Junior (born 2003-2007)

Frequently Asked Questions about Junior

The transition from minor lacrosse (GELC) to major lacrosse (RMLL) can be difficult to navigate for both players and parents.  This page is devoted to helping answer questions you may have and hopefully give our members the confidence to keep playing lacrosse into their 20's and beyond!

First time Junior players

The Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League (RMLL) is the governing body for all Major lacrosse in Alberta.  Major lacrosse has two levels, Junior & Senior.  Within Junior there are three skill levels for men and one for women:  Junior A, Junior B Tier I, Junior B Tier II and the Junior Ladies division.  The Posse currently plays in Junior B Tier II.

Q.  Where can I find out more information about the league?

RMLL website - https://rockymountainlax.com 

TIP:  Look for the annual welcome letter to minor players, found under the [PLAYERS & COACHES] dropdown menu, then select [NEW PLAYER INFO] New Player Info (rockymountainlax.com).

MUST DO:  Attend the new player info night.

Time, date and location for these session can be found HERE

Q.  Is there a draft for Junior and what do I need to do to be eligible?

There is a Junior A draft, where the one Edmonton area team (Edmonton Miners) makes selections from the graduating U17 players, and a second draft for Junior B Tier I where four greater Edmonton teams pick from all graduating U17 players.  The GELC provides the RMLL with this list of registered players.  

Q.  Can I be drafted to both Junior A and Junior B Tier I?

A small number of players may experience this and you will likely get invites to both teams training camps.  Some teams charge a fee for their training camps, however it is ultimately up to you to register and play where you are most comfortable.  Attending a training camp does not mean you have registered to play with that particular team.

Q.  What if I don't get drafted, or just want to play for the Posse?

If you go undrafted, you are free to attend any drop in-floor time and should visit the RMLL website for contact information for the different teams.  If you just want to play for the Posse, complete registration and begin attending our posted floor times.

Q.  I've heard something about a Junior Combine, what is that?

Towards the end of January the RMLL hosts a combine where any graduating U17 player, or unprotected free agent player can register for a fee and attend.  The combine in many cases, is a player's first exposure to Junior coaches and through a series of drills and scrimmages, players are scouted by the local Junior B Tier I teams.  It is usually a 4-hour time slot during the weekend with lunch provided.  At the conclusion of the floor time, coaches/scouts for the Junior teams are permitted to come on the floor and have informal conversation with the players.  If your desire is only to play for the Posse, there is no need for you to attend.  If you want to improve your chances of being drafted, we highly recommend you register and attend this event.  Details for the combine can be found at this RMLL link: Combines (rockymountainlax.com)

Q.  When do training camps begin?

All teams in all divisions of play usually start training camp in March, but almost all of them require you to register and pay a fee for the floor time.  The clubs will use this time to evaluate players and make cuts prior to the season.

Q.  When does the regular season begin and end?

Play in Junior B usually begins around mid-April.  Junior-A usually begins second week of May.  Player movement i.e. cuts can continue to happen right up until the last game of the regular season.  Playoffs and Provincials for Junior B are wrapped up by 3rd week of July.  Junior A by end of July with National Championships in Junior B Tier I and Junior typically mid-August.

Q.  What if I don't have a lot of time between post-secondary and work?

This is what is great about Junior lacrosse, but especially the Posse.  We expect that, and we carry a big enough roster so that players can miss whenever they need to without feeling guilty or like they're letting the team down.  Don't let that stop you from coming out for the team.

Q.  I have heard you have to register with the RMLL and your local Tier 2 team, even if I plan to tryout and play A or Tier I?

All players must complete their registration with the RMLL Intent to Play (rockymountainlax.com).  This registration fee of approximately $60 covers league administration costs and insurance.  A player is not permitted to take the floor with any Junior team without this completed.  All first year junior players are told to register with their home association if they offer a Junior B Tier II as a first step.  If you go on to make a team in a higher division the Posse will refund or transfer your fees to the club of your choosing.  If you were registered with a Junior A or Junior B Tier I team in the past you do not need to register with a Tier II team.  The chart below shows where you should be registering if you are a first year Junior player:

Important for Players

• Major lacrosse is not like Minor. You may not always play.  Roster sizes consist of 25 players, but a team can only dress 18 runners and two goalies.  Many players have work, school and life commitments that cause them to miss time.  It's rare to see very many healthy scratches but it is possible.
• Registration fees will vary anywhere from $700 to $2000 depending on the level of play. Make sure you clearly understand what your fees cover i.e. travel, hotels, meals etc.
• The league is structured so that Tier 2 teams play on different week nights than Tier 1 teams to promote affiliations and the ability to be "called up" without conflict.  If you are a player that might not see a lot of playing time in Tier 1, you should absolutely play a season of Tier 2 to further develop your skills.
• Players can be fined by the RMLL for major penalties that result in a misconduct or ejection. Fines are the responsibility of the player, not the franchise.
• The RMLL will communicate directly with the players via email. If you do not currently have or use email, create one.
• Most Junior teams charge admission to their games.
• If you are uncertain about continuing to play lacrosse after U17, keep playing with the Posse.  Junior B Tier II has players of all skill levels including some players that have not played in years.  It is a big league, with great development and competition.  

What is the Posse doing for the upcoming Junior B Tier II Season?

• Registration will open early January Parkland Posse Lacrosse Association : Website by RAMP InterActive
• $100 of your fee is non-refundable.
• We are proceeding with preparing for a full 18-game season + playoffs.  
• Home games will likely be played out of the Grant Fuhr Arena once they remove the ice.
• For further details on our program please visit our Junior B homepage: Junior B - Parkland Posse Lacrosse Association : Website by RAMP InterActive

Miscellaneous

Junior A league has their own website:  Home - Alberta Junior A Lacrosse League (abjralacrosse.com)

• Provincial champion earns the right to represent Alberta at the National Championship - Minto Cup.
• Junior A protected list can be found here: A Protected List (rockymountainlax.com)

Junior B Tier I has their own page on the RMLL website:  Junior B Tier I (rockymountainlax.com)

• Provincial Championship teams apply to compete for the National Junior B Championship - Founder's Cup.
• Junior B Tier I protected list can be found here: B Tier I Protected List (rockymountainlax.com)

Junior B Tier II has two conferences.  The Posse plays in the Jim Andrews conference and have a page on the RMLL website:  Junior B-Tier II-Jim Andrews (rockymountainlax.com)

• Provincial Championship contested by the top 2 teams in both conferences.
• Invitational Western Canadian Championship, MacDonald Cup is a 6-day tournament the week after Provincials.

We hope that answers a bunch of questions and has you excited about the potential of wearing Posse colours in the upcoming season.  We look forward to seeing you at all of our pre-season floor time.

Be well,

Mike Sim

VP-Major 

Parkland Posse Lacrosse Association