What to bring to a youth lacrosse tournament: a packing list for players and parents

We have watched a lot of families arrive at 7:30 in the morning without a mouthguard. This is the list we wish everyone had.

Player gear

• Helmet with a properly fitted chin strap
• Mouthguard, plus a spare. Players without one cannot play.
• Gloves
• Shoulder pads and arm pads
• Rib pads, if your division or position requires them
• Cup for boys
• Goggles for girls, plus eye protection checked to your division’s rules
• Stick, plus a backup stick or head. Strings break and heads crack.
• Cleats, and a pair of sneakers or slides for between games
• Both game jerseys (light and dark) and shorts or kilt
• Extra socks. Wet socks by game three are miserable.

Goalies: add the chest protector, throat guard, goalie stick and a backup.

Small things that save a game

• Spare laces and stringing, and someone who knows how to restring
• Athletic tape
• A screwdriver for helmet hardware
• Hair ties and a towel

Staying cool in the heat

Florida tournaments are hot, even in the fall, and most of the day is in full sun.

• Water and a sports drink, more than you think. A cooler with ice is worth the carry.
• Sunscreen, reapplied between games
• A pop-up tent for shade. Many clubs set up a team tent row, so ask your coach.
• Chairs for the sideline
• Cooling towels and a spray bottle
• Hat and sunglasses for parents

Food between games

Teams usually play two or three games a day with a game off in between. Pack food that is easy to eat in that break: fruit, sandwiches, granola bars, pretzels. Skip anything heavy right before a game. Many events have food trucks, but lines get long at lunch.

For parents

• Phone charger or a battery pack. You will be checking scores all day.
• Some cash for parking, vendors or the merch tent
• A small first-aid kit. Every event should have an athletic trainer, but a bandage and ice pack in your bag save a walk.
• Rain jacket or poncho for afternoon storms

Before you leave home

• Check the schedule for your first game’s time and field number, and follow your team so you hear about changes. See how to follow your team.
• Make sure the player waiver is signed. Most events check waivers before a team’s first game.
• Look at the field map for parking and where your field is. Big parks can be a long walk.
• Know the weather plan. Lightning stops play, and games pick up once it is safe.

How Whistle Ready helps

Tournaments on Whistle Ready post the schedule, field numbers and live scores in one place, and let families sign waivers online before the weekend.