Boys Lacrosse - Spring
Spring Lacrosse is Middleton Youth Lacrosse’s flagship program. It is our largest and most expansive offering. It is designed as an easy, welcoming way for kids to try the sport for the first time, while also providing expanded programming and competitive opportunities for players looking to take the next step in their development.
Registration opens in early January and closes on March 1. Initial registration for each age group is capped to ensure we have the coaches and resources needed to give every athlete an excellent experience. Once an age group reaches its initial cap, subsequent registrations will join a waitlist. It is the goal of Middleton Youth Lacrosse to roster every child who wants to play, and additional teams may be established if the numbers permit and we have adequate coaching support and resources.
Eligibility
Middleton Youth Lacrosse follows USA Lacrosse guidelines to ensure safe, fair, and sportsmanlike play, creating teams balanced by age, size, and skill.
8U
Players must be 8 years old or younger as of August 31 preceding the season, generally comprising first and second graders.
10U
Players must be 10 years old or younger as of August 31 preceding the season, generally comprising third and fourth graders.
12U
Players must be 12 years old or younger as of August 31 preceding the season, generally comprising fifth and sixth graders.
14U
Players must be 14 years old or younger as of August 31 preceding the season, generally comprising seventh and eighth graders.
Residency requirements also apply; details are available on our Eligibility page.
Season
Practices begin the week after the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District's spring break. Games start in early April with the Badger Spring Invite in the Wisconsin Dells, followed by regular Saturday matches from mid-April through late May. The season ends with the Norski Invitational tournament in DeForest the first weekend of June.
If team numbers permit, the program may schedule 1-2 additional tournaments. Players will be selected to participate in the additional tournaments based on availability, skill, participation, and attendance at practices and games. Players not participating in the additional tournaments will play in the regular Badgerland matches those weeks. This division allows all players to receive additional playing experience and allows us to foster skill-level appropriate competition for all of our players.
Practices
Practices take place 2-3 times per week.
8U & 10U Practices take place at our lacrosse field on Airport Road in Middleton.
12U & 14U Practices take place at West Middleton Elementary School on Mineral Point Road.
Program Objectives & Expectations
Players at all levels should arrive at games and practices fully dressed, ready to participate, and showing respect for teammates and coaches through positive attitude, effort, and sportsmanship.
8U
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
The 8U Boys Program introduces young athletes to lacrosse, emphasizing fundamental skills like cradling, scooping, passing, catching, and shooting. We also introduce basic offensive and defensive principles to build game understanding. The core goal is to create a positive experience that sparks a lifelong passion for the sport.
PLAYER EXPECTATIONS
At this age, players may occasionally request to sit out or take a break; coaches will encourage involvement without forcing participation. If a player's disengagement distracts others, coaches will discuss solutions privately with parents.
PLAYING TIME
In the 8U program, all players receive equal playing time across games and practices to ensure balanced development opportunities for everyone.
GAME FORMAT
Games use a 4-versus-4 format for maximum involvement. A coach from each team is on the field for instruction and officiating. No goalies or offsides rules apply, maintaining a focus on fun. Matches typically feature two 12-minute halves, adjustable by mutual coach agreement.
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10U
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
The 10U Boys Program continues to emphasize developing fundamental skills while building on basic offensive and defensive principles to introduce more advanced skills and concepts. The focus remains on creating a positive experience that deepens players' passion for lacrosse.
PLAYER EXPECTATIONS
The 10U level introduces goalies for the first time. Players will have an opportunity and will be encouraged to explore this role in games and/or practices.
Although we do not have a formal attendance requirement, players are encouraged to regularly attend practices and are expected to participate in a productive and positive manner.
PLAYING TIME
At the 10U level, playing time is generally equal across regular games and practices to support balanced development. However, during the end-of-season Norski Invitational tournament, while total playing time across the event is expected to be equal, it may vary within individual games based on situational needs.
GAME FORMAT
Games are played in a 7-versus-7 format to increase strategic involvement. Goalies are included, with modified offsides rules in effect. Coaches are not permitted on the field, and one official oversees the game. Matches consist of four 10-minute quarters with a running clock and a five-minute halftime intermission.
