|
When does registration begin? Registration typically begins the first of November for the upcoming spring season.
What's included in registration? See the registration pages for detailed information. Included in the registration fees is your team's entrance into the Jamboree (the end of the season tournament), a practice jersey, and your US Lacrosse registration.
What is the U.S. Lacrosse registration? US Lacrosse registration is required for all Hawks Lacrosse players. It is a secondary insurance policy that covers players in the event of injury. See www.uslacrosse.org for more information.
When does the season begin? The Spring lacrosse season usually begins practices the first week in March and official games begin the first week in April - weather permitting of course. Games are typically scheduled on Saturday's and may require travel as far north as Fort Collins and as far south as Pueblo - though this may not apply to every team.
When will I find out which team my son has been placed on? As short as a week or two before practices begin, you should be notified by your son's coach.
How do I request a particular coach or teammate? Through the registration process. However, coach and teammate requests cannot be guaranteed during the team formation process. See below.
How are teams formed - roster process? There are a number of considerations that go into forming teams for Hawks Lacrosse. First all registered players are grouped by grade / age level. Then we attempt to fill each team with an ideal number of players - capped at 18. Hawks Lacrosse strives to place every registered player on a team. The total number of registrations we receive at a particular grade / age level will affect how teams are formed and potentially even the competitive level a particular team may play during the Spring season.
Playing up / playing down:
In many cases parents / players request to play at a different level than their age / grade level indicates. The rules governing these moves are dictated by the Colorado Youth Lacrosse Association (CYLA) and while there is no limit to the amount of players that play up on a given team, there are strict rules limiting the number of players that can play down; and only in cases where the member club needs the players to move in order to fulfill roster slots and have full team formation. There are a number of factors that can be taken into account for requests to play up or play down. One, utility – playing on the same team as a sibling. Two, playing at a different level as the player’s skill level dictates. Three, instead of turning away a registered player, we attempt to move that player or other players within an age group in order to make room on a particular roster. An illustration: 46 players register at 5th grade. This equates to 2 teams of 18 players and the remaining 10 players without a team and not enough in number to start a 3rd team. Then complicate this scenario by the same issue at the 2nd, 4th and 6th grade levels. It is very common for our organization to move players around in an attempt to put every player on a team and on a team that is appropriate to that player’s skill level and ability (see the skills assessment section below). Ultimately, Hawks Lacrosse strives to balance the desire to place every registered player on a team with forming teams of similarly skilled players, playing at an appropriate skill level. However, depending on the total number of registrations, new or newer players may be placed on a wait list and in some cases may not be placed on a team due to the circumstances that may arise above. Parents may indicate the ability or desire to play up during the registration process.
Returning teams / players:
Hawks lacrosse recognizes the importance of team continuity and player development. For this reason, returning players are given preference in the initial process of team formation. However, coach and teammate requests cannot be guaranteed because the experience and skill of that team may no longer be a proper fit for a particular player. An example of this is a team changing competitive levels of play and the level is no longer appropriate for particular player(s). Hawks Lacrosse believes that player development and playing at the appropriate skill level is paramount.
The skills assessment (see below) is an important tool in determining the appropriate skill level for new players, new players to Hawks Lacrosse, or any player wishing to change teams.
How do I get my son on the most/least competitive team? The CYLA recognizes three levels / divisions of teams. Red - the most competitive and most experienced teams. White - competitive and experienced teams that may not quite be ready to play red or do not have a full roster of experienced players. Blue - new and less experienced teams. The division of the team that your son will play on is largely due to the entire make-up of the team and the head coach's assessment of that team's competitive level and abilities.
What is the Skills Assessment? Any new player to the sport of lacrosse, any new player to Hawks Lacrosse (experience somewhere else), or any player requesting to switch teams is required to attend the skills assessment. The skills assessment is an opportunity for players to be matched up with the appropriate team. These are not considered tryouts. The skills assessment give the coaches a brief, birds eye view of the abilities of players at their grade level or wishing to play at their grade level- from which they are able to roster players accordingly.
What type of committment should I expect? Probably more than any other sport, lacrosse demands practice. Whether your team practices 2 times or 4 times per week, the practice sessions are vital. If your son is unable to make a practice or a game, please advise the coach as soon as you know and understand that his game time may be diminished due to that absence. By far, the biggest issue for teammates and coaches is not having enough players at practice to run through the drills, practice plans, and game prep for the upcoming game. Compounding this issue is the unpredictable Spring weather; practices and games may be cancelled and rescheduled and plans will need to change. Please understand the impact on the team, the teammates, and the volunteer coaching staff if you are unable to commit to making each practice and each game.
How are coaches selected? Hawks coaching staff members are volunteers - and we are always looking for more volunteers. While most of our coaching staff are former lacrosse players themselves, this is not a requirement for coaching. Hawks Lacrosse will facilitate coaching clinics and mentor those that would like to become involved in coaching lacrosse and improve your lacrosse I.Q. Also, Hawks Lacrosse performs criminal background checks on all coaches through Parker Youth Sports. Additionally, our coaches are tasked with not only teaching lacrosse but also implementing and following the code of conduct set forth by USLacrosse. Honor the game.
Are registration fees refundable?
If your son is not able to participate on a Hawks lacrosse team before the first practice starts then your registration fee - less a $20 administrative fee - is completely refundable. If your son is not able to participate before the first game of the season, then the registration refund is 50%. No registration refunds will be issued after the first game of the season. The $20 administrative fee is issued by Parker Youth Sports and the refund may take two weeks to process through their system.
Important dates to remember -
Registration begins - November 1
Registration ends - January 15
Practices begin - Early March
Games begin - Early April
Jamboree tournament - weekend after Memorial Day Weekend
Other tournaments / camps will come up before, during and after the season.
What equipment will I need? NOCSAE-approved helmet. No hockey helmets. Lacrosse shoulder pads, arm pads, and gloves - rib pads are optional. Your player should also have cleats, mouthguard (not a clear one), and a protective cup. Of course a lacrosse stick, or two, dependent upon your position. Hawks Lacrosse supplies a goalie stick, chest protector, throat guard, and goalie stick to each team. If your son plays in the goal, you will not need additional equipment (other than the helmet) unless you prefer to have something of your own.
Other questions: Send us an email at
|
