Frequently Asked Questions

Updated Oct 16, 2008

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What is the mission of MBGLL?

MBGLL’s mission is to promote girls’ youth lacrosse in an environment that emphasizes fun while developing skills, teamwork, good sportsmanship, and integrity.

What is girls’ lacrosse and how does it differ from the boys’ game?

Girls’ lacrosse is a non-contact, fast-paced sport where female athletes run up and down a field passing and shooting a ball at a goal with their lacrosse sticks.  Mass Bay goes a step further and promotes girls’ youth lacrosse in an environment that emphasizes fun while developing skills, teamwork, good sportsmanship, and integrity.  The main difference between boys’ lacrosse and the girls’ game is that the boys allow contact while girls’ lacrosse is a non-contact sport.

What ages play in MBGLL?

MBGLL offers instructional league play in four grade-based groupings: 1^st/2^nd, 3^rd/4^th, 5^th/6^th, and 7^th/8^th. Age is not a factor.

You will see "U15" and "U13" used on this website and in lots of lacrosse literature, because US Lacrosse uses age groupings. So...when we say "U15" we really mean "7^th/8^th grade", and when we say "U13" we really mean "5^th/6^th grade".   

Waivers to this policy are reviewed on a case by case basis. Please review our Guidelines for Grade Waivers and then submit a waiver request to your division director. 

Is MBGLL offering a 1^st and 2^nd grade program this year?

MBGLL is pleased to offer a 1^st and 2^nd grade program again for the 2009 lacrosse season.  This developmental program will play four scheduled 8 v 8 games on a shortened field.  (Goalies are optional)  Games will consist of 20 minute running-time halves and coaches are encouraged to go on the field during play.  Since this is a new program, the emphasis is on learning lacrosse and having fun.  Towns may combine with other areas to create a team.  Please note that a slightly longer travel time to games might occur due to the small number of established teams.

If you do not want to register a 1^st and 2^nd grade team for the 4 week session but would like them to play in the Jamboree, please send an e-mail to MBGLL’s Executive Director at director@mbgll.org.  Please note that all 1^st and 2^nd grade players must belong to US Lacrosse.

Do the 3^rd and 4^th graders usually play 8 v 8?

3rd and 4th grade teams in all divisions play 8 v 8.

Are players required to have a colored mouth guard for the 2008 lacrosse season? 

Mass Bay is following US Lacrosse’s guidelines regarding mouth guards.  All mouth guards must be colored for the 2009 season.  No protrusions, such as tabs, are permitted in 2008 and beyond.

What is the Jamboree?

MBGLL offers and end-of season Jamboree to all teams.  This is an opportunity for teams to play towns that they might not meet during the regular season.  Typically teams sign up for a morning or afternoon slot and play three different games during that time period.  The jamboree is a wonderful, fun opportunity for players to end their spring lacrosse season and is a way for MBGLL to promote girls’ youth lacrosse in an environment that emphasizes fun while developing skills, teamwork, good sportsmanship, and integrity.

What is the Youth Festival?

The Youth Festival is a US Lacrosse sponsored event for 5th through 8th graders. In the past. MBGLL has chosen to send one 5^th/6^th and one 7^th/8^th team to the Youth Festival, although we have the option to send two teams at each grade level. The reason for sending only one team has been the lack of volunteer support. If you are interested in helping with this program, please contact the Youth Festival Director.

How is MBGLL Organized?

MBGLL has a Board of Directors which is responsible for managing the overall league. Our geography is broken into geographic divisions in which teams play an 8-week schedule in April, May and June.  (1^st and 2^nd grade team play is a developmental program and has a 4 week schedule for the 2009 spring season.) 

We count on volunteers to help run MBGLL.  If you would like to volunteer by joining the board, coaching a team, starting a program, or sponsoring an event, please send an e-mail to director@mbgll.org.

How do new programs get started with MBGLL?

Contact the MBGLL New Programs director. In addition to guidance, MBGLL and US Lacrosse have opportunities to help new programs with equipment and other start-up expenses.

What are MBGLL’s requirements for coaches?

MBGLL requires that all coaches belong to US Lacrosse to take advantage of its insurance benefits.  You may register with US Lacrosse at www.uslacrosse.org. 

MBGLL suggests that coaches obtain certification through US Lacrosse.

MBGLL suggests that each town conduct a CORI search on its coaches.

Yes, all players (and coaches) must obtain US Lacrosse membership prior to starting the season.  MBGLL requires US Lacrosse membership to take advantage of its insurance benefits.  No one may step onto the field without a current US Lacrosse membership.

Why does MBGLL require players and coaches to join US Lacrosse? 

MBGLL requires all players and coaches to join US Lacrosse to capitalize on the lacrosse-specific insurance benefits.  Having all participants subscribe to this lacrosse-specific insurance also limits liability for MBGLL Town Programs and Coaches.

How do I find out more information? 

Please visit our Board of Directors directory to find the e-mail address you are looking for or send an e-mail to info@mbgll.org.