If you have unanswered questions please email (faster) or call me.  Email link and phone number is on menu section

................Where it all started...


Frequently asked Questions: 

1. What is the difference between Open Leagues, Team Leagues, and Pick-Up Leagues?

2. What is the difference between "field lacrosse and box lacrosse?"

3. What equipment is required to play?

4. What type of injuries occur most frequently in high school and collegiate lacrosse?

5. Why does 3RL only allow 3-4 players from one school on a "open league" team?

6. What if I miss the Open League registration date?

7. What type of behavior is expected from all who attend a 3 Rivers Lacrosse event?

8. Are there practice sessions for your team?

9. Does 3RL provide lacrosse instruction during games or have separate events?

10. What is 3 Rivers Lacrosse and what is our mission?

11. What is the 3 Rivers Lacrosse philosophy on wining and losing?

12. Are the indoor rules different from the field game?

13.Does 3 Rivers Lacrosse have a refund policy?

14. Player insurance - Medical Treatment - Liability

15. How am I notified of new events and changes in events ?

16. How can my player learn the game, if there is NO Place to LEARN?

17. How can I pay my fees by credit card?

18.  How can I be on the same team as my friends for carpooling?

19. Cancellations due to weather



1. What is Team, Open, or Pick-up - Leagues?

Team Leagues: Winter Events Session (Jan - March - usually 8 weeks) Team leagues consist of local high school and middle school lacrosse teams. Teams are grouped by gender and grade. A coach or adult volunteer may register a team and submit a NON-REFUNDABLE deposit to guarantee a team slot in the league. Teams are responsible for coaches, uniforms, and submitting single check team fee. Teams are included on a first paid basis. The league will determine maximum number of players per team. - usually 15-17. If you have more players you should sign up two teams. 3RL occasionally has a independent team consisting of players whose school teams are not attending or schools that have more than maximum allowable players. Further 3RL can help with "coaching" if school teams are unable to provide a coach.

Open Leagues: Fall Events Session (Oct-Dec/Jan - between 6-8 weeks) The Open League consists of local lacrosse players. Players register on-line, submit fees, and are placed on teams by the 3RL staff. To overcome car-pooling difficulties 3RL has a date preceding league play (team selection date) where players can register to be on the same team. Requirements are that players have paid their registration fee in full and be present (or their parent) at team selection date with the people they would like to register with.  The 3RL staff will place no more than 3-4 from the same school on any one team. Players not attending this date will be placed on teams at random by 3RL staff.  Occasionally at some league levels - teams are accepted. 

Pick-up Leagues: Summer Events Session (June - August - 8 Weeks) The Pick-Up League consists of local lacrosse players. Players register on-line, submit fees, and attend games. Teams are determined by random stick selection at the field.

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2. Field and Box Lacrosse?

Field Lacrosse is normally played outside on traditionally sized fields (60 yd by 110 yd) with the normal complement of players. (10 for men and 12 for women)

Box Lacrosse is normally played indoors in "boxes" or rinks. Size differs with each facility but is generally around ½ to ¾ of normal field size. Player numbers will be 5, 6, or 7 on the field (per team) at any one time. Player numbers adjust to particular league and facility events.
You may wish to see the facility web sites where 3RL holds its events. (See directions)
 

NOTE:
The box game can be extremely fast and rewards those who have worked on foot speed and stick handling. Please note the "box game" is not the field game nor is it intended to be. There are rules changes (see rules).

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3. Equipment Required?

Men:  Mandatory equipment is a helmet, shoulder pads, arm pads, gloves, mouthpiece and lacrosse stick. Rib-pads are optional.  Goalies must have throat protectors.

Women:  Mandatory equipment is a mouthpiece, goggles, and a regulation women's lacrosse stick.  Gloves are optional.  Goalies must have a helmet with throat protector, chest protector, and goalie gloves. Leg protection is optional.

Officials are required remove players that are not properly equipped.

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4. What kind of injuries occur in lacrosse?

