Parent Support

A simple guide for new lacrosse families: rules, referee signals, gear fitting, game-day questions, and ways to help your player practice at home.

RulesRef SignalsGear FitFAQPractice At Home
Parent note: Lacrosse rules can change by age group, league, province/state, box vs field, and tournament policy. This is a quick parent guide, not an official rulebook. Always follow your coach, officials, and league rules.

Beginner Rules Quick Guide

The goal is to help parents understand why the whistle blew.

Possession

A team has possession when they control the ball or when an official awards the ball.

  • Listen for “blue ball” or “white ball.”
  • After many fouls, the other team gets the ball.
  • Players usually need to give space after the whistle.

Contact

Legal contact depends on age group and rule set. Younger ages usually focus on safety and control.

  • No hits from behind.
  • No head contact.
  • No reckless stick checks.

Stick Checks

Players can check sticks/gloves, but wild swings or contact to helmet/body can be a penalty.

  • Controlled checks are safer.
  • Slashes are usually dangerous swings.
  • Two hands helps control.

Crease

The goalie crease is protected space. Attackers usually cannot step into the crease to score or interfere.

  • Crease violations stop play.
  • Goalie interference is serious.
  • Defender rules can vary by league.

Offside

Offside usually means a team has too many players on one side of the field or zone.

  • More common in field lacrosse.
  • Coaches may yell “hold” or “get back.”
  • This is confusing for many new parents.

Whistles

Not every whistle means a penalty. Play may stop for possession, out of bounds, goalie ball, timeout, injury, or reset.

  • Watch the official’s arm direction.
  • Listen for team color.
  • Ask after the play, not during live action.

Rules + Referee Signal Guides

Quick parent reference guides for the major game formats.

Men's Field Parent Guide

Rules, quick references and beginner explanations.

Women's Field Parent Guide

Female-specific field rules and parent references.

Box Parent Guide

Box rules, substitutions, shot clocks and common questions.

Sixes Parent Guide

Shot clocks, transitions and fast-paced gameplay explained.

Men's Field Ref Signals

Common referee signals and explanations.

Women's Field Ref Signals

Female field referee signal guide.

Box Ref Signals

Common box referee signals.

Sixes Ref Signals

Common Sixes referee signals.

Proper Gear Fitting Guide

Safe gear is comfortable, snug, and does not limit movement.

Helmet

  • Sits level, not tipped back.
  • Chin strap snug.
  • Cannot shake loose.
  • Check cage visibility.

Gloves

  • Fingers near the end.
  • Wrist cuff protects but bends.
  • Player can grip stick comfortably.
  • No large wrist gaps.

Shoulder / Chest Pads

  • Covers chest and collarbone.
  • Does not slide around.
  • Player can raise arms.
  • Check league requirements.

Elbow / Arm Pads

  • Elbow cap sits on elbow.
  • Straps snug, not painful.
  • No big glove-to-pad gap.
  • Attack may need more coverage.

Mouthguard

  • Worn properly during play.
  • Not chewed through.
  • Keep a backup.
  • Check local color/strap rules.

Stick

  • Matches age and league rules.
  • Pocket not too deep.
  • Beginner pocket should catch and release.
  • Check tape, butt end, screws, mesh.

Parent FAQ

Common questions from new lacrosse families.

Why did play stop?

Usually for possession, a foul, out of bounds, crease violation, goalie ball, timeout, injury, or safety.

Why did the other team get the ball?

The official may have called a loose-ball foul, out of bounds, illegal contact, crease violation, or awarded possession.

What should I yell from the sideline?

Cheer effort, hustle, and teamwork. Avoid yelling instructions that conflict with the coach.

Why does my child need wall ball?

Wall ball builds catching, passing, confidence, rhythm, and off-hand development.

What is a good beginner goal?

Start with 25 clean catches. Then 50. Then add weak hand, movement, and faster rhythm.

What matters most for young players?

Confidence, safety, fun, repetition, and learning to love touching the stick every day.

At-Home Practice Starter Plan

Five minutes is enough to build a habit. Start with easy success, then add challenge.

Start Training ›

Day 1

25 comfortable wall ball catches. Focus on catching softly and throwing straight.

Day 2

25 strong hand, 10 weak hand. Praise effort more than results.

Day 3

Try Cradle Coach Arcade for 3 minutes. Keep it fun, fast, and low pressure.

Help improve this parent section with your questions, confusion points, or gear issues. Parent Feedback ›