The decline in sportsmanship has significant psychological and developmental consequences for young athletes. Poor adult behavior — whether from parents, coaches, or spectators — creates an environment that is not conducive to learning, enjoyment or emotional well-being. 
 
We asked three leading professionals in sports psychology and mental performance about these negative effects and how to cope with them.  

SPARKS, Md. – USA Lacrosse has added two locations in California to its lineup of Regional ID Clinics for the 2025 National Team Development Program.

USA Lacrosse will host Regional ID Clinics for U17 and U19 boys and girls in the San Jose and San Diego areas. The San Jose clinics will be held on April 26 at St. Francis High School in Mountain View, Calif. The San Diego clinics are set for April 27 at San Diego State University.

Many parents sign up their children for sports for the social and emotional development, as well as the physical benefits. Sport can teach problem solving, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and of course, leadership. But those aren't guaranteed outcomes.

Board-certified family physician and TrueSport expert Deborah Gilboa, MD, shares six ways to make sure youth sport is delivering on you and your athlete's expectations.

SPARKS, Md. – For nearly a decade, USA Lacrosse has offered an age verification service to member leagues and events. The service has gained momentum over the last 18 months as USA Lacrosse works in collaboration with programs and event operators around the country. Here are four things to know about age verification and USA Lacrosse.

SPARKS, Md. – The USA Lacrosse Women’s National Tournament, one of the longest-running events in the sport, is heading to Amherst, Mass., from May 24-25, 2025. The National Tournament dates to 1933 and has evolved into one of the nation’s marquee recruiting events for high school girls’ lacrosse players.

USA Lacrosse, a Recognized Sports Organization by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and the U.S. representative to the sport’s international federation (World Lacrosse), is leading the effort to establish a Lacrosse Equipment Council (LEC). The LEC will provide a more formalized structure for stakeholders to discuss equipment needs and establish a framework for objective review of all equipment.

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) made this statement in support of the LEC.

The fourth annual National Celebrate Lacrosse Week opens with a series of USA Lacrosse Pick Up & Play clinics this weekend. These free clinics are designed as a first-time introduction to the sport for youth players and USA Lacrosse works with programs around the country to help create pathways to play coming out of the clinics.

A total of 87 Pick Up & Play clinics, led by 67 organizations and spread across 27 states will be offered during this year’s National Celebrate Lacrosse Week.

Are you worried about the amount of time your student-athlete spends on social media?

Dr. Charron Sumler, a TrueSport expert and Assistant Director of Sport Psychology and Wellness Services at Ohio State University, shares the stats on social media, along with the pros and cons of usage for young athletes.

The bottom line: Social media is a valuable tool, and it isn't inherently good or bad, which means you can help your athlete harness its positive power.

A common saying in the quest for lacrosse growth is that a rising tide lifts all ships.

That’s a philosophy embraced by True Lacrosse, a national club program that boasts more than 500 teams in 23 states. As part of its overall philosophy, True Lacrosse embraces its players participating in their local community programs whenever possible.

The fall lacrosse season will be starting soon, and for those new to the game, or simply shopping for a new helmet, both USA Lacrosse and the CDC provide free online information to help guide consumers.

What should you look for and what should you avoid when picking out a helmet for your lacrosse player?