FAQ
WDM LAX can help you get into the game
Most of our players were in the same situation you might be in -- you have no experience with the sport and aren't 100% sure the sport is for you. While lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in America, it is relatively new to Des Moines area and the state of Iowa.
WDM LAX can help you try the sport with no cost or obligation. Simply let us know of your interest and we'll invite you to a couple of practices to try lacrosse. You can borrow equipment from the coaches. They'll be happy to work with you and answer your questions.
If you like the experience and want to become part of the club, we'll ask that you register with US Lacrosse and our program. We accept all boys and girls (grades 3-12), and many with no prior experience. We find new players pick up the sport quickly and love the game! Send us an email and we'll get you involved.
Equipment Required
Players are responsible for providing their own equipment! Uniforms and practice jerseys are provided by the club. Lacrosse equipment is available from one of our sponsors, Slapshot Hockey and Lacrosse Shop - see link on home page. Equipment is also available from Dick's Sporting Goods in West Des Moines.
Boys Equipment
- Colored mouth guard - White and clear are not allowed under league rules!
- Cleats - Do not have to be lacrosse-specific; soccer & football cleats work just fine. Black, white, or orange cleats are preferred.
- The following must be Lacrosse-specific gear; hockey equipment is not allowed!!!!
- Helmet: All High School Varsity players must have a black lacrosse helmet. Non-varsity players may use another color if they already have a helmet. Otherwise, new helmets should be solid black with a black chinstrap, and a chrome mask. The brand and model do not matter, but the top recommendation is either the Cascade S or Cascade CPX-R. Goalies also need a throat protector.
- Gloves: varsity players are required to have black and white gloves
- Shoulder Pads. Goalies use a position specific chest protector instead of shoulder pads.
- Elbow Pads - please purchase black or white pads. Goalies are not required to wear elbow pads.
- Lacrosse stick- Must be NFHS Legal
Boys Recommended Equipment
- Protective cup
- Extra Lacrosse sticks can break during games; it's best to have one ready to go
- Gear Bag
- Lax Balls
- Goalies may opt to wear soccer shin guards during games.
Girls Equipment
- White or colored mouth guard - Clear is not allowed under league rules
- Girl's stick - Must be certified legal for play under NFHS rules for girls lacrosse
- Lacrosse goggles
- Spandex under shorts
Girls Recommended Equipment
- Cleats - Do not have to be lacrosse-specific; soccer cleats work just fine. Black, white, or orange cleats are preferred.
- Extra sticks- Sticks can break during games; it's best to have one ready to go
- Gear Bag - Available through team store
- Lax Balls
Girls Goal Keeper Required Equipment
- Lacrosse helmet with a throat protector
- Chest pad - A goalie chest pad is required
- Gloves - Protective goalie gloves should be black, white, and/or orange
- Shin guards
- Thigh pads/goalie pants
HIGH SCHOOL FAQ:
Playing lacrosse in high school can be a new and exciting experience for players. Below are common questions parents have had as their player transitions from middle school to high school. If still have questions, please contact the Club mailbox wdmlacrosseclub@gmail.com
When do practices begin and how many times per week at the beginning of the season? Is it the same throughout the season?
High School practices begin the weekend of January. Players should arrive in time to be on the field at 6 am and ready to begin practice. Practices will be indoors at various gyms in West Des Moines up to spring break. Practices are usually 2 times per week in the evenings and 1 time on weekends in the mornings. Schedules will be loaded into Team Snap.
When do games begin? Any pre-season games or tournaments prior to spring break?
The season officially begins for both girls and boys at the end of March/first of April. Both teams often play in out-of-town tournaments prior to the season beginning. Tournament details will be communicated through Team Snap.
How and when are game schedules communicated?
All team activities are communicated and posted in Team Snap. High School players are accountable for communications in Team Snap.
Is there more than one high school team? ex. JV & Varsity
Depends upon how many players we have participating in a given year. Our goal is to have both JV and Varsity teams for our high school players as it gives players more opportunity to play in games and play within their skill level.
How much travel?
WDM participates in MGLL (girls) and NELAX (boys) leagues. Both leagues are made up of teams from Nebraska. The teams will travel approximately 50% of the time for games on weekends. We try to play two games per travel but it’s not always possible. In addition, both teams will play in out-of-town tournaments prior to the season. All schedules are posted in Team Snap. Travel is the responsibility of the player’s parents. Players are not allowed to personally drive to out-of-town games. If a player needs to ride to an out-of-town game, contact your team manager who will help find a ride.
Is there overnight travel?
Yes, there may be overnights if there are games scheduled the next day or an early start. Coaches and managers will communicate in plenty of time to allow parents to plan accordingly. We may communicate hotel options for the players to be together. All travel expenses are the responsibility of the players.
Is any different gear/clothing needed?
Gear remains the same, however, make sure you check the US Lacrosse website for any safety requirements or changes. High school players will be given a team uniform for games. Boys purchase their shorts, tops are owned by the Club. Girls are issued uniform tops and bottoms. All players should have pinnies that are used during practice and for JV Games. Contact team managers if you have questions.
Are there any social/gathering times for the team outside of practice?
None are scheduled at the time but we welcome parents to organize.
Do we need to do something different in Team Snap for players?
High School players are responsible for managing all activities in team snap. Make sure the player’s email and cell phone number are entered into their profile. If players cannot make a practice or game, they are responsible for notifying coaches
For early season practices that may overlap with other winter sports/commitments. Is this an issue?
If players cannot make a practice or game, there are responsible for notifying coaches. We will work with players accordingly.
