Finding field space

One of the biggest problems new high school (and youth) programs have is finding field space to practice on. At some schools, field space is allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis, so be sure to discuss using field space with your school's Athletic Director as soon as possible. You need learn whether or not you'll be able to practice on school grounds or if you will need to find another place to practice. Your school may not let your team use the facilities for a number of reasons. High schools often don't have enough field space to accommodate all their existing sports, and the lacrosse team-the school's newest sport-is the odd-man-out. Other times, schools are concerned that fields are being overused and won't allow the lacrosse team to use them. Regardless of the reason, if you're unable to use your school's facilities for practice, you'll need to find somewhere else to play. Youth programs may run into similar problems with locating field space for practice. Here are two places to look:

• Local elementary or middle schools. Finding an elementary or middle school located near the high school can be an ideal place to practice. These schools likely have available field space that is not being used and is often lying vacant. Contact the school directly to see if it's possible to use its facilities for practice. If you don't have any luck with the school, try contacting the district school board.
• Identify a local park that has enough flat space for a lacrosse field. Look for a park with lots of flat field space and no forest or thick grass surrounding the field. Errant passes and missed shots will lead to lots of lost lacrosse balls unless there's plenty of open space surrounding the practice field. Once you've identified a park you'd like to use, contact the local city or county Parks and Recreation Department. You should easily be able to find your local Parks and Recreation Department's website with a quick Google search. After locating the website, use the directory of contacts to find the contact in charge of the city or county's sports complexes. Call or email them directly about using the field.

Local schools and parks may charge you for using their fields. The rates vary and are negotiable. As a non-profit youth league or high school team, there is a good chance you can rent the field for free. At the very least, they should offer you a discounted rate.