Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about lacrosse and the Snohomish Lacrosse Club.
Q. What is the Snohomish Lacrosse Club?
A. The Snohomish Lacrosse Club (Snolax) was established in 2002 to provide boys and girls in Snohomish County with the opportunity to learn and play the sport of Lacrosse. The Snohomish Lacrosse Club was founded by Doug and Bonnie Roulstone and was the first High School and Youth Lacrosse program established in Snohomish County.
Q. What does SNOLAX mean?
A. SNOLAX is an abbreviation for Snohomish Lacrosse. Lacrosse is often abbreviated as LAX.
Q. Are the Snohomish Lacrosse Club teams affiliated with the Snohomish School District?
A. No. Although the Snohomish Lacrosse Club uses Snohomish School District facilities for games and practices, the Snohomish Lacrosse Club is not affiliated with the Snohomish School district.
Q. How many teams play for the Snohomish Lacrosse Club?
A. The Snohomish Lacrosse Club has High School and Youth Lacrosse programs for both boys and girls. At the Youth program level, we have teams for grade levels, 3 / 4, 5 / 6, and 7 / 8. At the High School level there are both JV and Varsity teams. In 2007 the Snohomish Lacrosse Club fielded 12 teams total across all grade levels, with over 200 players. The total number of teams is dependent on the number of players who register each season.
Q. Who can play for the Snohomish Lacrosse Club?
A. At the youth program level, grades 3 through 8, there are no school district boundary restrictions and anyone from any school district/town can register to play with the Snohomish Lacrosse Club. At the High School Level, grades 9 through 12, the Snohomish Lacrosse Club currently represents the following school districts: Snohomish, Monroe, Lake Stevens and Marysville. High School Players living in these school districts must play on a Snohomish Lacrosse Club team.
Q. When does the Lacrosse Season start?
A. The Lacrosse season runs from February to May, with league games beginning in the beginning of March. The Boy's and Girl's Youth teams begin practicing in February and the High School teams begin practicing in March. Practices for youth teams are normally two days a week after school in early evening with one game per week on Saturday, while High School teams practice immediately after school for two hours daily Mon - Fri and normally play two games per week.
Q. Where do the Snohomish Lacrosse club teams practice and play their games?
A. The Snohomish Lacrosse Club’s main practice field and home game field are located at the Snohomish Freshman Campus. Due to the growth of the club and the increase in the number of boys and girls youth teams (grades 3-8) that the club is fielding, we have had to expand to other fields for practices and games. Alternative game/practice fields may include Valley View Middle School, Centennial Middle School, or Pilchuk Park. Other fields as well may be used for the upcoming season and are still to be determined.
Q. What teams does the Snohomish Lacrosse Club compete against?
A. The Snohomish Lacrosse Club competes against teams from much of the greater Seattle area including, Mukilteo, Stanwood, Lynnwood, North Seattle, Bellevue, Mercer Island, Bainbridge Island, Issaquah and Maple Valley, to name a few. The teams practice and play their home games at the Snohomish Freshman Campus. Playoffs take place in early to mid-May and culminate in the Championship week at the end of May.
Q. How much does it cost to register to play on a Snohomish Lacrosse Club team?
A. Fees vary by grade level. The fees are described in the registration form. Click the Register link on the left hand side to see more.
Q. Are any additional fees required besides the membership registration fee.
A. Yes, players will also have to purchase uniforms and individual equipment. Uniform fees vary by team. You can expect uniform fees to be up to $80. No uniform fees are being collected for the boys and girls 3rd and 4th grade teams.
Q. Are Registration Fees refundable if my son or daughter decides not to play this season?
A. Yes, if it turns out your son or daughter decides not to play Lacrosse this season, a refund of your registration fees can be requested from the Treasurer of the Snohomish Lacrosse Club.
Q. How much does the equipment cost and what is required?
A. All players will need to obtain equipment as required by the league. For boys, this includes a helmet, Lacrosse stick, gloves, shoulder pads, arm pads, mouth guard, athletic cup and cleats. Boy's Equipment costs typically range from $150 to $200. For girls, this includes a Lacrosse stick, cleats, mouth guard and protective eye goggles (gloves are optional) and should cost approx. $100 - $150.
For more information, see Where and What equipment to buy
Q. What are the membership registration fees used to pay for?
A. Membership Registration fees cover the operational expenses of the Snohomish Lacrosse Club, including, league dues, field rental expenses, referee fees, equipment, insurance, preseason and post season jamborees and tournaments.
Q. The Snolax website has a section that asks for donations. I already paid my registration fee why should I donate additional money?
A. Lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in the State of Washington and across the entire country. As our club grows, the cost of fielding teams increases every year. League fees, field rental, referee fees, equipment and insurance continue to rise. Your donation will go far towards helping to keep the costs down for our kids, ensure more participation by those that otherwise could not afford it, and ensuring that lacrosse, the “Fastest game on 2 feet,” continues to thrive in our area.
Q. If I donate money to the Snohomish Lacrosse club is my donation tax deductible?
A. Yes. The Snohomish Lacrosse Club is registered with the Washington State Secretary of State's office as a Nonprofit Charitable organization, and is registered with the United States Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3)tax exempt organization.
Q. If we can’t afford the registration fee, what are our options?
A. If registration and equipment costs are preventing your son or daughter from joining the Snohomish Lacrosse Club, we can arrange differed payments for the registration fee between November and the start of the season (March). Under some circumstances the Snohomish Lacrosse club will also provide membership scholarships (full or partial) for families who are in financial need. Equipment can often be borrowed from other players or bought second hand during the Snohomish Lacrosse Club’s October Laxfest event. Please contact the Club President, Doug Bratz for further information.
Q. Who can I contact for additional information?
A. Please see the Contact Information Page.