Performance Lacrosse - a Division of Performance Sport Systems, LLC

How are tryouts structured? Tryouts are structured around a series of individual skills, in addition to a number of team-oriented scenarios. The individual skills allow us to see a player's natural athletic ability, whereas the team scenarios allow us to evaluate his/her communication skills and field awareness. Both of these are key in playing at the next level.

Do I have to attend both days of tryouts? We recommend that each player attend both days of tryouts. This provides us with the best opportunity to evaluate each player.

How are players selected? A player is selected based upon performance and attitude. Performance Lacrosse is dedicated to helping players who have the right attitude and athletic ability reach their goals. Our teams are generally comprised of twenty-five players, with the following distribution of positions: 6 attack, 9 middies, 1 face-off, 7 defensemen, and 2 goalies.

How many coaches does each team have? We have no fewer than 3 coaches for the elite teams and 2 coaches for the developmental teams. In addition, we provide extra position-specific coaches for practices.

How many practices are there per week? Every team has two practices per week during the summer. Fall tournament teams have 2 to 4 practices during that season. During the winter, there is weekly conditioning and position-specific work.

Must a player attend every practice and tournament? Yes, unless the absence is excused by a coach. We expect that every player on one of our teams will be committed to excellence and to the team. This commitment requires consistent practice and play.

How are the tournaments chosen? We are very thoughtful about entering our teams in appropriate-level and competitive tournaments that allow our players to increase their level of individual and team play. We also choose tournaments that provide an opportunity for college coach exposure or prepare our teams for those recruiting tournaments.

If I have an issue that I need to discuss, when and how should I do this?  If a player has an issue, it should be addressed as follows.  First, the player must take the issue up with the coach directly -- it is important that player's learn to advocate for themselves.  The parents may take the issue up with the coach only after it has not been resolved between the coach and the player.  If the issue cannot be resolved, then the coach can bring the issue to the non-coaching staff.  AT NO TIME SHOULD ISSUES BE DISCUSSED WITH COACHES AT A TOURNAMENT -- ISSUES SHOULD BE BROUGHT UP AT AN APPROPRIATE TIME OUTSIDE OF THE TOURNAMENT SETTING.  

What is the philosophy on playing time?  Teams in any sport are comprised of many types of players all of whom contribute to the whole in different ways.  There is inherent in any team situation the friction between the individual and the team.

It is our philosophy that teams play to win, but not at the expense of the development of each team member.  While it is our desire that every player be in a position to succeed and be provided an opportunity to play, we instruct our coaches to focus on winning.  Given this, in certain situations (such as a tournament championship or man-up) our coaches will play those players that in their opinion provide the best chance to win.

Players may be asked to fill certain roles. In some cases, this will be a leadership position or in other situations it will be more of a specialty role, such as FOGO.  We expect our players’ buy-in when the coaches communicate these roles.

Who is responsible for travel and other tournament arrangements? Parents of players are responsible for paying for and providing (1) transportation to and from all tournaments, (2) food and (3) lodging.

Other team rules:

• Performance Lacrosse neither tolerates the use of alcohol or drugs, nor does it allow physical abuse or property damage. Any player that breaks any of these rules shall immediately be expelled from the team without refund.
• Every player and parent will be required to sign a team agreement that includes a commitment to the team, practices and tournaments.