About ILA

MISSION: Through responsive and effective leadership, Idaho Lacrosse Association strives to provide programs and services to inspire participation while protecting the integrity of the sport.

The Idaho Lacrosse Association (ILA) is a regional chapter of US Lacrosse, the national governing body for lacrosse in the United States. Comprised of volunteers from all levels of both the men’s and women’s games in Idaho, the ILA develops, supports, and promotes lacrosse in the state of Idaho. Additionally, we promote a positive playing environment, a unified front for lacrosse interests in Idaho, and a communication vehicle for those involved in this great game.

While lacrosse is sometimes perceived to be a violent and dangerous game, injury statistics prove otherwise. Serious injuries can and do occur in lacrosse, but the game’s evolution has emphasized safety, and the rate of injury is comparatively low. Ensuring the safety of participants is a major focus for US Lacrosse and the Idaho Lacrosse Association.

Our Goals

The Idaho Lacrosse Association has four main goals:

1. Foster a positive environment for lacrosse in Idaho
2. Provide support to the leagues for the recruitment, training, and growth of coaches at all levels
3. Provide support to the officiating organizations in Idaho for the recruitment, training, and growth of officials at all levels
4. Promote the sport in Idaho through outreach, communication, and events to assist the growth of the game.

Board Members and Committee Chairs

Purpose of the site

Idaholacrosse.org is the official site of the Idaho Lacrosse Association. The association was founded in 1997 to actively promote the sport of lacrosse in Idaho. This website has been developed to provide all Idaho lacrosse enthusiasts a vehicle to gather and communicate lacrosse information. It includes information about establishing teams and leagues, recruiting officials, volunteering, and current results of lacrosse games across Idaho. It also includes links to additional lacrosse information from the U.S. Lacrosse Association.

If you are spearheading a local lacrosse group in your area, please contact us ( for details on how to post your local lacrosse activity on this website.

Frequently asked questions

While both boys and girls play lacrosse with the same size goal and a lacrosse stick, the games differ quite a bit. The women's game stresses finesse, body positioning, and stick skills. No body checking is allowed. The only equipment required is a women's lacrosse stick, a mouth guard, and eye protection. Additionally, women play on a larger field with 11 players per team.

The men's game is played with a helmet, gloves, elbow pads, and shoulder pads in addition to the stick. There are 10 players to a side and, depending on the age of the players, body checking may be allowed. Still, the incidence of injury in lacrosse is lower than soccer.

Lacrosse is a great sport because participants of all sizes and abilities can play. Lacrosse is a sport that involves running and team play. While individual athletic ability is rewarded, so are team work, stick skills, and a positive attitude. Youth leagues are operated to give every player a chance to enjoy success both on and off the field.

Lacrosse is typically a spring sport, so it does not require your child to compete year around in one discipline. The season typically runs February through May. It is our goal at the ILA to allow children to participate in as many activities as they and their parents deem appropriate. High school teams usually practice up to six days a week, while youth programs practice up to two times a week.

The state’s YMCAs operate fall and spring leagues. Additionally, there are other opportunities to play and learn the game, such as the travel teams (All Idaho, Team Idaho), summer camps, and fall clinics.

Most leagues have a fee to cover field space, team equipment, insurance, and officials. Additionally, the appropriate equipment to play is required. For girls, this consists of a stick, mouth guard, and eye protection. All three can be purchased for about $70. For boys, you'll need to purchase a stick ($30), mouth guard and then determine if you want to purchase the other protective gear. For the YMCA league, all you need is a lacrosse stick ($30).

There are ample opportunities to get involved in the growing Idaho lacrosse community. These range from providing a positive attitude on the sidelines, to being a team parent/manager, to coaching and officiating. The ILA provides clinics on a range of issues and can help steer you to a position you feel comfortable with. Please contact us and we'll help you find a role that fits with your experience and availability.