LaCrosse

Has anyone ever played this, or have kids that play(or played) it? My 14 year old son is thinking about joining the team for high school next year and I'm just wondering about the sport. I have heard it's extremely dangerous? Nick has never been one for sports (played soccer in elementary), and I'm just wondering if this is too 'ambitious' for someone who has never played? He has friends that play and want him to join. I don't want to hold him back though either...this could be really great for him. I'm nervous because he's doing marching band too, and this is a LOT to take on. He's also in honors classes. Just don't want him taking on more than he can chew. Advice please?

Is this like playing hockey but they do it outside in a grass field with a small ball and sticks?

Well, I can't say I have any kids who play or played, but many of the kids on the street do. I haven't heard many horror stories, though I can imagine hurling a small rubber ball at someone could cause a big ouch if you miss. It looks like you're pretty well protected between all the pads and the helmet, but there is always a soft spot somewhere that someone nails.

If it were me, I would probably let him try out unless he is going to be really upset if he doesn't make the team. Does the high school have J.V. and Varsity? Since I don't know much about lacrosse I don't know how difficult it would be for him to pick up, but I couldn't see a kid who never played hockey before trying to make the high school hockey team unless he was a natural who just never tossed around a puck.

I think it stresses us out more when our kids are busy than it affects them. Right now I am out of the house four nights a week with various activities and we have swimming on Saturday mornings; and I only have two girls under the age of 10. The oldest would gladly add piano and/or guitar lessons to her schedule, along with golf if I could afford it.

This is one of those moments when you wish kids came with instruction manuals and you could look up what you should do. LOL!

Carol wrote:

Is this like playing hockey but they do it outside in a grass field with a small ball and sticks?

Yep, you got it!

bethandmanly wrote:

This is one of those moments when you wish kids came with instruction manuals and you could look up what you should do. LOL!

LOL, that sure would be nice sometimes!

Thanks for your input Cheryl....Nick has played hockey---he played roller hockey from age four to age 9. So he has some experience at least with the 'concept.' Still, I'm sure there'll be a ton to learn. I talked to my brother in law last night when I went to see my niece play in her lacrosse game. The only things the girls wear for 'protective measures' are goggles. He said he's seen boys lacrosse and they were full gear, helmets and pads. So that's comforting. The girls aren't even allowed to make much physical contact whatsoever...the boys are extremely agressive---you get 'taken out' quite a bit, so my BIL says. But he said it's not nearly as aggressive as football, where your actually main goal is to take people out, LOL!

The good news is, lacrosse at Nick's school is only in the spring, so there is no interference with marching band. I'm not sure Cheryl if there are tryouts or if they're just 'in'. The tryouts DO scare me---the thought of Nick's ego getting bruised does not excite me....he's at an age where that's the last thing he needs. I think the best thing to do at this point is to go watch a high school game, just to see.

Wow Cheryl, you are one busy mom! Part of the issue with us is that Nick's school is very far away, (we live out of district and he's in through school of choice), so we have to worry about gas and time constraints too. Next year we plan to put him in trumpet lessons as well. Ugh, I see the dollar signs now!