trained coaches and officials; creating a board and booster club. Also provide participation statistics fro the team if applicable, and what you anticipate future growth to be.

Funding and Support for this team Explain how you will fund and support the cost of this team with recommendations and ideas from the New Start manual

US Lacrosse and Community Support Explain how you will use the support of US Lacrosse, your local US Lacrosse Chapter and any other outside support such as sponsors to start and support your team. See the information about US Lacrosse Chapters in your New Start manual.

Proposed Timeline Youll want to show that you are organized and have a plan for forming your team. Present a proposed timeline of events (including due dates for registration, recruiting coaches, meeting dates, fundraising events etc and a proposed game schedule.

School Support Explain what you will now need from the school and/or town-remember make it as easy as possible to say yes!

Acknowledgements Be sure to thank the proper people for their time, for listening and for their consideration, and others who have helped you get started. Be sure to also list your contact information at the end of the presentation.