Age & Eligibility
Policy on Age & Eligibility
Grouping players of similar age helps to create a “level playing field” and goes a long way to accomplishing our goals. An athlete's physical and cognitive maturity and development has a significant impact on overall player safety. When players are grouped on teams without consideration of the significant differences in the physical and emotional maturity of players competing with and against each other, safety and quality of play may be jeopardized.
Sun Valley Lacrosse sets divisions of teams based upon the current school grade that our student athletes are in. Current divisional structures for Boys and Girls Youth teams are:
Kindergarten/2nd grade (U8), 3rd/4th (U10), 5th/6th (U12), and 7th/8th (U14).
Sun Valley Lacrosse also references USA Lacrosse’s Age Grouping Reference Charts as further consideration for deciding each athletes proper team/division (based on birthdate).
Sun Valley Lacrosse does not allow players to 'play-up' or 'play-down.'
The youth age groupings were designed to align as closely as possible with students’ grade level in school so that they can participate with their classmates.
Our goal is to keep our players safe on the field – while offering a fun, competitive and sportsmanlike environment.
The charts below are used as a references for age appropriate grouping and are updated annually on the USA Lacrosse website.
We all want the same thing when our players are on the field – a safe playing experience and a fun and sportsmanlike environment.
Grouping players of similar age helps to create a “level playing field” and goes a long way to accomplishing our goals. An athlete's physical and cognitive maturity and development has a significant impact on overall player safety. When players are grouped on teams without consideration of the significant differences in the physical and emotional maturity of players competing with and against each other, safety and quality of play may be jeopardized. USA Lacrosse’s recommended segmentation policy was developed based on significant scientific study and consideration.
Notable Items in USA Lacrosse's Player Segmentation policy:
- An emphasis on grouping players by single-age years (12-month span), with exceptions of up to 24 months for age groupings as needed. (Note: Some clubs and events, including the NLF on the boys' side, have chosen to use 15-month age groupings.)
- A September 1 birthdate is the start of new age groupings in an attempt to align with the majority of school systems nationwide to allow players to play with people in their own grade level when possible.
- Firmly defined playing season that begins its 12-month cycle on September 1.
These charts are for play occurring between Sept 1, 2024 - August 31, 2025 following whichever age grouping your program uses (12-month or 15-month).
