U13 Small Sided

Competition Guidelines

Age and developmentally appropriate lacrosse competition

for girls playing in the U13 Age Classification

We envision a future that offers people everywhere the opportunity to

discover, learn, participate in, enjoy, and ultimately embrace the

shared passion of the lacrosse experience.

Our Vision

About Athlete Development

It is our sincere hope that by providing these competition guidelines to

lacrosse coaches, parents, and program administrators, players

across the country will have an opportunity to learn lacrosse in a way

that is physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially appropriate.

We believe that this increases both the learning and fun for young

athletes. When kids are having fun, they are learning and when they

learn they improve.

Age appropriate competitions will help young athletes reach their full

potential, because they will…

Learn Lacrosse Better

Love Lacrosse More

Stay in Lacrosse Longer

The Small Sided Competition Guidelines and contents herein are the exclusive property

of US Lacrosse. Reproduction in whole or part is strictly prohibited. For reproduction

requests, please contact US Lacrosse at (410)235-6882

Version 1.0 Published 12/1/2015

Philosophy of U13 Lacrosse

U13 lacrosse is where young athletes are honing their technical skills and begin building the tactical skills needed in lacrosse. The children entering at this point have a vast difference in their physical and cognitive developments and the game they play should be designed to reinforce fundamental technical skills and practical tactical applications for playing lacrosse. Essentially, they are preparing to be competitors. Careful planning must be used to ensure that the environment is inclusive of all athletes, provides multiple opportunities for each athlete to “touch” the ball, encourages experimentation, and a progressive development of existing technical skills. Additionally, the technical skills they are honing, are now being applied to the tactical aspect of the game. Athletes should be coached to have a “Growth Mindset” by having effort praised ahead of results. With respect to the competition at this level, coaches, parents, and officials should emphasize:

FUN

Using technical skills in game situations

Exploring and applying new tactical skills.

Age and Eligibility Player must be 13 years old or younger on August 31 of the year preceding competition. It is recommended that when multiple teams exist within a program, teams should consider the physical size, skill, and maturity level when selecting teams. At no time should players younger than 11 years of age be permitted to play at the U13 level. Ideally, players should be playing in single age classifications.

Playing Up or Down It is not recommended that players participate outside of their age classification due to the vast differences is physical and cognitive development. If program size allows, teams should be selected based on the physical size, skill, and maturity level of the athletes in a single age classification.

Recommended Roster Sizes Local administrators should strive to construct their teams with a player to coach ratio of 12:1. This ratio provides ample opportunity for all athletes to receive effective coaching. It is recommended that whenever possible teams do not have more than 15 or less than 12 players.

Coaches and Officials

Coaches are not permitted on the field of play. They may roam the designated coaches box on their respective sideline.

US Lacrosse recommends 2 certified officials on the field for every competition.

Field Dimensions and Specifications

The Goal 6x6 goals with securely affixed netting. The goal shall be centered within the goal goal circle.

The Goal Circle The goal circle shall have a 8.5’ radius.

Field Markings Given the multiple constraints that many programs encounter, no permanent or semi-permanent markings are required by rule. Programs may elect to use flat disc cones in part or whole to designate the playing area. Whenever possible, existing lines on a field may be used to define boundaries, provided the field does not exceed 100x55 yards.

Field Players

The U13 Competition is played 10v10 (9 field players + 1 goalkeeper) or 12v12 (11 field players + 1 goalkeeper). Coaches should evaluate the skill and experience level of their team to determine which is the best option for their team. Teams of lesser skill or experience should opt for the 10v10 format, while teams of greater skill and experience may opt for the 12v12 format.

Goalkeepers

Goalkeepers are required at the U13 level of play. Additionally, no player other than a legally equipped goalkeeper (by USL Youth Rules and Guidelines) may intentionally assume the role of goalkeeper.

Protective Equipment

Goggles and mouthguards are required for all field players and goalkeepers must be properly equipped as designated in the US Lacrosse Youth Rules and Guidelines.

Sticks

Existing NFHS/ USL Youth Rules Specs.

The Ball The ball must meet NOCSAE specifications to be legal for play.

Competition Timing

A competition will consist of two (2) twenty-minute running time halves, with a five-minute halftime period. It is recommended that whenever possible, teams play a round-robin format of within their own in-house program. Example: A program has (4) U13 teams and (2) fields to play on. Each team will play a 12 minute period against one of the other teams. Sample Format: Team A, Team B, Team C, Team D 00:00 – 00:20 = A vs. B, C vs. D 00:20– 00:25 = Break 00:25– 00:45= A vs. C, B vs. D 00:45– 00:50 = Break 00:50 – 00:70 = A vs. D, B vs. C

Timeouts

Teams will have (1) two-minute timeout per half. Timeouts do not carry over to the second half or overtime periods.

Overtime

Two four minute overtimes. If still tied, game ends in a tie.

Scorekeeping

Scores are to be kept at this level of play.

Scrum Situations

In the event that a loose ball cannot be quickly picked up due to multiple players in a “scrum,” the official shall stop play and award the ball via Alternating Possession rules.

Starting the Competition Prior to the start of competition the “official” will call one player from each team and conduct a coin toss. The winner of the coin toss will choose which goal they defend or first Alternating Possession. The loser of the coin toss will be awarded the remaining choice. The competition will start with a 3v3 draw at the center. All remaining players must be placed equally behind their offensive and defensive restraining line. All players are released on the officials whistle.

Restarting After a Goal is Scored After a goal is scored, the competition will restart with a 3v3 draw at the center. All remaining players must be placed equally behind their offensive and defensive restraining line. All players are released on the officials whistle.

