ALA Code of Conduct

The ALA Code of Conduct states:

All Members, Members of Members, Lacrosse Teams, Players, Coaches, Managers, Trainers, and Officials shall:

 (a)               Attempt at all times to work toward the goals and objectives of the ALA and the game of Lacrosse, and towards the betterment of its members;

 (b)              strive to heighten the image and dignity of the ALA and the sport of Lacrosse as a whole, and to refrain from behavior which may discredit or embarrass the ALA or the Game;

 (c)               always be courteous and objective in dealings with others;

 (d)              except when made through proper channels, refrain from unfavorable criticism of others;

 (e)               strive to achieve excellence in the sport while supporting the concepts of Fair Play and a Drug-Free sport;

 (f)                show respect for the cultural, social and political values of all participants in the sport; and

 (g)               as a guest in a foreign country, other province abide by the laws of the host and adhere to any social customs concerning conduct. [emphasis added]

This Code of Conduct applies to behaviour on and off the floor.  All ALA Members, Club members, Coaches and players are to show respect for officials and the calls that are made.  Dressing rooms are to be left clean and neat.  Directors of the ALA and all those involved in the governance of our game are to show respect for each other.

If fair play and respect do not prevail, the Spirit of Lacrosse, which includes the following, will not be honoured:

                                Strong Minds – the development of confidence, a positive self-image and the ability to use mental training to their advantage.

                                Strong Spirit – the development of a positive code of ethics and the ability to play fair.

Please keep this in mind when you are speaking or writing and in all your actions.

ALA Code of Conduct » Download Now (PDF Format)

Rules and Regulations

Rules and regulations for the CDLA are more specific rules that apply to the management and administration of lacrosse in Calgary.  Rules and regulations provide specific guidance on such items as:

1. Use of underaged players
2. Affiliate players
3. Player transfers
4. Player suspensions

In some cases, the CDLA has modified Canadian Lacrosse Association rules to make them more ’severe’ or specific.  For example, in 2008, the CDLA introduced the ‘repeat offender’ rule.  This rule is as follows:

For the latest version of the CDLA Rules and Regulations » Downloaded Now (PDF Format)

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We run across a lot of the same questions year in and year out so we’ve tried to address the majority of them here. However, if you have additional questions then please sign-in/register and leave your question as a comment on this page.

1. What Equipment will be needed?

Since there is no contact for Mini Tyke, players will only require some basic hockey equipment: hockey helmets with facemask, mouth guard, shoulder pads, gloves, athletic support and cup, and elbow pads. A lacrosse stick and running shoes are also required. Tyke, Pee Wee, Novice, Bantam and Midget divisions require the same equipment along with lacrosse arm pads and kidney and back protectors. Field/Box lacrosse gloves offer excellent protection and flexibility. Short cuff hockey gloves can be used, but they don’t offer the same grip or flexibility. Boy’s/Men’s Field lacrosse equipment requirements are somewhat similar to box lacrosse. Girl’s/Women’s field lacrosse is a non contact game so equipment is minimal. A mouth guard and stick are all that are required to play.

2. Where can I buy lacrosse equipment?

Sport Stores will generally carry lacrosse equipment. Some sport stores carry used lacrosse equipment as well. Some lacrosse associations also run equipment rental programs. Most associations provide the equipment necessary for goal tenders.

3. Where is the game played?

Box lacrosse is played in hockey arenas once the ice is removed and the floor dries. It is also played in indoor soccer centres and outdoor lacrosse boxes. Field lacrosse is played outdoors on soccer type fields.

4. How much does it cost to play?

Rockyview Lacrosse establishes our rates to cover the cost of player jerseys, floor or field rental, referee payment, coaching certification and Calgary Lacrosse Association fees. Initial box equipment cost will be approximately $150 (arm pads, gloves, back/kidney pads and stick). Most box lacrosse equipment can be used for 2-4 years before the player will outgrow it.

5. How old do you have to be to play box lacrosse?

Please refer to the current age groups – fee overview listing – click here

6. What are the requirements for coaches and officials?

All coaches and referees will be certified at a clinic prior to season start. All coaching and referee/umpire programs will follow the Canadian Lacrosse Association Standards. Anyone with or without a lacrosse background is welcome to apply for a coaching or assistant coaching position. People with previous experience coaching basketball or hockey will find it easy adjusting to the game of lacrosse. New referees/umpires and referees/umpires from other sports are always welcome to join.

