DISCOVER LACROSSE
Whether you’re new to lacrosse or ready for more, this page is your go-to resource. It shows how to register, find Lacrosse programs, and what gear you need for box, and field. Learn the differences between the disciplines and find local clubs and opportunities. Clear, simple, and built to help every family take the next step.
LACROSSE DISCIPLINES
BOX LACROSSE
Box lacrosse is an indoor version of lacrosse played on a hockey-sized rink with boards, where two teams of five runners and a goalie use short sticks to pass, carry, and score against each other. Its smaller playing area and 30-second shot clock create a fast-paced, physical game that emphasizes quick decisions and continuous action. Developed in Canada and more popular than field lacrosse in many parts of North America, box lacrosse showcases speed, contact, and tight-space skill play.
FIELD LACROSSE
Field lacrosse is an outdoor team sport played on a large grass or turf field where two teams of 10 players work to advance the ball and score goals using long-handled sticks. The game is fast-paced and strategic, blending athletic running, passing, and stick skills across four quarters of play. Field lacrosse emphasizes teamwork, spacing, and transition between offense and defense and is one of the most widely played versions of the sport internationally.
JOIN CALGARY HORNETS LACROSSE
START HERE!
Your resource for registration, beginner programs, gear guides, local clubs, and events.
Community box CLUB Resources
In Calgary and the surrounding district, box lacrosse is organized and governed by the Calgary District Lacrosse Association (CDLA). The CDLA includes multiple member clubs where players of all ages can learn, compete, and grow in the sport.
The indoor season, based out of your home arenas, runs from April to June.
Find a partner club:
Calgary Hornets
Calgary Sabrecats
Calgary Knights
Foothills Spurs (formerly High River Heat)
Use the boundary map to find your association based on where you live, then connect directly with your community club to register and get involved.
HORNETS REGISTRATION
Before You Can Register
To register your player for the season, one parent/guardian must complete Respect in Sport – Parent. This is an online course required by the Calgary District Lacrosse Association and its member clubs before your player can be registered.
You need your Respect in Sport (RIS) number to include in your RAMP registration.
Need Certification? Click Here
Register for the RIS-Parent course (online, about 1 hour, $12)
Create your profile, add your child(ren), and select the correct club
Complete the course and save your RIS number — you’ll use it in RAMP.
Already certified through another sport (e.g., hockey)?
Import your existing RIS certificate
Select your child(ren)’s club and save your RIS number to use in RAMP.
Important Notes:
One parent/guardian must hold Respect in Sport – Parent certification on the registration file.
Other courses (e.g., Activity Leader) do not substitute for the Parent program.
Once you have your Respect In Sport number:
Log in to RAMP: Calgary Hornets Lacrosse Registration system.
Add your player’s registration and include your Respect in Sport number in the required field.
You can use the link below to register for:
Hornets Camps
Hornets Try-It Sessions
Hornets New Player Clinics
Hornets “A” Tryouts (U13–U17)
Spring Box Lacrosse (U7–U17 Hornets, Cardinals 16–21)
SEASON DETAILS
Early Bird Registration: December 15, 2025 – February 7, 2026
General Registration: February 8, 2026 – March 15, 2026 (or until divisions are full)
Families are encouraged to register early to help with evaluation planning and to ensure their player is included in the evaluation process.
Evaluations begin March 1, 2026.
Try Lacrosse Before You Register for 2026
New to lacrosse? Join the Calgary Hornets Come Try Lacrosse — free sessions, no equipment required.
Session Dates & Time
Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 1:45–2:45 pm
Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 1:45–2:45 pm
Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 1:45–2:45 pm
Registration required
Participants must register online for the session date they plan to attend.
Registration incentive
Players who attend a Try Lacrosse session and later register for the 2026 season receive $25 off their registration fee.
What Hornets provide
Volunteer Parent Coaches
Lacrosse sticks and balls
What to bring
Water bottle (clearly labelled)
Indoor runners
Comfortable athletic clothing
We look forward to introducing more kids in Calgary to the game of lacrosse.
Location
All sessions are held at Spray Lakes Sawmills Sports Centre
800 Griffin Road East, Cochrane
Interested in trying lacrosse? It’s a great off-season option for hockey players and athletes from other sports. The Hornets are offering free, one-hour Try Lacrosse sessions for teams.
Hornets provide
Floor time (1 hour)
Lacrosse sticks and balls
Coaching staff
Location
Spray Lakes Family Sports Centre
800 Griffin Road East, Cochrane
Dates & Times
Saturdays, January 3 & 10
1:45–5:45 pm (one-hour team blocks)
Registration & Contact
Teams must book in advance. Contact Jordan Boissy, Coach Director at coachdirector@hornetslacrosse.com for details and scheduling.
Note
A team waiver is required for all participants.
All new players must attend one New Player Session. These sessions review equipment fit, answer questions, and prepare players for the season. Registration is required.
Equipment Required
Full lacrosse equipment (including mouthguard)
Indoor runners
Labelled water bottle
Please arrive 15–20 minutes early.
