Frequently Asked Questions about the PBLA

Open scrimmages will commence in early May.  The PBLA regular season usually starts the first Wednesday after Memorial Day and runs up to the last week of August. PBLA box lacrosse games and scrimmages will be on Monday and Wednesday nights. 2025 Season Information and Registration can be found  here!

All PBLA box lacrosse games are normally played at the Ralph Rizzo Ice Rink located at 1001 S Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19147  in the Penn's Landing Area of Philadelphia. All games are played on a sport court surface in the main rink building. On occasion, we have played at different locations in the tri-state area when needed. The PBLA is epicenter of Philadelphia Box Lacrosse.

PBLA box lacrosse games are played on Monday and Wednesday nights.Two games take place each night. The first game starts at 7:00 PM exactly and the second will start immediately after (usually around 8:15 PM.) All games will start on time! If your team does not have 5 forwards and a goalie by game time, your team automatically forfeits the game. No exceptions!

Yes! Starting in 2024, the PBLA starting streaming every game using a professional automated camera and service.  This not only allows your family and friends to watch you play but team captains have the ability use software to analiyze each game.  If needed, a player higlhight reel can be created for recruitment. More info here on PBLA-TV

The Philadelphia Box Lacrosse Association (PBLA) was founded in 1986 by Bill Malizia and has been growing every year. Originally consisting of four teams (14 players each) sharing 2 goalies among themselves, the PBLA now boasts of a membership of six teams (25 players each) and about 170+ players. The PBLA could easily double its size if our facility had more open rink time.  We are the oldest and most continuously operating box lacrosse league in the United States.  Current PBLA Leadership 

You must be at least 17 years old by the start of the season to play. Also, those under 18 must submit a parental consent form. The PBLA consists of players of ages 17 through 50+ with the average age at 25. 

Individual Players:There are no set requirements for single players but registering does not guarantee you will play in the league.   

The majority of the players in the PBLA have NCAA, MCLA, and Professional experience, which makes for a very competitive atmosphere. If you are a newbie with absolutely no or little skills, PBLA box lacrosse is not for you!  

All 15-player team cores (plus a goalie) must consist of experienced, skilled lacrosse players. The PBLA must approve all team entries, which may be rejected if they don't meet our competitive standards. The PBLA is a highly competitive league. Box lacrosse is a contact sport, and playing without experience can be dangerous and unenjoyable.  Feel free to contact us for more lacrosse league information.

We currently do not have a youth or high school program but we are looking to form one.  The programs will be for residents of Philadelphia only.  Please check back or follow us on social media for more lacrosse league information.

The facility that hosts the PBLA use a polypropylene tile surface and not turf.  Therefore, sneakers are your best bet.  Lacrosse shoes designed for turf could be dangerous since the rubber spikes would have nothing to grip.

Most standard lax equipment will do the trick but here's a breakdown of what you need. Mens' Attack or Middie Stick (no long defensive sticks), lacrosse gloves, athletic cup, arm pads, shoulder pads, rib and back pads, and NOCSAE certified helmet with cage or other full face guard.

We do have 2 sets of equipment you can use to try it out but you will need to purchase your own.

• lax goalie stick
• indoor lacrosse goalie uppers (arm and chest protector)
• indoor lacrosse goalie pants
• ice hockey goalie cup
• box lacrosse goalie gloves 
• helmet with goalie cage and neck protector
• box lacrosse goalie leg guards.

• Maximum Lacrosse Equipment  https://oneilllacrosse.com/ 
• McKenney Goalie Equipment http://lacrosseloft.com/
• Boddam Goalie Equipment  laxshack.com
• You can also find used equipment on the Box Lacrosse Goalie Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/groups/2470571458/

Registration varies from year to year and will be posted at time of registration. The fee covers the cost of your jersey, rink fees, referee fees, administrative costs, game supplies, etc. ALL registrations must be done online. Currently, it is $185 a player if you are a member of US Lacrosse.  If not, you will be prompted to join.

One-way is to sign with a team if you are asked before the season starts. During the pre-season scrimmages, some captains may be present looking for a replacement and, if you are good, he may ask you to play on his team. The second way is to be recruited from the list of unassigned players. eams can have 23 players if they 23rd player is another goalie. 

 Yes, provided you request your refund prior to the start of the season. Once rosters are set, no refunds will be given to anyone regardless of the reason. 

Yes, but only for the pre-season scrimmages. Once the regular season has started, you will have to watch the games like everyone else. 

The PBLA now uses rules for Box Lacrosse rules adopted by US Lacrosse.  For more information on the rules and policies specific to the PBLA, click here.

The facility we play at is not available in cold months because it used as an ice-rink. Also, games are also played only on Mondays and Wednesdays so as to not interfere with local field leagues that play on Tuesdays and Thursdays.