Home

Frequently Asked Questions

1)  What is the time commitment?   (back to top)

Boys. 
    The yournger boys in Grades 2 and below play only on Sunday afternoons, although we will try to get them a few games/tournaments spread throughout the season.  If sufficient players at this age enroll, we will separate them from the Grade 3/4 boys on Sundays.
    Boys in Grades 3 and 4 will typically have 1 scheduled practices/games during the week, usually at 6:30pm, as well as Sunday practice.  Although the boys are encouraged to play in the games and  not required to play .  
    Grade 5/6 and 7/8 levels offer a more extensive experience, with 1 or 2 practices/games during the week, as well as on Sunday.  (NOTE: Whenever possible, we will not schedule weekday events on Tuesdays or Thursdays to avoid conflicts with Middle School Teams.)   

Girls
    All three girls programs play on Sundays and will usually have 1 weekday practice as well.  Games and tournaments are typically scheduled during the weekends.

2)  What is the required equipment?  (back to top)

The major goal is to ensure safety for all players.  Protective equipment differs between boys and girls, reflecting the differences between their games.  Unlike the girls, the boys have agressive checking with sticks and, at the older ages, body checking.  Thus, they have more protective equipement.  GIrls, on the other hand, have very limited contact and require far less protective equipment.  For more detailed descriptions, please visit our Equipment Page.  All synthetic turf fields require flat surfaced shoes (i.e. NO cleats).  On grass fields, players are encouraged to wear cleats. (No metal cleats or baseball cleats, please. )

Boys
All boys are required to wear helmets, mouthpieces, shoulder pads, arm pads, gloves and an athletic supporter with cup.  Footwear depends upon the field (see below).  Sticks must conform to US Lacrosse specifications.  "Long poles"  (i.e. long defense sticks) can only be used by boys in Grade 5 and older.  No long sticks are permitted in Grades 4 and below.

Girls
All girls are required to wear goggles and a mouthpiece at all times.  While some girls like to wear gloves, this is optional. (NOTE: The girls gloves differ from the heavy gloves used by the boys. )

3)  Where do you play?   (back to top)

We play at a number of fields throughout New York City.  We have three major sites: CCNY and Trinity School in Manhattan and Fieldston School in Riverdale.  For maps and directions, check our HomeFields Page.  CCNY has parking adjacent to the field and has access by both bus and subway.  Trinity School is located on the Upper West Side and is easily reached by bus, subway or car.  Fieldston School is located in Riverdale, in the Bronx, and can be reached by car or subway.  Players usually arrange for car pools.  Away games are played in Westchester, New Jersey, Connecticut and Long Island.  Directions are available on the website and most players will car pool. See the  Playing locations and directions Page.

4)  Are scholarships available?   (back to top)

No child who wishes to play will be turned away due to financial considerations.  Scholarships are available.  When needed, equipment will also be provided.  For more information, contact Mat Levine at mat.levine@citylax.org.

5) What are the obligations of the parents?   (back to top)

Doc's depends heavily upon parent involvement and assistance.  While we recognize that many parents have not played the game and may not have the experience needed to coach, there still many ways they can help.  All teams need Team parents and parents can help setup and take down goals before and after games.  They also can help with the wide range of administrative needs of the program.  We always need volunteers!

All players, parents and coaches must "Honor the Game".  Parents are expected to be supportive and respectful of all players, coaches, referees  and other parents at all times, regardless of which team they are associated with.  Parents are recommended to visit the Positive Coaching Alliance Website for insights into proper behavior in youth athletics.  At Doc's we try to remind everyone of this responsibility with the motto, "Honor the Game".  Parents displaying unacceptable behavior may be asked to leave the playing area.  Repeated problems will be dealt with more severe restrictions.