Field Day 101: What to Expect at a Field Day

The Alberta Field Lacrosse Association's (AFLA) field days are an opportunity for players to play games, compete, and have fun!  They are also a great opportunity for Alberta's field lacrosse community to come together and enjoy the sport!

It's easier to have fun when you know what to expect!  If you haven't been to a field day - here's what you need to know:

FORMAT AND RULES

• Games between Alberta's field lacrosse clubs are scheduled by age and gender divisions.  For the most part, you can expect your player to play on our team associated with their age division.  In some age divisions, our numbers will allow us to field 2 Razorback teams.  In this case, the teams are parity teams determined by our coaching staff.  There is no tiering involved in AFLA field days.  
• The size of the playing field, the duration of games, and the number of players on the field varies by age division, and gender.  To learn more, please review the Alberta Lacrosse Regulations 18 and 19 available at: https://www.albertalacrosse.com/content/governance
• BE AWARE:  Field lacrosse field days have a much more relaxed atmosphere than you see at a box lacrosse tournament BUT as is the case in box lacrosse, the AFLA has a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of any type, inside or out of competition.

OFFICIATING

• Games are officiated by members of the Alberta Lacrosse Referees Association (ALRA). 
• Officials in men's field lacrosse are known as "Referees."
• Officials in women's field lacrosse are known as "Umpires."
• IMPORTANT:  For Summer 2023 field play, we expect to have many brand new officials on our fields.  Please be kind and patient as these officials learn.
• Parents/spectators may not speak to the game officials.  

WEATHER - BE PREPARED

• Games go rain or shine.  Barring lightning, hail, extreme heat, or poor air quality/smoke, gameplay at a field day continues.
• Be prepared for the elements.  

WHAT TO BRING TO A FIELD DAY

• Sunscreen
• Insect Repellent
• Rain jacket
• Hat (to protect against the sun)
• A large garbage bag (to protect your player's equipment in the event of rain)
• Lawn Chairs for all spectators
• Water - lots of water!
• Snacks/Picnic Items (watching is hard work!!)
• Your Player's Equipment (including a mouth guard!).  Don't forget your stick!
• Your Player's Pinnie or Uniform
• A camera or video camera to capture your player in action.  If your player is in the NCAA recruiting process, field days are an opportunity to obtain local game film.  

WHERE TO SIT

• Spectators must sit behind the sideline on the side of the field that is opposite from the player "benches."  
• Do not sit behind the nets in the end zone.  You can easily be hit by a ball while sitting in this area.  You may also want to think twice about parking your vehicle close to the end of a field!  Balls happen!
• Do not sit in the score-keeper tent/shelter unless you are actively score-keeping.  

FUN MATTERS

• Field days are all about playing hard and having fun!  Encourage your player!  Cheer for the team!  Let the players know that they're doing a great job!  
• Enjoy being outside - nothing beats watching field lacrosse on a beautiful summer day!