Minimum Weight For Boy's Lacrosse?

by Gigi
(Carlsbad, CA, USA)

Hi, I'm a sophomore in high school. For the past year and a half, I have been trying to get on the boy's lacrosse team. We have a girl's team, but (no offense to anyone) I think that it is a less fun sport. My coach constantly tells me that there are too many safety risks. I understand that safety risks exist, but why for me, and no one else? I am 5'6.5", 160 pounds, and bigger than several boys who are allowed to play. Is there a specific height and/or weight that you should be to play lacrosse at a high school level?

ANSWER
Hi Gigi, I have to say you are not alone in your wish to play the rougher boys game. It is one of the things I hear most often from many girls who just don't appreciate the Girls game because of the lack of contact.

To answer your question specifically "no." There is no size or weight requirement, and I have seen very small guys who do great.

As a Father and a Coach who has a Daughter and a Son I can tell you that I understand the issues very well. I am very conflicted on this subject when I hear stories like yours, I want to support you in your wishes to play the mens game.

However, I have to tell you, that it is not as simple as just can you or not. I usually encourage girls who have girls lacrosse available to play the girls game. Competing among your peers at the same level of competition. The Girls game has its own very fine points, and in many ways takes more finesse and skill then the mens game.

If you choose to continue down your path of playing with the boys, you and your parents need to understand that it is very physical. You are going to experience pain and get hit. You may break a bone and be hurt. This is the mens game. It is high contact and high speed and very physical. Im not trying to scare you, but you need to understand the risks and why you will and have been discouraged from playing.

Also, there may be insurance restrictions and school policies related to inter gender sports to face as well that could prevent you from playing the boys game. You will have to work with the school to determine the legal and policy implications and what they will allow.

Now with all of that in mind, if you do get the chance to play you will also need to face reality that you will have to work harder than the boys do to be accepted. It is the nature of the beast. If you can prove yourself as a competitor they will accept you. If you cant they will not. I have seen this many times. You and your parents should talk about all of these things. It is more than just can you. It is important you understand that ahead of time. You better be fully committed to doing it if you decide to try. It wont be an easy road.

Please let us know what happens and no matter what happy Laxin. I love your spirit and love of the game. I wish you well!