Men's Lacrosse:

Surveys indicate the lower extremities received 50.4% of the injuries, with the ankle and knee most frequently injured. The trunk and arms received 39.8% of the injuries with the shoulder the most frequent of those injuries. The head and face accounted for 9.89% of injuries. 72% of the injuries were contusions, sprains, and strains. Midfielders receive the most of the injuries and goalies the fewest. Player to player collisions caused most of the injuries. Collisions while going after ground balls had the most injuries, followed by collisions while shooting. Severe injuries or fatalities are extremely rare but do occur.

Men's and Women's Lacrosse:

Injury rates for major sports - Gymnastics, Football, Basketball, Soccer, Field Hockey, Baseball, Softball, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse or of the 16 sports (8 women's and 8 men's) has men's lacrosse ranked 10th and women's lacrosse last with the least amount of injuries per 1000 occurrences.

However, injuries, although infrequent, do occur.  3RL asks that your player be properly equipped and in good physical condition to play in our events. We ask all parents of minor children to sign waivers to that extent.

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5. Why only 3-4 players from same school per "open league" team?

As the sport of lacrosse matures in our area we are seeing "better" players emerge at every age group (Middle school, JV, and Varsity).  It is therefore natural for better or older players to sign up on one team. This always produces teams that are not as skilled which get "slaughtered." To help prevent this and make games as competitive as possible 3RL allows only 3-4 players from any one school on a team during its open league events.

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6. Missing open league registration date?

If you, or a parent/friend, are unable to attend the registration date for team selection, the 3RL staff will assign you to a team they deem appropriate. 

IMPORTANT:

Your parent's, teammates parents, or teammates may sign you up to play in a group on that registration date provided:
1. You are paid in full.
2. No more than 3-4 players from the same school are already placed on that team.

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7. Behavior at 3RL events?

All 3RL staff, event participants, fans, non -3rl coaches will maintain emotional control and demonstrate respect for athletes, officials, fellow coaches, and fans. Officials in their sole judgment are required to enforce this standard by removal of any or all who cannot comply.  Please note 3RL uses "certified officials and officials in training" for 3RL leagues.  Standards for conduct will apply.

8. Practice sessions for team and open leagues?

3RL provides "recreational" leagues. Each session is 6 or 8 weeks of league play and does not include any practice sessions. Sometimes when league standings are involved there may be a scrimmage game that does not count in the league standings.  Occasionally an instructional period (about 10--15 min) before a game is used to demonstrate individual or game skills.

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9. Lacrosse Instruction?

In the past 3RL offered instruction for different age groups (usually from k-6th). However this was not well attended. Facilities now require payment for all hours contracted regardless of whether 3RL gets enough participants. We may or may not continue to try to support this effort. Should you wish to help 3RL in notifying grade schools in your area to develop this program please do not hesitate to contact us.

During middle school games 3RL-trained coaches (during open league) will help young players with their game. Occasionally if the men's or women's director sees a situation that would benefit all players with a demonstration he/she may stop game to provide such education.

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10. 3RL what and why?

3RL (Three Rivers Lacrosse) has been providing lacrosse competition for over 10 years. It was founded upon the principle that if players wanted to improve their skills they would need more opportunities than just the "spring" school lacrosse season. Therefore three "out of season" (Fall, Winter, Summer) sessions were started. Each session is 8 weeks long.  If you believe that your player will benefit by having a "stick" in his/her hands during a competitive game 3RL may be just the opportunity you need to improve his/her game.

3RL also provides other event clients with an on-line participant registration system including the back office accounting. (more information will follow as on-line demo's are made)

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11. Wining and Losing?

3RL believes that individuals grow as the result of effort and hard work to attain their personal goals. Therefore encouraging personal effort in the achievement these personal goals is the reward as opposed to overemphasis on wining.

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12. Are the rules different?

Box courts - Each contest has 2 face-offs with a running clock.  When a goal is scored..... goalie rakes ball from net and play continues to the opponent's goal. If score difference is 4 goals or more the team behind retains possession of the ball on each of their scores until the difference is equal to 4 goals. The team behind will receive ball in center circle. There is no overtime and tie games give each team a point. The mid-line is the restraining line and the basis for off-sides. The number of players (6v6, 7v7, 5v5) determine the number of players behind the restraining line (this will be determined at game time.) Substitutions are on the fly and players going onto field can stand on the field behind "yellow line." However if players do not substitute in a reasonable amount of time, there will be whistle and ball will be awarded to other team. Penalties will be served. (or offending team will be "man-down" on a mid-line fast break)  Each individual event will have specifics for both boys and girls rules.

