SMYLA requires each participating organization to field at least one team at the U11 (Peewees), U13 (Midgets) and U15 (Juniors) age groups in their primary conference. Organizations with more than one team at a specific age group can enter that team in the Potomac Conference.
SMYLA organizations field teams in two separate conferences. The CHESAPEAKE conference is for teams that play at a more competitive, skilled level while our POTOMAC conference is dedicated to the developing players and teams that play at a lesser competitive level than teams in the Chesapeake conference. Our goal is to have players competing against similar skilled players so that the sport of lacrosse can be more enjoyable to everyone.
In addition to these age groups SMYLA organizations also have the option to field a U9 (Bantams) AND U7 (Scoopers) age group. At present time every organization within SMYLA fields at least one Bantams (U9) team while many have U7 (Scooper) teams.
The age group for which a young man plays is determined by how old he is on September 1st of the year preceding the spring season. EXAMPLE: if a young man is 14 on September 1st 2011 then he is eligible to play for the Juniors age group in Spring 2012 given that he is currently NOT playing for a High School team.
BANTAMS (U9)
While not an officially sanctioned age group within SMYLA, each organization participates at this age group. Coaches are on the field with the players and there is no penalty box. Games and are designed as an instructional league to introduce 7 and 8 year olds to the game. No body checking is allowed. Use of goalies, rejecters, field size and number of players is determined prior to the game between the two head coaches.
PEEWEE (U11)
The U11 age group play mostly by Federation Rules. The only exceptions are:
No one-handed stick checks.
MIDGETS (U13)
The U13 age group play by Federation Rules.
No one-handed stick checks.
JUNIORS (U15)
The U15 age group play by Federation Rules.
No one-handed stick checks.
Young men in 9th grade ARE permitted to play IF they do not play on their high school team (JV or Varsity) or comparable club team.
To view U.S Lacrosse Federation Rules visit the U.S Lacrosse web site at: http://www.uslacrosse.org/the_sport/mens_rules.phtml