GENERAL INFORMATION

Panther Lacrosse is dedicated to the development of lacrosse in the South Metro area by providing boys and girls the opportunity to learn and play the game in a fun and challenging atmosphere.   Panthers play in the Colorado Junior Lacrosse Association (CJLA).  Currently CJLA, provides multilevel divisions at each grade level (except 2nd grade) that tries to match teams of equal experience and skills.  CJLA has teams all around Denver, but there are also teams in Ft Collins, Colorado Springs, Castle Rock, Boulder,  and Pueblo.

Grades 2nd to 5th - Teams at these ages are strictly developmental and recreational.  Players are placed on teams according to address, school attended, and need for players on a team.  Teams will be kept together from year to year as much as possible.  Players will be taught in a constructive atmosphere.  Playing time will be equally divided, but attendance at practices and behavior can affect playing time.  Parents should expect their son will learn skills, learn the game as it should be played, and enjoy themselves.  Games will be scheduled in order to match teams of similar experience.

Grade 6th -  This is a transitional year for some players and teams.  Players new to the sport will more than likely be on beginner teams.   Players will be taught in a constructive atmosphere.  The goal is equal playing time, but due to the use of special teams, that is man-up and man-down, equal playing time in some games may be difficult.  Also, attendance at practices and behavior can affect playing time.  Players may begin to change teams in order to find the appropriate playing level.  Some players may go to teams looking for opportunities of more playing time, by playing at a level comparable to their skill level.  Parents should expect their son will learn stick skills, learn the game as it should be played as a team, and enjoy themselves.   Players may become specialized (i.e. become attackman, defenseman, goalie, etc).  Some players may gain more playing time due to special teams, Man-up or Man- down.

Grade 7th & 8th -   Players new to the sport will more than likely be on beginner teams.  Players will be taught in a constructive atmosphere.  Playing time will be equally divided, but attendance at practices and behavior can affect playing time.  Playing time on the advanced teams will be affected by the need to win games.  Players may choose to go to less experienced teams in order to have more playing opportunities.  Parents should expect their son will learn stick skills, learn the game as it should be played as a team, and enjoy themselves.   Players may become specialized (i.e.- become attackman, defenseman, etc).  Some players may gain more playing time due to special teams (i.e.- Man-up/Man- down). 

The Colorado Junior Lacrosse Association had started a Competitive League 2 years ago.  These teams were in addition to the player’s current team.  CJLA has decided that having players on two teams was difficult for players and families.  CJLA did want to continue to support a competitive league.  Spring 2007 the Red Division at the 7th & 8th grade level, the highest division, will be the competitive league.  Players on the Red teams will need to have strong physical and stick skills.  Players in the White and Blue will continue to have a challenging and skill developing experience. 

BOY’S EQUIPMENT
Lacrosse Helmet, gloves, arm pads, shoulder pads, stick, cleats, game jersey, game shorts, reversible practice jersey, cup, mouth guard.

Unfortunately most of the equipment from other sports is not transferable to lacrosse.  Cleats, cup, mouth guard are transferable. About the only other piece that transfers is hockey shoulder pads, otherwise all the other equipment should be lacrosse specific.   Equipment for goalies is provided by the Panthers.

Reversible practice jerseys are important for efficient practices so players can be divided for scrimmages and drills, available at Breakaway Sports.

Equipment can be purchased at many locations.

BOY’S UNIFORMS
Game Jerseys are reversible.  The game shorts are the same as last year.  Uniforms are only available at Breakaway Sports.

Panthers Apparel is available at Breakaway Sports- jackets, sweat shirts, hats, etc.