Boys - The only stick check allowed is the "poke check" Two handed checks will come with a warning and then expulsion from game. Boarding is strictly forbidden. Player closest to ball and boards will have possession and opponents only option is "poke and lift." Pushing, chop down checks, body checks are forbidden. We use certified officials and their first concern is safety. Repeated penalties and the offender will be removed from game. The officials have the last word on the matter.

Girls - Same as field rules. Minor penalties will be a "held whistle" unless the offending team gains an advantage. There is no card system. Rough play will require whistle and a substitution and a change of possession.

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13. Refund policy?

Refunds and prorated refunds will be determined on an individual basis. For example, "jonny lacrosse" breaks his leg skiing and will be unable to attend this 6 or 8 week session. Refunds will generally be approved. Occasionally an admin fee may be charged. Should you fall into this category please email me with the particulars. [ director email ]


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14. Player Insurance - Medical Treatment -

3RL does not provide (nor ask you to pay for insurance). Should the trainer,  and/ofr staff determine your player must be transported to the hospital, the local EMT will be called. Your personal or company coverage will apply.

Lacrosse Waiver of Liability; Medical Treatment

The Player and/or Player Parent/Guardian assumes and accepts full responsibility for any and all personal liability claims arising from the activity and participation of this event. The Player and/or Player Parent/Guardian, releases coaches, instructors, event and facility personnel from liability for any accident or other catastrophe.

In the event that medical treatment is required the local EMS will be called.  The Player and/or Player Parent/Guardian will be responsible for all fees and including hospital fees should this occur.

Facts concerning the child’s medical history including allergies, medication being taken, and any physical impairments to which a physician should be alerted should be with your (minor) child during these events.

Participation in this event requires that you accept the above requirements.  You will be asked on the registration form for this consent.   If you choose not to accept, you will not be registered.


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15.  Changes in Events ?


3RL only notifies players, player parents, interested fans, etc of changes of events, new events, and cancellations through it newsletter. (Three Rivers Lacrosse)   Registering (currently)  does not automatically put you on the newsletter list.   You must first [ subscribe to newsletter ] 

Note: In most cases "weather" will not cancel an event! (We play indoors on most of our events)  We know and appreciate parent's concerns about players driving to our events.  Since we (in most cases) are not able to reschedule events at our rental facilities we are dependent on the facility informing us of cancellations.  If they remain open we must also attend.   You may wish to make the personal decision on whether you (or your child) drive to our event under these circumstances.  On rare occasions 3RL will cancel an event do to road conditions.  (Rich Hill road access to PISA in Harmarville becomes very dangerous in icy conditions)  3RL will make every attempt to make up dates that are cancelled but can only reschedule on "open" dates at the facility.  [ more on weather/other cancellations ]

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16. How does my player learn the game when instruction is not available?

Learning to play lacrosse depends more on individual commitment then actual instruction.  Buy a stick and some balls, (or tennis balls will do)   Find a wall, stand back about 5 yds. and throw the ball against the wall with the stick in your right hand (or dominant hand) and then do it with left hand or opposite hand.  Develop throwing so you can do this 100 times with each hand without dropping the ball.  Once you can do this at 5 yds move back to 10 yds and start all over. 

While athletic ability is inherited from our parents/grandparents.... stick handling is not a "native ability"   Anyone can become proficient with practice.  When I see kids that cannot pass and catch I know they have not spent enough time on the wall.

Learn how to run.(fast)   Go to your (or school's) soccer/track/basketball/football coach (if you do not have a local or school lacrosse coach)  and get recommendations for conditioning appropriate to your age, gender, sport. 

