Parents F.A.Q.

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This Parent F.A.Q. page covers the most common questions new and potential members have about Atlanta Youth Lacrosse.

US Lacrosse Gold Stick Program – more…
US Lacrosse Gold Stick Standards of Excellence represent the Best Practices that should be incorporated by quality youth lacrosse programs, whether they are in established, well resourced areas or serving emerging, less resourced communities. At their best, youth sports programs provide young people with a safe environment in which to have fun, build character, learn sportsmanship and develop life skills that help them become responsible adults.

If you have a question that is not answered on this F.A.Q. please contact [email protected] with your question. Generally, these emailed questions will be added to the list below.

  • Where are the games played?
    • Games are primarily played at Riverwood High School.
    • We have two additional game field locations which may be used in the event that RHS is unavailable. If we need to change fields, all AYL members will be informed via email.
    • Directions to all field locations may be found on our Directions page.
  • When and where are practices?
    • Spring is the only season where practices are scheduled and they last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. These practices are biweekly and are scheduled for Mondays through Fridays. Each team receives equal practice time during the Spring Season.
    • There are no practices during the Fall  seasons.
    • Practices are held at Hammond Park or High Point Elementary in Sandy Springs.
  • How many players are on each team?
    • Generally teams have between 18-22 players.
  • Who are your coaches?
  • How many coaches are allowed on the sideline?
    • Teams may have between two and five coaches.
  • Is there a background check involved when selecting coaches?
    • All adult coaches must be current US Lacrosse members , have a yearly background check by two background check providers and provide a bio.This information is kept on file throughout the season.
    • Visit www.uslacrosse.org for more information.
  • What are the rules for each age group?
    • The rules are too extensive to list on this F.A.Q. To view the rules in their entirety please visit the League Rules Page.
  • When should we show up for practice/games?
    • Always arrive at the field for practices or games at least 30 minutes before start time.
    • Players have many pieces to to their equipment – start getting dressed in the car shoulder,  arm pads, practice or game jersey should already be on the player before they step out of your car. When they arrive at the field they only have the helmet gloves or cleats to complete.
  • How is parking set up?
    • All of our locations offer paved parking. When at any of our locations we request that all members park in designated parking spaces when possible. Atlanta Youth Lacrosse is not liable for any damage or loss of property at any game or practice. While each parking lot is in a secure area it is recommended that you hide/bring any valuables with you.
  • The weather looks a bit rough. How do I know when fields are open for practices and games?
    • Because we mostly are on Turf fields  - we only cancel if it is thundering and lightening out – raining cats and dogs as the saying goes are if it is just nasty cold/wet outside. We communicate via email or text messages regarding weather.
    • We always watch the weather reports but sometimes pop up storms occur.
    • Riverwood has a lightening detector – when siren warns – seek shelter wait 30 minutes for all clear.
    • We have shelter at Riverwood, Hammond Park, High Point and Marist.
    • If weather continues after a 30 minute hold we will decide to either cancel or continue.
  • Where are spectators permitted during games?
    • Spectators are not permitted on the field at any time at any level of play. At Riverwood or Marist only coaches and players are permitted inside the fenced area.
    • Spectators are not permitted in or around team benches, box/score table area. The only parents who may be in these areas are PreK – Kindergarten parents.
    • Spectators are allowed to sit in the stadium seating, bleachers, or set up their own chairs on the far side of the field. Any spectators observing from unsafe/undesignated areas will be asked to move.
    • No one is allowed to view the game or take photos from any point along the endline. The game must be stopped in this situation as this is a serious safety issue.
  • Do you take pictures or record games?
    • We provide team and action pictures for free via our website. Pictures and video are taken throughout the season by staff.
    • We occasionally record games through RefCam and Helmet Cam.
    • We do not take formal/professional pictures.
  • Are there concessions available?
    • The Riverwood High School Booster club generally has concessions available during games on Saturdays. Occasionally, concessions will not be set up. It is always recommended that players bring their own water.
    • Concessions generally offers: water/gatorade, snacks, candies, and (when possible) hamburgers/hotdogs, etc.
    • Concessions are not available during practices.
  • Do you supply water or should we bring our own?
    • Players are always encouraged to bring their own water to practices and games. We recommend a water bottle that holds 32 or more ounces, especially in the late spring and summer months.
    • Most of our locations have working water fountains.
  • Are there restrooms at game/practice fields?
    • Riverwood has regular bathrooms at each side of the stadium and behind the press box.
    • Our other field locations have restrooms but they are opened/closed by the staff that runs those facilities. Occasionally, those restrooms will not be available.
  • May I bring my dog(s) to games or practices?
    • We love dogs but the facilities that we lease do not permit dogs on or around field locations. Please leave your pets at home.
    • Trained service animals are permitted.
  • What happens if a player is hurt during a game/practice?
    • Injuries can and do happen. We maintain a bin of basic medical supplies including: bandaids, ice, gauze, and antibacterial swabs.
    • In the event of a serious injury we have the parents bring their child to a hospital/doctor, or call 911.
    • We do not maintain a trainer/ambulance on site for games/practice, but many of our adult AYL staff are adult and child CPR certified.
  • When is the schedule posted and how can I view it?
    • The Master Schedule will be posted at least two weeks prior to the start of each season.
    • Our partnership with League Toolbox allows parents to view their individual team schedule on their team’s website. Also, parents may view an individual family schedule when they login to our registration system and click “Profile.”
  • What should my child wear?
    • Georgia weather changes quickly. We always recommend checking weather.com, or your local weather station when determining what to wear. Keep in mind that an active player should generally wear clothes for weather that is 20% cooler than the recorded temperature to compensate for their body heating up during practices and games.
    • In exceptionally cold weather it is recommended that players wear a thin pair of gloves under their lacrosse gloves. Football Receiver gloves are perfect in this situation.
  • What equipment is required to practice/play
    • Boys: Helmet, mouthguard, protective cup,  shoulder pads, arm pads, gloves, turf shoes or cleats, lacrosse stick
    • Boy Goalies: Helmet, mouthguard, protective cup, Throat Guard, Chest Protector, Goalie Stick,  turf shoes or cleats
  • Where can I purchase or rent equipment?
    • We recommend Play it Again Sports Buckhead, located on Roswell Road. PIAS, offers the best selection of beginner gear along with a knowledgeable staff.
    • Mention that your Child is an AYL player and receive 10% discounts on Play it Again purchases.
    • You can purchase NEW, USED and or be a part of their equipment BUY BACK program. Trade in your old sports equipment too!
  • Do players get jerseys each season?
    • Spring: Players will receive a game jersey and shorts.
    • Fall: Players receive a reversible pinnie
  • Do we have to pay extra for the jersey?
    • No, uniform cost is factored into your sign up fee.
  • Do I have to wear my assigned jersey?
    • Yes! Players are not permitted to play without their game jersey. Limited supply of extras are available for a cost of $25.00.
    • No jerseys from other leagues are permitted during games.
  • Why is the jersey so important?
    • The jersey and number assigned to each player at the beginning of each season are documented in our insurance records. The jersey proves to AYL staff that a player has signed up, paid all fees, is a US Lacrosse Member, and is covered under US Lacrosse insurance.
    • Your game jersey is as important as your stick. Players who do NOT have their issued game jersey for game days cannot play.