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 Youth Lacrosse Association (CYLA). Currently CYLA, provides multilevel divisions at each grade level (except 2nd grade) that tries to match teams of equal experience and skills level. CYLA has teams all around Denver, but there are also teams in Ft Collins, Colorado Springs, Castle Rock, Boulder, Pueblo, mountain teams, and Wyoming.

Grades 2nd to 5th - Teams at these ages are strictly developmental and recreational. Players are placed on teams according to player address, parental request, 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 during games and practice can affect playing time. Parents should expect their son will learn lacrosse skills, learn the game as it should be played, and enjoy themselves. As teams progress from the 3rd to 5th grade, they will be moved to the appropriate playing level based on the skills and ability. Starting at he 5th grade level, players may become specialized (i.e. become attackman, defenseman, goalie, etc).

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 may begin to change teams in order to find the appropriate playing level for their talents. Tryouts may be conducted to determine placement of players. The use of tryouts will be determined on a yearly basis. The coaches at each grade level and the lacrosse administrator will decide before each season whether tryouts will be held. Players and parents will be contacted prior to any tryout. Players and parents can opt not to go through the tryout process and that player will be placed with the appropriate team. Players will be taught in a constructive atmosphere no matter what level of play they participate in. Parents should expect their son will learn stick skills, learn the game as it should be played as a team, and enjoy themselves. 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.

Grade 7th & 8th - Players new to the sport will more than likely be on beginner teams. By this grade level some players will have been playing 6 or 7 years. Panther teams participating at the highest levels of the CYLA divisions have been successful in preparing the young athlete for high school lacrosse. This does not mean someone new to lacrosse can not attain the highest levels of recognition in high school lacrosse, but here a good time to start. Tryouts may be conducted to determine placement of players. The use of tryouts will be determined on a yearly basis. The coaches at each grade level and the lacrosse administrator will decide before each season whether tryouts will be held. Players and parents will be contacted prior to any tryout. Players and parents can opt not to go through the tryout process and that player will be placed with the appropriate team. 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 goal 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. Often players may become specialized (i.e.- become attackman, defenseman, etc), but there will still be opportunities to try different positions. Some players may gain more playing time due to special teams (i.e.- Man-up/Man- down).

BOY’S EQUIPMENT

Lacrosse Helmet, gloves, arm pads, shoulder pads, stick, cleats, game jersey, game shorts, reversible practice jersey, cup, mouth guard. Rib pads are optional.

Unfortunately most of the equipment from other sports is not transferable to lacrosse. Cleats, cup, mouth guard are transferable. 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.

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.

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