FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the season start?
The official season start dates are U7, U9 and U11 are April 22, 2024 and U13, U15 and U17 are April 15, 2024. You can find more information on the Calgary District Lacrosse Association's Page.
We will hold evaluations for our HOKS (‘A’) teams in the beginning of March, and continue with all other evaluations after. We will make up teams once evaluations are completed - this will begin middle of March to the beginning April. The season generally starts in late April or early May and continues to end of June, with playoffs to the end of June to mid-July. This includes league play, city championships and provincials. Teams winning the city championships are expected to compete in Provincials which is held over the first 2 weeks of July.
What age division does my child play in?
The age groups are as follows, Ages are as of December 31 of the calendar year.
| Age Division | Year of Birth (ages) |
| U7 | 2018-2020 (4, 5, 6) |
| U9 | 2016-2017 (7, 8) |
| U11 | 2014-2015 (9, 10) |
| U13 | 2012-2013 (11, 12) |
| U15 | 2010-2011 (13, 14) |
| U17 | 2008-2009 (15, 16) |
What days of the week will my child or children play?
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide days or times of the week until we complete evaluations and make the teams. U9 will be on the floor 2 times a week, U11 will be on the floor 2-3 times a week, U13 - U17 will be on the floor 2-3 times a week, but coaches may require players to attend additional practices. Tournaments will be an additional floor time and decided by the team. Please see the note from the Calgary District Lacrosse Association Website regarding scheduling: For the remainder of 2024 Box Lacrosse playing season, there will be a combination of weekday games and weekend games. Due to the high volume of players/teams we are unable to provide a set practice schedule and days/times may vary.
This is my child’s first year? Will that be an issue?
No, absolutely not! We have new players at every age division. We have new players starting at U7 all the way up to U17.
Can friends play together?
For U7 and U9, we will try to accommodate requests based on needs, whether it's a friend, carpool, etc., but we cannot promise all requests will be fulfilled.
While we will do our best to meet each child's request, we cannot guarantee that all requests can be met. It is essential to ensure balanced team abilities for U7 and U9 teams at the start of the season.
For U11 and up - Players are grouped into teams based on their comparable skill levels. Regrettably, it may not always be feasible for friends to be on the same team. Our goal is to ensure that all players enjoy the season, so we conduct evaluations. While we take note of requests, there is a chance that friends may be placed on different teams if their skill levels differ.
*All players are assessed and evaluated, after evaluations are completed the teams are made up of players with equal or similar skill levels to create a fair and competitive season. *
Can I use my kid’s hockey equipment?
Yes, we do suggest lacrosse gloves for better grip and stick handling, and getting lacrosse arm guards - they cover more surface area. Please see the Required Equipment Page for more information.
My child is interested in being a goalie, but that is a huge investment!
No problem! We can lend you a set of goalie gear for your child to see if being a goalie is for them. You just need to reach out to our equipment director. Please email operations@okotokslacrosse.com
I would like to coach; how do I do that?
You can go to our coaching application and fill out the form. You will also need to ensure you have all the required coach certifications. Please visit the Calgary District Lacrosse Association website to find all the necessary information.
I want to help out during the season, can I be a trainer for my child's team?
Yes, we definitely are always looking for qualified individuals to volunteer during the season.
Trainers must have the appropriate certification. Appropriate certification is defined as one of the following:
- Any St. John Ambulance Emergency First Aid course of 8 hours (or more) or equivalent
- Canadian Red Cross Standard First Aid & First Responder
- Canadian Red Cross Sport First Responder and Sport Aid course
- Hockey Canada Safety Program (HCSP)
- An appropriate designation (examples: MD; RN; Physiotherapist, Police Officer; Firefighter, Chiropractor; Registered Massage Therapist).
From the above, please be clear CPR (as a stand-alone certification) is not an equivalency.
**The ALA recognizes only one trainer per team on the bench to address those specific activities (activities which would not include coaching athletes).**
Where do I find all the information about registration?
Please visit our 2024 Spring Box Lacrosse Season Page
Where do I find more information about the Respect in Sports for Parents?
Please go to the CDLA Respect in Sports website
Where do I go to complete my Respect in Sports for Activity Leaders?
Please go to https://ala.respectgroupinc.com/ , if you haven't already spoken to someone from the club please ensure you have reached out for more information regarding the RIS - Activity Leader's, and if you are a confirmed coach for the season CDLA will be covering the fees for your certification. You will receive more information, the pre-registration code, etc., once you have spoken to our technical director. Please email technical@okotokslacrosse.com to receive the correct information or to be directed to the person who is handling the coaching staff this season.
If you have any questions that are not answered above please contact one of the Board Members to assist you.