7. Is lacrosse really the fastest game on two feet?

Lacrosse has long been referred to as the fastest game on two feet. The sport is characterized by intense action, strategy, finesse and power. To make long looping passes at one end of the floor or field and short bullet like shots at the other end; to catch a pass over the shoulder while running at full stride; to hit the top corner at the net while in full flight; or to stop a shot aimed low through a maze of players requires a range of skills unsurpassed in any other sport. The promotion of speed, stamina, sportsmanship and team play in lacrosse provides excellent cross training for other sports like hockey, basketball and soccer. The wide-open nature of the game makes it a very good spectator sport.

8. What are the different forms of lacrosse?

There are three forms of lacrosse: Box, Field and Inter-Lacrosse. Box Lacrosse, which is similar to hockey and basketball, is the most common form played in Canada. Six players per team compete on an arena floor with three periods of play. Men’s/Boys Field Lacrosse is more common internationally. Ten players per side compete on a 100 metre by 55- metre field with four quarters of play. Girl’s/Women’s Field Lacrosse is a quick, free flowing game which is easy to understand and watch. The game is played on a field 100m x 55m with 12 players aside on the field. A full roster is 16-20 players. Co-Ed Inter-lacrosse may by played indoors or out and is aimed at younger aged players, often being played in the school system. It uses a softer ball and plastic sticks and encourages fitness, fair play, cooperation and safety.

9. Are minor league games as rough as the games seen on T.V.?

Definitely not! Many of the infractions that are accepted in the professional league would result in a penalty and/or suspension in ANY minor lacrosse association (example, slashing and cross checking). The Rockyview Lacrosse Association together with Calgary District Lacrosse Association stresses fun, fair play and a safe playing environment.

10. Is cross checking legal in lacrosse?

Crosschecking in box lacrosse is legal in the higher age groups but not to the degree that you see on television. Players are taught to use their sticks to push or steer their opponent away from the primary scoring area, prevent them from getting a good shot on net, make a bad pass or to simply drop the ball. Referees are directed to strictly enforce rules regarding illegal crosschecks.

Note: In our lower divisions, the emphasis is on passing, catching, shooting, equal play, fairness and most of all FUN!

11. How long is the season?

Box Lacrosse programs start in February/April and end in late June, with Provincial Championships in July. Players will have at least one game and one practice a week. Games and practices will be held throughout the week. Dates and times will vary depending on the age group and level.

12. What is the time commitment for lacrosse?

The regular season for spring box lacrosse runs from April to the end of June. The minimum floor times will be 1 practice per week and 1 game per week. Depending on age group and level this can increase up to 4 times per week when counting practice and games. Provincial Championships generally run early to mid July.

13. Did Wayne Gretzky play lacrosse?

Yes. Wayne Gretzky is among a long list of NHL players that honed their hand-eye co-ordination and physical endurance by playing lacrosse in the summer. Other players include: Brendan Shanahan, Doug Gilmour, Cliff Ronning, Joe Sakic, Steve Larmer, Collin Patterson, Tim Hunter, Paul Kariya, Don Cherry, Gary Roberts, Adam Oates, Paul Coffey, Joe Nieuwendyk. …and many more! When the media started speculating where Wayne Gretzky might play after Edmonton, Walter Gretzky, Wayne’s father, is quoted as saying, “What’s safe to say, though, is Lacrosse was the key in the development of the greatest scorer in the hockey history.”

14. How do I register?

The quickest way to find out how to register is to visit our registration page, or email registrar at rockyviewlacrosse.com.

15. Why Play Mini-Tyke and Tyke Lacrosse?

There are so many great reasons to play Mini-Tyke or Tyke lacrosse that we had to put them all in a brochure » Download brochure now.

Important Downloads:

• Box Lacrosse Player Equipment
• Box Lacrosse Goalie Equipment
• General Rules of Box Lacrosse
• Why Hockey Players Should Play Lacrosse
• Why Ringette Players Should Play Lacrosse