The 12U Boys Program serves as the first introduction to full-field 10-versus-10 lacrosse, where players continue honing fundamental skills while starting to develop more advanced offensive and defensive strategies that will apply in higher levels. The emphasis is on building a strong foundation in a supportive environment that grows players' love for the game.

Middleton Youth Lacrosse follows USA Lacrosse guidelines to ensure safe, fair, and sportsmanlike play, creating teams balanced by age, size, and skill. For 12U, players must be 12 years old or younger as of August 31 preceding the season, generally comprising fifth and sixth graders. 

Residency requirements also apply; details are available on our Eligibility page.

Practices begin the week after the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District's spring break. Games start in early April with the Badger Spring Invite in the Wisconsin Dells, followed by regular Saturday matches from mid-April through late May. The season ends with the Norski Invitational tournament in DeForest the first weekend of June. 

If team numbers permit, the program may schedule 1-2 additional tournaments. Players will be selected to participate in the additional tournaments based on availability, skill, participation, and attendance at practices and games. Players not participating in the additional tournaments will play in the regular Saturday matches those weeks. This division allows all players to receive additional playing experience and allows us to foster skill-level appropriate competition for all of our players.  

Practices run 2-3 times weekly at fields located at West Middleton Elementary School. Players are expected to regularly attend practice.

Players should arrive at games and practices fully dressed, ready to participate, and showing respect for teammates and coaches through positive attitude, effort, and sportsmanship. At this level, different field positions are introduced, and players are encouraged to try them all to build versatility.

In the 12U program, playing time is distributed evenly across the season to promote fair development for all participants. If a player misses one or more games, coaches will work to balance opportunities moving forward, but missing games will not entitle a player to extended play in future games.

This level introduces full-field 10-versus-10 play, expanding the game to include more players and space for strategic development. Key rules focus on safety and fairness: limited physical contact is allowed to position for the ball, but aggressive body checks are prohibited to reduce injury risk. Offsides rules ensure players stay in designated areas of the field, promoting balanced play. Defensemen can use longer poles (up to 72 inches) for better reach. Penalties, such as for illegal checks or other infractions, result in the offending team playing short-handed (man down) for a set time. Substitutions occur on the fly through a designated gate, allowing quick changes without stopping play. Two officials oversee the game to enforce rules and maintain flow.

A successful 12U program relies on parent involvement, including an assistant coach and bench coach alongside the head coach. Home games require volunteers for scorekeeping and timekeeping, plus a team manager for communications. 

Middleton Lacrosse does not typically provide equipment, so players need their own:

• crosse (stick);
• helmet;
• shoulder pads (NOCSAE ND 200 compliant);
• arm pads;
• gloves;
• mouthguard; and
• protective cup.

At 12U, long poles are available for defensive positions. 

All items must be worn properly for safety during practices and games. 

Middleton Lacrosse will provide goalie equipment. 

Cleats are recommended; lacrosse-specific or molded alternatives (e.g., from football, soccer, or baseball) are fine. 

Scholarships and financial aid for equipment are available for eligible families.