Policy 6: Co-ed Dressing Room (UPDATED 2025)

POLICY 6: CO-ED DRESSING ROOM

Purpose:
The Lakeland Lacrosse Association (LLA) is committed to fostering inclusivity while ensuring the privacy, safety, and comfort of all players. This policy supports gender inclusion without compromising the value of team bonding or pre/post-game communication. It applies to all players, coaches, and team personnel.

General Guidelines

LLA stresses to all coaching staff the importance of ensuring that both male and female players have equal access to all team activities, including pre- and post-game sessions.

LLA recognizes that some facilities may have limited dressing room options. In these cases, coaches and team officials are encouraged to work collaboratively with arena/facility staff to find suitable accommodations for all participants.

U5-U11 (Ages 4-10): Co-Ed Dressing Room Permitted

Co-ed dressing rooms are permitted for U5 to U11 players, under the following conditions:

• Players must either arrive fully dressed in gear, or at minimum, wear gym shorts and a full t-shirt.
• Respectful behavior is expected from all participants and team staff at all times.

U13 and Above (Ages 11+): Separate Dressing Areas Required

From U11 and older, the following rules apply:

• Male and female players must change in separate dressing rooms.
• Once fully dressed, both groups may assemble together in a designated team dressing room or common space for:
• Pre-game or pre-practice talks (no more than 15 minutes prior to floor time, unless otherwise directed by the coaching staff).
• Post-game debrief (up to 15 minutes after the session ends, unless extended by the coaching staff).
• No player should begin undressing (removing more than gloves and helmets) until directed by a coach or team staff.
• If showering is necessary and only one facility is available, players must shower in shifts by gender.

Conclusion

Lakeland Lacrosse Association believes that this policy strikes a fair balance between social bonding, team unity, and the need to provide a safe and respectful environment for all participants.

Questions or concerns about implementation should be directed to the LLA Executive.