- When is lacrosse season?
- Registration opens for the spring season in late December and runs through March. Once a player is registered they are encouraged to attend our open turf sessions to get a jump start on the season. www.penguinslax.com
- Practices generally start in March. Games are generally played on Sundays in early-April and end in early June. There may be a Friday night or Saturday game as well, but the IBLA likes to schedule most games on Sunday.
- What is Little Laxers?
- Penguins Lacrosse is offering a house league this year called Little Laxers. This league is designed to introduce Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Graders to lacrosse and the emphasis is FUN! This league will be run similar to a house league soccer season. Players (both boys and girls) will participate in a 1-hour practice per week, as well as play in a house league game on the weekend. Helmets, gloves and mini sticks are required. (Each Little Laxer will receive a Penguins penny as well as a mini lacrosse stick) This is a great introduction to lacrosse and kids will love it!
- My son has never played lacrosse before and we’re concerned he is already too far behind.
- It is never too late to start playing lacrosse! Paul Rabil and Casey Powell, whom many would consider 2 of the all-time best lacrosse players, didn’t begin playing lacrosse until 12 years old and 10 years old!
- Each year, 20 to 30 percent of the kids who are playing for Penguins are new to lacrosse.
- My son is involved in another sport during the spring, how often do Penguins practice?
- The Mini Division (U8) through the Major Division (U14) will practice 2 days a week for 1½ hours at local park district facilities throughout Palatine. Games are typically held on Sundays. There may be an occasional Friday night or Saturday game however.
- Is there travel required for the U8-U14 divisions?
- Yes. Penguins Lacrosse plays in the IBLA (Illinois Boys Lacrosse Association) which includes teams from throughout the suburbs of Chicago. Our season will have 8 regular season games, with approximately half being played at home (Harper College). Most other games will be within a one-hour drive. There is also a season-ending tournament in the area.
- There are club travel teams, outside of Penguins in the area, that play in tournaments throughout the year if your player is looking to become more involved in lacrosse.
- What team will my son be placed on if he’s never played before?
- Penguins Lacrosse offers several levels of competition at each age division. These teams are selected on the basis of a player’s skill, experience and commitment.
- We breakdown our teams in the following manner:
- Black-Elite Level (Tournament Team) Blue-Intermediate to Advanced Red-Beginner to Skill Refinement (Recreational)
- What if we already signed up for another spring sport?
- We encourage our players to be involved in other sports, but to be considered for our Elite Black Teams, we require that lacrosse be the primary commitment during the spring season. At our lower level teams (Blue and Red), an athlete may choose to participate in more than one sport.
- We ask that you let the coaches know during the evaluations if your son is involved in another spring sport to help with scheduling and team placement.
- Is lacrosse a physical game?
- Youth lacrosse uses modified rules that progress from very limited contact at the U8/U10 ages up to full contact at the U14 division. Contact is generally more than you would see in soccer or basketball, but less than in football or hockey. Additionally, physical conditioning is an important aspect of lacrosse, as it is a fast-paced full-field sport.
- What sorts of skills are needed to play?
- While players of all abilities can enjoy the sport of lacrosse, the most successful players will demonstrate skill in: hand-eye coordination, footwork, agility, tenacity and teamwork.
- Throwing and catching are basic skills that we emphasize at all levels. Footwork and agility are important on both offense and defense. Tenacity is about playing hard and giving your best effort. Lacrosse is a team sport, requiring everyone to play for the benefit of the team.
- What equipment is needed?
- Spring season players should plan to have all of their own equipment once practice starts. Boys will need: a stick (boys/girls sticks are different!), gloves, arm pads, shoulder pads, mouth guard, a lacrosse helmet (no hockey helmets), athletic cup and cleats. Rib pads are optional but suggested.
- Brand new boys’ equipment may cost up to $250, with the helmet being the most expensive item. Do not overspend on a first set– the emphasis should be on comfort and proper fit. Many pieces of equipment can be purchased at local sports resale shops. Most equipment will last several years.
- There is also rental equipment available through True Lacrosse https://il.truelacrosse.com/page/show/204926-equipment
- Many new players who are trying lacrosse for the first time and do not want to invest in personal equipment may lean towards renting equipment as an economical solution.
- Above all else, we want our players to have a fun and positive experience.
