U7 ~ Lil' Roughnecks
U7, like all other Lacrosse divisions, is based on birth year. For the 2026 Season, U7 birth years are 2020, 2021, and 2022.
The purpose of the U7 division is to introduce, emphasize, and develop the fundamental skills of lacrosse. The focus of practices, as well as games, is to promote an environment that encourages participation, skill development, and overall enjoyment of the game.
At the end of the season, a special U7 Festival is held where all teams come together to play one another in a fun and festive atmosphere.
The U7 season runs twice a week until mid-June.
For more information about registration, see Spring Box Lacrosse Registration.
U7 Format
The U7 program follows the guidelines as set forth by the Canadian Lacrosse Association Long Term Athlete Development Plan.
Full rules can be found on the Alberta Lacrosse Association website.
U7 teams play in 1-hour sessions that consist of:
- 15 minutes | Warm-up/skills
- 15 minutes | 3-on-3 game
- 15 minutes | Skills
- 15 minutes | 3-on-3 game
Each 15-minute game is played with run-time, across the width of the floor, and players are on the floor for 3-minute intervals.
The contact rules are "equal pressure". There are no referees and instead the coaches will manage the floor. There aren't any penalties, but the coaches will stop play as needed to explain any infractions.
The fallback rule applies when the goaltender is in possession of the ball. All defensive players must enter the neutral zone where they must wait until the ball crosses the restraining line. The goalie must pass the ball to one of the offensive players who must be at least 9 feet from the crease.
As the U7 division is intended to encourage development, there aren't any standings for U7, though standard game results procedures will be followed (e.g. sending in game sheets).
U7 players require full gear. See Required Lacrosse Equipment for more information.