Location
Spray Lakes Sawmills Sports Centre
800 Griffin Road East, Cochrane
Session Dates
Saturday, January 31, 2026
U7–U11: 1:45–2:45 pm
U13–U17: 2:45–3:45 pm
Saturday, February 21, 2026 (for players registered after January 30, 2026)
U7–U11: 1:45–2:45 pm
U13–U17: 2:45–3:45 pm
Important
Players must be registered for the season before signing up for the free New Player Session. A Respect in Sport for Parents number is required.
Registration Inquiries:
Email: registrar@hornetslacrosse.com
Debbie Goodfellow, Executive Director
Email: executivedirector@hornetslacrosse.com
Website: https://hornetslacrosse.com
AGE DIVISIONS
For all divisions, age is calculated as of December 31 of the current year.
Born 2020, 2021, 2022
Turning Ages: 4, 5, and 6 as of December 31, of the current year.
Born: 2018, 2019
Turning ages 7 and 8
Born: 2016, 2017
Turning ages 9 and 10 as of December 31, 2026.
Born: 2014, 2015
Turning ages 11 and 12 as of December of the current year.
Born: 2012, 2013
Turning ages 13 and 15 as of December 31 of the current year.
Born: 2010, 2011
Turning ages 15 and 16 as of December 31 of the current year.
BOX LACROSSE EQUIPMENT
The helmet is mandatory protective gear for every lacrosse player. In box lacrosse, the standard is a CSA-approved hockey helmet with a certified facemask. These meet safety standards and are available at major sporting retailers.
Approved helmet options:
NOCSAE-approved field lacrosse helmet
CSA-approved hockey helmet + CSA-approved hockey facemask
CSA-approved hockey helmet + CSA-approved lacrosse facemask
Gloves are essential in box lacrosse. They protect your hands and fingers from checks, slashes, and impacts while giving you the grip and stick control you need in tight, physical play.
Recommended gloves include Northland PRO Gloves and Northland Intermediate Youth Gloves, both designed by Canadian pros with reinforced impact foam, moisture-wicking liners, and palms built for performance in the box.
Visit: Northland Lacrosse
Lacrosse sticks break down into two parts: the head and the shaft, so players can customize their setup for performance.
Head: The part that catches and throws the ball.
Shaft: The handle, typically lightweight yet durable.
For a ready-to-play option, Northland PRO Complete Sticks come professionally strung with a quality head and shaft.
Visit: Northland Lacrosse
Lacrosse Stick Sizing (Youth Players)
Proper stick length is key to ball control, shooting, and overall enjoyment. To check fit, have the player place their elbow at the butt end and grip the stick — their hand should sit about halfway between the butt end and the head.
Recommended Lengths
U13 & under: 34”–40”
U15 & over: 40”–46”
Measurements are taken from the top of the head to the butt end. If cutting the shaft, remove the butt end, measure carefully, cut once, smooth the edges, then replace and tape the butt end securely.
Box lacrosse is physical. Shoulder pads protect your shoulders, chest, and back from heavy impacts. Good pads balance coverage with mobility, letting you play hard without worrying about injury.
Bicep pads protect your upper arms — a frequently hit area in box lacrosse. They absorb checks and collisions while letting you move freely. Lightweight, flexible padding means protection without restriction.
Elbow pads guard elbows and forearms from checks, falls, and contact. Box lacrosse demands higher-impact protection than field lacrosse, so choose pads designed for the box game. Field pads often fall short.
Kidney pads shield your lower back and sides. They absorb hits and reduce injury risk in this sensitive area. Designed to be light and flexible, kidney pads add important protection without slowing you down.
ELEV8 Programs
ELEV8 Lacrosse delivers year-round lacrosse development for all ages and skill levels, including camps, clinics, training sessions, and elite travel teams led by experienced coaches from the pro National Lacrosse League, International Teas and NCAA ranks. Programs are built to sharpen fundamentals, boost lacrosse IQ, and develop character in structured, high-energy environments.
ELEV8 also offers beginner entry points such as Scoop, Calgary Field Lacrosse, and Classroom Lacrosse, alongside advanced skill training and competitive team opportunities.
Calgary Field Lacrosse’s primary focus is to develop field lacrosse players in a positive and engaging environment while growing the organization. Strategic partnerships, leading-edge and innovative concepts, coupled with outstanding organization and professionalism in a manner that exceeds the expectations of all participants are the cornerstones of the organization.
The program leadership, administration and coaching is exclusively provided by ELEV8 Lacrosse. Together, Calgary Field and ELEV8 Lacrosse, work hard to find the perfect balance between player development, player safety and fun!
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Kidsport Calgary
KidSport Calgary & Area alleviates financial hardship for families who cannot afford the cost of lacrosse registration fees, Funding is available (for qualified families) through KidSport Calgary
FLAMES Sports Equipment Bank
Gently used equipment isa also available for qualified families through Comries's Sports Equipment bank.