FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are the answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions we receive. All of our board members are happy to assist you!
If your question has not been answered, please reach out to us so we can help.
Lacrosse Basics Overview
BASICS
Lacrosse known as is the fastest game on two feet, the Creator’s game, and the medicine game. Over the last two decades, lacrosse has been growing more rapidly than any other sport in the United States. If Lacrosse is new to you, you’re definitely not alone.
STRUCTURE
The boys youth league is comprised of new and experienced players from Kindergarten through 8th Grade. The league has two seasons, Fall and Spring, and players are placed on those teams that correspond to the high school boundary in which they live.
Parent Guide
US Lacrosse has developed a useful parent guide to help educate those who may be new to the sport.
What Is The Mountain Ridge LAX Value Proposition?
We Develop Athletes With:
- AWESOME Lacrosse Skills!
- Character
- Sportsmanship
- Team skills and camaraderie
- Leadership
- AWESOME Lacrosse Skills!
- High School (and beyond) opportunities!
What We Offer as a Program:
- Experienced coaches – MORE than the basics
- Player development with specialized positions
- Organization and Communication
What We Expect of Parents:
- Get involved – we are all Volunteers!
- Cheer for the whole team! – go nuts!
- Sportsmanship- ignore the refs, the other team’s coaches and parents.
- Keep positive game
- Take Care of/Respect our Fields/Clean-up
Where Do I Go To Register?
Registration is handled by Intermountain Lacrosse (IMLAX), the Utah Lacrosse Chapter for USA Lacrosse.
If this is your first time registering for lacrosse, you will be required to create a new account on their website. Once your account is created, all information will be stored for future IMLAX registrations.
What Are The Age Divisions?
K-1st Grade Division – Single Division for Kindergarten through 1st grade (programs should make these competitively equal).
2nd/3rd Grade Division – Single Divisions for 2nd and 3rd graders (programs should make these competitively equal). 3rd graders can elect to participate in either the 2nd/3rd division or the 3rd/4th grade division.
3rd/4th Grade Division – Single Divisions for 3rd and 4th graders (programs should make these competitively equal). 3rd graders can elect to participate in either the 2nd/3rd division or the 3rd/4th grade division.
5th/6th Grade A Division – Competitive level 5th and 6th graders.
5th/6th Grade B Division – Intermediate and Beginning level 5th and 6th graders.
5th/6th Grade C Division – Beginning level 5th and 6th graders.
7th/8th Grade A Division – Competitive level 7th and 8th graders.
7th/8th Grade B Division – Intermediate level 7th and 8th graders.
7th/8th Grade C Division – Beginning level 7th and 8th graders.
How Many Games Are Played Each Season?
There are generally 8 games played during Spring Season and 6 games played during Fall Season.
What Day of The Week Are Games Held?
Games are generally played on Saturdays. During Spring Season, some games are played on week nights near the end of the season.
When Will Game Schedules Be Posted?
Game schedules are typically posted by IMLAX one to two weeks prior to our first season games.
Where Are Games Held?
Games are typically played within the south end of the Salt Lake Valley. Our current home game field for Mountain Ridge is South Hills Middle School.
How Do I Handle Problem Resolution?
Injury
- Contact Program Director – Ralph Blood
- Phone: 801-361-3847
- Email: president@mountainridgelacrosse.org
Playing Time/Coaching Methods
- Discuss with coach AFTER practice. NEVER directly after a game.
- Sportsmanship – Good Sportsmanship is required of all.
- Getting “heated” – turn around, go for a quick walk.
- Clap instead of yelling.
- Remember that the referee’s primary concern is for the SAFETY of your athlete.
How Do I Get Involved or Help Coach?
We are always looking for volunteers. Our organization is run entirely off volunteers. The more volunteers, the more smoothly we can operate. We are one of the largest youth organizations in the state and are always grateful for parents to get involved. If you are interested, please contact Justin Rigby at president@mountainridgelacrosse.org.
If you would like to coach in the future, please contact us at info@mountainridgelacrosse.org. There are some virtual trainings for new coaches. We are also refining our organization’s coaching processes and training. The more coaches we can get trained, the better we can split our teams for proper player development.
Are There Scholarships Available?
Yes. Intermountain Lacrosse and Mountain Ridge Lacrosse provide a limited number of scholarships to players in need. If you, or someone you know, would benefit from a scholarship due to hardship or other unforeseen circumstances, please contact Justin Rigby at president@mountainridgelacrosse.org.
My Player Has Enjoyed Playing Lacrosse; What Other Opportunities are Available?
A lot of players develop most by having their sticks in their hands. The fundamentals of passing and catching are some of the most important skills to practice and will allow for better offense flow and clears. The best and most simple way to develop these skills is to play catch or wall ball.
