Coaches Resource

New to Lacrosse.
COACHES and
Players.

Our aim is simple. We deliver resources to our lacrosse community that creates the best atmosphere for players of all ages, backgrounds, sizes and skill levels to thrive. We work to build our community and provide leadership in all key aspects of the sport and invite you to experience this with us.

Resources for Coaches

NCL Coaching Manual 

We have created a comprehensive coaching manual that addresses many of the crucial program and team related polices and concepts we expect every coach at every level to understand and employ. Intended as an aid, both parents and coaches have access to this as a road map for success on and off the field and feel free to download and share. Click the Image or Links Below:

Key Concepts
Sample Coaching Video

We are building a library of basic and advanced skills and concepts that go beyond the simple fundamentals of what you will find in various google searches but how they are uniquely applied in our program and directly with both player and team development in mind. See this sample and speak with coaching coordinator or director on how to get access and contribute more to this project. 

Coaches Registration

All NCL Coaches and Officials need to register through our website to recieve updated league and team information and changes as well as access to specific NCL Coaching Resources.

Click Here

Minium Requirements

Coaching Certification

Coaching Requirements: There are certain basic requirements to coach at any level outlined below with specific requirements for various leagues and programs. Links on this page will take you to more detailed discussion and resources designed to align our program with a complete athlete development model.

The purpose Coaching Certification program is to enhance the training of student-athletes by assuring that their coaches maintain a certain level of professional development and safety training throughout their careers. It is also the goal of the NCL to advance the level of play by providing lacrosse coaches the structure and training necessary to strive for the highest level of coaching and sportsmanship.

ALL COACHES: Any coach (volunteer or paid) is required to

1. Maintain a current/valid US Lacrosse Membership to include an NCSI Background Check AND Abuse Prevention course. (every 2 years)

2. Complete the Free NFHS Concussion and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Courses linked below.

HEAD COACHES:  The Head Coach of each program (Varsity Head Coach) must also be at least 21 years of age and attend all mandatory Coach’s Meetings and Rules Meetings.

In addition to meeting the above requirements, the Head Coach should provide certificate of completion for:

3. Level 1: Developing the Individual Athlete   (Must login to US Lacrosse account first to use link)

  • A previous certificate for US Lacrosse Boy’s Level 1 Online is valid
  • Documentation showing coach is fully Level 1 certified (or higher) is valid
  • One is exempt if having been a registered head coach with the WHSBLA since 2012 season or prior 

Compliance Check

Select the links to the right and complete each one to get started in coaching.

RECCOMENDED COMPLETE LEVEL 1 CERTIFICATION Any coach after their first season is recommneded to complete continuing education through you lacrosse both online and in person courses. The online training can be Online courses available free to all members @usalacrosse.com. Login with your membership info and navigate to E-learning (top right menu options).

The Complete Online Level 1 Course includes:

About Our Programs

Boys Programs

Planting and supporting teams in every school, K through HS, across Lynden, Nooksack, Mt Baker and Blaine.

Learn More

Girls Programs

Growing diverse programs and giving young girls the opportunity to join and enjoy the sport of Lacrosse with friends.

Learn More

Select Programs

A competitive program that draws the best select players from each of our foundational scholastic boys and girls programs.

Learn More

Recreational

No helmet, No pads, No problem. Lowest barriers for new and developmental players to enjoy small side Lacrosse.

Learn More
The Basics

Lacrosse “Lax” Rules

Lacrosse basics. For those not familiar with lacrosse, the game can best be described as a cross between hockey, soccer and football. The object of the game is to get the lacrosse ball in the opposing team’s net. The ball cannot be thrown using hands. The most effective way for advancing and shooting a lacrosse ball is catching it and then moving or throwing it with a lacrosse stick. A lacrosse game is divided into four quarters, ranging from eight to 15 minutes depending on age level. The modern lacrosse field at the college level is 110 yards long and 60 yards wide. A lacrosse goal is 6 feet high and 6 feet wide and is positioned 15 feet from the endline allowing 360 play around the goal.

Field Dimensions differ between Men’s and Female and Youth lacrosse but a typical field diagram is shown for reference to boys high school lacrosse.

Lacrosse Rules. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) authors rules for high school boys’ lacrosse. For 2017, US Lacrosse has produced a stand-alone youth rule book for Boys and Girls U18 as well as age appropriate for ages 14U and below.  NSYL (North Sound Youth Lacrosse) league does make some acceptations to these rules that can be found at

http://nsyouthlax.com/Page.asp?n=141240&org=NSYOUTHLAX.COM

Basic Rules Interpretation Videos are shown below for the past season and it is highly encouraged for each player, parent, and coach to watch and understand the fun, fair, sage way to play lacrosse. 

Youth Rules
Boys Rules

Lacrosse

Journey

Message us

Thank you for your interest in coaching and making a commitment to impacting young athletes. From practice planning to running drills, to games, it’s a significant investment of time and energy that we value. The lessons your players learn — about the fundamentals of the sport and, more importantly, about sportsmanship and life — are important and lasting.