ABOUT BIG WALNUT LACROSSE
Our mission at Big Walnut Lacrosse is to have as many children as possible involved, for as long as possible, in the best conditions possible. We believe strongly in the power of sport to teach life lessons and actively strive to create a positive, supportive, inclusive atmosphere that challenges players to focus on respect for themselves, their teammates, the officials and the coaches. We are “everyone plays,” but we are not participation trophies. We love to win, but we are not win-at-all-costs. We strive for balance between the natural competitiveness of sport and the joy of simply playing.

2024 CLOTH PACKS
New this year, players will receive as their Game Day cloth pack a hoodie and a personalized double-sided jersey. Players will be asked to round out their Game Day uniform with black shorts (girls may wear a black skort from previous seasons if they prefer.) Black shorts can be either plain (no stripes or designs, please) or include the Big Walnut Lacrosse logo. The Big Walnut Lacrosse store will have options available for purchase.

COSTS:
The Little ‘Nut 1/2 Boys or Girls
$115 – Early Eagle discount of $15 through November 30th

The ‘Nut 3/4 Boys or Girls
$220 – Early Eagle discount of $25 through November 30th

The Big ‘Nut 5/6 Boys or Girls
$220 – Early Eagle discount of $25 through November 30th

Registration will be open through January 31st. Beginning February 1st, a late fee will be in effect – $15 for 1/2 registrations and $25 for 3/4 and 5/6 registrations. The last day to register for the Spring 2024 season is February 11th.

*** All players are required to have an active USA Lacrosse membership. Learn more about the benefits of membership and purchase or renew your player's membership here.

TENTATIVE PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Practices will begin the week of February 19th for our 3/4 and 5/6 teams. Practices for our 1/2 teams will begin the week of March 10th. All teams will practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays:

1/2 Girls and Boys – 5-6pm @ General Rosecrans Elementary*
3/4 Girls and Boys – 6-7:30pm @ General Rosecrans Elementary*
5/6 Girls and Boys – 5:30-7pm @ Freedom Park*

• Early season practices will be held indoors (conditioning only, no sticks) at various school gyms. Specific times and locations will be announced closer to the start of the season. We will transition from indoor conditioning to outside practice as the early spring weather allows.

Sundays will be afternoon practices in the early season, then transition to Game Days. Sunday practice times are TBD but will be held on the turf at the Big Walnut High School lacrosse stadium. Thank you to our sponsors for making turf rental possible again this season.

MORE ABOUT THE LITTLE ‘NUT 1/2 TEAM
Players will be introduced to the sport and build on the fundamentals, including basic lacrosse vocabulary and “LAX IQ,” the different lacrosse positions, and how to cradle, scoop, pass, catch, and shoot. The goal at this level is to build interest in and enthusiasm for the sport through game-based drills.

MORE ABOUT THE ‘NUT 3/4 TEAM
Players will begin to transition to a more competitive game atmosphere. Basic fundamentals will be solidified, and practices will begin to focus more on the game experience and next-level LAX IQ. Players will be taught to “see the field” and make Game Day decisions on their own. New players are encouraged to join. More experienced players will be encouraged to take leadership roles within the team. Games are held on Sundays and are typically doubleheaders, either at home or at various fields across Central Ohio. Our 3/4 teams traditionally conclude their season at the New Albany LaxJam, a one-day tournament held at Bevelhymer Park. During the regular season, the 3/4 Girls team also traditionally attends the Dublin Jamboree, a one-day tournament in Dublin.

MORE ABOUT THE BIG ‘NUT 5/6 TEAM
These are the developmental years before competitive play at the middle school and high school levels begin. Players on The Big ‘Nut teams will be expected to gain a solid foundation of basic skills that allow them to transition to offensive and defensive strategy. Players can expect to begin refining positional play. New players are encouraged to join. More experienced players will be encouraged to take leadership roles within the team. Games are held on Sundays and are typically doubleheaders, either at home or at various fields across Central Ohio. During the regular season, our 5/6 Girls team traditionally attends the Dublin Jamboree, a one-day tournament in Dublin. Final games are typically scheduled for Mother’s Day weekend.

All players on the 2024 The Big ‘Nut 5/6 teams will be invited to join the 2024 The Crosse teams post-season. This is a separate registration and fee, which also includes a personalized jersey. We recognize the value of a Big Walnut select tournament team at this age as an important stepping stone in our players’ growth for those who wish to play at a higher level. The mission of The Crosse is to provide a low-cost, positive, competition-focused experience for players and parents who seek it. The schedule is set specifically to allow for summer club players to also play for The Crosse should they choose. While the foundational tenets of our youth developmental program will carry over, the purpose of The Crosse teams is to prepare players for the competition and culture they can expect to see at older levels. We have intentionally eliminated tryouts and instead open registration to all Spring 2024 The Big ‘Nut players to create a positive atmosphere that recognizes a player’s potential and growth while helping players navigate the internal competitiveness of a high-level select team. The Crosse will encourage and reward those players who demonstrate the commitment to playing at a higher level. Starting positions and game time will be earned through a combination of attitude, effort and ability, including coachability. Accordingly, coaching staff will change from the spring season. While competition will become a focus of The Crosse, coaches will be expected to continue to support and encourage players to pursue their passion for the game and develop their skills and LAX IQ. More information about The Crosse will be shared throughout the season.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:
Each player will need the following:

BOYS:
Helmet
Mouthpiece
Shoulder pads
Arm pads
Gloves
Stick
Cleats (indoor gym shoes for early-season conditioning)
Protective cup
Rib pads (recommended)

GIRLS:
Goggles
Mouthpiece
Stick
Cleats (indoor gym shoes for early-season conditioning)

Check PlayIt Again Sports in Westerville for low-cost options on used and new equipment.

Please reach out to us at bwlaxboard@gmail.com with any questions.