Information About PYLAX and Lacrosse
I'm going to combine many pages from existing site here
Frequently Asked Questions
- Helmet with NOCSAE seal, PYLAX uses White (this is a tested and approved helmet)
- Shoulder pads
- Arm pads - these are different for defense v. offense, ask your dealer or a coach for guidance
- Gloves
- Supporter and Cup
- Protective mouthpiece - any color EXCEPT clear
- Stick - short stick for offense (all players in grades K-5), long stick for defense (grades 7-8)
- Lacrosse cleats, rubber soccer and football cleats are fine
- Rib pads are optional; they are sometimes used by middle school players on offense
- Protective eye goggles
- Stick - girl's sticks have a shallow pocket
- Protective mouthpiece - any color EXCEPT clear, white or one with graphics (teeth, etc.)
- Lacrosse cleats, rubber soccer and football cleats are fine
Like many other sports the manufacturers are making very expensive equipment. Expensive equipment is not necessary. Ask your dealer about value or starter packages.
The local lacrosse dealers are the most knowledgeable and have the greatest selection. They also offer "starter packages" for new players. They are:
QCLax
200 Villani Drive, Suite 3007
Bridgeville, PA 15017
412-257-4120
www.qclax.com
Fox Chapel Ski and Board - http://www.foxchapelskiandboard.com/
Additionally, area Dunham's and Dick's Sporting Goods carry lacrosse equipment.
PYLAX plays all home games and practices in the Fox Chapel area. Locations include: Shady Side Academy Senior School located off Fox Chapel Road ; Shady Side's Far Fields located off Riding Meadow Road; Shady Side's Middle School fields located off Riding Meadow Road; Fox Chapel Area High School located off Field Club Road in Fox Chapel, PA ; or No Offseason Sports located at 904 Little Deer Creek Valley Road in Russelton, PA. Changes in practice or game locations can be influenced by weather.
Click "Field Directions" on the left-side menu for directions to fields, including away-game fields.
Shady Side Senior School Turf Field, 423 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238
Shady Side Senior School "Below the Turf" Field, 423 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238
Shady Side Senior School “Far Fields” 650 Riding Meadow Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238
(½ mile from the intersection of Fox Chapel Rd and Riding Meadow Road just past the Middle School on the left)
Shady Side Middle School Fields, 100 Benedum Lane, Pittsburgh, PA 15238
O'Hara Elementary , 115 Cabin Lane, Pittsburgh, PA 15238
Fox Chapel Area High School (FC) Stadium & Practice Turf Fields, 611 Field Club Rd Pittsburgh, PA 15238
No Offseason Sports - New Soccer & Baseball Fields, 904 Little Deer Creek Valley Rd, Russelton, PA 15076
For the spring season, we divide the children based on age and skill level into various teams for both practices and games. The table below provides the typical expected practice schedule for the spring season:
BOYS
14U - Graduation Yrs 2025 & 2026 - Grades 7 & 8
- Primarily Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 6:00-7:30pm at Shady Side far fields (Squaw Run Rd East)
12U - Graduation Yrs 2027 & 2028 - Grades 5 & 6
- Primarily Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 6:00-7:30pm at Shady Side far fields (Squaw Run Rd East)
10U - Graduation Yrs 2029 & 2030 - Grades 3 & 4
- Primarily Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 6:00-7:15pm at Shady Side far fields (Squaw Run Rd East)
8U - Graduation Yrs 2031 to 2033 - Grades K to 2
- Primarily Tuesdays only @ 6:00-7:15pm at McCahill Park (corner of Squaw Run Rd & Hunt Rd)
GIRLS
14U - Graduation Yrs 2025 & 2026 - Grades 7 & 8
- Primarily Mondays and Wednesdays @ 6:00-7:30pm at Shady Side far fields (Squaw Run Rd East)
12U - Graduation Yrs 2027 & 2028 - Grades 5 & 6
- Primarily Mondays and Wednesdays @ 6:00-7:30pm at Shady Side far fields (Squaw Run Rd East)
10U - Graduation Yrs 2029 & 2030 - Grades 3 & 4
- Primarily Mondays and Wednesdays @ 6:00-7:30pm at Shady Side far fields (Squaw Run Rd East)
8U - Graduation Yrs 2031 to 2033 - Grades K to 2
- Primarily Tuesdays only @ 6:00-7:15pm at McCahill Park (corner of Squaw Run Rd & Hunt Rd)
Lacrosse is primarily a spring sport. Practice for middle school children begins in early March. Games begin in April and end in late May. There are many area summer camps, travel teams and even a league which plays on Wednesday evenings (boys only) in the summer. PYLAX runs a fall skills clinic and some children play indoor lacrosse in the winter.
Lower school children begin practice in late March and end the spring season in mid-May. They also have the opportunity to join our PYLAX fall skills program.
Summer camps are listed in Lacrosse magazine; a subscription is included when you sign up for a US Lacrosse membership. You can also find camps by searching on the Internet.
gtlax.net has run a summer games only league.
Winter opportunities can be found at Pittsburgh Indoor Sports Arena at indoorsportsarena.com
There are many opportunities for volunteers to help make PYLAX a better organization. Please contact one of the board members to inquire about specific opportunities. You can find them listed under the "Contact us" tab on our web site.
US Lacrosse is the governing body for lacrosse in the United States. When all PYLAX members register for a US Lacrosse membership, PYLAX gets a discount on our insurance. There are other benefits such as information on area events and 6 issues of Lacrosse Magazine.