Age and Eligibility Guidelines
Teams will be based on grade level first, providing that current age eligibility requirements are met.
Grade levels are defined as follows:
- 14U - 8th and 7th grades
- 12U - 6th and 5th grades
- 10U - 4th and 3rd grades
- 8U- 2nd and 1st grades
US Lacrosse establishes eligibility guidelines in order to promote the game of lacrosse among the youth of America in a safe and sportsmanlike environment. To best achieve this goal, US Lacrosse believes that leagues, associations, and other organizers of youth lacrosse should seek to provide playing opportunities that, as much as possible, establish a "level playing field" among players of similar age, size, and ability.
Age and Eligibility Guidelines are not considered “game-day rules” and are not enforced as game-day rules by officials. Exceptions to age divisions cannot be made on game day and all coaches must adhere to classifications as determined by NHYLA.
Players who are participating in any high-school level program such as a high school freshman, JV-B, junior varsity, varsity or club team are not eligible for 14U competition in the same season. This means that a player who is age-eligible for 14U but plays on a high school level team shall not concurrently play on a youth league 14U team.
The following age groupings are determined as of the August 31st preceding competition.
- 14U: All players must be 14 years old or younger on the August 31st preceding competition.
- 12U: All players must be 12 years old or younger on the August 31st preceding competition.
- 10U: All players must be 10 years old or younger on the August 31st preceding competition.
- 8U: All players must be 8 years old or younger on the August 31st preceding competition.
Waivers for age eligible players to play down can be requested following NHYLA's waiver process. A waiver is required from the league, not the local town program. All waiver requests must include accurate details regarding date of birth, height, weight and level of experience. They must be submitted by March 1st prior to the start of the spring season to the respective VP.