Lacrosse is aerobic...  Learn how to run!!!! (faster the better)   At the same time carry the ball (in your stick both left handed and right handed) and run as fast as you can.  Ground balls... start at one end of the field with ball in stick, roll the ball in front of you... run (fast) scoop the ball up in your stick and continue down the field. (by rolling the ball in front of you. (you should get about 10 -12 reps per 100 yards)

If your daughter/son can do the above and handle the ball at top speed .... She will be a starter this spring.  She will get all the "team stuff" from her lacrosse coach.  Knowing the rules, plays, positions is vastly overrated and very easily leaned.

Sorry this is not more glamorous. 

I know many kids get involved in lacrosse for the recreational/social aspects of the game.  If this is the case then nothing really needs to be done.  If she/he has natural talent... she will play... if not she will enjoy the social aspects of the game/practice.
 

-regards
- Bruce Phillips, 3RL

Also there are players giving private lessons.  You may want to look at that.  [ more info ]

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Where it all started!![

Special thanks should go to David Palcho and Lou Ermer for creating this league.  It was their vision that if lacrosse was to grow in Western Pennsylvania, players who wanted to pursue the game past high school would need more opportunities to improve their skills.  Thus "Winlax" or winter lacrosse was formed.  Winlax evolved into Three Rivers Lacrosse (3RL) under the guidance of Peter Tulk.  (current lacrosse coach of St Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania). Coach Tulk has maintained our leagues and our growth.   "Coach Tulk" has coached, refereed, been the banker, administrator, game scheduler, tournament planner, and bus driver.  Without his attention 3RL would not be in existence today.  Coach Tulk remains an important advisor on all 3RL matters.  3RL is now operated by Bruce Phillips - Assistant Men's Lacrosse Coach at Robert Morris University.  Directing all boy's/men's activity is Dan Shea - Head Men's Lacrosse Coach at Hampton High School. The girls/women's events are guided by Katy Phillips - Head Women's Lacrosse Coach at Robert Morris University.

3RL is indebted to many people, organizations, and businesses for their continued growth.    Indoor facilities are made possible by Pittsburgh Indoor Sports in Harmarville, the Iceoplex at Southpointe in Canonsburg and RMU Island Sports on Neville Island.  Our coaches, referee's, and statisticians are all from the WPSLA and MSLA organizations and most are Head Lacrosse Coaches. Our high school boys and girls serve as "interns" and assist us in all phases of our "Learn to Play Clinics."    As of the 2005 season, the division I men's and women's lacrosse players from Robert Morris University are also part or our staff filling roles of instruction, coaching, and referees.   Many parents also fill in as voluntary coaches and timekeepers. Further we owe a special thanks to all the parents of the players who must get them to the games on time or worry about them driving home late at night in the winter. 

We at 3RL thank you all.

Bruce Phillips
Three Rivers Lacrosse


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17. How can I pay my fees by credit card?

If you wish to pay by credit card........ 3RL only accepts  "Paypal"    (An on-line service that does not require 3rl to have a merchant account and incur additional charges. )

To Register for Paypal follow this link [ www.paypal.com ] If you use "Paypal" please use -----bnphillips@verizon.net ---to send money. Paypal is a reliable method for paying over the internet. 3RL uses Paypal all the time. It is also helpful to include player full name in Paypal.


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18.  How can I be on the same team as my friends for carpooling

In our open leagues you may play with players from other schools.  However if you wish to car-pool you may be on the same team.   Each league (men's/women's) has a date where you can pick up your team jersey and be on same team (up to 4 players per team ). All members must be in attendance.   If one member is not in attendance he/she may or may not be on same team.  Absent player (parent's) may stand in on that date.

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19.  Cancellations due to weather

3RL is dependent on the event facilities staff to notify and advise any cancellations due to weather or other conditions.   When (if) this happens 3RL notifies its players, player parents, coaches, and staff through its news letter.  [ subscribe here ]  Should you wish to be notified please subscribe.  No other notification will be delivered.  It can happen that driving conditions are terrible and facilities stay open!!!   You may make the decision that your child not drive to this event.  Game refunds when the facility remains open will not be given.

Please note;  The facilities that 3rl contracts with are tightly scheduled.  Make up games are at their discretion only.  If they are rescheduled it is usually at times  other than the regularly scheduled events.

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