Q: What lacrosse equipment do I need to get?

A: Every player needs a black helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, protective cup, mouthpiece, lacrosse stick, and cleats.

 

Q: What does it typically cost to get all of the necessary gear?

A: Typical starter packages start just under $200.

 

Q: Do I need any special colors for the equipment we need?

A: Only for the helmet.  All players must wear a black helmet.  Players will be provided helmet decals at no additional cost.

 

Q: I see grades 2nd through 8th are listed as travel teams. Is there a tryout?  What if my son is new to lacrosse? What's the difference between Recreation and Travel? Is Renegades Lacrosse a travel program?

A: We are a recreation team that travels and plays other recreation teams in other towns. There are no cuts; everyone who signs up gets to play.

 

Q: What is a waitlist?

A: We are a recreation program, so we will accept everyone who wants to play.  However, there could be instances where there are not enough coaches or players to fill additional teams. Therefore, players may be put on a waitlist until resources are found to fill an additional team. Having played in previous years does not guarantee you an exemption from being put on a waitlist. 

 

Q: How far do we have to travel for games?

A: While we try and minimize travel, we do play in the North Jersey Junior Lacrosse League, which consists of towns from Warren, Sussex, and Morris counties. There are times we can travel up to 90 minutes away. We do try to schedule these longer distance games on weekends, and alternate between going to them and them coming to us.

 

Q: In the case where you have enough players at a grade level to have two teams, how do you determine the makeup of the teams?

A: A coach may hold an evaluation practice before the first game and, with help from other independent evaluators, determine the players to form two teams.

 

Q: My son plays multiple sports or has various after-school activities. How much commitment is there?

A:  While we encourage boys to play and participate in as many things as possible because they should be well-rounded athletes and individuals, boys must understand that lacrosse is a team sport. Starting at Grade 6, we expect boys to commit to playing lacrosse so team concepts can be taught.  Missing practices or games to attend other events can slow the development of lacrosse and the team. A 100% commitment to lacrosse is expected from grades 6-8.

 

Q: What is the penalty for not coming to a game or practice?

A: Missing a game or practice will limit the amount of playing time a player has in a game.

 

Q: Is playing time equal?

A: Our league mandates a minimum amount of playing time which equates to one quarter's worth per game. Additional playing time can be awarded to players who show a commitment to attending practices and games.

 

Q: Can my son pick their playing position?

A: At the younger grade levels, we encourage every player to play every position, including goalie.  As they get older, players will gravitate toward one or two positions. Coaches will still encourage players to play multiple positions but may identify areas of need, and players may be assigned those positions. 

 

Q: Can my son play on other lacrosse teams?

A: Our rules prohibit players from playing on other teams during our season. If players are found to be playing on other teams during the season, they will be asked not to return to Renegades Lacrosse, and registration fees will be forfeited. 

 

Q: When does the season start, and how long does it last?

A: The season typically begins March 1st and ends the first weekend of June.

 

Q: How do we know if a practice or game is canceled?

A: If a game or practice is canceled or rescheduled, you will receive a notification. At a minimum, you'll receive an email. In addition, if using the TeamSnap app, you can receive push notifications.

 

Q: What happens if I am running late to pick up my son? Will he be left alone?

A:  We strongly recommend you try and arrive to pick up your son 15 minutes before practice is to end. If you are going to be late, please make arrangements with another parent to pick your son up.  If this isn't possible, the coach will stay until you arrive. If continual tardiness occurs, your son's playing time or team assignment may be affected.

 

Q: Besides games, do teams participate in other events like tournaments and festivals?

A: Our program encourages coaches to find local tournaments to participate in that do not impact the scheduling of games. It's up to the coaches to determine which and how many. The program does offset some or all of the cost to participate in these tournaments. 

 

Q: How do we address a concern as parents?

A: The Renegades Lacrosse program has a 24-hr policy.  When a concern arises (with the exception of injury), we suggest waiting for 24 hrs before addressing the issue with the head coach. We recommend approaching the head coach after the game or practice. If you are not satisfied with the head coach's response, you can bring the issue to the boy's director. If you are still not satisfied, you can request to bring your concern to the Renegades Board.

 

Q: How are your coaches selected? Do they have credentials?

A: Head coach volunteer candidates have their qualifications reviewed and are selected by the Boys Director. The head coach selects assistant coaches. All coaches are required to obtain USA Lacrosse - Level 1 Certification. In addition, all coaches are required to be Rutgers SAFETY certified, attend a Renegades Coaches Clinic, receive a Positive Coaches Alliance certificate, and get a background check.

 

Q: How many coaches are there per team? What happens if only one coach is at practice?

A: It is recommended that there should be a maximum of five coaches with clearly defined roles. Our league rules only permit four coaches on the sidelines of games. In the event there is only one coach at practice, that coach can solicit the team parent or another parent that has a Rutgers Certification to assist. If there are no qualified replacements available, the practice may be canceled.

 

Q: Does the program keep stats?

A: Wins and losses are not officially recorded until 8th grade. Other stats, like shots on goal, are up to the coaches to record. While our website allows this information to be entered, it is up to the coaches to determine if/how they want to track it. For common stats definitions, click here.

 

Q: Do we have to fundraise?

A: As a program, we have decided that we will only fundraise through our annual Romp in the Swamp tournament.

 

Q: Does Renegades have insurance if my son gets injured?

A: Yes, we fall under the Rockaway Township's insurance policy. In order to file a claim, an accident report must be filled out by your head coach. Please note that if your coach holds a voluntary practice or organizes a team to play games or participate in an event outside the season, neither Renegades Lacrosse nor Rockaway Township is liable for any injuries that occur. You can seek coverage through USA Lacrosse if your insurance doesn't cover you.

 

Q: What about concussions? What do we do if we think our son incurred a concussion during a game or practice?

A: We recommend everyone get baseline tested. In the event of a concussion, this is a great tool that doctors can use for diagnoses. Coaches are given instructions on what to do in the event of a head injury. If you suspect a concussion, notify your son's head coach right away and see your doctor.  Coaches are advised to follow your doctor's recommendations for when they can return to play.

 

Q: What camps are available?

A: A list of camps, clubs, and clinics can be found on our website here.

 

Q: What is this USA Lacrosse Membership fee and why do I have to pay for it?

A: USA Lacrosse membership fee gives you access to various resources offered by a National organization, including an additional insurance policy. In order for Renegades Lacrosse to participate in various games and tournaments, we need everyone involved to be covered under this membership.

 

Q: How can I volunteer?

A: Great organizations like Renegades Lacrosse can only succeed with great volunteers. There are always things you can do to help, from being a team parent, to coaching, to time/score-keeping at games, to helping out at the Romp in the Swamp. If you are interested, contact the head coach of your son's team or the Boys Director to express your interest.