Hi Parents & Guardians,

Thank you to everyone who joined our Zoom kickoff call. It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout as we head into the Spring 2026 season.

At Millburn–Short Hills Lacrosse, our mission this year is simple: confidence, stability, and fundamental growth. Whether your child is picking up a stick for the first time in our K–2 clinics or competing on our 8th-grade travel team, we are committed to a "zero-fear" learning environment where effort is celebrated over outcomes.

As we gear up for tomorrow, here is a recap of the key points and your immediate next steps:

📋 Key Takeaways & Logistics

  • TeamSnap is the "Source of Truth": Please ensure your notifications are ON and your child’s attendance is updated. If a practice or game isn't canceled there, we are playing.

  • The 30-Minute Rule: Always check TeamSnap exactly 30 minutes before leaving for the field for real-time weather/field updates.

  • New Gear: We’ve invested $15,000 in new goals, backstops, and radar guns this year to ensure our players have the best possible training environment.

🛡️ Equipment & Safety (Crucial)

Safety is non-negotiable. Please note the specific requirements for your child's group:

For Travel Teams (Boys 2–8 / Girls 3–8):

  • Boys: Full pads (shoulder/arm), helmet, gloves, mouthguard, and cups are required.

  • Girls: Goggles, stick, and mouthguard are required.

For Clinics (Boys K–1 / Girls K–2):

  • Requirements: Stick, mouthguard, and cleats are all that is required.

  • Note: While full pads/helmets are not required for clinic-aged players, they are always welcome if you'd like your player to get used to the feel.

⚠️ Mouthguard Rule: Per league safety regulations, only clear or white mouthguards are permitted. Decorative or colored mouthguards are not allowed on the field.

🗓️ What Happens Next?

  • Coaching Emails: You should have already received an email from your child’s specific coaching lead with a personal introduction and season goals. If you haven't seen it, please check your spam folder.

  • Volunteer Opportunities: This club is powered by parents! We are still looking for volunteers to assist with clinics and practices. No experience is necessary—we provide the training.

  • Loaner Program: If you need equipment support, please reply to this email. We believe financial barriers should never prevent a child from playing.

📍 Quick Links

  • [Volunteer Sign-Up / Coach Registration] (Coming Soon)

  • [Updated Club Information](https://mshlax.org)

We are incredibly excited to get the kids out on the fields starting tomorrow, Saturday, March 14th. Let’s work together to make this a positive, high-energy season for every athlete.

See you on the fields!

Best,

Josh Sarnell & Steve Tsai Co-Chairs, Millburn–Short Hills Lacrosse Club mshlax.org

ChatGPT Image Mar 1, 2026, 03_55_10 PM

Programs Offered

BOYS PROGRAM

Travel Team (Grades 2–8): $360
Clinic (Grades K–1): $150

GIRLS PROGRAM

Travel Team (Grades 3–8): $360
Clinic (Grades K–2): $150

Volunteer Coaches:
Free Registration (No experience needed—trainers support coaches all season)

Access for All

No one is turned away. If your family needs financial assistance, please email us directly. We will ensure every child who wants to play can participate.

WHAT TO EXPECT: WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Travel Teams

Boys Grades 2–8 | Girls Grades 3–8

Start Date: March 1 (weather permitting)
Season End: Memorial Day Weekend (May 23–25)

 Preseason (Early March)
• 2 practices per week
• Conditioning, skills, and safe ramp-up before games begin

 Regular Season (Mid March/April – Late May)
• 1–2 practices + 1–2 games per week (average)
• Competition, confidence, skills, and teamwork

Clinic will be held Sundays 9am

Boys Grades K–1 | Girls Grades K–2

Start Date: March 1 (weather permitting)
Schedule: 1 session per week
Focus: Fun, fundamentals, and introduction to the game

IMPORTANT: TRAVEL COMMITMENT

Travel to other towns is a regular part of the spring season for Travel Teams.

Nearby towns include: Summit, Madison, Chatham, and Livingston
Most away games are a 15–20 minute drive.

Team Composition:
Teams may combine players from two adjacent grades when appropriate to ensure competitive balance.

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Equipment

K–1/2: Girls: Stick, mouthguard, cleats (required), and goggles

K-1-Boys: Stick, mouthguard, cleats, athletic cup (required); helmet, gloves, shoulder pads, and arm pads are optional.

2–8 Boys: Helmet, gloves, shoulder pads, arm pads, stick, mouthguard, cleats, athletic cup (all required)

3-8 Girls: Goggles, stick, mouthguard, cleats (all required)

For detailed guidelines, see the USA Lacrosse Equipment Guide (PDF).

We’ll have equipment to borrow for players who need it!

Local Lacrosse Gear & Expert Support

If you have questions about gear, need a fitting, or want help purchasing the right equipment, please reach out to myself or

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Field Locations

Click the links below for Google Maps directions.

If you have any questions about registration, equipment, volunteering, or coaching, please reach out anytime.

Josh Sarnell

Co-Chair, Millburn–Short Hills Lacrosse Club

973-951-6645 | jsarnell@gmail.com

Steve Tsai, Co-ChairShort Hills Lacrosse Club

623-318-2654 | stevetsai973@gmail.com

The Basics: Understanding the Game

  • USA Lacrosse 101: The official "beginner's guide" covering the history of the sport, basic rules, and positions.

Equipment Help (Save Money & Stay Safe)

  • USA Lacrosse Equipment Guide: The official visual guide to exactly what pads/gear are required for every age group.

  • SidelineSwap: A great marketplace for buying used gear. Lacrosse equipment can be expensive, and this is a great way to save money as your child grows.

  • Swax Lax Training Balls: These are weighted like real lacrosse balls but are soft and don't bounce. Highly recommended for new players practicing in the backyard so they don't break windows!

For Players: How to Practice at Home

For Parents

  • USA Lacrosse Mobile Coach App: Even if you aren't coaching, this free app has great diagrams so you can understand what the coaches are teaching your kids.

 

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