Frequently Asked Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: When is lacrosse season?
A: The official season is in the spring. 10U, 12U and 14U teams generally begin practicing at the beginning of February and play games from late February/early March through mid-May. 8U is a shorter program that runs from March through early May. Stampede also offers an off-season Fall Ball program September-November, as well as summer clinics. Please see our registration page for currently available programs.
Q: How often are practices?
A: Regular season practices are held on weekdays 2-3 times per week for 1-2 hours dependent upon age and level. Fall Ball practices are once/week.
Q: Where do practices take place?
A: Practices primarily take place at the turf field between Lyman Gilmore and Scotten schools in Grass Valley. Other fields around GV or in south county are sometimes utilized. Some teams will have practices split between GV and south county locations. Practice field assignments and exact times will be provided by late January.
Q: When are games?
A: The game schedule is usually available late-January or early February. 12U and 14U games are generally played on Saturdays and/or Sundays, with the 8U/10U teams playing on Fridays in the late afternoon/early evening. Stampede teams also participate in jamborees and/or tournaments throughout the season.
Q: How are teams determined?
A: Players are placed on the appropriate team based on age. At this time, we only have one team per age group and do not hold tryouts or rank players by skill level. Gold Country Lacrosse is aligned with the NCJLA mission of providing a positive, welcoming experience for all young players. We are committed to providing equal development and playing opportunities to both new and experienced players.
Age groupings are detailed on our registration page, and you can also refer to USA Lacrosse for their age brackets, which we adhere to.
Q: Can my player play up/down to a different age group?
The Northern California Junior Lacrosse Association (NCJLA) establishes age eligibility guidelines to promote a safe and sportsmanlike environment. The NCJLA believes that the league and member clubs should provide playing opportunities, that as much as possible, aim to establish a "level playing field" among players of similar age and development. Players should have two years in a division to learn the skills necessary to progress to the next youth age division.
If the player, parents, coach and club all agree that it is in the best interest of the player, then the league (NCJLA) will concur and allow a player to play one age level up. However, the decision should not be made lightly. The "playing up" player should be in the top third of the team that he or she is moving up to.
Gold Country Lacrosse aligns itself with the NCJLA's above guidelines. Requests for a player to play outside of their designated age group will be considered on a case by case basis. Please contact the Board of Directors President for further information about the petition process and requirements.
Wanting to play with friends, practice day/time constraints, or other variables that do not pertain to the player being on the appropriate team for their ability will not be considered sufficient reasons to petition.
All petitions are due by the first of the month in order to be considered that month. They must be received by January 1st in order to be approved before the start of spring practice.
Q: What equipment do I need?
A: It’s important to know that there are key differences in the required protective equipment between the boys’ and girls’ game, as well as between field players and goalies.
Boys field players are required to use a helmet, stick, gloves, shoulder pads, arm pads, a mouthguard(not clear or white) and a protective cup. They will also need cleats, though lacrosse specific cleats are not required. Rib pads are optional. Goalies are also required to wear a helmet with face mask, a separate throat protector, padded gloves and a goalie-specific chest protector. Goalies also use a specific stick that has a different head than field players. Stampede provides goalie gear for our youth teams.
Minimal equipment is required in girls’ lacrosse due to its non-contact nature. A girls' stick (different than for boys), mouthguard (not clear or white) and protective eyewear/lacrosse goggles are the only required items for most players. They will also need cleats, though lacrosse specific cleats are not required. Headgear and close fitting gloves are optional for field players. Girls' goalies are also required to wear a helmet with face mask, a separate throat protector, padded gloves, a goalie-specific chest protector, leg pads and pelvic/abdominal protection (generally incorporated into thigh padding). Stampede provides goalie gear for our youth teams.
It's also helpful for players to have an equipment bag to carry all their gear.
USA Lacrosse has an equipment diagram that might be helpful for new players
Q: Where do I get equipment?
A: Stampede is generally able to offer loaner equipment to our 8U and 10U teams, as well as some 12/14U players, on a first come first served basis. We can also make recommendations on stores to purchase equipment. Please contact our Equipment Manager for more information.
Q: What about uniforms?
A: Stampede players on 10U through 14U teams are required to purchase a uniform. 8U players will be provided with a Stampede pinnie for games. They will also need black shorts and a black undershirt.
Q: Can my child play lacrosse and basketball (or baseball, soccer, etc.)?
A: Playing two sports simultaneously will not keep a child from being registered and joining a lacrosse team. Please consider the practice and game schedules between the two sports. The player’s and team’s development is dependent on attendance at practices and games.
Q: Who are the coaches?
A: Stampede Lacrosse relies on volunteer coaches, many of whom are former players and/or parents. Each team will have a designated Head Coach a varying number of Assistant Coaches – volunteers are always welcome – who assist with practices and games. All of our coaches receive training from the league and from USA Lacrosse (the national governing body for the sport), as well as background checks. We also have Team Managers who assist coaches with maintaining the team schedule, communication with families, and other aspects of managing their team.
Q: What "league" is Gold Country Stampede a part of?
A: Our 12U and 14U teams play in the Northern California Junior Lacrosse Association (NCJLA). Our 8U and 10U teams participate in the Sacramento City League (a developmental league geared toward 1st time players to get exposed to the sport).
Q: What about high school?
A: Our high school program has transitioned away from the club level and is now a CIF program at both Nevada Union High School and Bear River High School. You can visit the Nevada Union High School website, or the Bear River High School website for more information.
Q: I've registered my player. When/how do I get more information?
A: Teams will meet at the club-wide kickoff event, usually held in January. Your coach and/or team manager will also contact you around that time with information about when practices start, etc.
Q. How can I learn more about lacrosse?
A: Please check out the links for NCJLA and USA Lacrosse on our website to learn more.