Q: What is Box Lacrosse and how do you play it?
A: Box lacrosse is played inside, on an arena floor after the hockey season has finished and the ice has been removed. Each player carries a lacrosse stick, and attempts to run, pass and shoot a lacrosse ball past an opposing goalie into the other teams' net.
Each team has 5 players and a goalie on the floor at one time. Each team tries to score the lacrosse ball into the opponents net for a single point. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins. Lacrosse plays very similar to basketball with a very distinctive offensive and defensive component. The sport utilizes shot clocks, and each team has 30 seconds to take a shot on the opposing goalie or lose possession of the ball. Please visit the below links to view some box lacrosse highlights;
Box Lacrosse Highlights 1
Box Lacrosse Highlights 2
Box Lacrosse Highlights 3
Q: Why play box lacrosse?
A: Please see our
Why Lacrosse? link.
Q: Is there a physical component to box lacrosse?
A: Yes.
Body checking, cross checking, slashing and picks are techniques used in lacrosse.
Unlike hockey, these techniques are taught and utilized at all age groups and levels across lacrosse.
There are strict regulations governing how each component is utilized. There is zero tolerance for hitting from behind or head/neck shots.
Players are constantly encouraged to play lacrosse with their heads up.
Q: Do you keep score at lacrosse games?
A: Absolutely, unlike soccer we keep score at the Tyke, Novice, Pee Wee, and Bantam levels.
It is important for kids to learn how to win and lose.
Also,
all competitive lacrosse teams are ranked throughout the province. Therefore, goals for and against are an integral part of the ranking format.
Q: What type of equipment is required to play box lacrosse?
A: Please visit the Ontario Lacrosse Association link for LAX Equipment requirements. Certain pieces of hockey equipment can be used for lacrosse, however, it is recommended that players use lacrosse specific gear. Lacrosse packages including gloves, kidney pads and arm guards can be purchased at a reasonable price.
Q: How many teams does SMLA field?
A: Depending on our numbers and interest, we want to field as many teams as possible. We offer Competitive/Rep teams and House League teams at Paper Weight, Novice, Peewee, Bantam and Midget. The overall number of SMLA teams depends on interest and player registration. Please visit our Registration tab for more details.
Q: Do we offer Competitive/REP teams?
A: Yes. We offer REP teams at the Tyke, Novice, Pee Wee, and Bantam levels. Inexperience players are welcomed and encouraged to participate at the REP level if they are looking for a rewarding and challenging lacrosse experience immediately.
Q: Do we offer House League teams?
A: Yes. We offer House League teams at the Paper Weight, Tyke, Novice, Pee Wee, and Bantam levels. SMLA has inter-locked our House League program with the London Blue Devils. All our away games and year-end tournament will be played in London.
Q: Can my son or daughter play REP Lacrosse for SMLA having never played before?
A: Yes, absolutely. First-time players at any age can pick-up the sport very quickly. Your son or daughter can easily step in and play REP or House League box lacrosse.
Q: How competitive are our Strathroy teams?
A: Every REP lacrosse team in the province of Ontario is ranked according to their competitiveness. SMLA attempts to schedule games and tournaments with similarly ranked teams. Please visit the link below to view the LAX rankings for 2019.
2019 LAX Rankings
Q: Are there boundaries for players and their respective LAX association?
A: Yes there are boundaries and they function similar to hockey. Please visit the Association Boundaries section under our Registration Tab for complete details.
Q: Will there be a selection process for REP teams?
A: Possibly? Depending on how many players register and how many teams SMLA offers. If players are released, they will be asked to report to one of our potential house league teams. Partial or full refunds will be offered if this occurs. Competitive teams will have the option to affiliate players from our house league teams if such teams exist.
Q: How can my child prepare for lacrosse this spring?
A: New players can practice the basic skills at home with their lacrosse stick - catching, throwing, and cradling the ball. "Wall ball", "rebounders" or catch with a parent can help develop essential skills to succeed at lacrosse. "Cradle Babies" or similar homemade devices can help with controlling and cradling the ball while moving.
Q: Will there be camps prior to the start of the season?
A: Please visit our LAX Camp for more details.
Q: How is the league administered?
A: We are administered by the Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA) and are part of Zone 7. Zone 7 is comprised of 4 other associations, the London Blue Devils, the Sarnia Pacers, the Wallaceburg Griffins, and the Windsor Warlocks.
Q: Who do the Screaming Eagles play and how much travel is involved for our REP Teams?
A: REP Teams will travel. The majority of the games will be played against London, Sarnia, Wallaceburg, and Windsor. However, there will be games scheduled against teams from other zones, like Kitchener, Brantford, Six Nations, North Perth etc... For an idea of what the Screaming Eagles competitive schedule will look like, please visit the below 2019 Bantam Rep schedule and results.
Strathroy Screaming Eagles Bantam Rep Schedule
Q: Do the Screaming Eagles partake in any tournaments?
A: Yes. Every REP team needs to participate in one sanctioned tournament to be eligible for the Provincial Tournament at the end of the season. Tournament participation and selection will be a decision made by the team's coaching staff.
Q: What are the Provincials?
A: The LAX Provincials are a massive year-end tournament, held in Whitby, Ontario during the first week of August. Every REP team in the province is invited and grouped with 16 similarly ranked teams based on their LAX rankings. This tournament is fantastic and a must for all REP teams as there are no play-offs. This is the biggest Minor Lacrosse Tournament in the world.
Q: How long is the REP season?
A: Practices may start in April (depending on the arena ice). Games will begin in May and continue through June and July. The season ends the first week of August after the Provincials. Plan to play approximately 20 games during entire season. Your coaching staff will have an impact on how many games your team will play.
Q: How long is the House League season?
A: Practices may start in April (depending on arena ice). Games will begin in May and continue through June. The season concludes with a small tournament at the end of June in London. Plan to play approximately 6 to 10 games during the entire season.
Q: Will there be any additional player fees?
A: There may be additional fees for REP teams only. Those fees would cover tournaments, clothing, equipment and apparel. This will be a decision made by your team's coaching staff.
Q: How can I help?
A: Through sponsorships or volunteering as a coach, manager, trainer or board member.
Q: Does the SMLA need volunteer coaching staff?
A: YES! We need parents to volunteer as coaches and bench staff. Without volunteer coaches and bench staff we can not field teams. We have provided coaching materials and guidance under the Coaching/Volunteer/Paid Positions tab.
House League Coaches - do not need any coaching clinics or coaching cards. Only a Criminal Records Check.
REP Coaches - will require a coaching certificate via the OLA, paid for by SMLA. They will also require a Criminal Records Check.
Q: Can we currently purchase any Screaming Eagles merchandise?
A: Yes. Pete's Sports located at the Gemini Sportsplex in Strathroy currently carries Screaming Eagles merchandise.