Off-Sides Yes. If playing 10v10: A team is considered off-sides when they have more than 6 players past their offensive restraining line or when they have more than 7 players (including the goalkeeper) past their defensive restraining line. If playing 12v12: A team is considered off-sides when they have more than 7 players past their offensive restraining line or when they have more than 8 players (including the goalkeeper) past their defensive restraining line.

Substitutions See NFHS/US Lacrosse Youth Rules and Guidelines. Coaches should emphasize regular substitutions, focusing on player development in multiple positions on the field.

Minor Fouls

Raking the Ball At no time may a player use the back of their stick to cover or rake the ball backwards. They may only use a forward scooping motion to attempt to gain possession of the ball. Penalty: See NFHS/ US Lacrosse Youth Rules and Guidelines.

Covering the Ball Players are not permitted to cover the ball under any circumstances. Penalty: See NFHS/ US Lacrosse Youth Rules and Guidelines.

Goal Circle Violation

No player other than the properly equipped goalkeeper, from either team may enter the goal circle at any time. A player may reach her stick into the goal circle for the sole purpose of collecting a loose ball. If the ball becomes ensnared in the outside of the goal, the official will blow the whistle and award the ball to the defensive team. Penalty: See NFHS/ US Lacrosse Youth Rules and Guidelines.

Stalling

Coaches may opt to enable a 5 second count to encourage players to utilize their teammates. If used, a player in possession of the ball has 5 seconds from when she first possesses the ball to attempt a pass or shot. Penalty: If the 5 second count is violated, the whistle is blown and the ball is given to the offended team. This rule can be enacted prior to or during competition only if both coaches agree.

Minimum Passing Requirement

Teams are not required to complete a minimum number of passes before going to goal. Coaches should stress the importance of teamwork and utilizing all players. A coach may choose to enforce a minimum requirement on his or her own team.

Goalkeeper Interference

With one foot inside of her goal circle and possession of the ball the goalkeeper is protected from checking of any type. Penalty: See NFHS/ US Lacrosse Youth Rules and Guidelines.

Goalkeeper Count

In the event of the goalkeeper gaining possession of the ball within her goal circle during a live-ball situation, the goalkeeper has 10 seconds to either exit the goal circle or attempt to pass the ball out of the goal circle to a member of her team.

Penalty: See NFHS/ US Lacrosse Youth Rules and Guidelines.

Off Sides

If playing 10v10: A team is considered off-sides when they have more than 6 players past their offensive restraining line or when they have more than 7 players (including the goalkeeper) past their defensive restraining line. If playing 12v12: A team is considered off-sides when they have more than 7 players past their offensive restraining line or when they have more than 8 players (including the goalkeeper) past their defensive restraining line. Penalty: See NFHS/ US Lacrosse Youth Rules and Guidelines.

Major Fouls

Checking

Modified, below the shoulder checking is permitted. Penalty: See NFHS/ US Lacrosse Youth Rules and Guidelines.

Body Contact

Legal body contact while attempting to gain possession of a loose ball in situations such as ground balls or off the draw is permissible. Penalty: See NFHS/ US Lacrosse Youth Rules and Guidelines.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Players are expected to uphold the highest levels of sportsmanship at all times.

Penalty: See NFHS/ US Lacrosse Youth Rules and Guidelines.

About Coaching U13 Athletes KEY OBJECTIVES FOR SUCCESS Focus-Where we spend most of our time.

Honing athletes Technical and fundamental Tactical skills.

Goals for this stage of development -What we are trying to achieve

To reinforce technical skills while learning and practicing tactical applications in a progressive system. Getting as many touches of the ball as possible.

Player-centered environment-what it should look like

Fun, inclusive, accepting, engaging and positive. Focus on

improvement and effort rather than outcome. Reinforce new

and existing skills while learning to apply to tactics through

small sided and engaging play and enjoyable practice.

Opportunities to try new things. Growth mindset.

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

Athletic Development Agility, footwork, dynamic balance, complex coordination, multi-

directional speed, strength, core strength, flexibility.

Technical (Skills) Development Consolidating and mastering all technical skills, exploring

variations-- developing consistency under pressure. Mastering

individual defensive skills. Beginning to develop position-

specific skills.

Tactical (Strategy) Development Developing situational understanding of play up to 7 v 7;

developing understanding of zones, proficient with riding and

clearing, player to player defense. Working on space and time

Psychological Development - working to support athletes in these areas…

Love of the sport, focus, simple goal setting, self-motivation,

confidence, learning to make decisions, developing self-

reliance, understanding winning and losing. Respect.

Social-Behavioral Development--know that at this age they are…

More independent, able to share, improved decision making

ability. Desire independence and are building confidence. Peer

group acceptance becomes important and physical

competency plays a role in how one is perceived. Girls tend to

form "cliques," boys have more broad team relationships.

PRACTICE

Practice to Competition & Competition Specific Training Ratio**

70:30 Boys/60:40 Girls

Primary Objective of Practice To reinforce basic technical skills and introduce tactical

components of the game through progressions and small-sided

play practice/ teaching games for understanding. Include free

play.

Max Recommended Ratio (player:coach)

12:1

Length of Sessions 60-75 minutes

Frequency* Up to 3x a week during an 8-12 week season

Multi-Sport Participation-Sport and physical activity diversification-Other sports and activities.

Sport-specific training up to 3x a week (for one specific

season), participate in other physical activity or sport 4-5 times

a week. Ensure time period in the year when there is a several

week rest from all organized sport.