How are teams created?

During the practices leading up to the start of games, coaches will evaluate all players. After the evaluation, the division coaches will come together and hold a draft to divide the players into evenly skilled teams. We do not have A and B teams in our program, and we understand that other programs may divide their teams differently.

Can my child be put on the same team with his/her friends?

Sorry, no. The entire division practices together so your child will spend a lot of time with his/her friends and you can take advantage of weekly carpools. For games, we really hope carpool isn't an issue and your child has a parent there cheering the team on. If a parent can't make a game, you will meet other parents on the team who will be happy to assist in getting your child to the game.

My child is really good and I want him/her to play up a division. Can I do this?

Our program has established that it is in the best interest of the players to play in the appropriate age/grade division as directed by Newtown Recreation. When “playing up”, a player may encounter playing with/or against a player who is much larger, faster, more aggressive and more developmentally mature. This can place the younger player at a disadvantage in achieving their potential and having success on the field, becoming a leader on the team, or enjoying the game. Experiencing success, "playing to their potential" and a player’s enjoyment of the game, are primary goals for our program. As a result, we do not allow parents to request their child “play up.”

Why did some players get asked to play up to the next division?

There may be situations that arise within our program that will create a need to ask players to “play up.” Once registration ends, the Commissioner will analyze registration numbers, team makeups, and available coaching staff to determine if additional players are needed from a lower level and will invite players accordingly. If a player is invited to “play up,” it is only good for the current season.

My child is also wanting to play football (Fall) or baseball (Spring). Is this a good idea?

While it’s great your child wants to stay active with sports, juggling is something our families discover is the hardest thing of all. We strongly encourage players to commit to one of these time-intensive sports during a single season.

Will my child be expected to practice in intense heat?

We always respect that parents make the ultimate decision to have their child participate in practice and games for any reason, including playing in heat. Same as Pope High School, we currently defer to the Georgia High School Athletic Association standard and guidelines. Our coaches use the Weather Prediction website to calculate the wet-bulb temperature (WBGT). If a team decides to practice, coaches will adhere to the instruction tied to breaks per hour and an extra emphasis on hydration. Rest time involves both unlimited hydration intake (water or electrolyte drinks), without any activity involved, and helmets are removed. Please direct any questions or concerns to your coach.

Is Pope Jr Greyhound Lacrosse affiliated with the Georgia Swarm or the Atlanta Blaze?

No. We will periodically promote games and organize family nights (with discounted tickets) with the Georgia Swarm since our spring schedule coincides with theirs, but there is no direct affiliation.

I played lacrosse growing up. Do you need any more coaches?

Yes! We welcome all dads and moms with the time, background, skills and lax love to volunteer. Email [email protected] or [email protected] to find out more.

We think this league is amazing! How can I be more involved?

There are many opportunities to get involved with our program. All parents will be asked to assist in 2 areas. These include but are not limited to being a team parent, assisting with our school work days, helping to maintain our lax fields. When teams are created, you will also be asked to help with Game Day duties. In the Spring, we also welcome you to apply to be a board member. No matter what, please continue to promote the program with great word-of-mouth in the community. We appreciate it!

My child has aged out of the program. How can I be removed from the mailing list?

Our program uses communications tools within Blue Sombrero (our website and registration management tool) to send out newsletters and bulk emails to various groups. We try very hard not to abuse this and use it primarily to make sure you are not missing important information and key opportunities for your child. When you create an account, you are Opting In to these communications. Our Blue Sombrero system is compliant with the CAN-SPAM Act laws.  At the bottom of all email newsletters and other bulk emails from one of the @bluesombrero.com addresses there is an UNSUBSCRIBE link for your Primary and Secondary email addresses. Click on these to remove each address from our bulk emailings. It does work and flags your account to Opt Out of all future group emails.  IMPORTANT: Once you Unsubscribe, you will not receive any emails or communications from our Blue Sombrero tools, and may miss important information (we really like this tool). If you need to Opt back into the email service please contact us at [email protected]