The 12U Girls 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 a 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 Harvey John & Lucille Taylor Memorial Park. Players are expected to regularly attend practice.

Practices run 2-3 times weekly at Harvey John & Lucille Taylor Memorial Park. Players are expected to regularly attend practice.

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. Offsides rules will be enforced to promote positional awareness. The two-pass requirement before shooting is removed, allowing more fluid play. Overtime, if needed, consists of a 3-minute sudden-victory period. Limited checking is permitted below the shoulder. Substitutions occur on the fly via a sideline area, enabling quick changes. No jewelry, including earrings, is permitted for safety reasons.

Running a vibrant 12U program requires significant parent involvement beyond the head coach, including an assistant coach and a bench coach. For home games, we need volunteers for scorekeeping and timekeeping, plus a team manager to handle communications and logistics. 

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

• crosse (stick);
• goggles; and
• mouthguard.

Players may also wear gloves and protective headgear. All items must be worn properly during practices and games. 

Middleton Lacrosse will provide goalie equipment. 

Cleats are recommended but optional; lacrosse-specific or molded alternatives (e.g., from soccer or softball) are fine.

NOTE: Badgerland Lacrosse prohibits the wearing of all jewelry, including earrings.

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