What schools have to do to get ready for lacrosse

Next steps

Now that the Illinois High School Association has approved lacrosse as a sport, there's a lot of work to do between now and the spring of 2018, when the first IHSA-sanctioned games are played.

Here are some of the preparations local school districts and the IHSA will have to make:

• Find field space for practices and games, and make schedules. Some schools will have boys and girls teams on as many as three levels.

• Hire and certify additional referees and coaches. Many schools may look to teachers to fill coaching spots.

• Figure out how to pay for the programs - including equipment and transportation costs.

• In many places, make the conversion from a parent-operated club organization to an official school-run sport

• Find a location to host state championship games.