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12U
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
The 12U Boys Program serves as the first introduction to full-field 10-versus-10 lacrosse, where players continue honing fundamental skills while starting to develop more advanced offensive and defensive strategies that will apply in higher levels. The emphasis is on building a strong foundation in a supportive environment that grows players' love for the game.
PLAYER EXPECTATIONS
At the 12U level, different field positions are introduced, and players are encouraged to try each position to build versatility.
PLAYING TIME
In the 12U program, playing time is distributed evenly across the season to promote fair development for all participants; however, playing time may vary within individual games based on situational needs. If a player misses one or more games, coaches will work to balance opportunities moving forward, but missing games will not entitle a player to extended play in future games.
GAME FORMAT
This level introduces full-field 10-versus-10 play, expanding the game to include more players and space for strategic development. Key rules focus on safety and fairness: limited physical contact is allowed to position for the ball, but aggressive body checks are prohibited to reduce injury risk. Offsides rules ensure players stay in designated areas of the field, promoting balanced play. Defensemen can use longer poles (up to 72 inches) for better reach. Penalties, such as for illegal checks or other infractions, result in the offending team playing short-handed (man down) for a set time. Substitutions occur on the fly through a designated gate, allowing quick changes without stopping play. Two officials oversee the game to enforce rules and maintain flow.
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14U
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
The 14U Boys Program is designed to prepare players for high school lacrosse, collaborating with high school coaches to introduce strategies and drills that align with expectations at the next level. Players continue refining fundamental skills and advanced offensive and defensive concepts in a competitive yet supportive setting.
PLAYING TIME
At the 14U level, every player can expect to participate in each game they attend, though playing time is not guaranteed to be equal. Playing time is determined based on factors including skill level, overall participation, and attendance at practices and games. For tournament play, playing time will prioritize those who give the team the strongest competitive edge.
GAME FORMAT
Games are conducted in a full-field 10-versus-10 format to emphasize strategy and teamwork. Rules promote safety and fairness: limited physical contact is permitted for positioning, but aggressive body checks are not allowed. Offsides rules keep players in appropriate field zones. Defensemen may use longer poles (up to 72 inches) for added reach. Penalties for infractions lead to short-handed play (man down) for a designated period. Substitutions happen on the fly via a sideline gate, enabling seamless changes. Two officials manage the game to uphold rules and pace.
Parent Support
A successful program relies on parent involvement, including an assistant coach and bench coach alongside the head coach. Home games require volunteers for scorekeeping and timekeeping, plus a team manager for communications and optional snack scheduling.
Equipment
Middleton Lacrosse does not typically provide equipment, so players need their own:
- crosse (stick);
- helmet;
- shoulder pads (NOCSAE ND 200 compliant);
- arm pads;
- gloves;
- mouthguard; and
- protective cup.
All items must be worn properly for safety during practices and games.
Cleats are recommended; lacrosse-specific or molded alternatives (e.g., from football, soccer, or baseball) are fine.
8U
Goalies
No - Goalies are not used at the 8U level.
Long Poles
No - Long poles are not permitted at the 8U level.
10U
Goalies
Yes - Middleton Lacrosse will provide goalie equipment.
Long Poles
No - Long poles are not permitted at the 10U level.
12U
Goalies
Yes - Middleton Lacrosse will provide goalie equipment.
Long Poles
Yes - Long poles may be used by defenders at the 12U level.
14U
Goalies
Yes - Middleton Lacrosse will provide goalie equipment.
Long Poles
Yes - Long poles may be used by defenders at the 14U level.
Scholarships
Scholarships and financial aid for equipment are available for eligible families.
2027 Boys Spring Lacrosse
Registration opens in early January and closes on March 1.
Initial registration for each age group is capped to ensure we have coaches and resources to provide all athletes with an excellent experience. Once an age group reaches its initial cap, subsequent registrations will join a waitlist.
It is the goal of Middleton Youth Lacrosse to roster every child that wants to play. So, additional teams may be established if the numbers permit and we have adequate coaching support and resources to allow for an additional team or teams.