There are a couple of youth clubs in the Salt Lake area (Utah Outlaws, Wasatch LC, Warhawks, Utah Hive, True Utah, and Salt Lake Summit). Most of these teams hold tryouts in July and August. Each of these clubs is organized slightly different. Most of our coaches have some background about these programs and can answer questions.
You can also ask questions at info@mountainridgelacrosse.org.
When is Lacrosse Season?
There are two seasons for youth lacrosse, Fall and Spring.
Fall Season: Early bird registration begins in mid-July for Fall Season. Practices start in mid-August. Games are played on Saturdays from the Saturday after Labor Day through mid-October.
Spring Season: Early bird registration begins at the end of November for Spring Season. Practices start in early-March. Games are played on Saturdays, and occasionally weeknights, from late March through mid-May.
Will I Need a New Uniform for Next Year?
We will have a new uniform design for 2024-2025 IMLax seasons, starting wtih the Spring 2024 Season. Therefore, all players will need a new uniform for spring season.
The new uniforms are usually exciting for the boys. We will make sure to send out early communication about uniform ordering during the Spring registration window.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw uniform delivery times change from 2-3 weeks to 4-6 weeks. To ensure your player receives a uniform before the start of games, we encourage you to register for each season, especially spring seasons, during the early bird registration. We usually need to order uniforms the first week of February, before IMLax registration ends (typically around mid-Feb). We can no longer guarantee that you will receive a uniform before the first game if you register after the first week of February.
How Much Are the Registration & Team Fees?
- Intermountain Lacrosse – IMLAX (Season) – $150 – $170
- Utah Chapter for Lacrosse
- K-4 Grade – $150 (Spring Season)
- 5-8 Grade – $170 (Spring Season)
- Includes Annual $30 US Lacrosse Fee
- US Lacrosse Governing Body
- Secondary insurance provided by Bollinger
- US Lacrosse Magazine & Access to Web Resources
- Mountain Ridge Youth LAX – MRYL (Annual) – $150
- Spring 2024 Youth Season Jersey – $85
- Includes reversible jersey & shorts + shooter shirt
- Swag & Socks available for order on our Corner Store
- Mountain Ridge Team Fee – $65
- Field Rental (Jordan School District, Herriman City)
- Equipment (Goals, Nets, Balls, Paint, etc.)
- Logistics (Web hosting, Banners, Coaches Shirts, Tax ID, etc.)
Why Do I Need a US Lacrosse Membership?
US Lacrosse is the national governing body for the sport of lacrosse. All players must have a current and valid US Lacrosse membership in order to participate in any league activities (practice and/or games). US Lacrosse Memberships are now included as part of the IMLAX process. These 1 year memberships entitle you to secondary insurance for any injuries incurred during team lacrosse activities. Membership also includes a 12 month, monthly, subscription to Lacrosse Magazine.
What Is The Required Lacrosse Equipment?
- Lacrosse Helmet (with face mask & chin strap)
- Mouthpiece (visible with strap)
- Shoulder Pads
- Arm Pads
- Lacrosse Gloves
- Lacrosse Stick
- Protective Cup
- Cleats
Where Can I Rent Lacrosse Gear?
Rental gear is available from IMLAX for $75.00.
Refer to IMLAX Equipment Rentals
How Will I Find Out About Practices?
It is the coach’s responsibility to determine the practice schedule and location. They should then contact their roster and communicate this information. If you have not heard from your coach in a timely manner, please email info@mountainridgelacrosse.org.
How Many Days Do They Hold Practice Each Week?
K-4th Grade Teams may hold 2 practices per week lasting up to 1.5 hours per session.
5th-8th Grade Teams may hold 3 practices per week, lasting up to 2 hours per session.
Do Practices & Games Get Canceled Due To Weather?
Lacrosse is played during inclement weather conditions and cancelations are generally up to the head coaches.
Lightning Policy
Lightning is a serious hazard and storms can move quickly in the region. If you observe a lightning flash that is followed by a thunder bang in less than 30 seconds, suspend the game and instruct teams to seek shelter off the field. Warn spectators as well. Wait a minimum of 30 minutes for the storm to pass then consult with the coaches. With the agreement of both coaches, and the official, you can then resume the game. Remember “clear the field” means “clear the field” no one is to be on the field for any reason.
Why Do Coaches Need to be Members of US Lacrosse?
We require all participants to be members of US Lacrosse which covers everyone with the same secondary insurance. This is required to gain access to school and public park fields. Members of US Lacrosse also receive a lacrosse magazine and have access to local training, clinics and hundreds of player and coaching tips.
Is Lacrosse a Dangerous Sport?
Like any sport, there are risks with playing the game. Lacrosse is a